07/07/2020
We've been busy during and since lockdown tackling repairs and jobs frequently put off for later. Pretty much what most of those affected by lockdown have found themselves doing. Repairs and renovations take a bit longer at Raynham than in a normal size house. What is that, you may well ask. Something smaller than 15 large rooms on each floor separated from the next by two or three long flights of stairs.
We are constantly on the move between floors when we forget tools; there is the need to find a hoover which has mysteriously 'walked'; running to answer the phone on the nearest point where it will work in a house with thick walls and before the answerphone kicks in; every improvement is the result of revealing a bodge which might be 100 years old or 50 years old but it nevertheless an eyesore which needs dealing with in order to end up with something approaching OK rather than perfection. Perfection would mean considerable replacement of timbers and mouldings which is not a route we favour at all. We would rather mend than rip out and replace with new. On the whole, it works and suits the ancient fabric of the house rather better than perfection. And then there is LUNCH which is necessary but really interferes with the day. But, late afternoon, a long soak in a gorgeous roll top bath laden with Ortigia Sicilia bath salts is more than restoring when you can look up at a wonderful ceiling and out of a tall C18th window at the ancient trees ringing the edge of the main lawn.
The Flower Garden needed considerable replanting due to an unknown but well-intentioned assailant with a weed-killing wand. Vast swathes of bare earth were being colonised by weeds. So depressing. Claire Reinhold came over when the disaster was revealed in early June and specified and sourced lots of gorgeous plants which we put in on one of the hottest days of the year - no choice - and which have survived bravely after cossetting with regular watering during the drought.
It's been lovely to throw on the oldest comfortable clothes and just get on with the day but we do hugely look forward to getting tidy and welcoming visitors to Raynham again. We are following the advice of Historic Houses re Covid-19 precautions and all is in place for our first Open Day this year on July 9th. Please join us - book on www.ticketsource.co.uk/raynham for a tour around this lovely house and do bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the garden or grounds around the house after or before your tour.
We hope to see you. There are further Open Days during the summer months and we are drawing up dates for the autumn as well.
