For this years BGA Summer Outing in August we went to Polesden Lacy to visit the National Trust house and garden near Dorking. It was a lovely day stopping off at Denbies Wine Estate on the way for a welcome coffee break. The house and garden is in a lovely setting with glorious views of Ranmore Common and rolling parkland. A landscape virtually unchanged since medieval times.
The highlights were the abundant Rose garden and the stunning herbaceous borders. Some members took advantage of the seating and deckchairs on the South Lawn to taking it easy and look at the far-reaching views, after walking around the garden.
It was interesting to explore the house which had been the weekend retreat of Margaret Greville. From brewer’s daughter to friend of Kings and Queens, the house was overflowing in rich social history. Remodelled by architects Mewès and Davis, hot off their successful refurbishment of the Ritz hotel, the house interiors are a showpiece in their own right, briming with opulence and luxury. Margaret Greville was a wealthy and discerning collector of art and objects. In her lifetime she amassed a surprisingly varied collection including Dutch and British Masters, Italian and Sicilian Maiolica and fine French furniture, all wonderful to see.
A lovely trip enjoyed by everyone that went.
