Edwardian Elegance

Hello friends.

It has been a very warm and sunny week here in this Small Corner. Hopefully, you have also enjoyed some sunshine.

Taking advantage of the good weather, my husband and I visited a wonderful house and gardens hidden on the outskirts of the city centre, near the University- a real oasis of calm and beauty.

Winterbourne was built in the early 20th century as a family suburban villa and is surrounded by approximately 7 acres of gardens. It was built for John and Margaret Nettlefold, with much of the garden designed by Margaret herself. She modelled the gardens on the designs of Gertrude Jekyll.

The house is Edwardian and follows the style of the Arts and Crafts movement that was popular at the time. There are also many examples of local craftwork around the building.

The main rooms face south and open off a wide hallway, with the drawing room leading directly onto the terrace, seamlessly linking the house and garden. There are many original features which enhance the rooms, along with period furniture and William Morris wallpaper.

The house changed owners several times until the end of World War II when the University of Birmingham inherited it and became a hall of residence for female students. In 2010, following some refurbishment, the property and grounds were designated a heritage site and later became an Arts Council-accredited museum.

There are also exhibitions which reflect the Nettlefold's industrial connections with GKN (Guest, Keen, Nettlefold)

I enjoyed seeing this Edwardian home, as it gave me lots of ideas for my dollhouse. Hubby also enjoyed the exhibition on the industrial heritage of the original family.

The gardens also reflect an Arts and Crafts feeling with the curved steps leading down from the terrace to lawned areas and a wonderful extended nut archway. In the 1930's a pergola and Japanese bridge and tea house were also added. We enjoyed wandering around the woodland walk and seeing the sunken rock garden. There are also several period glasshouses containing collections of orchids, alpines, carnivorous plants and cacti. We didn't stay in there too long as it was so hot on that day.

(These Gunners were enormous) 

(My eyes were drawn to yet another hosta!)

Back home, our lovely D baked another cake. This time, it was a vanilla sponge cake with cream and caramel topping. There is currently about a third of the cake left on the plate.

While on the subject of cake, we also celebrated a " 60" birthday for hubby's younger sister this weekend. It was lovely to meet up with everyone, and although the hotel food and organisation were not great, we still had a good time celebrating together.

I also managed to pick the blackcurrants in our garden, and above are two of the pots of jam I made with them. 

It appears that the weather will be more changeable this week, with sunshine and showers expected. 

Whatever you are doing this week, have a great time and enjoy the long Summer days

B x