Lodging in a lodge

Our peripatetic lifestyle continues, and yesterday we moved to the north of England, and to a lodge at the gates of an estate in Northumberland. Essentially Victorian, as is the Hall, (main house), it has been extended sympathetically so that the additions are not discernible from the exterior. These include excellent bathrooms and a kitchen and utility room. Unfortunately the rest of the house is decorated in a style that does not amuse me hugely. Despite that, it is spacious, immaculately clean, and with four bathrooms and four bedrooms, we are obviously not cramped, even if we are aesthetically cursed by any perceived deficiency.

The area is familiar to me as a child, because my grandparents lived close by, and indeed just we visited the last house, (below) where my grandmother lived, and died, (33 years ago I realised today).

The geographical contrast between where we have been in Scotland and this area, which at its northern most part borders Scotland is really quite apparent, in architecture, landscape and population, the latter almost, (but not really), causing a sense of claustrophobia. This may in part be due to weather that can be several degrees warmer, and that difference becoming more exaggerated the further south one goes. But we're very undecided about that, even if the temptation to visit the National Gallery's exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci is adding to the list of reasons why we should.

Chilling out

The terrible flooding in Thailand has meant we have delayed our return to Bangkok, where the deluge in the capital is just beginning, as the water is released through the dams to flood out to the sea. We are therefore Siamese refugees once again. 

So that the permanent residents of the castle are not overburdened with our extended stay, we have been accommodated in the flat, (the middle section of the above photograph). This has literally meant chilling out, a term I loathe in general parlance, but one that seems to apply to the more frigid air in the mostly unused rooms. But very kindly we have also been allowed to annexe the library which interconnects, and which has television and wifi, and a large fire, which is crackling away as I type.

This morning's sunshine allowed for an enchanting constitutional. 

and reminded me that there is much colour in a garden that is bedding down for winter.

The back of the flat with its ivy covered sitting room bay window nestles between the main part of the castle, and the Victorian servants quarters, the facade of which has been completely renovated, but which now houses wood and garden machinery. 

Any froideur is alleviated by views like this, from my breakfast table this morning,

and good thermal undergarments, which we stocked up on yesterday. With a likely return date to Bangkok very uncertain, we have decided to rent another house, this time in the north of England, (Northumberland), and will repair there at the weekend to plan our next move.

Waterworld

The much heralded Indian summer has turned into more of a Himalayan autumn. By and large we have been more subjected to rain and wind than anything else. This morning there is a dusting of snow on the hills surrounding the valley in which the castle is situated. Happily however, the sun does appear to be making some attempt to shine, and we shall as usual be making the most of it, by venturing out into the tundra. But very often you blink and it has disappeared.

A few days ago, when we were still residing at the farmhouse, we drove north to the Falls of Bruar, and on the way passed this gem of a house, with its glorious Georgian symmetry.

The falls themselves have created some spectacular rock erosion, spurned on by torrents of water, which seem to be de rigeur in this country.

Significant amounts of water seem to be afflicting Thailand, with about one third of the country under water. It is difficult to establish how day-to-day life is affected in Bangkok, but I'm taking soundings, and if necessary will delay returning. In the meantime a visit to somewhere dry and sunny would be welcome; perhaps the Sahara.

In the meantime, we are throwing more logs on the fire and enjoying the occasional cocktail in these cavernous apartments.

Autumnal falls

One of the hopes for this Scottish visit was to witness the turning of the leaves, and happily that phenomenon is happening before our eyes.

Yesterday we visited The Hermitage and experienced breathtaking natural beauty, including the falls on the River Braan, and follies and plantings created by the dukes of Atholl.

The overcast weather meant that there were very few fellow travellers, except at the viewing point at Ossian Hall, (above).

A couple can be seen on this bridge, taking in views of another waterfall.

Whilst through the trees a substantial farmhouse, which disconcertingly for me was asymmetrical, both in its window and door placements, appeared ominous through the woods and Scotch mist..

The pathway beyond this bridge was closed due to a landslide, but we did manage a decent walk of about 5 miles, which has eluded us thus far, based as we are on a working farm, with restrictions placed by fields, gates and roaming animals. Autumn is of course a very busy season for farmers, as they harvest and gather, so there is much machinery criss-crossing the small farm roads and pathways. 

Cutting corners

The architecture of the farmhouse which is our current home requires door frames to be cut to allow for the coombed ceilings

and also require one to be a little careful when close to the sloping roof. 

On a number of occasions I have forgotten this, and a swift bang to the head has remedied that oversight.

Not even seeking divine intervention by using the the prie dieu placed strategically on the upstairs landing has helped. 

Shortly we shall be returning to the more substantial rooms of the castle, so no ducking required there.

From a mountain to a Millhole

Despite less than co-operative weather, our current abode - Millhole Farmhouse, on the Glendelvine Estate in Perthshire, is suitably accommodating, providing as it does the requisite respite from the elements in comfortable and luxurious surroundings.

Having spent three nights here, we are acclimatising. The owner is a member of the Lyle family, (whose company made the famed golden syrup), and who merged with Tate's to form Tate & Lyle in the 1920s. He very kindly showed us how to use the essential gadgetry required for today's living, such as wifi and satellite television. No roughing it here, I'm afraid.

I am pleased that this year's choice of Scottish getaway is proving to be as good a one as last year's. For me, as I'm sure for many of my readers, the quality of the interiors is a significant factor in making a decision about whether a holiday let will be to my liking. (It seems odd that many who let out their own houses make such little effort.)

Further reports from the front line will follow.