I am a little bit late on going through my photographs and writing my posts this year as I've had a busy time and don't always want to spend my life in front of a laptop, especially when it's been so warm this year. On one of these warm mornings at the end of June, I visited Peckover House and Gardens, which is nestled in Cambridgeshire near the Norfolk border along the river Nene.
Peckover House faces the river and the Georgian townhouse is nestled amongst other large buildings along the riverfront. It is built up along here, being virtually in the centre of the town of Wisbech, but unseen is a beautiful garden with expansive 2-acre ground at the back and a beautiful interior of the house. The house was built in the 1700s but bought by the Peckover family. The family were Quakers, living a simple lifestyle, and they were successful and honest bankers, which is how they acquired their wealth. They had a safe in the home and stored the money, and the house has been in the same family for over 150 years.
I arrived just before the house opened, so I first went to check out the gardens behind the house. The entrance is through a little gate at the side, which goes past some stables and small dwellings. There was an outhouse (outdoor privy I think they are known as) and a small cottage.
The two acres of garden includes an orangery, summer houses, croquet lawn, fruit trees, roses, and other gardens. There is also a barn at the back, which has been converted into a cafe. The garden is very pretty, and I enjoyed a walk around it. I also had some time for a late breakfast in the cafe/barn.
After my visit to the garden, I then went inside the house.
The first room I explored was a pleasant reception room.
The library held many religious books and had a large collection, but the books and furniture were sold later on. The National Trust recreated with the wallpaper and similar furniture. There is also a large dollhouse in the room.
The dining room dates from the 1920s
Inside the room is the cabinet of curiousities. Each drawer was labelled with a word, and pulling it open revealed a set of interesting objects that could be discussed and admired. There were also some Egyptian items, which were very popular in the 1920s.
I then visited the upstairs rooms.
Before making my way downstairs and into the kitchen and servant rooms.
I enjoyed my visit to the house, and the gardens were very nice to see and enjoy. Despite this being in the middle of the town, it felt like a secluded oasis.
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