Friday 4 November 2011

How the other half live

I was speaking to one of our board of Governors before we went for our celebration afternoon yesterday and she referred to where we were going as 'Downton Abbey'.  It's not a programme I watch so it didn't mean much to me.  However, when I drove through the gates and saw this
I could guess what she meant.  This is just the main part of the house, to the right is another 'wing' with tennis courts behind it.  When I tell you that about 150 members of staff went and more than 100 cars parked on the front lawn you can imagine the size.  And yet although it was very grand, it was not pretentious inside.  This house is quite obviously some one's home, and not just something for show.  Yes, there were chandeliers in every room and oil paintings of the owners in the drawing room, but alongside that were framed photos of them dressed in silly costumes and pulling faces for the camera with grandchildren at Disney.  The furniture was very regal and yet they obviously have fun in this home.  There was a large dresser in the hallway, for coats and hats to hang from.  The top of it was covered with all manner of hats, from knitted berets to panama hats, bowler hats and floppy sun hats - dozens of them.
It was a lovely gesture from a lady who has been on our board of Governors for over 20 years and who has taken a genuine interest in the school.  I think we all appreciated being given a few hours off work to relax and enjoy a collective pat on the back. 

9 comments:

Sandie said...

What a wonderful experience, Deb, to visit a such a beautiful home. And a lovely gesture for the Board of Governers to open her home to so many people. From the outside it looks imposing but it sounds warm and homely inside. I love the idea of family portraits next to disney photos and those with sill faces and costumes. The Board of Governers sounds as though she has got it just right...

Alison said...

I like the sound of the lady from your Board of Governors...sounds as though she has a lovely 'home' not a 'house'
Alison xx

Rachel Brett said...

That sounds fantastic Deb, I can just picture the lovliness now :)

Anonymous said...

Are you the only person in the country who doesn't watch Downton Abbey?

Amy said...

Make that the world Karen! Deb, you must see that show - you would LOVE it!
Looks like you had a wonderful afternoon in a very grand hoousehold.

boysmum2 said...

Wish we had really old grand houses like that down here in NZ

HeARTworks said...

I would be nice if you posted pictures of the interiors :^) Patsy from
HeARTworks

Sian said...

No, you aren't the only person in the country who doesn't watch it - you have me for company :) And I usually love any kind of historical drama. I liked the Return of Upstairs Downstairs much better

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Congratulations on the success of your school, Debs. And it's really cool that you got to experience the inside of that fabulous home. A very nice gesture from the owner of the house! xo

PS: I haven't seen that show either!