The Hauntingly Beautiful Dollhouses of Wallington, Pt. 1

 

I'm working like a mad woman to launch Swelle Boutique (it's nearly there!) but I wanted to leave you with something special should it be a couple days before I'm able to post again. I visited Wallington a few weeks ago, a National Trust property in Morpeth, Northumberland (that's in the north east of England) with a grand mansion and gorgeous lawns, lakes, parkland and woodland. There's also a beautiful walled garden which we didn't have time to see, but it was cold and gloomy so we'll save that for a lovely day.

I'll tell you more about Wallington in future posts (there is quite a bit to show) but for now here is the first part of the dollhouses from the 17th century mansion's dollhouse room which contains one huge house - like an apartment block - and several smaller ones, the interiors of which are magnificent and shabby all at once. The detail of the period furniture and decor (early 1900s) is breathtaking and some of it is in quite a state of disrepair - evident in the wear on the fabrics and wallpapers and headboards askew - and it creates the feeling that these rooms have actually been lived in by the heavy chested tenants (see below, they are heaving!) for the past century. The effect is utterly charming.

The photos are a bit blurred, the rooms in the dollhouses were very dim and I was shooting through their tiny windows. But it kind of lends to the ghostly feeling and apparently I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to take the photos, it's only been a year since they've allowed cameras. 

Want to see more? Here's Part 2

Comments

[The Anthology]

Cute!

I want that geometric carpet. If only it came in real people sizes... it would look perfect in my living room.

*Kelsey

[Chic 'n Cheap Living]

Simply divine. I wish there was a way to blow up the furniture in the living room so I could buy it!

[Patricia Miranda]

i just love dolls house, and i have close 50years old ;o)) i start a few months ago a collection of dolls furniture but my sons saids that is too later to me to play with dolls, i know but what we can to do when we love it?? ;o))

[Retro Chick]

Oh wow, that's beautiful!

There was a book on tape I used to have about a dolls house when I was a kid, but I can't remember what it was called. That's going to drive me crazy!

[Amber Mitchell]

Oh Denise thank you so much for posting this! I only have books on baby houses like these. If I ever get an opportunity to visit England, I want to try and see Ann Sharp's doll house. My very favorite for it's quirks, little treasures in the eaves and homemade and loved decor. Thanks again!

[Denise @ Swelle]

Thank you for your lovely comments! These rooms are quite enchanting, aren't they?

Amber - you're so welcome! There's are two more posts coming on the dollhouses alone and there was a child's room that has gorgeous toys from the early 1900s. Thank YOU for introducing me to Ann Sharp's toy house, I wasn't aware of it. I can't find visitor information but I will keep trying!

Denise ♥

[Amber Mitchell]

Yeah! The house is likely still privately owned, but I did find this blog post from 2008 and it was in Norfolk.

"Jill made an appointment to see a Tudor manor house and view Ann Sharp's Baby House, the oldest known dolls house in England, c. 1700's. It was given to little Ann Sharp by Queen Anne as a gift. The door of the manor house stood wide open when we arrived, so after knocking for quite some time we finally walked through the entry into the Great Hall! Ann Sharp's baby house was right there, covered by a green felt cloth to prevent sun damage. Finally the lady of the house came in from the garden and opened up the dolls house, which is more of a cabinet than a dolls house. She was very casual with it and started handing me items from the house. The top floor of the cabinet contains precious small antiques, including an embroidered Elizabethan glove and shoe, unbelievable to get to hold items of such age!"

If you are lucky enough to manage it - please please take many photos! Thanks again (love your blog and read it every day to lift my spirits)

[Couture Carrie]

Absolutely amazing!
So intricately and lovingly detailed!
Fabulous pics, darling!

xoxox,
CC