magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

.....in this case, is NOT his castle - for he owned one of those elsewhere!
This is Kingston Lacey House and The Egyptian Obelisk.
The house was built by Ralph Bankes between 1663 and 1665. His family also owned Corfe Castle, which today is around half-hour's drive away.
I was wandering around the Kingston Lacey estate (now owned by The National Trust) and spotted this view for the first time. It interested me because it shows the best face of the house and the Egyptian obelisk in a natural frame only glimpsed for a few paces.
The obelisk was discovered by William John Bankes who had it brought to Kingston Lacey in 1821 to join his great collection of antiquities. Why explorers thought they could pillage other folks lands is beyond me and for another discussion, but I have to admit it is interesting to see these artefacts. There is also a section of the obelisk's twin partner (which was already broken when discovered) and a sarcophagus in the grounds. There's plenty of info online for those that would like a more detailed history of the Bankes family, their loss of Corfe Castle, William John's collection and the acquisition of the entire estate by The National Trust.
The sky in this shot has been replaced by Photoshop's clever new feature. Any critique of the image will be welcome.

(Download)

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

Good eye.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

That's a lovely image of the house and grounds. Lovely framing. It's interesting that so many of these fine old houses are now owned and operated by the "National Trust." I know their upkeep is quite expensive. I wonder how the National Trust has the funds to handle so many of them.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Glad you like it APL, thanks for your comment.
The National Trust has a vast membership - we joined as a family when our first two kids were nippers - probably forty years ago. Annual membership isn’t cheap but living where we do it pays for itself with free entrance to properties and free parking.
They also raise money by asking for donations for specific restoration projects and they apply for lottery funding and government and other ‘interested parties’ funding (such as landowners). Some of their projects are massive. They also, occasionallly, sell property that came to them as part of deal to avoid inheritance tax - they may for example sell a cottage that was part of a larger estate. They also rent-out properties.
When they acquired the Bankes estate it seemed to come with half of the Isle of Purbeck and beyond!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Guyserman!

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

I like how you framed it with the tree and it's branches.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Thank you.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks photophile, pleased you like it.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Sometimes you can walk a scene numerous time , but it only takes one to capture the unique. Nicely done.

ediesaul

[quote=magnetoman].....in this case, is NOT his castle - for he owned one of those elsewhere!
This is Kingston Lacey House and The Egyptian Obelisk.

This is one beauty of a photo... the landscape, the lighting, the colors, the framing, composition, EVERYTHING! For me, because the house, and not the framework is the subject of the image, I would emphasize it more. I hope you don't mind, but I gave it a try by reducing the foliage and adding more contrast to the building itself. I wonder what your reaction is.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Frank.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

[quote=ediesaul]

Looks good Edie, I definitely like it!

ediesaul

Great!