Stourhead library is one of my favourite “big, old house” libraries. My favourite part of any big, old house always is the library (shocker), and frankly, a grand house without a library is just a waste of time.
Stourhead in Wiltshire is owned by the National Trust and contains one of my favourite grand house libraries. It’s a gorgeously light and airy room, with floor to ceiling bookshelves and carefully positioned desks. Admittedly, if it was me I’d add a few more squishy armchairs to sink into but apart from that, it’s damn near perfect.
The most striking features are the carpet and the beautiful lumnette stained glass window at the far end.
Not only that, there’s extra literary interest in the form of a hardback copy of ” Far from the Madding Crowd” annotated by Alda, Lady Hoare. She formed a friendship with the author Thomas Hardy, his first wife Emma, and second wife Florence.
Information panels can be found around the whole house, each one including a small artwork inspired by the history of the house. In Stourhead library, it’s an intricate black and white work made out of paper.
There is of course more to Stourhead than just the library and the gardens in particular are perfect to roam around. There are even holiday cottages in the grounds you can rent out.
What do you think of this library? Do you have a favourite one you’ve visited? Let me know in the comics.
10/05/2020 at 10:28 PM
Absolutely with you on visiting the libraries of historic properties. I’ve always like the library at Culzean Castle – the perfect mix of books and comfort in which to work!
11/05/2020 at 8:28 PM
Glad you agree. I had to do a search on that castle – a little way out of my neck of the woods but wow, what a stunning place!
13/05/2020 at 2:20 PM
This is SO cool. Also that fireplace.