A castle to ourselves

After visiting THE PETO GARDEN, we drove to Farleigh Hungerford, not far from Iford. It was a lovely evening, the sun was beginning to set and had a lovely orange glow. We parked the car and walked past some lovely houses and then on to a footpath leading up to Farleigh Hungerford Castle which was built in the 14th century and now is owned by English Heritage

Approaching the castle


Looking down onto the houses we had just walked past


We knew that we wouldn't be able to visit the castle as it had gone past closing time but..

...as we approached, the gate was open!


We decided to venture in....


There wasn't a soul in sight, the ticket office was closed. It was just us and the ghosts from the past watching over us. The stories they would tell us if only they could .....



The fact that we had the whole place to ourselves made the experience all the more enjoyable and magical. The sun was setting, the air was still and there was a certain atmosphere about the place.




Not much is left of the castle now


The Lady tower now..


and then..


It is just a shell now.


This is what Farleigh Hungerford Castle once looked like. Full of life, people coming and going.
When I visit these places I often pause and try and imagine what went on and what it looked like then.

A bientôt!

Isabelle x

An ITALIAN garden in WILTSHIRE

Last Sunday, Alan & visited THE PETO GARDEN IFORD MANOR in Wiltshire, not far from Bath.
Alan had been there recently to take some photos of IFORD IN 3D and thought I'd like the area so we both went there this time.
Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for "tranquil visits". This meant no screaming babies or children running around. You could really soak up the atmosphere, it was very peaceful... ;-))


Click on the pictures for more detailed information on Harold Ainsworth Peto and the garden




We began by having tea and cakes in the tea-room garden. Between us we shared a slice of carrot cake, coffee cake and a Victoria sponge...All homemade and tasted delicious!


After our refreshments, we began our walk around the Grade I Italian styled garden. The garden was designed by Harold Ainsworth Peto (architect & designer) and was inspired by Italy and the gardens of ancient Rome.
























There are some lovely views from the garden


Over looking Iford Manor


The Cloister


Opera & jazz festivals are held here















It is strange but you could actually believe that you might be somewhere in Italy rather than Wiltshire, especially on a hot sunny day.










Make a wish...

















After we finished walking around in the garden we explored the tiny village of Iford which is in Somerset. The Iford Manor which is only yards away is over the border in the county of Wiltshire!






A perfect way to spend a peaceful Sunday afternoon.


A bientôt!

Isabelle x