13 December 2014 - Trip: Cotehele House (NT) & the Christmas Garland

Synopsis: At last I make a long intended trip to Cotehele House with Mum to see their Christmas garland. A glorious sunny day was perfect for the drive over Dartmoor to our destination. Busy, busy, busy!

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Thumbnails)

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

I thought Cotehele House might be busy today, and no mistaking, it was certainly that. When we arrived at Cotehele we were directed to the overflow car park. The overflow car park seems to have been recently extended, and it was a good thing too, since that was where we were directed.

Anyway, reverse a little, to the start of our trip. I asked Mum if she’d fancy a trip out to a National Trust property. I suggested Cotehele House, since we could combine this with a drive over Dartmoor, always lovely at this time of year, and especially so on a gorgeous sunny day like today. Mum said she’d like that, so off we set. We made our way towards Moretonhampstead which would take us on a route right across the middle of the moor.

The reason I particularly like Dartmoor during early winter, is that the bracken is turned a lovely golden brown as it dies back. This combined with the acute rays of the winter sun creating a stark light that makes for a very dramatic scene. An itch to be out there walking across the moor came over me, but that would have to wait for another day.

On our final approach to Cotehele House, about 3 miles from our destination, my SatNav chose to take me down some pretty narrow lanes. In hindsight, although this got me there without hitch, there is a less tortuous route that I would recommend when approaching Cotehele from Tavistock, rather than that directed by a SatNav. I suggest entering the co-ordinates 50.5164254,-4.2649064, at which point there is to be found a brown tourist attraction sign that provides direction to Cotehele House.

Cotehele House (NT) - the Great Hall - the Christmas Garland

On reaching Cotehele House we were part of a constant stream of cars, which was rather ominous. Walking towards the house we paused to look into the Barn Restaurant. It was very busy, so we opted to postpone lunch till later. We headed towards the Great Hall. So this is it, the celebrated Christmas garland. As Christmas approaches it is glorious to see so many flowers; it could be summer all over. It wasn’t easy to photograph as shafts of strong sunlight, as much welcome as it was, created a lot of contrast.

Cotehele House (NT) - the Great Hall - Mum & me under the mistletoe

 

 

A secondary garland was draped around a doorway which I had noticed was being used by many as a photo opportunity. After having taken a photo of Mum someone kindly offered to take our photo, so after a little camera instruction, this photo of us both was captured. Mum and me, under the mistletoe in the Great Hall of Cotehele House.

 

 

Cotehele House (NT) - entrance to house

 

 

The sun was just skimming the top of Cotehele and sinking fast as the day drew on. We took a little time for a short walk around the gardens of Cotehele House. This photo shows what is now the front entrance of the house, looking out on a terraced garden, with views to the Tamar Valley in the distance.

Cotehele House (NT) - view to valley of the River Tamar and the Calstock railway viaduct with Cotehele dovecot in the foreground

 

And here we saw in the foreground the dovecot that sits just below the terraced front garden. And in the distance, spanning the Tamar Valley, is the Calstock Viaduct. Mum and I crossed this viaduct on the train to Calstock when last we visited Cotehele House in 2011 (see my blog post: ‘01 October 2011 – Trip: Cotehele House (NT) (Walk from Calstock rail station: 1.8 Miles)’). It’s a relatively short walk form Calstock to Cotehele House, although there are inclines to be negotiated at each end, both in Calstock and at Cotehele House.

So, that was our little outing to Cotehele House to view their Christmas garland. A lovely relaxing way to spend a day.

A little background reading that might be of interest: the story ‘Behind the scenes at Cotehele’ tells of the preparations that took place to create the Christmas garland this year, complete with a video that shows the work in progress. Followed by ’Cotehele reveals its 60ft garland’ which shows the final touches being applied to the 60ft (no metric measurements here, if you please) garland, containing no less than 36,160 flowers. It is a spectacular display.

19 November 2014 – A Hijacked Birthday!

Synopsis: Bears, monkeys, marmalade sandwiches and toilets. Today has it all. Another year older and still the adventure continues.

Perhaps one wouldn’t think a birthday could be hijacked, but that is what I feel has happened to my birthday today. Why do I say that? Well, the reason is this.

I have learned that today, in addition to being my birthday, is also World Toilet Day. Upon having come to terms with the surprise at there being such a thing, my initial reaction was one of not being too enamoured with ‘my day’ being labelled World Toilet Day. But, reading on, I discovered that this is an important issue for so many (2.5 billion people), that it deserves the attention it is getting, and should make all of us lucky enough to have our own toilet grateful for this simple creature comfort that we so often take for granted.

Anyway, this is my simple but highly convenient convenience, for which I am truly grateful:

My toilet

On another subject: sometimes a person will be asked how they view themself. And, on that subject, I think what best sums up my response to such a question is this:

Paddington Bear: A small bear on a big adventure
(Bus shelter poster for the new Paddington movie)

Oh dear! Paddington Bear seems to have got himself into some trouble with the film board of censors (Should Paddington film be rated PG?). Such are the mishaps that can befall a bear from darkest Peru. I don’t think Paddington has fared too badly though, as I read Paddington gets a bear hug from UK cinema audiences.

And one final thought for the day. Life is not just about how one see oneself, it is of course also about how others perceive you. I have a feeling this says something about how my daughter Laura sees me:

Laura: “Can you spot the monkey?” – photo taken on Gibraltar in 2005

So, another year older, but any wiser? That’s a question yet to be answered.

09 November 2014 - Cycle: Dawlish Warren via Exe Estuary Trail (22.3 Miles)

Synopsis: It was 1:30pm when I read that the new section of the Exe Estuary Trail south of the Turf Hotel had opened. Trainers on, drink and biscuits in my pannier, and I was on my way by 2pm.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

Cycle Route & Statistics – Runtastic

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

I’d just had lunch, the sun was shining, when I sat down to check my emails. The thought occurred to me, the new stretch of the Exe Estuary Trail south of the Turf Hotel was due to open soon, so I searched for news and discovered ‘Exe Estuary Turf Locks to Powderham cycle route opens this weekend’ (Express & Echo posted 07 November 2014) [My apologies, this paper has one of the worst online experiences I’ve ever come across, but if you battle your way through the adverts and videos you should eventually get to the story]. The time was 1:30pm, and by 2:00pm I was on my bicycle and on my way.

Exe Estuary Trail - new section south of the Turf Hotel - cattle disdain to gaze upon this mini invasion

This new section of the Exe Estuary Trail diverts cyclists onto a lower wide tarmac section avoiding the narrow and bumpy high footpath along the sea defence wall. The views are not so good, but the going is a lot better, and there is no longer the conflict with walkers that there once was. It’s a major improvement to this route between Exeter and Dawlish Warren. These cattle resting in the shade seemed unimpressed by the busy cycle traffic passing them by, but they made for a picturesque photo of the new section.

Exe Estuary Trail - new section south of the Turf Hotel - new cycle/pedestrian bridge

 

A substantial cyclist/pedestrian bridge over the railway line has been incorporated into this new section, which negates the need to use the level crossing across this busy mainline. Considering the ‘traffic’ that now uses this trail, this had become almost a necessity, especially as many families with young children use this route.

Dawlish Warren - 1hr & 10min later, trousers rolled up, it's time for a paddle (maybe?)

 

And one final photo as proof that I did reach my intended destination of Dawlish Warren on this lovely mild and sunny Sunday afternoon. The cycle time from home to Dawlish Warren was just 1hr 10min, which puts it on a par with the cycle time to Exmouth. The Exe Estuary Trail is a wonderful facility for this area, and is proving very popular with cyclists, both recreational and commuter (Exe Estuary Trail officially opened in Devon).

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 22.3 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 26min
Stopped Time: 33min
Total Ascent: 158 metres
Maximum Elevation: 66 metres

Buses: (none)

01 November 2014 - Trip: Arlington Court (NT)

Synopsis: A drive to north Devon along roads lined with an array of autumn colour. A picnic lunch in the car before visiting Arlington Court, National Trust. Includes time in the interesting carriage museum.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Thumbnails)

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

It had been quite some time since I’d visited Arlington Court (03 May 2010 – Trip: Arlington Court (National Trust), North Devon), so I thought it would be good to revisit. Mum was not feeling well enough to join me. I stopped off briefly to revisit the north Devon village of Burrington, one time home of my great-grandmother (see previous post: ‘31 May 2014 - Walk: Burrington to Eggesford’). I then pulled into a layby to eat my picnic lunch before arriving at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum.

Arlington Court (NT) - house

Arlington Court was busy on my arrival, with many people making use of the tea rooms, set in the original Victorian kitchen. Quite a number were sat at outdoor tables, the weather being so mild. I made my way towards the main entrance of the house so that I might begin my tour of house.

Arlington Court (NT) - house - morning room

 

 

 

The entrance to the property (as seen in this photo) had at some time been shifted to the side of the building. Once inside it’s easy to see why, as the morning room runs the whole length of the south side of the building, to my mind making this the morning, afternoon and evening room all in one, since there are windows with an aspect from east, through south, to west.

This living space, with wonderful plaster ceilings and scagliola columns, is absolutely delightful. I understand the owner’s pet parrot was given free reign in this space. There are hidden partitions which allow for the possible segmentation of this otherwise full-length living room.

The stairs, which, because of the change to layout arising from the entrance being changed, no longer face what was once the main entrance to the house. They are no less imposing for this, commanding a well lit central position in the house. A companion of Rosalie Chichester, Chrissy Peters, painted various watercolours of the house, of which this picture of the stairs, circa 1914, is one. I’ve placed beside it what is my photo taken from an approximately (allowing for the grand piano in the foreground) similar view point.

Arlington Court (NT) - house - central stairs

Arlington Court (NT) - house - central stairs (painting view)

 

Arlington Court (NT) - house - pewter electric table lamp and silk shade in Art Nouveau style in the Portico Room

I was informed by one of the stewards that Arlington Court did not have gas or electricity services at the time that it came into their possession. The National Trust had electricity installed. Prior to that, the lighting would therefore have been oil lamps. Although this looks like a rustic gas lantern, it must have always been, as seen here, an electric lamp of the type installed by the National Trust.

I rather liked this table lamp which must be a later addition, since it is in Art Nouveau style, a time when Arlington Court would not have had electricity. Elegant, all the same.

Apparently the last owner of the house, Rosalie Chichester, who left the house to the National Trust in 1949, would spend her summers at Arlington Court, but would retreat to her house, Parade House, in Woolacombe during the winter. Presumably Parade House had better amenities than those of Arlington Court, providing greater comfort during winter time.

Arlington Court (NT) - gardens

 

 

A steward informed me that there were 3,500 acres attached to Arlington Court. The rents from tenant farmers must have contributed significantly to the fortunes of the Chichester family. The National Trust provides a number of walking options in their ‘Walking on the Arlington estate’ page, from where walk routes can be downloaded.

Arlington Court (NT) - carriage museum

After a quick stroll around the garden lake I made my way to the carriage museum to be found housed in the stable block. The museum has a very impressive collection of horse drawn carriages and provides a wealth of information that tells the story of their variation and development. The collection now includes the Speaker’s State Coach. The coach has been fully restored and is quite simply a stunning work of art on wheels. Photography of the carriage is not permitted.

 

Time had now run out and it was getting dark, so I skipped the formal garden, which in summer is a treat to behold. If you’d like to take a look around Arlington Court prior to a visit, why not try the Virtual Tour of Arlington Court – National Trust.

Arlington Court: supplementary images from the National Trust Image Library:

The Morning Room at Arlington Court, Devon © National Trust

The Morning Room at Arlington Court with a collection of fruit on the table in the foreground © National Trust

 

ST JAMES'S CHURCH & OLD ARLINGTON COURT (1797) by Maria Pixell at Arlington Court, Devon © National Trust

The Day Nursery with a mahogany and wicker cradle and a collection of Victorian toys at Arlington Court, Devon © National Trust

 

Close-up of the dressing table in Miss Chichester's Bedroom at Arlington Court © National Trust

Close-up of the dining table laid with a tea service used by Miss Chichester in the Dining Room at Arlington Court © National Trust

 

A view of the conservatory against the back wall of the Victorian garden at Arlington Court, Devon. © National Trust

Herbaceous borders with penstemon and hardy geraniums in the Victorian garden at Arlington Court, Devon © National Trust