Greetings! Yesterday, to celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday, Abigail Reynolds provided a virtual tour of some of the places Miss Austen graced with her presence during her life. Today, I invite you to visit one of the great locations she inspired from her imagination: Pemberley!
For the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, the producers cleverly selected Lyme Park in Stockport. Not only were the exteriors sublimely perfect to capture a place so perfectly situated in relation to its natural surroundings, but it also afforded a lake for a certain scene that, although not in Miss Austen’s novel, has taken on iconic status.
Now thanks to Google Maps’ Streetview, we can “visit” Pemberley and wander in the footsteps of Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
We all recall the moment Miss Elizabeth Bennet first spots the great house through a clearing and begins to think that to be mistress of Pemberley might be quite something indeed! Imagine if she had viewed it as below and noted one of the many paths along which she could lose herself during a morning ramble. Click on the picture for a better view.
One of my favourite scenes at Pemberley occurs following Mr. Darcy’s initial reunion with Elizabeth whilst not suitably dressed following his impromptu dip in the lake. He frantically rushes down the steps of the courtyard – now more properly attired – hopeful that he has not missed his chance. Click on the picture to walk around the courtyard.
After a long walk around the park and viewing the formal gardens, I like to return to the main house by way of the path next to the orangery on the right. You will want to click on this picture to get a full 360 degree view of the beauties of Pemberley…
We are fortunate that Google Maps and the National Trust of Lyme affords us the luxury of touring the grounds of Pemberley from the comfort of our keyboards! You can navigate throughout Lyme Park and lose yourself in Pemberley by following this link and clicking on the little yellow man in the lower right corner to reveal all the paths available to wander. Enjoy~
Colette Saucier is a bestselling and award-winning author across a variety of genres under multiple pseudonyms. Her Austenesque works include the contemporary classic The Proud and the Prejudiced and Books 1 & 2 – The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire: Pulse and Prejudice and Dearest Bloodiest Elizabeth.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Dearest Bloodiest Elizabeth – just released in paperback! (Paperback gift for US visitors only; International visitors will receive eBook format.)
You can also follow her on Facebook: @ColetteSaucierAuthor
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Gorgeous home, wish I could be there in person! Couldn’t help but giggle at the camera guy trying to hide in the hedge—a living embodiment of Mrs. Bennet’s fears!
I’m in the US.
Author
Yes, as I went through some of the on-site pictures, I noticed several people “photo bombing”! 🙂
Thanks for this Colette. Even though I live 10 minutes away I don’t go often. I actually went more when I was young in the fifties and sixties. They used to have a little train to take you up the long, long, long drive. Just one thing – its near Stockport not Stockton.
Anyway back to the tour 😊
Author
I cannot imagine living so close! We were supposed to visit this past summer, but, alas, my health (and then finances) would not allow it. If we ever make it, I’ll be sure to ring you!
WoW, thank you.
Author
You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!
Wow, what a treat. My mother used to say that she was glad that there were rich people in the world because they built such beautiful buildings for the less rich to tour and enjoy. Chester County Day in Pennsylvania opens our “rich” or interesting homes the first Saturday in October for touring. The proceeds go to support the Chester Co. Hospital. Fire Stations and others along the way have meals and drinks you can buy.
I know England is blessed with centuries of history in their buildings. I actually keep a journal with information about “the sites used in Jane Austen’s movies”. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Hi Sheila! I actually have a book about the making of the BBC series (the only version of P&P I care about), which provides descriptions of the sites. I wish I could live in England and visit them all!
Looking at the aerial views shows the genius of the designers and the people who built the amazing buildings and laid out the beautiful gardens. When you think of the time it was built… absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing the pictures. I hope someday to be able to visit.
Thanks for this tour. I wish I can go there in person. I live in Canada.
These photos brought back memories of two visits to Lyme Park. I stood in the places Darcy and Lizzie stood and sobbed. I was feeling so emotional. on the second visit, last year we trudged across fields and got lost in a wood looking for the pond. We finally found it and discovered that the place where Colin Firth stood has been worn away by fans wanting to be where Darcy stood. We are planning another trip for 2018 and can’t wait.
Wow! I’ve seen some beautiful manor houses and castles (with gardens) and this one really stands out. Perhaps one of these days …
Lovely! Every season reveals something surprising based on the photos. I do think I would like to go in the Spring! Thank you!
Such a lovely site. Like looking throughLizzy’s eyes.Thank you for sharing these photos. In one of the photos there’s a statue/man on the lake I guess it is Mr Darcy on another picture of a lake, there’s an alligator. Someone has a good sense og humor
(scenic and funny
Thank you for sharing this! What a wonderful way to actually “see” the layout and walkways and such of my favorite “Pemberley.” I too, would like to come back, and “visit” in every season!
Oh, you do get lost viewing the house, gardens, and paths. Love the slide of “Darcy” leaving the lake – I guess the alligator was after him. Lovely tour – thank you and thank you for the giveaway.
Amazing pictures and tour. Wow! Here I am all the way across the pond and I feel like I was back in the movie versions of P&P. It was so exciting to see those iconic sights that made my heart jump in recognition. Thank you for this delightful post.
Thank you for this wonderful tour, Colette!! I so enjoyed “walking” about Pemberley and enjoying the sights!!! So many views took me right back into the movie, but it’s an extraordinary place to explore even without the P&P associations.
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Amazing tour