Having crossed over the border back into England we visited the rambling house of Cragside.
The home of Lord Armstrong, this grand Northumbrian pile, preserved by the National Trust, is testament to how the super rich lived in the 1800's.
Armstrong was an engineering genius, mastered hydro-electric power, built bridges and structures, employed thousands and made millions.
Cragside was his electric castle.
It bristles with the first gen light bulbs gently illuminating stags' heads and heraldic lions. The counterpoint of industry and nobility is everywhere.
William Morris wallpaper too!
This little wooden train was a subtle reminder of children having once lived amidst all this grandeur too.
This huge shower head gives a visible hint of the owner's love of channeling water.
The boot and hat store included a small dressed soldier doll half way down to the left. An action figure!
Bathrooms, windows and stairwells abound.
as do desks, lamps and early electric light.
A Victorian engineer's palace flowing with currents, both charge and water.
The Lord even had a Turkish plunge pool and sauna for his rich guests but not his many servants I fear.
I wasn't sure what to make of all the grand opulence on display as we left Cragside. The grounds themselves incorporate a six mile carraige drive, which can now be driven along by car if you so desire!
It was worlds away from how most people lived in its day and still is now but I'm glad the National Trust have it for us all to enjoy.
Have you been to Cragside?
These final snaps when I saw them reminded me of those murky and monochrome shots of the haunted Belasco house in the Seventies horror flick The Legend of Hell House!
What do you think?
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