Going to Stourhead was probably one of the highlights of this trip. It was so picturesque and it felt completely surreal being there. All I could think about was the fact that this was someone’s backyard and how amazing it would be to have a yard like that.
We just had so much fun walking around and feeling like children again. There were so many trees that would have made the perfect clubhouses! So many looked so climbable as well! I just wanted to climb one tree and read a book, but it was not the time or place. Hanging out within tight tree groves by the waters edge was something that was acceptable and fun though.
It felt like the grotto was a gem that you stumbled upon when you turn the corner. The stones were so old and beautifully placed, creating a magical cave. The windows framed the other foldies in the garden flawlessly, adding to the picturesque experience of the garden.
I also loved seeing the pantheon follie, but I wish I had seen the real pantheon beforehand. We talked to one of the workers and he told us that the follie is exactly 1/5th the size of the actual pantheon. He also told us about the statues inside and how they represent gods and goddesses from different cultures. It was really informative taliking to him and made the experience in the gardens that much better.
Kayla I was just as enamored with stourhead as you were. It’s amazing to think that a place can evoke such romanticism and whimsy. Picturesque was definitely the right description for this wondeful Arcadian garden. The rennasance painting come to life, I could have very easily spent and entire day here.
Some of the things I would begin to question about stourhead though and your perception of this landscape is how do you think this landscape looked at initial planting and planning phases? Also what were your thoughts on secondary and tertiary locations whitin the garden other than the folly’s as points of interest by the designer? Could these spots be obvious or hidden? Are they accidental or could that have changed over time as the gardens matured? Just some food for thought.
Stourhead was probably one of my favorite parts of this trip, as well. I was excited to go to Stourhead, having learned about it in Architecture 2300, but it exceeded all of my expectations. Stourhead to me is one of those places where words just can’t describe even close to what the actual experience was.
I would agree with your comment about the grotto. It really was a hidden gem. Based on what we learned in class, I assumed that the grotto would just be a rock/cave-like space. The grott was so much more. I realized how much time actually went into the grotto. The stone and structure had to be planned out so specifically, but walking through the station, it is definitely worth it.
I was really glad that we were able to actually go inside and see the statues at the Pantheon folly. When we made our way near the end of the loop, we actually climbed the stairs hidden in another stone structure that looked similar to the grotto, and these steps led to another folly, The Temple of Apollo. I wish we could have gotten into this folly, but the doors were locked. Even though we couldn’t enter it, I still enjoyed the view from the hill and the detail in the construction of the folly.
I loved Stourhead too! I didn’t have that high of expectations, it wasn’t one of the sites I was most looking forward to, so I was completely surprised by how beautiful it was. I agree with what you said about the grotto. I had no idea how big it was going to be! I had imagined it as a small little cave just off the path, but it was several different rooms featuring statues or fountains. I really liked the skylight in the space with the main window. The stone floor below it was amazing too. I also really enjoyed the Pantheon follie. I actually have had the opperetunity to visit the Pantheon, so it was cool to be able to compare them. It is definitely worth the trip! I was curious about the statues inside, so it was interesting to hear their significance! One of my favorite moments at Stourhead was climbing up to explore the Temple of Apollo. To get there you had to go through another grotto and then up a steep hill, but it was worth it! The view was amazing and the building was really cool. Unfortunately we couldn’t get inside, but we did stop to sketch.
I totally agree with you! Stourhead was a huge highlight of my trip also, and would absolutely love to go back. I never really thought of it being someone’s back yard.. Now that I have read your post and think of it that way it is just mind blowing! That would be a fantastic back yard to have, but also a lot of upkeep.
The grotto was absolutely stunning. It was just so peaceful and surreal. I found it amazing that the grotto was held up buy the rocks just slipping into place. I was also extremely surprised when I seen the statues in the grotto, I wasn’t expecting that at all.
I read where you got lucky and also got to talk to one of the workers/volunteers. I got that opportunity and it was great to talk with someone so passionate about the gardens. She explained how nice it was as a volunteer to see the lake so low, because of a retaining wall that you can not normally see.