More Hatley Castle photos...

I hope that you are not tired of seeing the Hatley Castle images, these are the last ones!
It's taken me several hours to go through them and then upload them...
Several cups of tea have been consumed and now it's time for me to start cooking dinner!

The Gardener's House

There is a rose garden here!

I spied some of my favourite rose names on the tags.

I WILL be returning to see them in full bloom.

In the centre of the rose beds was this interesting sundial.

The planting was orderly and formal and every rose was tagged with it's name.

The walls are quite tall and they create a wind break from the winds that blow off the ocean.

The heat from sun on the walls must also help keep some of the plantings warm and cozy.

The working part of the garden lies beyond the walled garden.

Gravel paths link the garden borders and beds to the cottage and the glass houses.

There are a few outbuildings on the site that are used by the gardeners.

The vast glass house is still in use today.

The door was locked or I would have taken this photo inside!

Look at those vintage wheels...they open the glazing on the roof for ventilation.

Cold frames butted up against the foundation of the glass house.

A modern "green house" and numerous raised beds.

Many gardeners must be employed full time to keep up with this site.

This rabbit looked relaxed and happy...

after I took this picture he scampered away and I could see just how large he was...

I guess there is lots to nibble in this part of the garden!

Cyclamens carpeted a patch of ground...

so pretty popping up through the leaves.

A Primula blooming and there were no others nearby...

A lone peacock put on a bit of a show for the camera

many people were snapping pictures of this fellow.

That wraps up Hatley Castle for now...

hope you enjoyed the snapshots.

I've got some shopping scores to tell you about so come back soon!

Hostess

Hatley Castle...a Victoria treasure.

The day was sunny and mild and we decided to take our house guests out for a bit of a wander.
I had mentioned Hatley Castle as a possible destination to Mr. HB and he agreed.

Hatley Castle was commissioned by the wealthy entrepreneur James Dunsmuir and was completed in 1908.
The links here will give you all the details that you might want to know.

I took over 100 pictures and have whittled them down to just a few.
I hope that you enjoy your virtual tour!

look at the details in this downspout!

Granite is used extensively in the construction.

The grounds are beautiful.

Views of the ocean beyond the terrace.

The Italian Garden

Formal plantings and a traditional layout.

A very gnarled old wisteria.

a massive trunk!

I have seen the mauve wisteria blooming in the summer 

not only is it stunningly beautiful

the scent is intoxicating!

The garden is showing off her great "bones" 

when the flowers and trees are in bloom it is a riot of colour, scent and breathtaking in it's beauty.

Weddings are very popular here and you can see that the architecture and grounds are perfect for staging photos.

I can visualize and bride and groom standing in this spot.

The terrace is to the left of this figure, the croquet lawn below

ocean beyond in the distance.

Witch Hazel

The Japanese Garden is exquisite...

The water features play a big role in this part of the garden.

Lush green grass rims the wee path that snakes along the water's edge.

A pair of Mallard ducks are visible to the right of the bronze heron sculpture.

These are fish ladders that allow fish to go from the lake to the large pond.

You can see how the ladder works here

the fish can swim up and rest above the slat until they get enough energy to make another burst to the next slat.

The moss is such a lovely shade of green.

These smaller water channels were full and the sound of the rushing water was melodic.

Charming bridge one walks over the rivulet of water to the other side.

The arching details are all in keeping with the other Japanese themed structures.

Around the pond the path was made of large stepping stones.

Imagine how peaceful it would be to sit here and relax.

The sun was warm and the pond flat calm.

Mallard ducks were the only things stirring...

The Japanese Garden is heavily planted with rhododendrons and flowering cherry and plum trees.

A future visit will be planned for April or May so that we can see the garden in all it's glory.

Lime Hellebores blooming near the castle foundation.

A view taken from the terrace

the croquet lawn is below the terrace.

I can just imagine an afternoon tea on the terrace!

I will post more Hatley Castle photos soon.

The greenhouse and walled garden among others.

This is as close to Downton Abbey that I have found in our neck of the woods.

What did you think about that season finale?

I wonder what the next season will bring for Lady Mary?

Be Well

until next time...

Hostess

An exciting weekend in The Humble Bungalow...

We have been busy entertaining friends John and Cheryl from Vancouver this weekend.
They are the kind of friends that we are very comfortable spending time with...
we are all very relaxed and casual...
I think that is the sign of a great friendship... one does not need to "put on airs" or dress up.

Many conversations, walking and seeing some local sights were all part of our time spent together.

Friday evening we went out for martini's and sushi at The Oak Bay Marina.
Saturday after breakfast we did some marketing.
Cheryl and I decided that we wanted to cook a rack of lamb
to go with the exquisite 2004 vintage St Emilion grand cru that they brought home from France.
A visit to Slater's butcher shop for the Frenched rack of lamb.
Chiarelli's (the best deli in Victoria), for our assorted cheeses
Peppers Grocers for the fresh vegetables.

We also went to Hatley Castle and had a wonderful walk in the sunshine
(post to follow soon)
Olive the Senses for an olive oil and vinegar tasting and some purchases
and a quick stroll through Silk Road Tea Company for some teas.

The recipe is straight forward and has clear instructions

our results were delicious!

The racks were "Frenched" by the butcher

making it look very professional when entwined.

Truffle mashed potatoes

 french style bean with almonds

Rack of lamb Persillade

followed by a cheese course

Roquefort

caramelized onion cheddar

goat cheese

Manchego

Pecorino with Pepper

The mashed potatoes were easy peasy

boil peeled spuds

drain

mash and add 1 tablespoon truffle oil

2 tbsp. butter

then fold in one shaved truffle.

Dinner was a wonderful combination of flavours

and clean up went swiftly with many hands.

We had a lovely walk at Mount Douglas Summit and looked out over the city and the Gulf islands beyond

before driving out to Island View Beach for another stroll.

We worked up an appetite for lunch and enjoyed The Noodle Box in Sidney before taking them to the ferry. 

It's been a whirlwind of fun.

The leftover lamb is simmering now as Scotch Broth Soup

and the washer and dryer are humming ever so quietly.

I'm excited about The Hatley Castle Post

the stately home and grounds reminds me of Downton Abbey...

oh and it's the season finale is tonight!

Hope that you have enjoyed your weekend.

Hostess

XO