autofantasia's photos with the keyword: mansion

For this week's Sunday Challenge , for which we were asked to find an S-curve . We were told if we were really struggling we could simply photograph the letter S , but ideally we were to find something that resembled the S-curve . Sounded straightforward, but when it came to getting a suitable subject like many I found it to be a more difficult challenge than it first appeared. In the end I managed to come up with a couple, both taken this week at Newby Hall in North Yorkshire. This ornate bit of stonework was found on a wall within the grounds, whilst the one in the Notes is of a Willow tree that I noticed had a bizarre S-like twist to the trunk. Apologies for the late posting and being behind with comments, but the Bank Holiday weekend has been very busy ... so a big thank you to Chris for keeping the 'door' open so that I could still post an entry this week!

Another one taken recently at Newby Hall in North Yorkshire. I was admiring one of the many large conifers when I spotted this intruder, which appeared to have spotted an opportunity to take up residence in the upper canopy. Ran it through the 'processing room' to try and emphasise the small, but beautiful stowaway, which I hope you'll enjoy seeing as much as I did. Please view on black for best effect.

Some hosta plants as encountered recently at Newby Hall in North Yorkshire. I liked the unexpected and random addition of the solitary pink petal. Please view on black for best effect.

Created from 10 individual shots and merged together in Photoshop. This is Kiplin Hall , in North Yorkshire, an intriguing Jacobean house. It was built for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and founder of Maryland, USA. Since it was built way back in 1619, the house has belonged to four fascinating families, connected by blood or marriage, and some of the former owners even had royal connections. The last owner was Bridget Talbot who from 1937 until 1958 tried to interest the National Trust in taking over Kiplin, but they remained largely indifferent, considering the Hall of little historical significance and insisting that the north and south wings, which were later additions, would have to be demolished - something Miss Talbot was very much against. Then in February 1968, Miss Talbot set up the Kiplin Hall Trust, its purpose being to preserve Kiplin Hall for the benefit of the nation as a place historical and architectural interest. Bridget Talbot died in November 1971, leaving the contents of the Hall to the Trust, which still cares for the Hall and the surrounding estate today. Please view on black for best effect.

Taken at Beningbrough Hall, a large Georgian mansion which is near the village of Beningbrough, North Yorkshire. The building, now owned by the National Trust, is around 300 years old and overlooks the River Ouse. This rusted artwork was spotted on an old lawn roller leaning up against the outer wall of the main gardens. It was located within the centre of the handle no doubt to add strength as well as beauty. Sadly, time has taken its toll on the metalwork.