Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

The North York Moors are beautiful at this time of year. In other months it can resemble a moonscape with barren soil extending for miles. Now the purple heather is lush and just waiting to be run through and bounced upon. It certainly acts as a distraction as you drive across but on this day we were looking for different. We've visited this part of Yorkshire many times before and stopped at the little villages en route but never at any of the historical properties.

We had a few to choose from but went for Nunnington Hall situated on the banks of the River Rye. From the car park you make your way over a bridge to get to the house and grounds. At the start of the bridge is a basket encouraging visitors to grab a twig for a game of Pooh Sticks. We couldn't resist although there was call for disqualification as one stick got thrown in before the others.

The main construction of the house took place in the 17^th century but the interior is currently styled as if the former owner Mrs Fife was still living there in the 1920s. The ground floor shows off a dining room and entrance hall. When you go upstairs you'll find dusters to help with the cleaning of woodwork and stair spindles. This is a feature throughout the property as you are encouraged to help out and join in with activities.

Once upstairs you really start to get a feel of the age of the house. Whilst some rooms are light with their early 20^th century styling others are dark with heavy oak panelling. Wooden staircases have a camber to them and timber joists are visible throughout.

After going round the adults' room you come to the Nursery. My children really liked this room and wanted to play with the train set and vintage cars. From here on the house is all about children. Onwards to the attic it was been transformed to a exhibition and activity area. There is currently an exhibition of children's book illustrators and one room is given aside to letting visitors young and old a chance to hone their artistic skills.

Also in the attic is the Carlisle Collection of Miniature Rooms. Each of the sets feature a room in different period settings. At the back of this is an activity room. My daughter wasted no time in dressing up as a 1920's flapper girl complete with cocktail dress, a long string of pearls and white evening gloves. Together we made owls from loo rolls and bees and spiders from pipe cleaners.

Once outside it was time for a run around and some fun and games. There's a croquet lawn and giant chess set for everyone to have a game. In the orchard the apples are ripening and visitors are allowed to pick up any windfalls. Keeping an eye on everybody are the resident peacocks and penhens.

Nunnington Hall isn't the only property in this area. If you find yourself in this part of the country take the time to stop and discover some new things.

This is a post for #newthings in conjunction with the CSMA Club.