Paxton House

One problem with my many trips up to Newcastle to see Mike is that we tend to have visited most of the interesting places in Northumberland. So this time I suggested going further afield. Into Scotland. But only just into Scotland. To Paxton House which overlooks the Tweed. It is in Scotland but looks across the river into England.

It is the ancestral home of the Home family. It also contains a significant proportion of all the authenticated Chippendale furniture in the world, because the new house was fitted out by the owner at just the right time for Chippendale to supply all their needs, not just furniture, but also light fittings, mirrors and wallpapers, and what is more, they still have the invoices to prove it.

You can only visit the interior by guided tour, which usually puts me off. But this tour was just excellent. The guide was perfect. l feel other guides should be forced to watch how he did it. Spoke clearly and slowly so one could take in every word. Always interesting, nice little touches of humour without making it a comedy show. A nice balance of history and information to appreciate the contents of the various rooms.

Alas, no photos allowed in the house, so you will just have to take my word for it that it is well worth a visit.

 There is a waterwheel in the grounds, recently restored. But not the most impressive of contraptions.

After a tour of the house we headed into the gardens. Not too extensive but big enough for a croquet lawn.

 Yes butterflies were out in force - Red Admiral here.

Michael sitting patiently waiting for me to finish photographing stuff

A bit of modern sculpture. Not too bad as these things go.

 We then proceeded to walk along the Tweed. The Estate boasts some 80 acres of grounds.

Grey Heron on other side of the river (England). Literally a long shot.

Into view comes the Chain Bridge, when built the longest suspension bridge in the world, although soon surpassed by many others. It is still a working bridge.

The far side of the bridge reassures us we are within reach of the homeland

 By the end of the afternoon the sun came out and was at just the right angle to take a few more shots of the front of this fine Adam designed house. Would really recommend a day out here should you be near Berwick.