Toad Hollow Photography

We continue our adventure of exploring the Hatley Park Castle today, and today we take a look at some interesting features of the site and facility.  Nestled in some nooks and crannies, we find these wonderful items…  they require you to look for them, but once found they present a wonderful opportunity to capture an image.

This honey colored doorway presented such a striking subject, Mrs. Toad noticed right away this was something special that need some special attention.  We hopped right to the opportunity.  The stonework of the castle is truly amazing, it’s rich in textures and details.  But the real star of this image is the vine that envelopes the doorway.  It produced such an interesting dichotomy being part of a regal and noble castle, but it also added a sense of creepiness, like Count Dracula himself awaits behind this entrance….

We find another beautiful original doorway hidden in another alcove of the castle.  The day we visited, the castle was locked up tight so we weren’t able to get in.  This doorway, more than any other, produced such a strong sense of curiosity in me that had to go unfulfilled.  Does it lead up the tower?  Undoubtedly it does.  The view from atop the tower would most definitely overlook the ocean so it has to be absolutely breathtaking.  I guess this is one of those times where the imagination needs to suffice.

This bench was so incredibly beautiful, I just had to stop to capture it to share with everyone.  During my period of research I found some old pictures of the ladies of the manor enjoying the yard and gardens, and I could literally see them sitting on this bench in the spring enjoying each others company and remarking on the beauty of the surrounding gardens.  The textures of the wood and metal arms of the bench were such wonderful elements, and they really pop out at the viewer here.  You may also notice the reflection of the building across the lot from the castle in the front window.  It’s strange to find this historical castle situated in the middle of a big park, but also now surrounded by buildings that provide the services of the college.  It was a bit of stark contrast, to be sure.

We really hope you are enjoying this continuing series, please pop by tomorrow as we have much more to share!  Also, please feel free to leave a comment, we really do love to hear from everyone.