An estate in decline

Calke Abbey was one of the most amazing country homes I have ever visited. The slow decline of this grand family estate is played out in each room of this impressive crumbling residence. The collections that it contains are astounding and the disrepair of the buildings charming.

Staying with friends

 

On an adventure as long as ours it was so important for us to stop somewhere for a substantial amount of time to prevent travel weariness. It was such a joy to stay with friends for a week in Birmingham. 

We got to sleep in a normal house, eat home cooked meals and even watch some trashy tv! But most of all we were able to catch up with our friends and experience their life on the other side of the globe. Not only did we relax around the house but the four of us ventured out of Brummie country with a trip to gorgeous green Oxford and the art deco delights of Liverpool.

Wiltshire and Dorset

We did a quick run up through glorious countryside to Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge as even though Ad is English he had never visited this mysterious rock formation. This took us unexpectedly via a pub for the night where we played 'Rock n Roll' bingo!

Then it was on to Dorset where we had a grand time visiting Ad's Uncle and his family and experienced the most beautiful sunny weather.

 

Charleston House

Charleston House was a must visit on our adventure through Sussex. Visiting this amazing property set among green fields, miles from anywhere was magical. In 1916 Charleston House became the home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and was a meeting place for the Bloomsbury Group.  The house is full the Bloomsbury Group's visitors and residents artistic endeavours but unfortunately there is no photography allowed inside so here is a taste of the glorious garden...

Rye

The beautiful medieval town of Rye is perfectly English. We stayed on cobbled Mermaid Street, ate scones, had a beer at the pub and rummaged through the antique stores.

Brighton

Brighton is fabulous! Ad and I had perfect weather (for England) and loved the vibe of this town and the little maze of backstreets full of exciting places to discover.

Ad had a lesson in how to construct a deck chair from two very helpful older women and then we sat in our blue and white striped chairs on Brighton Pier eating Brighton Rock admiring the pebbly beach.

It is a perfect distance from London and I think it would become my favourite seaside getaway if I ever lived in England.