Grace and Grandeur
Leed's Castle
25.02.2011 - 25.02.2011
2 °C
In our imagination, we have all dreamed of living in a castle. It might take many forms, such as this black-and-white picture, showing the strong fortress walls to protect the kings and queens residing inside. Lucky for us, we have the good fortune of walking into one of these castles today - in bright colors. Leed's castle is known to be a Queen's castle, notably Catherine of Aragon and Queen Elizabeth I (during her imprisonment before coronation).
Lady Bailey and her daughters lived in Leed's castle until her death in 1974. Then she donated for public enjoyment. Here we are to avail ourselves on this privilege.
Castle's facade - construction with Kentish Ragstones, which are known to be light and strong building materials.
The colors of the blue water and the verdant field paint a picturesque scene
Warmth.
The detailed ironmongery of door knob and studs
When the Queen conducted meetings, her royal highness would have laid in this luxurious recliner.
Window looking out onto the castle ground
Queen's Bathroom - water would have been fetched from nearby wells, heated, and then poured into the bath tub.
Lady Bailey's dress
Living room, decorated by French interior designer
The Tassels are a favored decoration in French design
Lady Bailey had a penchant for exotic birds, even the ornaments are shaped into these feathered creatures
An architectural feature, the broken pediment, pioneered by Michelangelo whose creativity propelled him to break through the constraints of traditional triangular pediments
Music floated through the splendid series of rooms 
A kitchen fashioned with the utmost delicate taste and the right proportion of luxury
Like a fairytale, there is a maze inside the castle ground, to entertain children and adults. The secret to the maze -- shhh-- let me know when you go visit, and I'll let you know.
The sunlight slanted over the roofs of surrounding houses
We frolicked around the castle grounds like the countless birds dwelling here.
Lady Bailey, the last resident of Leed's Castle, captures my imagination as an epitome of an accomplished lady. She was wealthy by birth and titled by marriage. A genteel interior designer, a lover of fowls, a connoisseur of French impressionist paintings - she is like a pearl that emits a soft luster, no dazzling lights, simply an aura of grace and culture to envelop those who venture into its radius of shimmer.
A cultivated taste in interior design
Her love for exotic birds could be seen in these specimen, bird-shaped decorations, and a delightfully varied aviary
French Impressionist Paintings
Her sister was a skilled equestrian enthusiast. What an eclectic family with diverse talents
Goodbye, Leed's Castle. You will live gracefully in our memories and memoirs.
Posted by Ceci's Cre 07.03.2011 14:57 Archived in United Kingdom
I love the story lines! You seem to be a tour guide for us readers.. Thank you for sharing that wonderful experience. I wish to go there in the near future.
09.03.2011 by elhombre