A day trip to Parham House
When Clive Pearson bought Parham House in 1922, it was just a husk of an Elizabethan shell.
He lavished his considerable wealth and engineering knowledge on a faithful restoration while he and his wife, Alicia set about filling the interior with no expense spared.
That is not to say that Parham House became a gaudy showpiece, but rather a carefully curated home full of significant portraits and paintings, textiles, embroidery and furniture.
If this sounds like a lot – it is! On our recent trip to Parham House, we could barely take everything in.
Not to worry as our TASHL trip included an excellent guide who greeted us at coffee and led us through the house before it was open to the public. This was indeed herding kittens as so many pieces deserved close attention but fortunately our ticket was good for re-entry for the entire day.
This has been a house that has entertained royalty but it is strangely cosy in all its grandeur. Significant paintings reflect a who’s who of the centuries alongside the portraits of occupants of Parham, helping us to put faces to the names.
Louise, our guide, expertly explained all the history and pointed out the significance of the numerous and varied interesting objects. Each reflects the passions of the Pearson Family who curated the interior with the help of agents, sourcing from around the world.
Today, the great-granddaughter of Clive Pearson lives in part of the house with her family.
No doubt her children have played in the charming gardens and the Wendy house.
The house overlooks a little cricket
green and there is a simple church which houses a 14th century font. The church, as the cricket green and of course the house is still used and enjoyed.
Our carefully organised trip was declared a triumph, with travel, coffee and lunch included.
But it was the bespoke guided tour which was the icing on the lemon drizzle cake.
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