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Versailles, Paris

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April 2023 PALACE OF VERSAILLES Embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, the Palace of Versailles was the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. The Palace contains 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 m2. A prestigious series of seven rooms' parade apartment, were used for hosting the sovereign’s official acts. For this reason, it was bedecked with lavish Italian-style decoration, much admired by the king at the time, composed of marble panelling and painted ceilings. During the day, the State Apartment was open to all who wished to see the king and the royal family passing through on their way to the chapel. During the reign of Louis XIV, evening gatherings were held here several times a week. The queen had a series of small rooms beyond her State Apartments which were reserved for her personal use and for service by her ladies-in-waiting. The rooms were decorated with great ...
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Tyntesfield, Wraxall

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An ornate Victorian Gothic Revival house with extensive garden and parkland in North Somerset, not far from Bristol.   Originally a smaller Georgian house, Tyntesfield was transformed into a Gothic Revival masterpiece. The extravagant house of Tyntesfield was built for William Gibbs (1790–1875), a merchant who made his fortune in trade with Spain and South America, mostly from the import of Peruvian ‘guano’ fertiliser.   Tyntesfield was not intended to be an extravagant statement of wealth, power or politics. Its purpose was simple: to serve as a family home.  A Gothic Revival masterpiece, richly decorated and furnished with a collection of over 72,000 objects.   Its bespoke architecture reflects the devout Anglo-Catholic beliefs of the Gibbs family. Following the completion of the house, in 1873 William commissioned a new chapel by Arthur Blomfield (1829–99), modelled on the flamboyant Gothic architecture of the Sainte Chapelle in Paris. It was nearly complet...
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Lake District, UK

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  "You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you."   Although most people prefer to visit the Lake District in summer, autumn is actually one of the best times to visit if you love nature. It's a time when the trees and montains show their most vibrant hues and stunning sceneries. We stayed near Windermere Lake at the Limefitt Park Lodge , Troutbeck, located in a very tranquil valley surrounded by the beautiful autumn colours and a perfect spot to explore the area. WINDERMERE   Brant Fell Viewpoint Windermere is England's largest lake with over 18km and the deepest point 66.7 meters. Windermere and its surrounding area is probably the most popular area in the whole Lake District, with a range of activities, places of interest and things to do around the lake.      Claife Viewing Station After a few days exploring the area, we ended it by spending a day cruising the lake. There are various boats and routes, but we decide...
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