Cerney House Open Gardens

I discovered Cerney House Gardens back in 2022.  

It is one of my favourite local gardens to visit as it is just a twenty-minute drive from home, and it's like being transported to such a tranquil place.

Originally built in 1675, it has changed hands six times.  From Sir Thomas Rich, to Thomas Tindall in 1765.  Then 1806 John Hooper Holder, a friend of Jane Austen, followed by the Croome family 1814.  1953 De Courcy family owned it, before it's current owners since 1983 being the Angus family. 

Today there are six families living at the house, made up of which has three two-bedroom apartments.  The middle floor has seven bedrooms and the ground floor a mix of reception rooms and a large kitchen where they make the delicious cakes that they sell at The Bothy.   

When I visited, I did not realise they were also open as part of the National Garden Scheme, which raises thousands of pounds for charity.

The garden is made up of different area's.  From a medicinal herb garden, Rose walk, vegetables, scented garden and woodland area.  So there is something for everyone.
 

I visited in the afternoon and sat and waited for a shower to pass through.  I am so glad I did, as I saw the raindrops of the petals and leaves of the flowers looked so lovely.

I can honestly say, that for me personally, in what was my tenth visit, I think this was the best the garden had looked.

There were so many different flowers in bloom, and Rose's. 

It's a shame you can't "smell" the flowers, as honestly this Rose was just perfect, not just from the flower, but the perfume.

I loved this area with the ground cover of various flowers that just look so perfect with the subtle colours against the green leaves.

Isn't this Rose just stunning, I have not seen one like it before and again with the water droplets on it, I think it makes it even more special.

There was also an abundance of butterflies and insects, which is so good to see.

I'm afraid I won't be auditioning for Gardener's World to be able to name all the flowers, but I do still love to take pictures and share them with you.

I also found the perfect spot for some crochet and people and nature watching.

I shall definitely be back as the garden is open 7 days a week except Christmas Day, which is amazing.

You can buy an annual pass as a single person for £20, or a couple £35, or a day ticket is £7.  So I think this is great value for money.

Trip to Hive Beach and West Bay in Dorset.

 

Day two of my break I wanted to leave the van at the campsite and head out for a walk.  

The warden on the site was so helpful and printed off a great clear map, pointing out the landmarks to watch out for.  So off I headed to West Bay. 

I do love noticing the small details, like this sign above someone's front door.

  

It's been quite a while since I last visited a harbour.  

I do find them great places to "people watch" and just take in the views. 

These moveable sauna's seem to be becoming ever increasingly popular.  I mean what a view to enjoy one in!

It is so nice to know that West Bay is still an active working fishing harbour, aswell as for general boats.

 

I will cherish this short time I spent on the coast path watching the magical display of the paraglider's.

Just the sound of the waves below and the peace and calm of them flying above was truly magical. 

I did of course find a lovely little spot to sit and do a little crochet.  

Although not for long as it was rather warm!

It was very warm, so it was only right I treated myself to an ice cream I felt!

I then walked back to Hive beach and just sat and enjoyed the early evening views.

 

I finished a square I was working on.

 

 

So I moved on to some socks I was working on.  I mean you must always have a project on the go! 

I was really happy when I looked at my Strava to see how far I had walked.

 

It has been a long time since I walked this distance and loved every minute of it. 

 I did treat myself to one beautiful print which was just perfect in so many ways. 

 

It now has pride of place in my bedroom, along with a unique picture I brought back from my last visit to Yarndale in Skipton.

Ashton Under HIll Open Gardens

I first visit Ashton Under HIll Open Gardens back in 2022.  

The event that has now been running for 46 years including this year.

This year there were 23 different gardens of varying sizes to view.

Intially I took myself off up a lovely country lane to explore. I came across this incredible view overlooking miles and miles of unspoilt countryside. Sometimes it is nice to just enjoy the moment.

I then viewed around ten of the gardens open and focused on two to share.

 

 

The first garden I viewed the owners had only been there for four years, but you would not believe it based on the transformation of the space.

 

 

The entrance from the front itself was very different to many bungalows you see.

 

The owners had shared fascinating information about the progress of the garden work that had been and is still ongoing with work being carried out.

 

 

This was the amazing view from the bottom of the garden and the owner said it was the reason they bought the property was due to the view.

By contrast the other property I focused on, again new to be shown this year, was Old Manor Farm which dated back to 1600's.

 

I just loved the child-friendly touches dotted around the garden along with the whimsical additions of the mirrors on the wall and the metalwork houses and church, as I do so love extra additions to the garden.

I then carried on past the last house that was available to view and came across the very quaint thatched cottage and another amazing view through a hedge in the farmer's field and beyond.

 

Another landmark for the village is the church which dates back to 1624.  Inside they had created a display showing the gardens through the decades and the events that had happened during the 45 years the open garden scheme had been running.

 

I also loved seeing the crafts that the local craft group who meet weekly had made. 

The covering of the war memorial was something special with the different flowers that had been added.

 

I do love spotting the small details like the cute doll sitting on top of the sign.  The vivid red poppies against the Cotswold stone wall and I enjoyed coming across a new pond I never knew was there right by the church.

I have to say walking around this village and many other small Cotswold villages I have walked around the current book I am reading The Telephone Box Library by Rachael Lucas which is set in a Cotswold small village is so apt.

I am also slowly working my way through and reading all the Agatha Raisin books of which there are currently 36 in the series! which again is based here in the Cotswolds.

When I was visiting the first house a friend of the owner was sharing pottery she makes Luna Pots Ceramics.  I am so glad I bought my perfect little vase as she unfortunately does not have hardly any only presence to be able to purchase her wears, so I shall treasure my perfectly coordinated pottery to my yarn creations.