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Castlehill Farm Cottage
Our B&B accommodation - nice! It was turning out to be a true English summer of baby weather - you know, wet and windy - as we set out for a few days in the Peak District. Our modus operandi was to set ourselves up at base in Bakewell and from there we would travel outwards in, say, a 20-mile radius of that area. The national houses of Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall are within that distance so we allocated Saturday and Sunday to make those visits. But first, we had to find our B & B to "set up camp" and we found "Castlehill Farm" without too much trouble at all. We were greeted by our gracious and excellent hostess Christine Kirkwood and our residence for the next two nights was just idyllic. It was a cottage dating back to 1800's (then a working farm) with the most beautiful cottage garden with "all the trimmings" and scents. Our room was, as you would expect in a cottage, cosy and comfortable. We had a lovely cafetiere brought to our room with lemon drizzle cake and blueberry cake and little did we know how good a cook and baker our hostess was! By the time we left
River Wye in Bakewell
There is a bridge over the River Wye - actually a few! Bakewell - we felt like the traditional puddings! Our breakfasts each morning consisted of fruit juice and cereal, fresh fruit salad and baked plums with fromage frais, two full English vegetarian breakfasts (2 eggs, 3 sausages, baked beans, hash browns, mushrooms and tomatoes) which set us up for the day and staved off the hunger pains until at least 9pm each night!
The town of Bakewell (best known for its "pudding" (not "tarts"!)) has lots of cafes/restaurants and bars - so when you visit - you shouldn't go hungry! It is a town full of character and bespoke in its many aspects. It isn't huge so you won't need a map and you'll probably find your bearings inside an hour or so.
On Saturday morning, our hostess pointed us in the direction of Chatsworth (once we were able to move from behind the breakfast table!) It was only about 10 mins drive away and was well sign- posted along the road. The drive up to the house was very impressive and once parked, we made our way to the Courtyard and the main entrance. The home of Lord & Lady Devonshire (see picture) was certainly very welcoming and on
Lumb Cottages
Cottages overlooking the river Wye in Bakewell entering the hallway, gazed on a spectacularly painted ceiling (see picture) with lavish furnishings and lights. We were going to have no difficulty in passing 4 -5 hours touring the house and the wonderful and spacious gardens surrounding it. It continued to pour with rain the whole time we were there but far from dampening our spirits, trekking and splashing about in the rain brought out the 'children in us' and we ran to take shelter in the Rockeries. Huge overhanging rocks gave us shelter from the rain and this turned out to be one of the best memories we had of the day. Of course, the Cascade (see picture) was pretty amazing. It was designed and constructed by Capability Brown (who was the 'architect' behind many features in the aristocratic homes in the past) and was impressive not just in looks but in its engineering aspects.
It seemed that wherever we went in Chatsworth, there was always something to see; something cleverly positioned or hidden from view until we turned a corner or looked from a certain direction. There was a ‘happiness’ and tranquility which pervaded all the various ‘types’ of gardens. (see picture) Even the chaffinches, blue
Chatsworth
View facing out to the cascades tits and finches seemed to sense as this as they congregated around “Flora” one of the statues in a stone shelter at Chatsworth and which kept the visitors amused as they rested on her head and then swooped down to the ground to eat the crumbs left behind by short snacks. The circular pond and hedge (see picture) was very different and, of course, the maze added to our enjoyment. It was quite difficult as it was circular and had also sorts of 'dead ends' which you couldn't see until you arrived up close to them - so just when you thought you were doing well - you soon found otherwise!
I'll remember the scents of Chatsworth which seemed to abound no matter which garden you went into. From herbs, to roses, to fragrant bushes, to honeysuckles - the aromas were equisite. Also, the "squirting willow" (see picture) - a sclupture of a willow tree set in a circular area with a statue of pine behind it. The tree as the name suggests, was a fountain and when we arrived at it, children clad in raincoats and hats were busy running beneath its shower. (This was supposed to be
Cascade
An impressive waterfall down lots of steps a favourite play area of the young Princess Victoria when she visited Chatsworth).
The old Stables, now converted into a Restaurant and shops provided a fitting conclusion to our day’s outing which lasted all of 4.5 hours with some things left unseen.
We returned to Bakewell around 5.30 pm for some coffee in our room before planning the evening ahead and the events which awaited - the tomorrow people - tomorrow!
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