Audley End House

I knew I was behind on my posts, thinking I really needed to get our Scotland trip posted (which I do). However, getting ready to do so, I realized I was already behind before we even went to Scotland last year.

So here's a mainly, photo gallery of our day trip to Audley End House in May of 2017.

(I can tell the photos are not in order of how I took them, though I imagine to most, that doesn't bother you a bit.)

I don't really remember much of what we may have learned about this house. It is a 17th century "country house." In reading some of the history now, it was originally used as a monastery in 1538, then converted into a house for Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas Audley. His son later demolished the house and it was later rebuilt as a mansion to mainly entertain the king, James I.

With the exception of one area in the house, I believe we were not allowed to take photos inside. Otherwise, I would share more with you.

Inside, we were able to see an old working kitchen, complete with people dressed for the part and making some old recipes in front of us. There was also a grand hall room full of old portraits, which as always, has impressive architecture.

My favorite part is probably the surrounding gardens and land that the house is located on. It is beautiful and well maintained. I could envision women strolling through with their old baby carriages/prams while wearing their large dresses, hats, and lacy parasols. I also love thinking about a dog or two running and playing ball.  The grounds would have been lovely for a picnic on a nice warm day.

I was in love with this tree. It is massive and has such a beautiful shape. I couldn't seem to capture a photo of it in a way that shares what I see. Some trees are just extra neat, and this was one that I really liked.

Honestly, I thought this bit of greenery was sort of odd and strange. I don't look at it and think, "pretty" really. But there were openings that allowed you to walk through it, which especially for a kid, is cool.

 The back of the house. The gardens back here were really pretty.

  

 This is the view as you walk up to it from the gates.

Like trees, I also love certain doors. The craftsmanship is amazing.

I believe (if I'm remembering correctly) that this is a doorbell. It's made out of iron.

Showing an outside building where they once hung the game that was killed.

  

Believe it or not, this IS the boys outfit.

Our kids love when there are dress up clothes to try. I love seeing them in them too. 

Just a view from the window. 

This is part of a doll house and set that was once played with by the girls in this house. Oh my, the details were really neat.

This girl LOVES cuddling up to her dad. 

  

Back to the gardens behind the house.

"Kids, let me get a picture of the three of you.":

Either Jon shrunk or one of the kids played photographer for a moment.

  

These now go out to a whole extra part of the property further from the house.

They had an impressive vegetable garden.

A playground is always appreciated. They're always a highlight for the kids and probably well deserved for having to walk through fancy estates where they're not always allowed to touch. 

I think Jon's waiting for Macie's side to come down.

This was a barn/stable area for the horses with a tiny museum inside as well.

There were real horses inside as well, but apparently none of the pictures of the kids near them pleased me enough to post.

 

This is my bragging about my good husband moment. We ate lunch at the cafe and as we were eating our food and looking at the receipt, noticed the cost was quite a bit less than we would have guessed because we weren't charged for either one or two of the kids meals. It would have been easy and an "awesome luck of the deal" for some, but Jon always wants to be honest and right with his money. He couldn't feel right about not going back to the counter after recognizing the mistake and not pay for what could have been free meals. So well done Jon! I love your integrity.

Oh... this definitely wasn't at Audley End House, but was on the way, and it certainly caught our attention!