Guest Post - Fancy House & Gardens

Hi all!  Luther here.  Mum and dad have finally taken me on an adventure worthy of sharing with you, my loyal readers.  Please don't blame me for the lack of adventure in my life lately.  If only they'd let me take the bus by myself....

Spring tends to be on again, off again here in England from what I can tell.  And today happened to be mostly on again so mum decided it was a good day for an adventure.  Dad has been working really hard lately, but it seems to be paying off.  But because of all his hard work, it's been hard to plan outings for the weekends.  He had now turned in his 1st year review paper and given his presentation at Oxford, so off we went. 

Mum and dad renewed their Historic Scotland membership because we used it so much last year and we get to go to sites managed by English Heritage for free.  Mum found this place on the site and found out that we could get to it pretty easily - so that's what we did.  

So two buses later, we started walking to Audley End House & Gardens.  It is about 1.5 miles from the bus stop - but since we're so used to walking, we didn't mind.  When we got to the property, mum and dad kept saying something about how they felt like they were at Downton Abbey - whatever that is.  I just kept thinking - look at all the grass and the water and the birds.  THIS PLACE IS GREAT!  If only I could run around properly.  But - stupid rules said I had to stay on leash.

Bus 1

Bus 2

We saw this door on our walk to the property.  I bet it leads to a secret garden full of lots of squirrels. 

It was lunch time when we got to the property, so we headed over to the cafe to grab some sandwiches.  After lunch, we walked through the kitchen garden which supplies the property with organic fruits and veggies.  I wasn't that interested because there weren't any chickens.  Chicken - yum!  Salad - I'll pass.

On our way to the cafe we stopped by the stables so that dad could practice to become a 'fine English gentleman'.  Whatever that means.

Apple trees 

Then, before heading to the house, we strolled through some of the other gardens.  

I wasn't allowed in the house but mum told me that it has been restored to look like it would have in its prime.  Because I'm not allowed, dad and I went to watch a cricket match while mum explored.  Then they switched.  I don't understand cricket - but if you get to play it in places like this, then sign me up!

After we got tired of cricket (which didn't take long), we wandered to the back of the property where there is a temple and a lovely view of the house.

On our way out, we learned a bit about life 'under the stairs' - the dairy, laundry and kitchen.  Nothing big to share here.

And then we headed home.  It was a great day.  I am now sufficiently tuckered out and I think it's time for bed.

Thanks for reading!

Luther x