South Smailsburn Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

South Smailsburn Plantation

Slope descending from Long Hill The view is from a cairn, west from the high point of the moorland summit, Long Hill. Beyond, the sunlit ground is on the far side of Rook Hope and most distant are Fendrith Hill and Chapel Fell, seen across both Rook Hope and Weardale. — Slope descending from Long Hill Credit: Trevor Littlewood

South Smailsburn Plantation is a historic estate located in Durham, England, specifically in the Wood area of the Forest district. Situated amidst picturesque surroundings, the plantation occupies a vast area of land known for its lush greenery and tranquil ambiance. The estate is renowned for its rich history and architectural significance.

The plantation dates back to the 18th century when it was established by a wealthy landowner. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations and expansions, resulting in the splendid estate we see today. The main house, a striking Georgian-style mansion, stands as the centerpiece of the plantation. Its grandeur and elegant design showcase the wealth and status of its former owners.

Surrounding the main house are beautifully landscaped gardens, dotted with vibrant flowerbeds and ancient trees. The gardens offer a serene retreat for visitors, providing a perfect setting for leisurely walks or peaceful picnics. Additionally, the estate features a well-maintained lake, adding to its natural charm.

South Smailsburn Plantation has also played a significant role in the local community. In the past, it served as a hub for agricultural activities, housing various farm buildings and barns. Today, some of these structures have been repurposed into museums and exhibition spaces, displaying artifacts and information about the estate's history and its impact on the region.

Visitors to South Smailsburn Plantation can explore the grounds, take guided tours of the house, and enjoy the tranquility of the gardens. The estate serves as a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the past while providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city life of Durham.

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South Smailsburn Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.76868/-2.0900708 or Grid Reference NY9441. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Slope descending from Long Hill

The view is from a cairn, west from the high point of the moorland summit, Long Hill. Beyond, the sunlit ground is on the far side of Rook Hope and most distant are Fendrith Hill and Chapel Fell, seen across both Rook Hope and Weardale.

Trevor Littlewood

Trig point on Crow Coal Hill - 2

The trig point, (flush bracket number S6627), with the hollow of the valley of Stanhope Burn beyond. The rather undistinguished high ground on the skyline is Horseshoe Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

High Brandon

High Brandon has the appearance of being a terrace of several homes but according to an offer for sale in 2011 (at £450 000), it's a single house with an attached cottage. It sits high on the eastern slope of the valley of Rook Hope and is described as a "Traditional dales long house".

Trevor Littlewood

The now closed and derelict Church of St John at Rookhope

Viewed from the south-west. A notice within the porch of the church indicates how the contents were dispersed upon closure in 2014. One can hope that it will find a new use as a dwelling.

Peter Wood

Road between Rookhope and Eastgate

Clive Nicholson

Horses grazing in a buttercup meadow south of Rookhope

Mike Quinn

Boundary wall near Crow's Cleugh

Andrew Curtis

Eastern slope of Long Law

The slope is descending into the drainage regime of the Stanhope Burn. The flat-topped moorland on the central skyline is Horseshoe Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Multiple tracks on East Slate Quarry Hill

The tracks have been formed by years of passage by vehicles, mainly quad bikes but also perhaps, occasional tractors.

Trevor Littlewood

Snow on slope north of Long Hill

Fresh snow lying on the north side of Long Hill with Long Law in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Bolt's Burn Ford

This ford is found at Bolt's Burn near Rook Hope. A video of the ford can be seen at: Link

John Walton

Church House Farm Ford

This irish bridge ford is found on the driveway to Church House Farm.

John Walton

Sheepfold, Stanhope Common

brian clark

Reahope Moor

brian clark

A consequence of freezing rain

Freezing rain had been forecast to fall during 15 December 2018; it did and this is the result. Ordinary liquid rain falls landing on surfaces below freezing point; the rain then freezes. On fairly level surfaces such as paths and roads the result can then be a sheet of ice, and that's the situation here, the ice persisting even two days later. To make progress on foot over the paths and roads was extremely awkward and an alternative walking route had to be used than that planned.

Trevor Littlewood

Alpacas above Rookhope village

A small group of alpacas in a field to the east of Rookhope in the valley, Rook Hope. They are on the line of a public footpath recently used by a walking party.

Trevor Littlewood