Hartwell House

A Christmas Present - Tea at Hartwell House.  Now a very lovely hotel, this house was built in the 17th century by Hampden family and in 1650 was acquired through marriage by the Lee family - whose descendants include General Robert E Lee and Sir Christopher Lee.

Outside is a statue of Frederick Prince of Wales (see extra blip) by John Cheese in 1756.  Frederick was killed playing real tennis - obviously a little more physical than the tennis of today.  The interior is exquisite with interesting sights - including this shot looking up.

Its most famous resident was Louis XVIII who lived here with his court in exile between 1809 and 1814.

And with all that a very filling tea!  I think a new year's resolution will be a few return matches - but not for tennis.