Summer this year left Britain basking in days of sublime tropical sunshine.
The light shining through our windows each day I wake up is enough to entice any person, male or female, to get up and do something new everyday. Moving to England this summer has proven to be incredibly marvelous and astoundingly rewarding. Growing up in Manila, Philippines and living in Los Angeles, California for the past decade, I’ve always preferred tropical and beach-y destinations to cityscapes. Therefore, I didn’t have much expectation when I arrived here in England this June. I was in for a surprising yet legitimately sensational encounter when I discovered that England, especially the Southwest, is so exceptionally beautiful.
Style Details
Dress | ZARA
Heels | SAINT LAURENT
Handbag | CÉLINE
Sunglasses | CÉLINE
This being the third country and continent I am officially living in, I choose to go forward with the adventure graciously with open arms. The first stop to my grand tour of England is Blaise Castle Estate in an enamoring place called Henbury in Southwest England’s Bristol. Blaise Castle is described by Jane Austen herself as the “finest place in England” in her novel, Northanger Abbey. Jokingly, she mentions this attraction as if it was a “real” castle. It is actually, in reality, a little country house built to look like a castle.
The grounds is home to an estate mansion, a summer castle by the hill, beautiful grounds perfect for those iconic English summer picnics, and a charming forest where kids can safely play and make-believe that they are in hill forts. The view on top of the hill was one-of-a-kind and truly glorious and remarkable. I can’t help but imagine taking all of my family and friends who will be visiting us to this enjoyable, enthralling place. Whenever I chance upon a great and fascinating new destination, I can’t help but share it with my loved ones. My great grandmother whose name is Alice Inwood is actually from England and it’s nice to go back to my generation’s “roots” and maybe even perhaps reach out to the extended family here, if that’s even possible.
Some things that I saw that tickled my fancy during my tour of this stunning estate are the authentic, historical domestic items that were showcased inside the mansion now being run as a museum. Beautifully adorned children’s toys, dinnerware or kitchenware made of real silver and brass, family bikes and vintage English furniture can all be viewed inside the museum for free.
The entire property is set at around 400 acres of lush greens. By lush, I mean grand, handsome, magnificent trees and greenery that surrounds this noble abode. I am already making plans coming by again with an array of picnic ideas, as the scenery is so perfect for it. One can’t help but truly feel that you are in one of Jane Austen’s novels.
Walking through the mansion, I am just so fascinated as to how sophisticated the inhabitants of this place were considering it was only in the 1700’s. Being raised as a Catholic, I also thought it was cool to have realized that the name Blaise Castle was actually derived in association with Saint Blaise, who was a physician and bishop in his lifetime.
The original owner of the estate, John Harford, was a wealthy Bristol merchant and banker. He had Blaise Castle built in the 17th century and was designed by William Paty. The famous room called The Picture Room, a section clothed in brilliant, luxurious red walls now houses a fine display of paintings. I couldn’t help but stand in awe upon seeing authentic paintings from the past of some of my favorite cities like Athens and Venice. It featured the Acropolis and the Venetian Lagoons at a time when it was still rural and free of modern day chaos.
Words cannot express how utterly gratifying seeing these quintessential paintings were in person depicting the setting from the 17th century. I am grateful for the opportunity of seeing the views through the artistic eyes of someone from the past at least. God is so absolutely wondrous working through the hands of mankind from generation to generation showcasing the beauty of His creation. I doubt if the painter knew that he would be touching lives centuries after his passing through the art that he left behind. God’s plans are truly a Master plan.
It was a bit of a trek going up the hill where the famous Blaise Castle was situated. Expect a short hike from the estate. Along the way, we saw families and kids having the time of their lives. Atop the hill, the summer home, Blaise Castle, sits magnanimously. Blazing sunshine and all, the picturesque scenery will leave its visitors in calm and tranquility. The ambiance will surely touch any traveler. You will find yourself in bliss and having a sense of world-wise culture. Knowing that you’ve step foot on one of England’s finest land is enough to give you a feeling of blessedness.
I encourage you all to take note of Blaise Castle if you ever find yourself in Southwest England. Bring a book, maybe a novel by Jane Austen, and imagine the grounds being your solace for a day. As in Jane Austen’s words, “there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort,” the realm at Blaise Castle Estate will surely provide the perfect backdrop for you to cozily sit back and unwind.
Blaise Castle Estate | Henbury Rd, Bristol BS10 7QS, United Kingdom | +44 117 903 9818