I spent a bit of time yesterday in the North Cotswolds, exploringan area of the country only a short drive from home but which I don’t often go to.
I first went to Stow-on the-Wold and found a nice little cafe in a side street where I stopped for lunch (only a sausage bap but enough to keep me going).
Then I went to Chastleton House, a National Trust property about half way between Stow, Moreton and Chipping Norton.
Chastleton was like a slice of history as the house has been largely unchanged for 400 years – and inside they have tried to present it as it was found, rather than repair and make new. I particularly enjoyed looking through the old newspapers and magazines inside. The floorboards upstairs creaked and were uneaven. It felt homely, and authentic.
It was not at all like a large stately home, which it never was – because although it was passed down through 17 members of the same family – 15 generations (some sideways moved as it passed from cousin to cousin), the original owner was the first and last member of the family to have any money.
Outside I enjoyed walking through the gardens, and meeting a very happy, chatty cat who sat in prime position, awaiting a fuss from anyone passing. There was also a “help yourself” tearoom (mix your own tea, coffee or hot chocolate; help yourself to a pack of biscuits – pay using the honesty box or by card at the front desk).
Some photos from my afternoon in the Cotswolds are below.
FH.
