We went to this not so historic house just north of the North Downs earlier this week, nestling in its own 1000 acre setting. Curious place because the house is so new (though the estate has been around many centuries) and greatly remodelled by money earnt by brewing and selling McEwan's beers.
Given that McEwan's beers are still available - though under a several times changed ownership - it seems a missed opportunity not to have some of the most interesting bottled ones, like Champion and Scotch Ale, in the inevitable Gift Shop.
We found three sundials in the formal gardens near the house but the most accessible, in the centre of the rose garden, seemed to have its orientation just a little wrong. Looking at the base of the stand it might have been moved, perhaps when bigger machinery had been taken through the garden, and replaced slightly incorrectly.
In case you are wondering, I am modelling the cupid/puttee thing at the back - the one you can't see.
But I am saving the best for last. We toured the house - lots of art and furniture collected by McEwan's daughter after the house had been remodelled by about 1905. But my favourite thing was a pair of mannequins in a dimly lit room we could only peer into from the door.
I'm guessing they represent father and daughter - Mr William McEwan and Mrs Margaret Greville - but its the spooky blank faces I really like.
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