Athelhampton

Much of this movie is set at Athelhampton House, just down the road from Thomas Hardy's birthplace. Athelhampton is one of my favorite houses in England and in the world. I think it is shown beautifully in this film. Did you notice the wonderful linenfold paneling? And the beautiful stained glass window? I saw a documentary in which the young owners said one could stay overnight in the house, but apparently this is no longer the case. Too bad. I would love to spend one night in my dream house. (My other favorites are Hardwick Hall, Igtham Mote and Compton Wynates. I've never seen the latter two inside, but the exterior of Igtham Mote is exquisite. Hardwick Hall is remarkable not only for its revolutionary use of glass ("Hardwick Hall, More Glass than Wall") but for the character of its builder, Bess of Hardwick. But of the four, Athelhampton is probably the most livable. Almost forgot--I also like Kentwell Hall, with which I have an ancestral connection. I visited there when the owners were just beginning to launch their living history events. They were very gracious to me and my husband.