Two sides of Wimpole Hall in winter

Wimpole Hall is a National Trust property with a vast landscaped park. It has its folly castle and lake, a walled garden, and a stately home complete with a seemingly endless view along an avenue of trees.

In winter the park offers skeletal trees, some fractal, some colossal, and vistas over the surrounding countryside. But skirt around the house on a freezing day and is there something of the Gothic horror lurking?

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The ‘barn’ at Preston

In fact, it’s not a barn, rather an old waterworks building. It’s frequently photographed, and for good reason. There is little surrounding clutter in a field on high ground. The clapperboard construction gives tones and contrasts and definition heightened by its dereliction. I think these come out best in monochrome although its autumn colours are enchanting.

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