Harry the Alpaca was saved from the River Test
One of three resident Alpacas at Houghton Lodge & Gardens in Stockbridge, Harry spent a night in the icy cold water after slipping down the riverbank last Monday evening after discovering a hole in his fence.. The combination of his thick coat quickly filling with water which add extra weight and his body becoming chilled, he was unable to climb out of the river
The cold waters chilled him and when found in the morning; Harry was in a very sad and desperate state. Two of Houghton’s Estate workers jumped into the River and pushed the heavy Alpaca whilst another pulled him from the riverbank.
Once out, Harry collapsed on the bank, his legs unable to hold his weight. He laid exhausted as the vet was called and the staff covered him in blankets and tarpaulins to keep the chill wind off him.
The vet gave Harry an injection and advised the staff to rub Harry down with dry hay to soak up the water. The usually feisty Harry laid still and allowed everyone to rub him.
Over the next couple of hours Harry started to drink and eat and was then able to stand before joining Tom and Dick back in the field.
One of the volunteers at the gardens who was there to assist in Harry’s rescue commented: “Once he was back in the field, Harry stood out from the other two alpacas because he has a wonderful clean coat – it was all fluffed up and looked in great health considering what he had been through, we are just all happy that he is ok”
Houghton Lodge Gardens opens to the public on the 1st March where visitors will be able to see Harry and his new clean coat.
(January 2012)
Orchid Days at Houghton Lodge Gardens -
Sunday 12th February 2012
Houghton Lodge and Gardens in Stockbridge is holding two more days of celebration and assistance for this popular, exotic plant on Sunday 12th February, following the success of the first Orchid Day last October. Many of us have an orchid in our homes; it is one of the most cosmopolitan flowering plants, found nearly everywhere in the world. It is believed there are over 25,000 species, some being very rare.
Whether you have an interested in these beautiful flowering plants or are wondering how to give your orchid the best care - Houghton Lodge and its resident expert, Andy Phillips who is a Member of the British Orchid Growers Association, are here to help.
From 10.30am you will have a coffee and chance to stroll the gardens, and to view the Orchid Collection which include many rare specimens, followed by the first talk of the day “Growing orchids, and orchid care for the beginner”. A Light Buffet Lunch & glass of wine is served at 1pm and the afternoon talk deals with “Repotting, re-flowering your orchids and dealing with problem plants”. The afternoon rounds up with a question and answer session with Andy Phillips. You will also have time to explore Houghton Lodge’s gardens.
Mr Sims attended the October Orchid Day and commented, “We really enjoyed the day. It was informative and entertaining. We gained an enormous amount of knowledge about Orchids.”
Itinerary for Orchid Days include:
Coffee from 10.30am and a chance to stroll round the gardens and view the Orchid Collection including many rare specimens.
11.00am - 1.00pm Morning Talk - Growing orchids, and orchid care for the beginner
1.00pm-2.00pm - Light Lunch
2.00pm-3.30pm Afternoon Talk - Repotting and reflowering your orchids and dealing with problem plants
3.30pm-4.00pm- Questions/Answers
There will be orchid plants for sale and an exhibition of Andy’s engraved glass and gilded orchid models.
Tickets: £15.00 to include a light lunch, glass of wine and coffee as well as entry to the 16 acres surrounding the house.
ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED -
PLEASE book by calling 023 8000 1655 or email Jo@themarketing-collective.com
(January 2012)
Houghton Lodge hosts the Hampshire Regency Dancers
In July, Houghton Lodge & Gardens welcomed the Hampshire Regency Dancers for a regency picnic by the picturesque waters of the River Test.
In full costume, the Winchester-based dance group enjoyed a summer's afternoon at Houghton Lodge with a tour from Mrs Busk along with time for some country dancing before a regency style picnic on the lawn.
For more information about the Hampshire Regency Dancers, visit www.hrd.org.uk
Visit the Houghton Lodge Photo Gallery for more photos from the day
Historic Houghton Lodge is a finalist in England’s Favourite House
It is a family home that has been described by visitors as ‘a little piece of heaven.’ And now the Hampshire Historic House is in the running to achieve national acclaim, after reaching the final of England’s Favourite House.
Houghton Lodge, in Stockbridge, has been chosen as one of 12 individual houses of exceptional beauty as a finalist in a competition to find England’s Favourite House, which is being run by Country Life magazine and estate agent Savills. Almost 150 nominations were received from people who chose houses they knew and loved or had admired and from the owners themselves, delighted to already be living in their favourite house.
The eighteenth century Gothic Cottage Orne is set in a picturesque location above the River Test, among 16 acres of tranquil gardens, which provide a stunning backdrop for weddings and charity functions.
But despite its undoubted beauty, owners Mr & Mrs Busk were surprised by its success in reaching the final three of the South East category.
“I really don’t know why people have nominated it, possibly because it’s so much unlike all the others in the competition,” Mrs Busk said.
“I think this house is more unusual and unique than most. A lot of comments from people in our questionnaires have mentioned its charm and the fact it’s a family home that is still lived in.”
Houghton Lodge has been in the family for more than 100 years, after it was bought by Mr Busk’s great aunt and uncle in 1910, but its earlier history remains shrouded in mystery. Built some time in the eighteenth century, little is known about the builders or first owners of the house, before the property came on the market in 1799.
In more recent history though, the house has gained increasing recognition, aided by its appearances in big-screen productions of David Copperfield and Wilde.
A team of judges including Daily Telegraph columnist Charlie Brooks and Oscar-winning writer and creator of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, have already cast their eye over the lodge.The winner is set to be announced in the spring.
Heavenly Houghton - Take a Tour of Houghton Lodge
with the Daily Echo
In early February 2011, following the news that Houghton Lodge was a finalist in Country Life's search for England's Favourite House, the Daily Echo visited Houghton Lodge to take a tour and find out why the house has been nominated.
Watch the video here
