Ah, Beautiful Chatsworth House...quite the pride of the area! If there has been one place people have said we must go, it's been to this gorgeous country home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The home was first built by Bess of Hardwick and her husband, William Cavendish during the Elizabethan era. The Cavendish family still serves as Dukes and Duchesses as the home has been passed down from generation to generation. The Dowager Duchess Deborah, or the wife of the late Duke, did much in the 1950s to preserve the home for the family, and prevent it being turned over to the government. Now it is a thriving home, farm, and favorite tourism spot for its incredible grounds and the treasure of the home. It is constantly being restored and has an impressive collection of art and artifacts, which the family is proud to share with visitors. You'll have to forgive me for the excessive amount of photos in this post--I couldn't help myself. Trust me, I did pick and choose!
The Painted Hall--a magnificent example of the many fresco paintings throughout the house--the walls, ceilings, everywhere you look are intricate details and stunning artwork.
Davis and Brooke, enjoying the royal life!
There was an exhibit honoring the life of Duchess Deborah for her 90th birthday--she is a fascinating person. I've just bought a book about her and her five sisters, called "The Mitford Girls". The Duchess is a big Elvis fan (see above) and even had the windows at Chatsworth draped in black to honor the 20th anniversary of his death. (Wonder if she's been to Graceland?) Another tie to the States--she was a great friend of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy, who married brother-in-law, the would-be Duke of Devonshire who was tragically killed. His younger brother Andrew, Deborah's husband, then became the next in line to be Duke. Kathleen and her husband are both buried at Chatsworth, and many members of the Kennedy family have been to the home. Deborah's son and daughter-in-law are the current Duke and Duchess.
Beautiful grounds at Chatsworth
The sculpture room--filled with amazing stone sculptures--one picture doesn't do it justice!
There was a dress up room, for trying on period clothes--I think there were more adults dressing up than children!
Tiaras for duchesses--not too shabby!
Dinner party for 20, anyone?! Don't worry, there are more chairs to add!
There was a wonderful Adventure playground for the kids, with a tall castle to climb, trampoline, huge sand park, a petting zoo--the kids were in heaven! Davis' favorite was the zip line!
In the "back garden"!
The Cascades--designed in the 1500s by the first Duke of Devonshire-- runs completely on gravity, fed by a natural lake. Each of the 13 steps is different, to produce different sounds as the water flows over them.
Davis and I climbed to the top!
Susan, Connie, and Davis
We loved exploring the amazing gardens--there were gorgeous displays of flowers, rock climbing gardens, waterfalls and ponds, a hedge maze (we found the middle!), and stunning views everywhere you looked. I felt like I was in a Phillipa Gregory novel! We could have spent days wandering around the beautiful grounds--a return to Chatsworth is definitely on our wish list!
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