Kingston Lacy, Dorset: south facade in summer

This building is always photogenic, but its austere winter look has been transformed by the mass of greens and reds in the long flower bed.

The photo gives greater visual emphasis than before to the corner chimneystacks - but do they do anything to enhance the building? (Not in my opinion, anyway; and the tall flagpole with St George's flag flying is perhaps also an unnecessary element.)

This was my first visit to the interior of the house in three decades. Nearly the whole of it can now be visited, after major (but not yet complete) restoration work. A stunning experience; I shall need several more visits to do justice to its contents.