BANTRY HOUSE

The drive to the West Coast was circuitous and not well marked but well worth it. The Bantry house, with it's amazing Renaissance gardens and spectacular views were among the best in the world. We were also able to attend a chamber music festival at the house itself, befitting of the estate. The music festival is a week long and also had an exhibit of violin, viola, cello, and bow makers from all over Europe. They were eager to talk to us and it was lovely to see their skill and talent.The property has been in the family, from the First Earl of Bantry, Richard White, in 1765 and is still the residence of Egerton and Brigitte Shelswell-White. Both the house and gardens have been benefactor of a grant from the European Historical Commission which has allowed extensive renovations.

The garden was designed by the the Second Earl of Bantry and his wife after travels through out the main land but chiefly in Italy. From the Italian Renaissance style the structure is based on seven terraced layers with this amazing staircase, one hundred steps, made of local stone and surrounded by azaleas.

A circle of wisteria surrounds the main fountain off the back terrace of the house. Parterre surround the fountain.

Even Ike thought this was a spectacular place, although the tadpole/frog find was more important than the house and gardens.