Sissinghurst: An Unfinished History: The Quest to Restore a Working Farm at Vita Sackville-West's Legendary Garden
$11.99
Description
Book Synopsis: “A charming portrait of an ancient and beautiful house in Kent [and] a poignant and amusing portrait of the English class system.” —Simon Winchester
From lavish palace for Elizabethan nobles to dreary jailhouse for eighteenth-century prisoners of war, from well-manicured country house for a string of landed families to weed-choked ruin, Sissinghurst, in Kent, has become one of the most illustrious estates in England—and its future may prove to be just as intriguing as its past.
In the 1930s, English poet Vita Sackville-West and her husband, Harold Nicolson, acquired land that had once been owned by Vita’s ancestors. Together they created elaborate gardens filled with roses, apple trees, vivid flowers, and scenic paths lined with hedges and pink brick walls. Vita, a gardening correspondent for the Observer and a close friend of Virginia Woolf, opened Sissinghurst to the public. But the thriving working farm began to change after her death. Her son Nigel instituted sweeping changes, including transferring ownership of the estate to Britain’s National Trust in 1967 to avoid extensive taxation.
For author Adam Nicolson, the grandson of Harold and Vita, Sissinghurst was always more than a tourist attraction; it was his home. As a boy, Nicolson hiked the same trails that Roman conquerors walked centuries before. With wistful imagination, fascination with natural beauty, and connection to the land, Nicolson has returned home to restore Sissinghurst’s glory. His journey to recreate a sustainable and functioning farm, despite resistance from the National Trust, makes for a compelling memoir of family, history, and the powerful relationship between people and nature.
Details
Step into the enchanting world of Sissinghurst with "An Unfinished History," a captivating tale of family, heritage, and the enduring beauty of nature. Discover the rich tapestry of history woven into the walls of this legendary estate in Kent, from its noble origins to its modern-day resurgence. Join author Adam Nicolson on a journey to revive the splendor of Sissinghurst, a place where the past meets the present in a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Experience the magic of Sissinghurst through the eyes of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, visionaries who transformed a patch of land into a vibrant tapestry of gardens and orchards. Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of roses, apple trees, and meandering paths that wind through hedges and brick walls, creating a sensory feast for the soul. Dive deep into the heart of Sissinghurst and witness the enduring legacy of a family bound by a love for the land and a passion for preservation.
Uncover the untold stories of Sissinghurst's evolution from a private sanctuary to a beloved tourist destination, from a working farm to a heritage site under the guardianship of the National Trust. Explore the challenges and triumphs faced by Adam Nicolson as he embarks on a mission to breathe new life into the estate, against all odds. From the ancient Roman trails to the modern-day struggles of conservation, "An Unfinished History" is a testament to the resilience of nature and the human spirit.
Are you ready to embark on a journey through time and space, to a place where history and nature intertwine in a dance of beauty and restoration? Dive into the pages of "An Unfinished History" and let the story of Sissinghurst inspire and captivate your imagination. Join us on this unforgettable adventure of discovery and renewal.
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