Snowshill Manor

We found ourselves at Snowshill because Kiftsgate was closed (had just gone onto its fall schedule) and Snowshill is just nine miles away.  The National Trust blurbs on it sound somewhat unappealing--like it was the home of an eccentric collector (Charles Wade).  It is actually a delightful experience.  The garden and the orchard are lovely and follow the same arts and crafts principles as Hidcote. But it's smaller and looser and the garden ornament is interestingly used.  The beds are neat and well tended, but the plants aren't as precious and rare as those at Hidcote.  The collections are fantastic--they are tied together by the excellence of their hand craftsmanship.  The Manor House was used only as a staging area by Wade--he and his wife lived in what is called the Priest's House, which looked more like an ancient gate house.  It's a magical little place, but he did have heated running water for his bath and a view over the Cotswold Hills.  This is a timed entry place, so get there early, get your tickets, and hit the garden and the gift shop while you await your turn.