Journee du patrimoine

Today is journee du patrimoine - which basically means that many large houses and chateaux which are not normally open to the public open up for just one day a year - it is probably due to the fact that if they do not do this then they do not continue to receive funding from the government.   Last year we visited a chateau nearby with our friends, this year we headed over her way to visit a lovely house and grounds.  The kids were eager to run about and explore and as we arrived we were told to tag onto the end of a tour that had already started.

The grounds were just lovely - not too kept and pockets of wildness throughout.  It would be a wonderful
stomping ground for a child to grow up - hidden adventures, little outbuildings, twisted trees oozing with character and tales of times past, derelict buildings hiding under ivy and brambles, with broken windows but stonework to
die for.  The garden ran down to the river and as the kids looked over the wall I realised how much of a drop it was down to the river and was grateful that none of them were any taller!  The owners of the property were very inviting, welcoming and warm - quick to tell us about their property and to distract the kids when they were beginning to get bored - the fact that there were about 4 little kittens around the courtyard also helped keep the kids occupied - none of them spotted the ginger one sleeping in a large pot.

Inside the property there the rooms were light and airy with a wonderful view, the two ladies were very quick to offer to look after the kids who were playing in the courtyard whilst Vanessa and I entered the house, but they too
wanted to see what was inside.  Upon entering I understood why they were keen for the kids to stay outside - the
most amazing sculptures made out of paper and fabric were displayed in the first room - in the second room a beautiful smell of lavender greeted us as we saw more of her work (not as interesting for me as the people).  The kids were well behaved and took it in turns to sit in the comfy chairs dotted round the room and we made it out of
there without breaking anything and everyone enjoying the visit.

   

 

  

We decided to quit while we were ahead and leave before the kids got bored and headed across the road to a great play park - a windy afternoon meant that the kids let off steam and would sleep well while we had a chance to catch up and enjoy the afternoon.  As ever the time passed too fast and I look forward to half term when we can make a day of it and enjoy lunch and the afternoon together.

 

Comments

[rae of sunshine]

@ Leah – I love the pic of her on the wall – it looks a bit set up but she just went to ‘bed’ on the stone seat and I got a goodie. I love the last one also of the kids looking through the hole on the climbing frame – I was being the troll underneath trying to get them – windswept and happy!

@ Minutepapillon – pictures on the way as we speak. It is a fine line between letting the kids do what they want without worrying and trying to make sure that they do not hurt themselves. Ruby is quite used hanging on the top bars of our swing and jumping down which is why I was not that worried about her. Roll on half term when we can catch up properly and even do a night out!

[minutepapillon]

Actually the journées du patrimoine occur over both Saturday and Sunday every year. It's great fun when you get a chance to get places that are usually closed to the public, I spy with my little eyes... your pics are great! I opted for the wrong lense on that day, could you picasaforward them to me?
Nice jump pics! I'll forward mine tomorrow. Last time I trusted Max to get down a high place his own way, me trusting his balance and luck, we ended up in the ER, with nothing the matter after all, but in the ER = why I my heart skipped a bit when Ruby did her first jump! ;D
time went too fast indeed, we didn't even properly catch up the last two weeks or so...

[Leah]

Love the photo of Ruby on the wall....and the kitten sleeping in the flower pot! xx