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Tea and sweet music | Leith Hill Place

Scones piping hot from a 1930s Aga, the tinkling of ivories and stunning views of the rolling Surrey Hills is the perfect recipe for a relaxing day out.

Tea with a view!

I had a very musical outing at the home of composer Ralph Vaughn Williams, Leith Hill Place in Surrey. I only discovered this special place fairly recently and I am so glad I did. The house is run by the National Trust but it is still quite a small operation. While the house is quite rough around the edges compared with other National Trust properties, it feels more alive than some other stuffy stately homes. 

The house's musical tradition is kept alive by having pianos everywhere! Not only can you see Vaughn Williams's piano but visitors are also serenaded by fantastic pianists on the grand in the drawing room. Moreover, there are plenty of other pianos dotted around the house so I couldn't resist having a little play. What I love is that all the visitors get involved so you needn't feel bad at your amateur attempts!

The house comes alive not only with the sounds of music but also the sweet aroma of baking. Instead of a commercial tearoom, refreshments are provided by volunteers. The lovely sign in the kitchen sums up their philosophy:

Recipe for a Leith Hill Place Cream Tea

  1. Fire up the original 1930s Aga.
  2. Take 1 talented volunteer baker.
  3. Add the fresh, quality ingredients.
  4. Mix in 1 friendly kitchen helper.
  5. Choose your homemade cake or scone.
  6. Make your kind donation.
  7. Enjoy your tea. 
The cakes and scones on offer are British classics. I  and my companions took a hot cheese scone, a slice of Victoria sponge and a slice of coffee cake. After giving our donation, we savoured our magnificent tea on the terrace outside the house. The view is absolutely breathtaking and you would have no idea that you were near a town.
View from the house
Leith Hill Place has become one of my new favourite places. You can't ask for much more that beautiful music, tasty cake and fantastic scenery. 

If you are not familiar with Vaughn Williams's work, this piece is lovely. It's a Christmas song but I still listen to it at other times of the year!





  
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