Highclere Castle
"The building stands well in a broad expanse of green,
which upon all sides slopes gradually into rising hills and lovely
undulations, with lakes lying calmly here and there, reflecting the
summer and autumn foliage as the succeeding seasons pass away.
A magnificent view is obtained from a place called Beacon Hill
in near neighbourhood to the castle, and distinct remains of an
ancient encampment is found at its summit. Six counties can be
seen from this spot, and the stretch of richly timbered land, rising
and falling in an endless succession of hills and valleys, well
repays the somewhat steep climb up the side of Beacon, even
if the summer day be warm.
And after the climb the great centre hall at Highclere, built in
the eleventh or twelfth century, and originally part of the palace
of the bishops of Winchester, is a charming spot in which to rest.
One passes from the arched entrance hall, having stone and
marble pillars on either side, into a large almost square apartment,
the roof of which is Gothic in form, of oak, with ground-glass
windows. A wide, hospitable fireplace is on one side ; opposite
it the oak staircase is visible through a triple arch."
Extract from "Glimpses of Old English Homes" (Open Library)
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