Burston Village

Sunday 7th September 2015

After yesterday's warm sunshine, it was a bit more overcast today, so we walked down the lane to Burston village where a row of terraced cottages overlook a picturesque pool.

I was reminded of the time working in Stone as an estate agent in the late 1980's, we were selling one of these cottages in an auction. It needed a full updating and had no mains drainage so would have needed a cesspit installing which would have meant getting permits etc.

 One of these cottages I didn't sell despite my best efforts

 Burston village pool

It didn't reach the reserve at auction and there was a conversation afterwards with an interested party.

I can't remember the exact figures now, but I think they could have picked it up for under 3,000 pounds 😯

I remember thinking at the time what a bargain and wishing I could have bought it, but I just bought a house that needed doing up and that was soaking up all my money.

It'd probably fetch +220k now, ah well.

It was an enjoyable short weekend getaway and I'll definitely return to the Greyhound Pub camping field. 

Shugborough Hall & Burston

 

Saturday 6th September 2025

After a few days of much needed rain for the gardens, the weekend weather forecast looked much drier so I decided to have a run out and revisit a favorite and try a new overnight parking spot.

So it was off to Shugborough Hall and a walk around the parks and gardens which are dog friendly.

We walked down to Essex Bridge and the pavilion, the Doric Temple, Cat Monument, the Walled Garden and a few other sites before heading back to Ed for lunch.

Walled Garden

Walled Garden

Essex Bridge

Next stop was the Dog and Doublet at Sandon, not for beer though this time.

I parked opposite and walked up the lane to the grade 1 listed 12th century Sandon Church which is a very pretty church in a rather isolated position though, high above the surrounding countryside and with fantastic views to the south.

Sandon Church Graveyard with a view

A little further up brings you to Trentham Tower.

Trentham Tower - in the distance

 

This stood on top of Trentham Hall, built in 1840 with designs by Sir Charles Barrie. 

The Hall fell into dissuse and was finally demolished in 1910 - 12.

The tower though was dismantled and rebuilt in the grounds of Sandon Hall at a cost of 192 pounds and 7 shillings. 

It was a bit of a folly I think as it didn't seem to serve any purpose, it just looked good on the highest part of the Sandon Estate.

It's on private land so you you can't get too close, but if you stand on tip toes and squint, you can see it through the trees.

My parkup for tonight is a camping field behind the Greyhound Pub at Burston.

It's a great spot, very peaceful, good views and the facilities of a nice country pub if you need them.

All for 10 pounds per night, great value.