As avid visitors of National Trust properties, living in the Midlands we are lucky to have several on our doorstep, but our favourite has to be Chatsworth House.

Home to the Devonshire family, Chatsworth has been passed down through 16 generations and is renowned for its beautiful grounds, magnificent house and collection of art.

It never fails to take our breath away, driving through the Peak District and suddenly the house comes into view. Its decorative urns and towering windows creating an imposing scene, standing proudly amongst a sea of greenery. Surrounded by rolling hills and curious sheep who’s fluffy heads pop up to see who is passing, there is a sense of wonder as you enter the grounds. Igniting the imagination, you can’t help but wonder who has previously walked the stairs, dined in the grand dining room and sat around the fire in the vast living room. The overwhelming sense of history is intoxicating.

We often visit the gardens, taking leisurely strolls in the summer months, soaking up the beautiful colours and breathtaking architecture. Taking advantage of the midweek calm, we decided to visit the house in search of inspiration for an upcoming project. The abundance of texture and pattern within in the house is like a treasure chest of creativity. From the swirls of the many types of marble and details of the entrance hall floor, to the paintings that adorn window recesses and the ornate metalwork of the balconies. We came away full of ideas, eager to get back in the studio!

One of the most memorable rooms of the house is the painted hallway, and we were lucky enough to have it pretty much to ourselves. The detail and colours of the artistry on display never cease to amaze us. Home to works of art that span 4,000 years, Chatsworth dedicates 25 of its rooms to different types of art, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures, to old masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Verbose. Ever-evolving, the Devonshire family collections are a record of one family’s eclectic tastes and interests to another, expanding and changing through the centuries to reflect the passions and interests of each generation.

Our favourite room is the sculpture room, the large works of art preside over you as you make your way through the maze of sculptures, transporting you to the middle of Rome or Florence.

If you have never had the opportunity to visit Chatsworth house we implore you to do so, if you want to make it even more magical visit the house at Christmas, when each room is decorated with a theme. Previous years have seen the Nutcracker, Dickens and Once upon a Time transform the house into a fairy tale of its own.