Summer Road Trip 2017

Cow & Ghost Summer Road Trip 2017

Day 1. 8.8.17

Salisbury. The Cathedral and Mompesson House.

Loved the shop at Mompesson House in Salisbury. Lovely project by the National Trust. When the last owner was restoring the house in the 1950's, he created a sort of bed sit in the old laundry. Wallpaper, curved false ceiling etc are original. After years as a store room, the Trust decided to restore / conserve it. 50's theme. Shelves specially commissioned to look like old larder cupboards and room dividers. A unique project, and it's WOW.

Day 2. 9.8.17

Mottisfont House, Chichester and the Cathedral.

Mottisfont House in Hampshire is beautiful. Set out as it would have been in the 1930's. Walled gardens are beautiful. House is built around the remains of a Priory, so unusual features galore. Tucked in a niche in the garden and all too easy to miss - we did at first - is this magnificent mosaic angel. Created by Russian artist Boris Anrep in 1947 and based on the then owner of the house Maud Russell.

Day 3. 10.8.17

Rye.

A return visit to Rye. It's as lovely as ever. Walking the streets there is like stepping back in time. Something to see at every turn. Added bonus of some rather nice antique shops, and one particularly brilliant vintage shop specialising in mid century items.

 Day 4, 11.8.17

Rye & Winchelsea.

The sun shone. Fantastic circular walk from Rye. Half way point was Winchelsea. What a gem of a town. Very much like Rye. A beautiful church which is well worth visiting. Also a rather nice pub....

Time to revisit Lamb House, home of  E F Benson and pay tribute to Mapp and Lucia.

Day 5. 12.8.17

Scotney Castle & Sissinghurst.

Scotney mansion was lived in until just a few years ago and still has the feeling of a home. Thrilled to spot a Welsh blanket, and loved the vintage kitchen. The ruined castle and garden have a wonderful romantic feel. Thrilled to have an hour to revisit Sissinghurst Castle Gardens afterwards. Hadn't seen it in summer. Home of Vita Sackville-West. Visit led us to watch the BBC film of her novel 'All Passion Spent'. Wonderful.

Day 6. 13.8.17

Looking for Enid.....

A fascinating old hotel in Tunbridge Wells. A recent book says Lord Lucan was hidden there before being smuggled from the country. We didn't see him...
On to Beckenham. A great walk around the town spotting the childhood homes of Enid Blyton. There are several. The family moved a few times. Just two doors away in one case.

Day 7. 14.8.17

West Wycombe Park.

A beautiful yellow house. The BBC have made it home to Lady Ludlow in 'Cranford', and more recently a hospital in the brilliant 'Man In An Orange Shirt'.

Day 8. 15.8.17

Hughenden & Bekenscot

A day of contrasts. Hughenden in the morning. Home of Disraeli. On to Bekenscot Model Village in the afternoon. More Blyton. Model of her now demolished home 'Green Hedges' and the recently rediscovered sundial salvaged from the rubble when the house was pulled down.

Day 9. 16.8.17

Ascott.

Not the races. The country residence of the Rothschild family. A gem to end the holiday on. Can't recommend house and garden highly enough. It really was a case of end on a high and leave them wanting.....

Lots more trips planned for Cow and Ghost though, and one very soon.... :-)