Of Fairy Castles and Kipling

i'm not certain what the weather forecast is bringing, tomorrow was meant to be wet but is now given as cloudy and windy. Today was windy but bright.

I left my hotel early and headed to

750 St Andrew, Smarden.








As so dear reader where shall I take you next?

I know i'll take you to a fairy castle, I'll take you to Bodiam.....







it was built in 1385 and was complete until the civil war (quelle surprise). It was given to the National Trust by Lord Curzon.




It is also home to a number of Mallards


and one Muscovy duck.

I then went to Bateman's built in the 17th century which was the home of Rudyard Kipling. Its not an important house, it holds no great collection but I do like it. The garden especially is just right. (you may recognise it as it was used in the making of My Boy Tom which was on telly last year).


















I had a lovely time reading my book (I'm on to the third!) and instead of going for tea and a cake (and that was hard to miss!!) I went to

751 St Denys, Rotherfield












I decided i head to the picture postcard village of Alfriston. The clergy house (the first property the National Trust acuired) and church make a lovely vista.