Cornwall Holiday - Godophin

After visiting Trengwainton Gardens we headed on to Godolphin Gardens.  The house was built in the late 15th Century on the site of an earlier fortified house, Godolphin Castle, and indeed the house resembles a castle in many ways.  It must have been very fashionable and impressive in its day.

Our first stop was to look around the stables. These date from the late 16th century and must have been amazing in their day.  They are well preserved indeed.

You can see the mounting block and the granite trough.

The National Trust are continually working on the property and it is truly a conservation project in progress.

We walk round to the Kings Garden, hoping to get a glimpse of the King (?)  Apparently it was named after a visit in 1646 by the Prince of Wales, who was later to become King Charles II.

We went into the Courtyard - it must certainly have been amazing in its day.  

A study of a giant poppy!

Walking up to the ponds which date back to the 16th and 17th century, possibly earlier.  It is thought that they might have been stocked with fish for the Godophin kitchens.

We look at fish - possibly was a fountain at the edge of what were the pools.

The dilapidated cowsheds which date from the 18th century. 

It was quite late when we got here so we didn't get a chance to walk around the whole estate. but enjoyed the gardens surrounding the estate.

Cornwall Holiday - Trengwainton

We started our day at Trengwainton Gardens in Penzance.  Slightly warmer today, although still no real sunshine and blue skies unfortunately.  Perfect for walking through these wonderful gardens though.

Lots of the gardens in Cornwall have New Zealand plants much to my Mum's delight - she says it reminds her a little of home which she misses so much.

Another native to New Zealand a large fuschia

Another spot in these wonderful gardens that reminded both me and my Mum of our holiday in New Zealand last year and our walk through the native bush with her Dad.

There was a lovely little stream trickling behind us.

Moving on we had to climb on these sawn logs.

They were ever so soft to sit on due to the lovely green moss growing over them.

Percy seemed to enjoy these gardens as well.

Walking over the bridge...

...hoping there are no trolls underneath it....

...we braved a look and fortunately nothing jumped up to startle us.  Just lovely peace and quiet.

In the distance you can see the sea, although it wasn't very clear today due to all the clouds.

Trengwainton House, the private estate of the Bolitho family.  Sometimes there are birds on the lawn apparently, but there weren't any today.

Looking back across the pond to the little bridge we stood on earlier.

So beautiful

Beautiful gardens

We were interested to see that they have a 'Dig for Victory' garden complete with Anderson Shelter

Looking at the chickens.

A secret little seat!

I had to show Pinny this tree and told her all about the same trees on my Mum's Dad's place in New Zealand

They missed out on all the other wonderful properties of Manuka - namely the medicinal properties and  therapeutic effects of the honey that is produced by the bees in New Zealand - a sure fire remedy for colds and infections!

The lovely kitchen gardens utilising all the space available to very good effect.  

We ask why our vegetable garden at home doesn't look like this...

I can't tell you the reply!

The little ornamental pond in the vegetable garden

The garden combined vegetables and flowers just perfectly.  I've told Pinny we should try and help Mum out in our garden at home!