The House is a beautiful classical style set in lovely grounds.
Each course will have a volunteer Hostesses - in this case Chris Klempau and Mary Clarke from West Kent, who smoothed away any problems that might occur, and gave us our room pass keys, name tags and room destinations
Inside there is a wonderful staircase in this lovely country house
and outside across the grass is the state of the art teaching centre.
The grounds are well tended and a delight with flowers and trees which must have been here for many many years.
The entrance hall is big enough to sit and relax in.
This plant had us all spellbound, and the gardener was asked many times for its name
Those undertaking the Great British Baking Course must have thought they had gone to Kitchen Heaven. Not only did they have their own 'cook station' with, fridge, cooker, hob, microwave, knives, chopping boards etc, but - like a TV chef - the ingredients came ready measured! Admittedly sinks and washing up had to be shared one between two, but is not much of an imposition. There were hands on sessions for soups, meat dishes, desserts, cakes and pasties and there was also a freezing facility to freeze the cooked items to take home. 
Sneaking in to take photographs, the Chelsea buns and scones were already in bags, and by the way, you are never to old to learn. The oldest lady on this course was 90! She said she did learn a lot, but might not do it all when she got home!(see separate part 2)
