Calke Abbey

A National Trust property since 1985 and approached down a fine avenue of lime trees Calke Abbey has had a long and varied history - the site of a C12 religious settlement, agricultural farmland and industrial activity as well as a family home.

Our visit today included a tour of the house; the NT policy is to completely renovate certain areas but those parts which had suffered severe deterioration to be stabilised (water ingress fixed, woodworm treated etc) and thus displayed as a moment in the history of the house.

We wandered round the grounds, watched the deer, found the grotto and the ice house and enjoyed cream scones.

It is a most impressive place for a variety of reasons, too many to detail here. I'll add links when home.