Whenever it rains, I think of England. I'm obsessed with English manor homes lately. I think it stems from the fact that other than Biltmore Estate, we don't have anything like them in the United States. Actually, most of the English homes are older than the United States! Port Eliot seen here is over 500 years old and is set on 6,000 acres in Cornwall , England. It is home to Peregrine Nicholas Eliot, the tenth Earl of St. Germans and his wife Catherine, The Countess of St. Germans. It was featured in Vogue Living in 2007 and has been a favorite ever since. The ninth Earl and his wife were also photographed for Vogue by Horst and were featured in his 1968 book Vogue's Book of Houses, Gardens, People.
I almost bought a book about English homes at the flea market this weekend but didn't because it had been marked up in red pen. I wish I had now because I'm sure Port Eliot would have been listed. Of course, we Americans who love our instant heat and hot water would probably not enjoy living in these old homes so it's probably best that we don't have any here. But you can always visit and tour Port Eliot when it's open to the public for 100 days each year. You just might want to wear your Barbour jacket and Wellies in case it rains. Cheerio!
Port Eliot Exterior
Roo, the family's famous whippet in another entrance.
Entrance Hall
The Enfilade
Part of the house was remodeled by Sir John Soane including the drawing room.
Looking into the library from the drawing room.
The Earl of St. Germans
The Drawing Room
The drawing room set for a party.
The Round Room
The Round Room
The Salon
The Salon
Edwardian bamboo sun chair.
The Morning Room was hung with red damask in the 1890's.
The Morning Room
The Staircase Hall or Lobby
The Staircase Hall or Lobby
Guest Bedroom
Guest bedroom with 17th-century upholstered bed.
Lord and Lady St. Germans in the servants wing that is now used for storage.
The 19th-century china closet in the basement.
The Kitchen
Garden Entrance
Garden and Orangery
The Orangery
The Orangery Interior
The Fountain
Port Eliot
Lord and Lady St. Germans
