Visiting National Trust's Bourne Mill

On my quest to explore more of my home county, a recent visit was made to Bourne Mill in Colchester. 

Originally built in 1591, it has been used as a fishing lodge, a corn mill, a cloth mill and for private residency before being given to the National trust in 1935.

Sadly they are doing some works on the mill at the moment so access to the second floor wasn't possible, it also meant that due to the works being done the wheel was not in operation which I was a little gutted about.  However that didn't take a way the beauty of the building itself, the pretty cottage style garden and the stunning view across the lake.

It was the building that I was most taken with.  It is so unusual compared to other buildings around and was in actual fact made using materials from other buildings, which explains the miss matched approach that really gives the building its character.

Visiting on a Friday was probably the best decision, it was so peaceful, there were only 2 other people visiting the property.  It allowed plenty of time to sit and soak it all in and it offered the perfect little spot to get lost in my thoughts for a while.

How I have never discovered this little gem before I'm not entirely sure but I'm glad to have visited it now and hope to one day return to see the wheel in action. 

~ Gem x 

 

Paycocke's House & Garden

How I have never visited this place before I will never know.  Coggeshall is absolutely beautiful, I fell in love with it's charm for sure.

For a couple of years now I had come across Paycocke's House online when looking for new places to visit but had never followed through with it and I'll be honest I'm a bit annoyed with myself for not having gone.  It is gorgeous.

It amazed me how different the building was from the front compared to the back, it is literally like two completely different buildings. 

The thing I love most about a National Trust property though is usually the exterior and the garden, this place was no different.  I'm hoping to return later in the year to see the garden when it's displaying all it's pretty flowers.

The house wasn't huge, but there were still plenty of things that caught my eye inside.

And I finally got that cream tea I had been waiting for.

It feels so good to be getting out and seeing places, especially exploring more of what my own county has to offer but then I guess that is always the way, we often ignore what is right on our own doorsteps.

~ Gem x

Dedham & Flatford

Having visited both of these lovely places before, I always get quite excited about the thought of re-visiting just because I know how beautiful they are.  I don't know what it is about these two little villages that draws me back but I'm always taken aback by how quaint and pretty they both are when I return.  It's almost as though I forget just how pretty.

Last Saturday was spent with my parents and boyfriend, celebrating my mum's birthday.  It was a gorgeous and sunny day, so we were not alone when visiting but it didn't spoil it.  Except for the fact that we forgot to book a table at The Rose and so were not able to get an afternoon tea as was originally planned.  Next time I will remember to book. 

We still managed to have a lovey da filled with laughs and quality time spent with one another, definitely something we need to make more time for.

It just goes to show that you don't need to go away to be able to visit beautiful places, they can be right on your doorstep if only you take the time to look.

~ Gem x

Roseberry Topping

I'm determined not to loose my connection with the countryside.  I'm not going to lie, I miss waking up everyday looking out over open fields, but if anything it makes me appreciate it that little bit more when I get opportunities to explore it once again. 

This past week was no exception when I headed up north and took the time to walk up Roseberry Topping. 

I'd heard a lot about it and was keen to check it out for myself but wasn't entirely sure what to expect.  Perhaps this was the best way to go at it. 

From the bottom it appeared to be a steep walk up a rather large hill.  Halfway up my opinion was much the same, but it felt good to be in the fresh air and getting that heart pumping.  From the top, wow, I was blown away.  The view was stunning.

After a short rest we made our way back down the other side and headed out into the moors.

It truly was breathtakingly beautiful and I felt amazing being at one with the countryside once more. 

I'm hoping it won't be much longer till I'm reunited with the country life once again.

~ Gem x

National Trust's Osterley Park

I made the most of my bank holiday Monday this past week by taking my Nan out for the afternoon.  We visited Osterley Park and House, a National Trust property in Isleworth, London

The weather wasn't fantastic but it didn't dampen the spirits.  We decided to check out the gardens to begin with (after tea and cake of course).  If there is one thing I can say about National Trust properties, it is that they know how to maintain incredible gardens.  It was stunning.  The colours were incredible, they seemed to jump out from all over the place.

I dream of one day owning my own garden like this, complete with a flower cutting patch, vegetable garden and standard flower garden that will be left to be admired.

From the gardens we stepped inside the house.  It was huge.  Imagining what it must have been like when it was being lived in, how life must have been like.  It also makes you look at how things in life have changed.

Wandering round it was so lovely spending quality time with my Nan and talking about all sorts of things.

I was really surprised to learn that she had never visited anywhere like this before, it really shocked me.  I guess because I had been to places like this on school trips and then myself and James have visited a fair few since we have been together.  I just assumed that everyone will have been to at least one stately home.  I'm pleased now though that it is something she can say she has done.

I'm already looking forward to the next property we can visit together.

~ Gem x