The Vyne, 1 December 2014

The mini bus trip today was to The Vyne, in Basingstoke, Hampshire.  Those we joined with were the Garrett's, Sister Whitehouse, Sister Curley, Sister Ibbotson, Sister McClellan, Sister Marsh, and Brother Key was the driver.  We arrived at our destination in just under two hours and were ready to get out and walk.  The day was overcast, dull, and damp and 7ºC.  Umbrellas were not needed as we freely walked the gardens, paths, and woods.

The Vyne was built in the mid 1500's for Lord Sandys, King Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain.  It is a tudor style red brick building.  In the mid 18th century, The Vyne belonged to John Chute and remained in his family until the mid 20th century.  At one time a family of eleven children lived in the house.  As we toured the house, we learned about the children growing up here and saw some of their original toys.

The house was decorated for Christmas and it was exciting to see the trees.  There seemed to be one in each room.  It was interesting how they had wound fabric ribbon around and through the one on the bottom left.  It brought to mind the many Christmas trees we had that looked just like that one - only we didn't do anything to hide the space between the branches!

The furnishings, toys, and table setting were interesting.  Then to top it off, while in the saloon, the guide was explaining the furnishings and how the family would have used them and pointed out the 1846 Broadwood grand piano and how the family would enjoy playing and singing.  He then asked if anyone played the piano.  I said I did and he then said:  "You are welcome to have a seat and play it."  I could not believe what I heard as all the other houses we have toured that had pianos, had them closed up and no mention of them other than to "do not touch."

I sat down, music was provided and I played.  It had a very good action and was easy to play.  I could not believe I was playing it as it felt like I was in a Jane Austen novel.  (I did not sing.)  Note the harp to the right of the piano.

Stained glass windows in the chapel and a freshly scented Christmas potpourri.  

The inscribed Roman ring was made in the 4th century and has an engraving linked to a curse.

The hall with the bells to call the servants.

The summer house, a wooden reindeer and pinecones on a Cedar of Lebanon.

Wooden sculptures of a monarch butterfly and a snail.  A view of the lake.

Autumn in all its brilliant colors.  Bottom Left is the Lime Tree Avenue leading up to the house.  Middle picture is a 600-year-old Guinea Oak.  At one time a ship builder wanted to buy the tree but the Chute family always said "No,"  It is propped up due to some of the roots being cut when the road was put in behind it.

The traveling lizard with Grandpa & Grandma.  Views of the house.

The first door is the one we entered to tour the house.  The next one is the front door of the house and the one in the milddle is to the cafe.  Note the tree and then the path we walked.

The swans were beautiful and very friendly.  When we stopped to take their picture they came right up to us.  I think they were looking for a handout, but we had none.  The four babies, signets, were beautiful and graceful.

I did not think at first that a winter walk would hold any beauty.  I was mistaken as the the trees, shrubs, and fallen leaves provided a profusion of color and delight.  We could not get enough of the feeling of nature!

The inscription on the bench says it all!