Chatsworth Chatter

Chatsworth is a little bit of a dream and I love it.

Not too long ago my sister and I went on a little train ride down to visit my Gran in a pretty little village called Hathersage in Derbyshire. Set in the rolling hills of the English countryside it's simple the sweetest place that's perfectly quaint and one of the best things around - the magnificent Chatsworth estate! 

For years, every time we visited we took a little trip through the estate just admiring it! It's so beautiful and perfectly peaceful, you really feel like you've escaped into a storybook world. 

We were lucky enough to have a fabulously sunny Saturday so off we popped!

Our first stop was the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop.

For anyone who loves a good farm shop this place is heaven. I mean I really do love a farm shop and this one is everything you want and more. Wooden crates are overflowing with multi-coloured veg, blooming flowers are sitting pretty in buckets and there's walls stacked with home-baking. As you wander around the mouth-watering smell of homemade pork pies wafts over you and there's some lovely ladies handing out the most delicious cheese. It's all very charming and I just love it!

I've been a few times before and every time I'm absolutely delighted to browse the packed shelves.

The shop is filled with local produce from the estate that just makes it even more special. More than half of all the farm shop products are either produced or prepared on the estate. It was established by the Duchess of Devonshire in 1977 when it sold meats from the farms to locals and from then on its always been a place that acts as a celebration of the local food of Chatsworth.

It definitely beats the local supermarket... 

And you can't beat the view!

Once we'd filled up on more food than we could possibly eat it was time to check out the main event... Chatsworth House!

I've always loved driving through the park and marvelling at the grand House. It really is something special. It's just truly magnificent and oozes luxury, shining in the early Spring sunshine. You may have spotted it in 'Pride and Prejudice' and of course 'The Duchess' the imposing House set in the beautiful park will always make the perfect back-drop!

We stopped in the old stables for a quick cup of coffee and then we were off to explore!

Trying to see if we could have a nosey into the beautiful House...

Wondering what was past the golden gates...

We wandered down to the bridge that overlooks the house, getting caught in the blustery day!

The beautiful green park that surrounds house is the most idyllic setting and although is was busy the whole place fills really peaceful and tranquil. If it wasn't so windy I'm sure we could have spent hours wandering round and just enjoying the escape. 

From further away you truly get an idea about the grandeur of the House. It's luxurious and opulent and you can't help but admire the golden glints of the window frame. It definitely takes your breath away as it appears around the corner. 

In the mid-16th century the Cavendish family made Chatsworth their home, and from then its rich history began. Now the House is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and is filled with intriguing and dazzling bits of history.

As you stand admiring the Chatsworth House you can't help but be struck by a feeling of awe as you take in all the details, admiring the grand architecture of a bygone era. 

If you fancy checking out Chatsworth House you definitely shouldn't miss out on their current exhibition 'House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth'. Curated by American Vogue's Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles and in partnership with Gucci the show explores the history of the fashion of the Chatsworth residents. I for one can't wait to go back to check to out! 

Thanks so much to my fabulous Gran for having us and Chatsworth, I can't wait to come back to explore some more! 

x x x