Claydon House
This was originally a Tudor Mansion, belonging to the Verney Family who converted it to its present form in 1754.

The park, the lakes, the paintings and the furniture still belong to the Verney family although the House itself was given to the National Trust by the 5th Baronet.

Florence Nightingale, a relative of the Verneys, lived in a wing of the House which is part of the exhibition. The House also contains a number of Javanese instruments (GAMELAN) and weather permitting we will picnic in the beautiful landscaped gardens.

The tour of the house will include the Great Eating Room with its decorations which embellish the doors and the windows; an example of unrestrained rococo. The Salon includes inlays of boxwood ebony and ivory. From the windows three artificial lakes can be seen. The Library contains fine portraits of the family at the time of the civil war

Florence Nightingale's sister's portrait is over the fireside. We will visit the special staircase made of gilded iron The Pink Parlour, called so after its original colour. It was used for the family's intimate meals.
This is only a description of the ground floor. Many additional treasures are awaiting us on the 1st floor.

Ascott House (In the Footsteps of the Rothschilds)
Within the context of our visits to the Rothschild homes we will be taking a look at the lesser known Ascott House at Wing in Buckinghamshire.

This is a half timber house set in extensive gardens and contains a fascinating collection of paintings and porcelain.

The paintings include 17th century Dutch masters and works by Gainsborough, Reynolds and Stubbs. The Porcelain display of MING and K'amg unusual display. There are also many unusual examples of English and French furniture, extensive gardens, magnificent trees and shrubs and a remarkable topiary with two outstanding fountains nearby.

The house and its contents offer a delightful glimpse into how the privileged lived.