Since returning from our jaunt to England and France, I've been dealing with numerous instances of photo theft, so haven't had time to post about our holiday. Despite the cold and wet weather, it was a lovely and relaxing trip.
In England, David and I stayed in a cozy converted barn filled with vintage delights in Froxfield Green, near Petersfield. The remote hamlet (difficult to get mobile phone reception, which might be a blessing) is filled with charming thatched-roof cottages, a few grand homes, a war memorial and a beautiful Victorian church with sheep grazing amongst the gravestones (more about the church later).
We visited family - including two adorable cherubs - and had lunch with Marie-Claire at a lovely countryside restaurant in Oxford. We toured Jane Austen's house at Chawton and rode historic steam trains (over the course of two days, I got to photograph behind-the-scenes at three steam railway stations). Did I mention that I am mad about steam trains?!
We took long walks in the countryside and had tea in a tiny village. We went shopping in the market towns of Guildford and Petersfield and had the rare luxury of browsing in English bookstores. Back at the barn, I read two entire books (something I don't do nearly enough of these days).
The converted barn where we spent a blissful week. (Click photos to enlarge).
Alas, the weather didn't cooperate for us to enjoy a meal outdoors in this lovely area behind the barn.
An arched willow fence and thatched-roof cottages.
The covered walkway to the Victorian Church of St. Peter on the Green and a graveyard.
A flock of sheep graze by the historic church.
A memorial honouring the men of Froxfield who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. The private residence pictured is across the road.
A wreath of poppies in memory of fallen heroes.
A phone box (with ivy growing inside) and a post box.
Check back this week for posts featuring Jane Austen's writing table; restoration efforts for St. Peter's Church; British Railway's popular steam trains and a quick dash to Montreuil-sur-Mer, France.
Oh, whimper and drool! I'm so jealously happy for you two!!!
Posted by: Natalie | 29 May 2013 at 06:11
What a beautiful place to stay. It does look so peaceful there. Marie-Clare must be all grown up by now. What a treat to spend time with her. How I would love spending time visiting Jane Austen's home and reading two books in one week. It looks like a very special trip.
Posted by: Marilyn | 29 May 2013 at 02:51
Tara, you have provided this Anglophile with much-needed sustenance. It is all so wonderful, your words, the photos and browsing in English bookstores, oh my, I need to catch my breath!
Posted by: Mary H. | 29 May 2013 at 02:02
Oh, Tara -- how idyllic, rain notwithstanding. You did all the things I would do if I was in this wonderful spot. And how lovely to be in a place called anything "Green." It conjures up the most beautiful images -- all realized in your photos!
Cannot wait to see more!
Posted by: jeanie | 28 May 2013 at 21:58