Saturday, October 10, 2009

Wandering the grounds of the English Inn


Here we are again in the beautiful gardens of the Englsh Inn. They have an exact replica of Anne Hathaways cottage that is the most charming little structure I've seen in a very long time.



 The flower beds were over-grown and needed a wee bit of attention, but I think that added to the over all enchantment of the grounds. The colors were amazing what with the leaves turning and the boxwood dressed in bright yellow and orange. You can see a peek of them in the picture below and two more down.


The cottage roof needed a bit of repair work as some of the thatching was missing and I wondered how many birds have stopped there to pick up some home improvements for their own nests.

 


Looking out from the garden to the buildings beyond.

 
 Hubby stopped to examine the construction of the crude Medieval chairs that were surprisingly comfortable. He actually preferred these to the chairs in the restaurant we had eaten in the day before...hmmm.


Oh look! Could it be?
Is that the lamp the leads to Spare Ooom and the lands beyond the Wardrobe?
The gardens and grounds did have a magical feel about them.
Almost as if we were there.

 

The trees adorned in their autumn colors.


The Village of Shakespeare was all but abandoned.
Not a soul in sight.

 

One morning hubby and I decided to have breakfast in the sunken garden. We wandered through the path and down the stone steps that led to the garden follie at the heart of the garden. Strolling across the lawn something caught my eye. When I turned to look he was about four feet away and staring right at me. Mind you, I've been attacked by a deer before so what do I do? I stop...say hello...and back out of the garden ever so quietly. He stood as silent as a statue the entire time we ate. Hubby offered him a peice of his bannana, but he just sniffed it and went back to standing watch over his beautiful garden so we left him in peace and went about our way.

There are so many pictures of the grounds that I'd like to share with you, but there were other places we visited and other garden to share...like Hatley Park...that I believe was my favorite so I'll share it next...
until then, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Oh Ellen B., have you been to Hatley Park?
You may need to go visit it very soon :-).

14 comments:

Seawashed said...

It is all so magical. Ann Hathaways cottage looks just like the one I have in a card. That pic you got of the deer is so regal, great shot! I think hubby and I will have to go someday...I've never been in gardens like that.

ellen b. said...

I have never been to Hatley Park Cori G! But now I have something new to look forward to. This looks like a great spot to stay. I return to the great Northwest on November 14th and stay all the way till January 3rd...yikes.

pam said...

Oh Cori...so much beauty...thank you for sharing with us! Seems almost magical...I bet there would have been a wardrobe somewhere.

Elena_Valeriote said...

What beautiful colors... I'd love to visit. English inns are just so... enchanting.

Deborah said...

Oh so lovely. It does look like a great place to shop for supplies if you are a bird. The deer! What a wonderful trip you had.
**blows kisses** Deb

Moorea said...

Just beautiful pictures Cori! What a delightful trip- it seems as if you were visiting an old friend. Love the pictures. What is it that Mr. Robert Ferrars told Elinor Dashwood "I love a cottage. If I had any extra money I would build myself one." A cottage is my dream home! thanks for the pics.

Andrea said...

Cori, hello! Sorry I've been out of touch.

What a lovely, lovely trip for you and your hubby. It's all so beautiful! It does look magical!

I look forward to seeing more pics. Loved those.

Take care, and God bless.

Love,

Andrea

Cottage Rose said...

Hi Cori; What gorgeous photos... I love those beautiful little cottages, and the one with the Deer,, just amazing,, and you were attacked by one that must have be very scary... I would love to be able to live in a home like those... thanks for sharing them with us... have a lovely weekend.

Hugs;
Alaura

Lost Aussie said...

Lovely pictures, looks like you had a grand time!

Just A Girl said...

Hi Ladies,
Thank you all for the lovely comments. It was such a beautiful place to visit and it reminded me of just how much our Lord loves us...that He would create such beauty for us to enjoy.

God bless,

Cori

magnoliaamber said...

Lamb beyond the wardrobe. How wonderful...Your blog is full of beautiful stuff!

Sher said...

What a magical, beautiful place! I would love to live in such a cottage, and wake up in the morning to see such lush beauty:)

Anonymous said...

oooohhh my goodness, i am breathless. I cannot believe anne hathaway's cottage! its so perfect! and the colors of the fall garden! and the very light, its true it does seem to be diffused with magic! i love love love the little thatched roof! ok the big thatched roof! did you bring home a leaf to press ms lovely cori g?
...and what happened with the deer attack story? holy crows!

XOXOXOX Thanks for this little vacation....XOXOX Rhonda Rooty Toot Rooty Roo

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Looks like you and hubby had a wonderful trip! The inn and cottages and gardens look so beautiful. I'm sure the ferry rides to the islands were fun too!

Cori, never feel bad about not visiting my blog ..I know life gets busy sometimes! When I got back from your vacation it took me a long time to get into the swing of the daily routine again.

I'm always glad whenever you get a chance to check in say hello and and catch up!

{{{ Hugs}}}} Pat