Hughenden is set in the Chiltern valley nearby High Wycombe and has wonderful views of ancient woods and rolling hills. It was the country home of Benjamin Disraeli, the Victorian prime minister who led the government twice between 1868 and 1880. By all accounts an interesting man - first and only Jewish prime minister, flamboyant, spendthrift - he married a wealthy widow and bought the manor and spent almost 40 years there. He had a close relationship with Queen Victoria. The legs of one of the dining room chairs were sawn off so that her Majesty's feet could reach the floor.
This is Disraeli's study - quite a fussy room but cosy - apparently a favourite of his.
The gardens are still in immaculate condition. I particularly like the walled kitchen garden - something very appealing about an enclosed space like this.
This is a bug farm, called Buginham Palace ...
Watch out for the squirting cucumbers ... really ...
The gardens around the front of the house are more formal.
Time for a break at - National Trust Tea rooms are always worth visiting.
Then on to the next century - during World War II Hughenden was taken over by the military as a secret map making base code-named Hillside, which was at the top of Hitler's hit list. This fact only emerged in 2004 when local people were asked about their wartime memories. No loose lips here ...
Deep in the grounds is an Icehouse which was used by the Photographic Unit.
Enough history now, time for stroll in the countryside.
There's a small church where the Disraeli's are buried.
A stroll back up the hill required quite a bit of effort in the heat
I couldn't find any information about this sculpture but it's interesting in light of the secret history of Hughenden.
Buginghampalace? Hahaaa. Best.
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