Bastle welcome…

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Having rented numerous holiday cottages in the past, I can safely say the ones that provide a welcome pack of basic essentials are the ones I would go back to or recommend to friends and family. Some don’t even try….

Arriving to a warm, welcoming property with fresh flowers and sufficient provisions to provide a supper or breakfast after a long journey is most heartening.

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I make sure there are staple ingredients in the Bastle and also some extra treats…

A bottle of wine is most appreciated, if not a necessity, by nearly everyone for their holiday vacation.

A relaxing drink on a Summer evening outside, taking in the last rays of the sun, or snuggling up with the shutters closed and the log burner ticking away in Winter take some beating.

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Herbs for the BBQ in the courtyard should you wish to dine alfresco. Plenty of seating opportunities, either on the deck or in the courtyard itself.

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Toiletries in in the bathroom,

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Books, magazines, DVDs and games in the living room for evenings or rainy days.

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And in case you have forgotten where you are ….BASTLE mugs in the kitchen cupboard.

Bastle Mugs

Wallington Hall

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Even if you are pushed for time, it is still possible to enjoy a pleasant walk in our beautiful National Trust gardens, here in Northumberland.

A short walk from the main house, the Walled Garden is a joy, even in the colder months.

The Conservatory provides a warm welcome from the elements and the smell of the plants, intoxicating.

The sound of the fountain and the song of the wren and robin hiding in the shrubs, all add to the relaxing atmosphere.

Dogs are welcome on their leads,

Don’t forget to check out the gargoyle dragon heads on the way back to the Hall.

Dine in comfort…

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The temporary kitchen style chairs in the living room have finally been replaced with smart, loose covered, upholstered dining chairs.
Sitting for a few hours at the table now, chatting and eating will be much more comfortable …and with shoes off, the gentle warmth of the heated flagstone floor adds even more comfort….

Bastle Dining

 

Resident artist…..

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Well, just for the day.

My talented artist friend Helen from Busy Bee Studio in County Durham arrived at The Bastle the other day armed with her paints and brushes.

Having briefly discussed the idea of painting a bunch of keys and a brace of grouse on the lime plastered walls….she set to work.

First came the bunch of keys in the living room, hanging on a hook,

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Bastle Keys

 

I love the way she painted the hook on the plaster crack line, almost as if it cracked when the nail was “hammered’ in.

Then came the grouse by the back door in the kitchen,

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Don’t they look like as if the local Gamekeeper had opened the door… and popped them on the hook?

She also wrote a warning for tall people, ‘ Duck or Grouse’  before they go through the original low doorways in the living room and landing.

I am really delighted with her work and it has given the Bastle a touch of fun.

We also have another plan for the inglenook fireplace, but that is for another day.

Watch this space…

Thanks Helen

* Thanks must also go to Bumble Donkey, one of Helen’s donkeys, who donated his hair for the plaster walls and if you look closely you can see bits of hair beneath the paint *

Thank you

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Big thanks to Terry at TWDA for our new website.

A young guy based in Northumberland with masses of techy knowledge. He knows the county inside out, listens to his clients, comes up with good ideas and nothing is ever to much trouble.

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