Kemi Badenoch MP recently visited Talliston House and Gardens in Dunmow, a historic house created by local resident John Trevillian, in celebration of English Tourism Week. Mrs Badenoch was joined by local Uttlesford District councillor John Davey.
Talliston was a 25-year project that took an originally a three-bedroom, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex and transformed it, room by room, into what has been described as ‘Britain’s most extraordinary home’. In total 138 craftsmen worked on the house, all coming from within a 50-mile radius.
On the last weekend of every month, Talliston offers a two-hour tour of the rooms and gardens, followed by refreshments. Visitors can also book afternoon tea in the Victorian living room, candlelit supper in the Victorian watchtower, or even sleep in one of Talliston’s extraordinary, themed rooms: a Scottish Edwardian bedroom, Moorish bedchamber or Canadian log cabin.
The creativity of Talliston also extends beyond the building, with a fantasy novel set inside the house and gardens. It follows the adventures of a thirteen-year-old boy who gets trapped within a labyrinth protecting the last magical places on earth.
John Trevellian gave Mrs Badenoch a tour of the house and gardens, and the two discussed the opportunities and challenges of running an independent tourist attraction.
Residents can find out more about the story behind Talliston, and how to visit by going to www.talliston.com
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
“From its captivating, themed rooms to its meticulously curated gardens, the house is a testament to the creativity and dedication of its owner, John.
“Like many other attractions in our constituency, it brings visitors from far and wide, supporting our local economy and encouraging people to visit our towns and villages."
