If you go down to the woods.......

Taking a short break from writing about San Diego to tell you about our adventure today. Whilst looking at the National Trust site earlier in the week, I noticed a new property. One you had to book in advance for as they limited the number of visitors. Ooh I thought, something to do at the week end. Apparently you had to book first, and then they email you instructions on how to get there. All quite mysterious! So I booked and off we went this morning. Nothing like an adventure to start your week end. We had received our email, and luckily found our destination without too much trouble. We had to park and wait for a mini bus to come and collect us. We didn't have to wait long, and were soon on our way down the road to Stoneywell. Built as a summer home by Arts and Crafts architect-designer Ernest Gimson for his brother Sydney, Stoneywell zigzags from its rocky outcrop, amid rhododendrons and heather. Every turn conjures childhood memories of holiday excitement, dashing down the winding steps –– one way to the fort, the other to the woods beyond. The house is a marvel, built into the side of a hill. Its built on several levels with steep stairways leading up to each level. Each room was an unusual shape, quirky and like something a hobbit would live in. The house was a family home and lived in till only 2 years ago. How lucky to live somewhere like this, its fabulous. After exploring the house, we headed back to the stables for a drink in the tea room. It was quite chilly outside and a hot chocolate was most welcome. I have to say tho that the current tea room is way too small, and they are so not geared up for potential crowds. There were quite a few people there today, so imagine what it will be like in the summer. So unless they are keeping the number of visitors to a minimum, the tea room is going to be over run. 

After a hot drink, we headed to the woods and had a nice long walk in search of those elusive teddy bears and the picnic goodies.....

If you go down to the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better go in disguise!

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain,
Because today's the day the
Teddy Bears have their picnic.

Possibly our singing scared the bears off.....who knows! The walk through the woods took us over 2 little bridges and across a ravine.....Paul tried to convince me it was just a ditch.....I know better!  From the woods, we walked around the garden, and a couple of hours later we bid a find farewell to the lovely house. The bus took us back to the car park. We decided to stop and have some lunch at the Flagstaff, a platter of starters to share...yum yum, all washed down with Stella. Good times!

Lastly, we went to Breedon Priory to look around the antiques fair. Nice end to the afternoon. Its been a fun day, it was almost spring like, a part from being rather chilly! But it was lovely to be outside, and the woods were beautiful, so quiet and peaceful today. Indeed a place to collect your thoughts and count the daffodils!