Chicago North Shore Home & Beyond

Visiting Sissinghurst in England’s Southeast is a step back into several layers of history. The ruins of an Elizabethan summer palace were purchased by the eccentric couple, Vita Sacksville-West and Harold Nicolson. Both having been writers, they rebuilt the remnants of a centuries old pile in their own vision of a romantic past. The gardens were built in the 1930s around architectural remnants consisting of stonewalls, foundations and old terraces. It was a work in progress during their lifetime together. The Bohemian paradise even had a working farm attached to the property, but has long since vanished. Under the supervision of the National Trust, the gardens and home have been polished to facilitate the masses that visit every year.  It’s a euphoric experience to spend the day there, wandering around the various outdoor spaces they planned and implemented.

Mr. Nicolson and his family currently live on the property as part of an agreement in the will of his predecessors, but the grounds are owned and managed by The National Trust.  The current family and The National Trust have somewhat of an interesting relationship.

A few years ago, the BBC aired a series on the daily relationship between Sissinghursts permanent ancestoral residents and the management.  It was fairly entertaining and gave a good look into the operations of a highly toured English historical site.  I’m sure it will broadcast here in the States on PBC in the near future.

The New York Times recently posted an article written by Adam Nicolson.  Adam is an expert author on the history of the property and the lives of his grandparents.

To read more about Sissinghurst and its facinating history, click here.