Devon Part 2

Most National Trust properties don't open until at least 10:00am so we tried to visit a place of interest on the way to which ever house we were visiting that day. On the way to Coleton Fishacre we stopped off at Wembury Beach. It was not the sunniest of mornings but still there were lots of people out on surf boards and canoes plus families searching the rock pools. 

Andy said that the little island reminded him of Kirrin Island. although I think it is a little small for that. 

Andy thought this was funny. We're not sure why there is an old lady on the toilet sign.

After a brief stop off at the beach we headed for Coleton Fishacre. 

This was the holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family built in the Arts and Crafts style with viewpoints out to sea. The pretty gardens have meandering paths filled with plants from different parts of the world.  As we entered we could hear music coming from the piano in the saloon which added to the atmosphere. I was sure any minute Bertie Wooster would come down the stairs saying 'Right ho, old thing', as the pianist was playing the theme tune from the 90's TV programme .

Although the house was delightful I found it a sad place after reading about it's history. Lady Dorothy and Rupert D'Oyly Carte weren't happy and after the death of their son lived separate lives, finally divorcing in 1941. So although Lady Dorothy's bedroom was lovely I can imagine she spent many sad lonely nights in it.

Rupert had his own room when he stayed at the house. She eventually remarried and went to live abroad.I can recommend a visit to this house if you are ever in the area followed by lunch or tea in the cafe. The food was delicious!

Still to come- Lydford Gorge, Cotehele, Knighthayes Court, Bigbury on Sea, Totnes and Kingswear but it maybe be a few days before I can write about them.

Devon Part 1

After not having a holiday last year I decided that whatever the finances are we would get away for a few days. I needed a change of scenery and so when I saw that Travelodge had a £10 per room sale I got up early and booked a few nights in Devon a place we had travelled through but never stopped in.

I really wanted to visited Greenway the home of Agatha Christie which open a few years ago. I found out before leaving home that they do not encourage cars to visit the property but to travel to the house via ferry, train or bus. Having never been to Dartmouth we decided to start the journey by parking in Dartmouth and catching the ferry and I am pleased we did as the trip up the estuary was a lovely way to arrive.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth

Taken from the ferry on the way to Greenway

The view from the ferry of of Agatha Christie's Boathouse.

We had lunch on the front lawn at Greenway with it's view over the estuary.  

First things first, coffee and cake.

The cake was served in a huge chunk,

What I loved about the house was it just looks like the family have gone out for a while and left everything lying around. I was told by one of the people working in the house that the family had requested that was how the National Trust were to present the house to the public.

I have read many of Agatha's books over the years but I still couldn't resist buying two more. These are both written using her home and surrounding area as the inspiration for them.

I am off to do some reading now but will be back with another part of our Devon holiday later.

Forgotten 2

Some more photos on my USB that I had forgotten about. Last year we went to this National Trust property That isn't too far away from us.

Bodiam Castle in East Sussex

The castle was having one of it's many themed weekends.

I think it was the one about knights. Check here to find out about this years weekends.

We had coffee before moving on and this cheeky bird kept flying down and looking for food.

My boys having a weekend away last year at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. They go with their dad every year and only come back with photos of cars so I asked Andy to make sure he took a photo of them whilst he was there.

Later on ...

On the way back from Scotney Castle we stopped off for a meal at Sissinghurst. Another lovely garden and somewhere we often stop at when passing for lunch or tea. I felt sorry for the many American tourists attempting to enjoy a walk around the delightful garden.

We had a quick walk round before leaving and I treated myself to a honey pot from the NT shop .

Bank Holiday

The rain has been relentless over the last couple of days This morning I was looking forward to a day lazy day at home with a book, maybe a film. But as ususal OH had other ideas and announced that we should be off out somewhere. "Why should the weather stop us from doing something" he said, "We're British and we are used to Bank Holidays when it all it does is rain". So not wanting to spoil his enthusiasm we set off we went with raincoats, brollies, warm clothes and National Trust Membership for a day out at Scotney Castle.
As you can see from some off the photo's it continued to rain for most off the visit. But we had lovely time in what are said to be one off the most romantic gardens in England.

SCOTNEY CASTLE

Home of the Hussey family since the late 18th century, Scotney Castle was remodelled during the 1830s by Edward Hussey III, who took the Picturesque style as his inspiration. The new house was designed by Anthony Salvin in the 'Old English' style. Atmospheric interiors combine Victorian Revival style with domestic comfort and reflect the lives of successive members of the family, most notably architectural historian Christopher Hussey. The celebrated gardens, designed around the ruins of a 14th-century moated castle, feature spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and kalmia in May and June, wisteria and roses rambling over the ruins in summer, and trees and ferns providing rich colour in autumn. There are fine walks through the estate, with its parkland, woodland, hop farm, and wonderful vistas and views

Bluebirds over...

I went along to the plant sale at the White Cliffs of Dover visitors centre yesterday and brought quite a few plants to brighten up our little garden. Last years purchases are doing well and the members always have a variety of plants I wouldn't necessarily have bought at the local garden centre.
The visitors centre is also a great place to stop for coffee and cake or lunch when on a brisk, bracing, walk across the cliff tops to the South Forleland lighthouse if your ever down this way. Along the way you can see an old wooden shipwreck down on the rocks below the cliffs.

My weekend

We visited my home town in the Midlands this weekend for the first time in nearly 4 years. It looked pretty much the same. In the evening after visiting an elderly relative we went and had dinner with friends we hadn't seen for over 6 years. Every year we exchange Christmas cards and also have the odd chat throughout the year, every time saying we must get together soon. Then a few weeks ago we decided to do something about it and make the 3 hour journey. It was worth the effort and we had a fabulous evening.

We had stopped off at Wimpole Hall on the way home and had a gorgeous meal. I had as some purple sprouting broccoli and Stilton quiche. It wasn't one of the best National Trust properties but a pleasant place to spend a Sunday afternoon.