Anyone For Croquet?

On our whistle-stop Dorset adventure we had to squeeze in just one more National Trust property, aside from the fabulous Portland House that is.  We chose to visit Max Gate, formerly author Thomas Hardy's home, as it's close to Dorchester.  The house is a Victorian building that Hardy designed himself, though it was extended over the years, perhaps to accommodate the icy atmosphere that developed between him and his first wife.  She basically moved into the rather small attic rooms, with a little parlour of her own where she could write undisturbed, whilst Hardy had a massive well-lit study and the large master bedroom on the floor below.  It doesn't seem entirely fair, but I think she just wanted to be left alone!

The garden was delightfully tranquil.  There's a fairly busy road nearby but it felt very peaceful, and very Edwardian rather than Victorian.  All civilised tea on the lawn and rounds of croquet, which Hardy enjoyed with guests.  I admit that my husband and I don't know the rules to croquet, so we made up our own.  I lost the game, despite an early lead.

Dress: Lindybop (I think 'Joy' was the style name)

Cashmere cardigan: 1960s vintage, table top sale (£2!)

Shoes: George at Asda

Brooch: vintage, Sarah Coventry, charity shop

Headscarf: car boot sale

We were lucky to have a fairly nice afternoon weather-wise, it was lovely to wander around without a coat on.  As I type this, I believe another spell of warm sunshine is due to hit Wales, so let's hope that's happened, so I can share some more summery outfits with you.

A finaly note on Hardy: I have never actually read any, as the stories always seemed a little depressing from the adaptations I caught glimpses of on television.  Am I right?  Or are Hardy's writings worth reading?

Linking up with: #iwillwearwhatilike, Visible Monday, Passion for Fashion