But not upstairs. Followers of the 70’s TV serial will recognise the allusion of public rooms and support staff areas. The Big House, (the Manor House) has a plant sale which we attended, more to be nosy than anything else. One was allowed in the greenhouse and gardeners area, but not in the grounds or the house.

The estate had to sell off land in the eighties, part of which was our cottage in Doldowlod. Very interesting from a Victorian architecture and atmosphere perspective.

Every so often the gardening staff hold a plant sale usually incorporated into a garden opening via the Yellow Book scheme. This was just a sale with the proceeds to charity.