Thatched Roofs and so much more!
When I remember the Cotswolds, I’ll think of two lane country roads, rolling green hills, thatched roof cottages, small villages, grazing sheep on hillsides, English country gardens with cobblestone paths and wonderful little pubs with great food and friendly people. I left a piece of my heart in the Cotswolds.
We rented a car, and once we got used to driving on the opposite side of the road, we were off to the countryside! We spent 3 wonderful days getting to know the area. We stayed at a bed and breakfast called Gowers Close and it was absolutely charming! The building is from the 1600’s and still exists in its original glory. I felt like I was in the home of friends, and the couple who own it were delightful hosts. They have a true English Garden that is a little piece of heaven. To sit in the garden, listen to the birds, and enjoy a cup of tea was so relaxing! I left feeling refreshed and inspired.
The thatched roofs were amazing to see. I learned that they have to be re-thatched every 30 years on average and it’s very, very expensive. The B & B is getting ready for some repair work on their roof, and the repair will cost $25,000. To do the entire roof will run about $70,000! Can you imagine? A scaffolding is built around the entire building before work can begin. When finished, the thatched roofs are covered in wire to keep the birds from tearing them apart.
Here’s one bird who might be thinking about the wire. But don’t worry. There are so many flowers and plants he’ll find some delicious treats to eat. We saw hundreds of beautiful flowers throughout the Cotswolds.
Be still my heart! I want an English Garden in my own back yard.
When we were leaving one of the more formal “tourist” gardens, I spotted a bit of whimsy! You know how I love that whimsy!
It’s a grass smiley face!
Have a great weekend everyone! If you’re out and about pick up the August issue of “Quilter’s Home” magazine. I’m the featured designer and I’ll be sharing some photos soon!
Hugs,
Anne
11 Comments
Sandra
Hi Anne your trip sounded just amazing and beautiful,I loved all the pictures. I would love to have an English Garden too. I hope that you have found this trip relaxing and restful and now you will enjoy coming home.
Nancy
Anne, your photos of the Cotswolds are simply gorgeous! The collages are wonderful, I enjoyed them all and looked closely at each and every photo. It has been almost twenty years since we have visited the Cotswolds, we have many wonderful memories of several trips there. (We lived in Germany for 10 years, and went to the UK often). Now I am wanting to plan a return visit! Thatched cottages, pub lunches, tea rooms, English gardens, sheep, oh my! I would love to have an English garden, but I live in TX, so that isn’t going to happen. I am so glad you had such a great time on all your European travels. Thanks for sharing it with us!!
Christine
What a beautiful countryside!! Thanks for the pictures. If and when you go again, can I be packed in your luggage?!
Joanne Moore
Thank you for sharing your trip photos and adventures. I am always taking photos of flowers so I especially enjoy yours. I would like to thank you for the lovely treat you included in my last order. As if receiving splendid new spools of thread, a bright bag of buttons and the Bitty owl pattern weren’t thrilling enough, I found a scrumptous treat bag of salt water taffy in my box!!!! Since the bag was sealed with a cute carrot sticker I am assuming the taffy is in the vegetable family and I may eat all I want quilt free! Thanks so much!
mimi'sdarlins
Anne, your photos are incredible, thanks for sharing! The thing that impressed me most about England/Scotland (besides their amazing history) was the gardens. I’ve always wanted to return :-)
Jean
One of my dreams was to go to the Cotswolds. I’m glad you got to go. Love the pictures.
Nancy C. in Utah
Anne, Your pictures absolutely take my breath away. As I was looking at them it kept running through my mind how inspiring it would be to any creative mind, a quilter, sketcher, painter…anyone ! Or just to sit with a wonderful book and soak in the profound beauty of these places. Thanks so much for sharing your travels with us.
Mary on Lake Pulaski
What beautiful photos Anne! It looks like a dream world. The flowers are incredible. Thanks for sharing.
Patch n´Cakes
Very nice pictures!!!
I´ve been to this place and I loved!!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Priscilla
Patch n´Cakes
Els Lunenberg
Hi Ann,
I share your love for this part of England!
A few years ago I was there with a friend on Garden tour.
It’s amazing and I fell in love with the fine country side and all the beautyful gardens.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs from Els.
Julia
Hello Anne,
oh, the pictures are beautiful! The really make me wish to visit the Cotswolds, too, someday!
I love the B&B – I could move in directly ;o).
I’m so happy for you to have had such a great journey…
Julia