IgersbirminghamUK were contacted by the National Trust to ask if we were interested in holding an Instameet at Coughton Court.  This approach is part of the National Trust’s summer campaign to bring people together to explore their properties and enjoy the outdoors.  This aligns with the IgersbirminghamUK group which aims to organise photographic Instameets with the aim of photographing and enjoying a day out at  different locations.

Coughton Court is a historic Tudor House and is undergoing an extensive program of repairs to the roof of the building.  The cost of these repairs is £3.3 million and the conservation project will finish in 2025.  During the building work, parts of the house remain open to the public.  

We gathered at the property early on a Sunday morning in August.  The often-photographed building looked so different with the scaffolding and plastic sheeting covering the brickwork.  Our National Trust host, Gum, gave a warm welcome and outlined the plans for the day.  After introductions and the obligatory picture, we split into two groups of 10.  One group visited the house whilst the other climbed the scaffolding to review the restoration project. Both groups then swapped over.   

There are 88 steps up to the Visitor Viewing Platform.  We donned blue protective hats and hi-vis yellow jackets and then we made the journey to the top.  On the way up, we began to see the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.  There were many photographs to be taken of the unique views of the house and the surrounding estate.  The view of the restoration work on the roof of the tower showed the extensive renovations being done.  I have climbed the tower in previous years and this view was different to what has gone before.  I have photographs taken before the restoration, but to see the stonework close up was very exciting.  The drop penny shute was fun especially as James had a coin to drop into it.  Whilst the views made it tempting to linger around the top of the tower, there was another group waiting to go up and there was still the house to visit.

The “Through the roof” project is highlighted throughout the house and we were shown around via the temporary entrance to the main hallway.  Everything looks different to what I am normally used to as the restoration of Coughton Court is extensive and involves several areas.  Some of the rooms are inaccessible and others have furniture stored away.  There is a feel of a family house undergoing decoration, as items are cleared away, although this is on a much grander scale than your average family house! There are informative displays throughout the large room that normally has a grand table set out for dinner.  One of the most impressive areas was the lounge.  The National Trust has taken the opportunity to lower the chandeliers to allow cleaning of these intricate beautiful creations.  There were a few more rooms to pass through and then it was out to the gardens.  The house visit was a new experience and as photographers we were getting a feast of opportunities for pictures.  

The gardens were looking beautiful and the lime tree walks lead out to the large green space.  Looking back there are views of the building, although this time it is covered up for the restoration work.  As I made my way up to the river Arrow, I saw the stalls for Myton Hospice who have a summer display along the river.  Along the west riverbank, there are numerous butterflies planted along the waterside as memorials to loved ones.  These lead onto the footbridge and the riverwalk.  There is so much to explore at Coughton Court and each visit is a different experience.

There was still one more treat in store as we were given an early access to the walled garden. This was a wonderful opportunity to view the various ‘rooms’ of this extensive garden without too many people spoiling the picture.  There are several picturesque views and the flowers were in full bloom.  There were many bees out and about especially on the lavender borders.  I took many pictures in the garden and I noticed that many other photographers were doing the same thing.   I particularly liked the quirky growth on the Lysimachia flowers. They resembled ducks with their crooked growth.  After taking our fill of the gardens, we retired to the outside courtyard for a well-deserved coffee break.  There was a quick review of our pictures and the we said our goodbyes. 

The National Trust is highlighting the importance of take time out of our busy lives to reconnect with nature. This reminds us of how beautiful nature is and the joy and happiness that it can bring.  This IgersbirminghamUK Instameet was an opportunity to do just this and we wish to thank the National Trust for allowing us to visit Coughton Court. Thanks to Nicky Warwickshire of the IgersbirminghamUK team for organising the Instameet.

If you enjoyed this report on the IgersbirminghamUK meeting or wish to visit other National Trust properties I have put links to other blog entries below.