playing my joker

...this morning, as dawn broke, we were treated to the rare sight of a beautiful blue sky, which was great because I had an early morning with the gardener to discuss the next phase of work on the nearby community wildflower meadow and pond.

By the time we set off for Weymouth a little later, the blue had gone and the grey had returned.

By the time we came back, it was something approaching black.

By the time I had a few minutes to pop out for a blip, it was drizzling.

So, today, I had to play my Joker!

This is Newton Manor, which, unlike any of my previous houses, does not occupy a position relating to a medieval estate. The building contains some 17th century parts but is mostly 18th century. It was originally a farm and had been empty for some time when Sir Charles Robinson purchased it in 1872. After purchasing it, Sir Charles cleared most of the farm outbuildings and made a considerable number of alterations, the most significant of which was the conversion of the 17th century barn into the manor's huge and magnificent dining hall. He also made many additions that were considered, both then, and now, inappropriate. Historic staircases, fireplaces and other internal features were purchased and removed from other properties across Europe and incorporated into his mansion. Sir Charles was a painter, art historian and, most importantly, the curator of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Along with John Mowlem and George Burt, he was a major figure in the development and shaping of the Swanage we know today.

Sir Charles Robinson died in 1913 and the house was sold by auction in August of the same year. Between 1942 and 1970, Newton Manor was a girls school. Following this, it was converted into several houses with the main building becoming a holiday 'cottage'. There has been a lot of construction work taking place over the past few months and I wait to see what this means for the next phase of this beautiful house's future...