Breamore is a largely unspoilt 17th century village near Fordingbridge, 30 mins drive from Furzey gardens across the New Forest roads. On arrival we had the choice of refreshment in the well stocked Tea Shop or a tour of the Breamore Countryside Museum. In the museum the farm worker's cottage shown here was displayed along with a blacksmith's shop, a dairy, brewery, wheelwright's shop, saddler's shop, cobbler's shed, village shop, school, cooperage, bakers, laundry, early garage and clock maker - whew!
The museum boasts one of the finest collection of steam powered farm machinery, tractors, barn machinery and historical tools. This three wheel tractor was just one of these exhibits.
We enjoyed the workshop with belts whirring from the stationary petrol engine driving a host of devices.
The main event of the day arrived at 2.00pm when the guided tours of this magnificent Manor House commenced. Here with splendid views across the Avon valley pastures we could imagine the generations of the Hulse family who have and still live here. Built in 1583 by the Dodington family five years prior to the Spanish Armada it was purchased early in the 18th Century by Sir Edward Hulse and cherished ever since by his descendants.
The tour of the house revealed many great paintings and treasures collected over the centuries by the Hulse family. Our favourite item was the magnificent Esse cooker installed during the occupation of the house by the US 6th Army in the preparations for D-Day June 1944 when it was General Patton's headquarters.
Finally as we wended our way along the drive away from the house what better way to reflect on the places we had seen and the day enjoyed in this New Forest area than in the early Saxon church facing the Manor House.
our first port of call on the day.
PANTM's next excursion is to Kensington Palace on July 10th but we will not be able to attend (on a family gathering in North Yorkshire). Hope you continue to enjoy these great excursions to the properties in our area.