Many readers will recognise this house. It’s Abbotsford the home of Sir Walter Scott and thereafter several of his descendants. I visited it for the first time yesterday and what a good day out that is.
The lower floor of the house is devoted to the great writer and much of what is on display, from skulls to leather-bound books, was collected by him and used by him. For someone like me who is interested in country houses as the places where my characters lived, this one is a conundrum.
There’s no instantly visible staircase. Sir Walter used stairs directly accessing his study. The rest of the household (did that include the servants?) used a stone spiral stari in one corner.
The hall is hung with items Sir Walter collected.
This hardly does credit to the enormous collection of armour and armoury on display. Scott used the items as inspiration and for reference, I think. There were also interesting pieces of furniture such as his desk; and of crockery in the dining-room. Not to mention many family portraits.
The outside aspect of the house and grounds was fascinating and lends me confidence in the warren-like building I’ve currently created for my work-in-progress.
All-in-all (that includes a slice of Victoria sponge in the café) getting out and about again is good for one.
How are you coping?
Anne