A superb house and seven million trees! (Cragside)

Member Name: Picasso

Product:	Cragside
Date:	14/04/02 (203 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Something for everyone.

Disadvantages: None

My favourite National Trust property in the north of England is without a doubt Cragside House, Garden and Estate in Rothbury Northumberland.

A BIT ABOUT THE HOUSE

Situated on a rugged hillside, the house was built by the 1st Lord Armstrong in the late 1860's and by the late 1880's had hot and cold running water, central heating, telephones and a Turkish bath, but most of all, it was the first house in the world to be lit by hyroelectricity. The house is full of nooks and crannies and over thirty rooms are currently on show to the public. Some of the rooms are in dark "Old English" decor while others are light and Oriental.My favourite rooms are the kitchen and the dining room. This is probably because I spend so much time in them in my own home!

The kitchen.
The kitchen has lots of character and is uneven in height. There is a huge aga type oven with a range of cast iron pans, too heavy I would have thought for most people nowadays to lift. Over the sink sits an amusing, primitive early form of a dishwasher. An interesting addition is the cook's account books which are displayed on the kitchen table. Also on the table, a range of home made pies and cakes. Strung up, a couple of dead rabbits, half a pig, a brace of pheasants and not a refrigerator in sight.

The dining room.
This has survived very well and is in superb condition. According to the guige books "it is amongst the finest remaining Victorian domestic interiors in England". Currently papered in two shades of green which has been specially made to resemble the original. The focal point is the heavy stone inglenook, with a fireplace made of marble and housing a warm and welcoming fire. On either side are stained glass windows with figures representing the four seasons and designed by William Morris.


THE ESTATE AND GARDEN

Although I rate the house highly, I rate the gardens higher. The estate consists of around
1000 acres and is made up of huge rock gardens, formal gardens, terraced gardens where exotic fruits are kept in greenhouses and 7 million trees and bushes which were planted to cover the bare hillside. My favourite time of year to visit is mid to late spring when the hundreds of rhododendrons are in full bloom.


OTHER FACILITIES

As with most National Trust properties, there are excellent eating places. Vickers restaurant housed in the old stable block provides nourishing soups and a tasty range of home made pies, pastries, sandwiches and cakes. Vickers is also liscensed. A courtyard cafe provides tea and coffee served in plastic cups along with soft drinks and ice creams. Picnic areas are plentiful.


CHILD FRIENDLY/DISABLED FRIENDLY?

Yes. There is a new adventure playground. Quiz sheets are given inside the house, children are encouraged to look for the plastic frog in the sitting room, the bookworm in the library and so on. This definately stops them from becoming bored. An easter egg hunt was organised for Easter Sunday and similar events are arranged throughout the year. Baby slings are also available. There is a special disabled parking area and disabled and elderly visitors can set down outside the main house and restaurant. A lift is available in the house. Picnic tables have been adapted and there is a wheelchair path around the grounds. Braille guides are available.

OPENING TIMES

The property opens from late March until late October, times vary depending on hoe easter and October half term fall. Current admission is £6.90 per adult, families £17.20 and National Trust members get in free.

SUMMING UP

I have been a member of the NT for over ten years and during that time I have visited every property in England and most of those in Scotland and Wales. Cragside is definately a firm favourite and is only beaten from first place by St Michaels Mount and Lanhydrock, both of which are
in my favourite county Cornwall.

Summary: National Trust property in Northumberland