Book Journeys – Chatsworth

by | Mar 30, 2017 | Fiction Book Reviews | 4 comments

We’re continuing our virtual tour of the places my characters in my upcoming novel, Just the Way You Are, visit throughout the book! So far we’ve visited London and Derbyshire, and today we’re going to stay on-tour in Derbyshire except we’re visiting two different sites.

Book Journeys - Chatsworth

Rose Hill CottageFirst, let’s talk about Rose Hill Cottage, the house Eisley stays in (first) while she’s researching her family history at Lornegrave Hall. I don’t know about you guys, but I LOVE going on British realty sites to find my ‘fictional’ houses. It gets me all day-dreamy 😊

While perusing houses, I can never afford, I found this beautiful cottage that really fits the idea behind Rose Hill. These are photos of Tinkersley Farm, a beautiful farm in Rowsley, Derbyshire – and the view is spectacular! Eisley stays with the Harrisons in this cozy and lovely part of Derbyshire and takes the footpath (or rides in the car) over to visit Lizzie Worthing, owner of Lornegrave and distant relative of Eisley’s through their shared-ancestor, Julia Ramsden.

Another place Eisley visits, while touring Derbyshire, is the elegant Chatsworth Hall. Now, many of you may know this house from the newer version of Pride and Prejudice. Chatsworth is used as Pemberley. Many wonder if Chatsworth truly was the place Austen was referring to as she described Pemberley with such elaborate detail.

Here is Jane Austen’s description of Pemberley:

999822_10201622955636402_658731775_n“They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; —and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned.” 

Pretty close to the photo, right? (Although there are some who think Lyme Park is another possibility 😉)

Anyway, Chatsworth is a wonderful visit, whether it’s your Pemberley or not. Besides the wealth of artwork and dozens of rooms to tour, there is a glorious history to the place. Home of the Dukes of Devonshire for decades, it houses not only famous paintings and lovely architecture, but it also has the sculpture room (made famous in 2005 P&P) along with a bust of Mr. Darcy 😊

The stables have been renovated into lovely eateries and there are gardens to explore…including the hedge maze I mention in Just the Way You Are!! My hubs and I tried it. Our experience was more humorous than romantic.

Wanna see a sneak peek from the garden maze? I happen to have a short one right here for you!

Excerpt

A path to her left brought her to the goal of her walk, the garden maze: thumb-shaped bushes lined the footpath to the perfectly squared maze, which spiraled into a labyrinth of hedges leading to an open space in the center, marked by a weeping willow.

Her maze history consisted of the corn maze at her Aunt Tilley’s farm, created for Halloween every year. So this clipped, pruned, and beautifully-crafted maze was a new type of puzzle. And after her excursions in a subterranean passageway, she should be a pro at solving mysteries, right?

Aviary Photo_131352951435761437She walked through the hedge-arched entryway and immediately had to make a choice between left or right. She chose right. The chilly air rustled by, hushing the leaves inside the ten-foot verges like a whisper. This shouldn’t be too hard. A few more turns resulted in a dead end and then another. She growled and doubled back, arriving at the entrance again.

Seriously? No way was she giving up. Dried leaves crunched underfoot as she started again, her walk speeding to a jog through the narrow pathway between the towering bushes. Left, then right. Another dead end? Good heavens, she could see the tree rising above the hedgerows, pointing its crooked branches at her like fingers, but apart from vaulting over the hedges, she couldn’t figure out the way. She twisted around another corner and caught a glimpse of the tree, even a bench underneath, through gaps in leaves. Aha! Increasing her pace, she made the next turn and rammed directly into someone. She steadied against him and looked up.

Wes?”

I hoped to find you here.”

Words straight to a girl’s heart.

Pre-Order Just the Way You Are Here!

4 Comments

  1. gehistorian

    OH MY GOODNESS! I absolutely adored this post! Especially the excerpt and especially the last line! *swoons*

    Reply
  2. Winnie Thomas

    Beautiful pictures, and Chatsworth makes a wonderful Pemberley. Lyme Park also makes a great one. It was used in the BBC version, and we visited it when we were in England. We had a picnic on the spot where Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) meets Elizabeth after he emerges from his swim in the pond. So much fun! Unfortunately Colin Firth didn’t show up!

    Reply
  3. Paula S.

    Fascinating and definitely swoon worthy! Love this stuff!

    Reply
  4. lelandandbecky

    Love, love, LOVE!! Can’t WAIT to read this! And all of the teasers I am gobbling up!

    Reply

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