Pronounced ‘Scoon’ for the uninitiated, although for me I’ll never be able to disassociate images of crumbly, cake light textured goodies with … wait for it … jam with cream on top – sorry Devon.
This elegant stately home, one of the loveliest hubby and I have visited, oozes history with its clean, architectural lines. This red sandstone Gothic revival style 12th century house with its castellated roof stands nobly in the middle of 100 acres of ancient woodland and gardens.
The ancestral seat of the Earls of Mansfield, who to this day still reside here, with family photographs, sumptuous items of furniture and ceramics whilst proudly presenting magnificent state rooms. Sadly, no photographs were allowed inside the palace, so you will have to visit yourselves to understand our joy.
Some 1500 years ago this area was the capital of the Pictish Kingdom and originally the site of a major Augustinian Abbey, sadly pillaged and burnt to the ground in 1559 during the reformation. This has been the original home to the Stone of Destiny for over 1000 years and 42 kings have been inaugurated and crowned at Scone, a symbol of great power and one of Scotland’s enduring mysteries as to its appearance and provenance, it has now returned after 700 years and is on display at Perth Museum. The first recorded Scottish Parliament took place here. Remodelled in the early 19th century, its resplendent transformation was deemed fit for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to visit in 1807.
Within the gardens discover the maze, designed to resemble the Earl of Mansfield’s family tartan, in the shape of a five-pointed star, planted in 1991 with 2,000 beech trees and over 800 metres of paths, left hubby and I wandering around for at least 30 minutes, scratching our heads, with no idea which way to turn, passing the same bewildered faces time and time again. Great fun.
Over the years various television productions have taken place here, including Antiques Road Show, The Great British Bake Off and Outlander to name but a few. Throughout the year a number of national and local events are held, as well as an outdoor cinema, falconry displays, horse trials and doggy fun and games day.
A coffee shop and kitchens serve locally sourced preserves, we had a lovely lunch, there is also a converted horsebox in the grounds offering coffee. Holiday accommodation, wedding parties and functions are catered for.
Watch out for the noisy colourful peacocks wandering around or discover the many nature trails home to red squirrels, happily scampering amongst the trees. Let your two-legged darlings entertain themselves, visit the children’s play area. For the campers amongst us, pitch up and stay at the campsite situated within the grounds.
Of course, not forgetting the obligatory gift shop! We loved it.