This was our second visit to Tyntesfield. We last visited at Christmas a few years ago, which was lovely as the house was dressed for the season, with staff in costume and role for the Ball that evening. We enjoyed it so much we promised to return in more ‘normal’ circumstances!
We certainly weren’t disappointed with the house, but had to accept that, as with many of these old houses, there is a need for updating and there is much of that currently going on at Tyntesfield. This means that the upstairs rooms are not as they would normally be, with some of them closed owing to work on the fire alarm system.
The exterior of the house is magnificent, showing a Gothic influence during its Victorian refurbishment. The interior, similarly, is impressive, and a tribute to the work done by William Gibbs in the mid-19th century, and his family over the following years. The tour ends in the chapel (more like a church) which, for a family home, is an unexpected and surprising addition.
The grounds and gardens are also worth a visit, which starts at Home Farm and, en route to the house, passes the Arboretum and Rose Garden. There are longer walks round the Plantation, but we settled for a stroll to the Stableyard and its cafe, and enjoyed the flower, kitchen and formal gardens on our return.
As usual with the National Trust, there is plenty to do and see. We’ll be returning to Tyntesfield again when the current works are completed, to see it completely returned to its former glory.
“House website”:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield