Adventures in the UK: Basildon Park

Cruising 30 minutes west of Reading you will come to a National Trust landmark known as Basildon Park (this is pronounced "Baaaz-zil done" Park for those who want to hear it with an English accent :-P). On the park grounds you will find a rather stately home that was built somewhere near 1776-83 (for those Americans--that would be the year we gained our Independence from England). How is that for your history lesson for the day? HA! The grounds are green and lush and from the front view of the house you can see cows in the pastures. The house has marvelous wrap around staircases and is frequently used as a wedding venue. This park was part of the film set for Pride and Prejudice (the one featuring Keira Knightley)...

The house contains several bedrooms (I lost count after 6 or so) and even more bathrooms (how many bathrooms does one need???) and those bathrooms have big fluffy chairs in them with HUGE vanities...I felt like a princess in a fortress. :) :) :)

There were plenty of sitting rooms, drawing rooms and my favourite, the libraries ---with books filled to the ceiling!!! Now tell me I don't feel like the Beauty of the Beast's castle. (I didn't want to leave the library...practically dragged me out of it)! Oh and I can't forget to mention the pianos in the rooms. Magnificent!! (and yes, I did get to play one of them, however I'm not sure I did Beethoven any justice).

The bedrooms were exquisite each having stunning beds, I just wanted to take a running leap into them. :-)
The wardrobes in the rooms were so spacious, one having been filled with fur coats..I pondered climbing into the back of it to discover Narnia.

As we moved back down the spiraling staircases, we made our way to the kitchen which was redone in the 1950s style. I imagine growing up in this house would've been amazing to play hide-and-seek. I alone tried out a secret hiding spot in the giant kitchen cupboards! And let's not forget the divine dining room. Who's for tea?