It was way back in July that we first visited the garden at Hill Top, former home of Beatrix Potter, and then at the beginning of November when our planned trip to view inside the house was thwarted by the announcement of a second lockdown. Not expecting we would make a return visit until the spring, you can imagine my excitement when The National Trust announced they would be opening it's doors at weekends during the run up to Christmas. So, after making a booking earlier in the week, this morning we drove out to Near Sawrey to take a look inside.
The large front door was adorned with this beautiful wreath.
Decorated for Christmas and with a fire burning in the grate, the house had a warm cosy feel and appeared just as it would have done when Beatrix herself lived there. The dark wood panelling made the rooms appear quite small but they were larger than I expected.
The view over the kitchen garden from one of the upstairs rooms.
The dolls house, which belonged to Beatrix Potter. If you zoom in you can see some of the hand painted furniture and decorations inside.
The guide told me the pelmet had been embroidered by Beatrix herself, whilst in a Liverpool hospital, recovering from an operation.
The scullery.
Can you see a friendly face in amongst the leaves?
I think the guide had been right in saying we'd experienced the garden at it's best during the summer and the house looking it's best all warm and welcoming, beautifully decorated for Christmas.
This afternoon we've been for a walk in the woods to do a bit of foraging. Tomorrow I have Christmas cards to write, and I'm going to be making a door wreath of my own.
J. X
