Biddick Hall

Or so goes the rumour...A few weeks ago we were invited to the annual Cheese and Wine Party at Biddick Hall, a stately home which is part of the 1,500 acre Lambton Estate which also houses Lambton Castle...

We walked through the tall iron gates which were usually kept locked and continued along the narrow driveway with woods on either side.

My other half was heard to mutter as we kept jumping over to the roadside into the wet foliage to let cars pass by, 'Well, it looks like the average age is about ninety...'

I didn't care how old the guests were, I was entranced. It so reminded me of the immortal opening lines of Daphne du Maurier's 'Rebecca'.

Along the roadside masses of wild, white flowered garlic mingled with the odd batch of bluebells. There was a strong smell of onions and rain drenched nettles. Willow trees waved gently on either side. Then there was a bend in the road and suddenly Biddick Hall was directly in front of us, an enchanting square red brick Queen Anne house with cream edged oblong windows, dating back to 1720. For a photograph see page 12:

The first reception room was unusual and elegant with white walls covered in golden miniatures. There was an ornate white fireplace, a high ceiling complete with chandelier, and squashy pink sofas.

Upstairs was out of bounds but I caught a glimpse of the famous painting of the Red Boy on the landing on my way out to the garden.

Lots of guests were already roaming around the immaculate grounds. My feet were drenched in two seconds as my heels sunk straight into the beautifully manicured grass. I soon gave up and wandered in bare feet, glass of wine in one hand and sandals swinging in the other.

We walked past a maze, a laburnum avenue, a sun dial and Lady Lambton's old swimming pool. This was now covered over but still had a watchful gargoyle on the wall. It was hard to believe we were less than two miles from the A1 and even closer to the village of Burnmoor.

It was such a shame the housekeeper had said we all had to be out by 10.30.

Next day we went for a walk. This time the iron gates were locked. 'It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me". And to the rest of the public until next year...