Visit to Berrydown Court

Saturday 10 May 2003

It was with a real sense of excitement that three of us drove through the entrance gates of Berrydown Court on a blustery day to join other members, to visit this important Lutyens house not before seen by Trust members.

Little has been written about Berrydown Court but what we experienced was truly delightful. Firstly, our charming hosts, Mr & Mrs Aynsley, the new owners, could not have given us a warmer welcome. Angus acted as our guide and provided details of the history of the house. It was also a real pleasure to meet Peter Inskip, who is in charge of the restoration of Berrydown Court for
Mr. and Mrs Aynsley, and who also acted as a guide, giving us in-depth knowledge of the house and Sir Edwin Lutyens’ s thinking in terms of its design and construction, and the layout and planting of the extensive gardens.

The tour of this early Lutyens house with its innate welcoming atmosphere proved fascinating, as indeed did the walk around the attractive gardens. Most aspects of the house and garden were discussed and our guides were kept busy supplying answers to the many queries from members.

We were provided with a splendid tea, as well as an exhibition of papers and photographs relating to the history of Berrydown Court.

We were all in debt to Jane Balfour who arranged and led such an interesting and worthwhile visit and who, together with Peter Inskip, provided an excellent set of visit notes for us to study and enjoy.

It was with regret that we left Berrydown Court and our kind hosts, whom we all wished every success with the restoration and much happiness in their new home.

BS