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Castle Hill
A large Palladium style house dominates the view as you approach from the A361 road. The road itself skirts the building so that travellers couldn't fail to see the impressive building standing midway on the far hillside, as they drove past. If their eyes went further than the house, above it, they would glimpse the castle folly as it stands on the highest point of the grounds. The House built around 1730 by the 1st Baron Fortesque, Hugh Fortesque, then substantially re-constructered in 1934 after a disastrious fire. It remains a grade 2 isted building, standing in grounds which, they themsellves, are grade 1 listed in the National Register of Parks and Gardens. Currently the residence of the grand daughter of the 5th Earl Fortesque, another Hugh, by Eleanor, Countess of Arran. The palatial house is available for hire should our need ever arise. Approaching the house down the drive, is a most impressive sight, as with the view from the road, this view of a large stark white building, set against natures, natural green background. We parked and paid our entrance fee and with map in hand started our walk, initially at the front of the house, then turning right to the side of the property as we started to climb through the wooded valley, our gaol the castle folly. The grounds cover some 50 acres with a number of possible walks. Our route is shown, highlighted, in pink, on the map below. We took a nice steady walk, contemplating what the scene would have been like several months prior, with the Camelias, Rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. We also noted that the recent spell of very dry weather was starting to take its toll, with a number of Hydrangea shrubs, wilting badly. The final ascent to the castle was very steep and necessitated several stops so that we could catch our breaths. Nearing the top we had identified the Sunset Temple, marked on the map, as a spot to stop, have lunch and take in the views, before making the last final ascent to the folly. The Sunset Temple was ideal for our picnic lunches, with sufficient seating and grand views over this side of the estate. Replenished and photographs taken we continued the final short climb to the folly. What still is an impressive structure greeted us, with commanding views over what was once the scope of the Fortesque families estates. We could see in the distance the Truimphal Arch, prominant at the end of a cleared pathway cut between two large areas of forest. Once back at the foot of the house we visited the Millenium Garden, still a riot of colour, and at the time of our visit, carefully being maintained by one of the sites gardeners. An interesting location, well worth a visit early spring, sadly not likely to happen, unless we make a very specific effort, due to the distance involved to get there. Prior to our return to the car we sat and had coffee, tea in the case of Pat & David at the end of a very pleaasant visit.
Above: The main house with the map provided, in this case showing the route we took to gain access to the casle and the panoramic views. The casle itself with Pat, David and myself in the entrance arch and then the castle building, looking intact on the outside, but, missing all of the internal structure.