We visited Belvoir Castle this past weekend. It is a family favorite. The home is so lovely and who doesn't love visiting a film set? (The Crown was filmed here!) We always end up with an arm load of future presents for the girls, goodies for a delicious meal, and one-of-a-kind loose leaf tea from the Engine Yard. As we drove into the car park, there is a rolling view of the fields below the castle that are magnificent. In an artist daze, I left my family and wandered towards the view snapping photos as I traveled. Don't worry, my husband is used to this by now :) Below is the first painting created the day afterwards.

On our way to Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, we drove through Lilford and found the gates to Lilford Hall estate open. Unsure what to expect, we were graced with a beautiful drive. Set upon a rolling green backdrop is Lilford Hall, initially built in Tudor style in 1495 with a Jacobean extension built in the 1740s. It is majestic even though empty since the 1950s. The drive goes around the entirety of the house and past a few working houses. It is currently being renovated.

Now cropped and available for purchase in the shop sale.