Castles, Coffee and Craven Arms

Rich won the race to the top of the turret through the garden maze.

What a way to wake up...the sound of chickens, pigs, horses and lambs.  Alyssa was in her glory!!!   We started our day with a big English breakfast on Rich’s parents’ farm located in a beautiful area in the countryside called Craven Arms.  The girls were extremely excited to feed the lambs with bottles and to take the ponies out into the yard. 

 
Today was a day I really looked forward to as I have always wanted to go to England to see its countryside, gardens and castles, and that is exactly what we did.  I thought of all my friends who love Downton Abbey as we strolled through the Hampton Court Castle’s luxurious estate and gardens.  It was our lucky day as we ended up getting a private tour which really enhanced our visit.  The 600 year old castle and its grounds were remarkable! I think my favourite room was the library with the secret passage way, floor to ceiling bookshelves and hidden storage for champagne. The ballroom was stunning with an elaborate fireplace, chandeliers and large windows.  You could only imagine the parties and dances that would have been held there.  Interestingly enough this room was also used as a hospital during the 1^st World War.  For those of you with $12 million or more lying around we were told the castle will be going up for sale in the near future.

Strolling through the gardens on such a beautiful day was truly inspiring.  In some ways it made me want to go home and start working on my gardens but then I thought that could wait until next year.  There was a really fun garden maze that led you to a tower with four doors and only one of which would open.  The race was on between Rich and Alyssa to see who could find the door first.  Once we found the door it led to a tower that gave you a great view of the estate.  There was a stairwell that also led you into a basement.  From here it took you through a secret passage way to another garden with a pond and a waterfall that you could walk behind.  It almost felt magical.

The day ended with an amazing home cooked English dinner of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding that Rich’s mom had prepared for us.  It was a great way to end a really fun day!



130 year old Wisteria in the garden

Having a coffee and a snack after the big day.