It’s a beautiful summer day on Martha’s Vineyard when I’m writing this; bees are floating through the lavender, beach towels are flapping on the line, a gentle harbor breeze is softly rustling the trees. But so quiet ~ it’s perfect beach weather ~ that’s where everyone must be. There are no cars on the road, a rare thing for summer on this island. All I can hear through my open windows are birds. ♥
Soon I’ll show you more about what’s going on here but today, I think we need just one more visit to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm — our second visit in a week — you knew I would have to go back!
Remember how gorgeous the sky was on the first day we found our way to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm? It wasn’t like that the second time . . . here it was on June 7, over the Lake District, dark, rainy, and moody. Musica? Yes.
Before we left the Lake District, I needed one more look at Castle Cottage (the light beige house above) where Beatrix lived happily-ever-after with her husband Willie for thirty years. It’s privately owned so this is as close as I really wanted to get, but there it was, a sweet comfortable-looking little house just across the meadow from Hill Top.
It still felt funny that we could just drive here. Beatrix Potter has been so far away from me for so long, almost on another planet. But shockingly, like any other place, like any old McDonald’s on the corner, you can drive right up, put on your blinker, turn in, and park. Go through a little gate, walk up a path and there it is! Where it’s been for over a hundred years, with visitors just like me, coming and going.
I didn’t get a ticket to go into the house again because I have that vision permanently pressed into my heart. I will never forget looking at the view through the wavy old glass of her bedroom window, the same ripply view of hills and green and cottages she saw all those years ago. But there were a couple of things I needed to do before we left — I had unfinished business. As I was walking through the rainy garden for the last time I noticed little wet side-path I hadn’t seen before. At the end there was a green door in the garden wall. I went to investigate. I didn’t want to miss anything.
I pushed it open slowly, making sure I wasn’t going somewhere I shouldn’t — then ducked under the dripping lilac to go inside. It led to the walled vegetable patch in front of the house, and gave me a slightly different perspective on the house. I was inside the iron gate for the first time. All alone, in the rain, in Beatrix Potter’s garden. ♥
Of course, Peter Rabbit was bound to get in trouble in this neck of the woods! Such temptation; rhubarb and strawberries too.
There were little details I couldn’t see from the other side of the iron gate, like this recess in the rock wall. It’s called a “bee-bole” ~ it’s made for sheltering bee skeps like this charming white box hive that Beatrix had “fixed up” — she also painted it into The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck — later I painted it into the journal I kept of this visit. (You would have enjoyed watching me juggle camera, umbrella, hood on rain coat, purse and tears while taking photos.)
I also came back to get the name of the roses climbing over the front of the house. I asked the person at the door but she didn’t know. Which surprised me . . . they must get asked that question two-hundred times a day because those roses smell like heaven. Don’t inquiring minds want to know? So they can grow them all over their barn? Or something? So I emailed the gardener, and guess what, he didn’t know either! My blog girlfriends thought maybe Zephirine Drouhin.
Here they are, up close. They also look a little David Austinish with so many petals, they smell like David Austin roses too, really strong, but the gardener only called them cabbage roses.
The other thing I had to do was to take a photo of my miniature Beatrix Potter book as it soaked up some local ambiance, so I could bring it back to the Peter Rabbit Room to spread the wealth (a little more magic never hurts). The little book is so proud in that room since we got home, its buttons almost pop, bragging around to the Beatrix Potter People of where it’s been and what it saw!
Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail hoist it on their shoulders like a returning hero.
But this is what I really came back to Hill Top for . . . I knew, the moment I left the first time, I had forgotten something. I must have been crazy to even think of coming all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to England, then to the Lake District, over the narrowest rock-lined roads you can imagine, on the wrong side of the road, risking life and limb, and then leaving this behind? I scare myself sometimes. I’d picked it up in the gift shop and then put it back, regretting it every moment since, dreaming about it!
It’s an exact copy of the first book Beatrix Potter (who, as you can read in my journal of this visit, A FINE ROMANCE, is not only an illustrator, but so much more. Most 
importantly, a conservationist savior of the Lake District, but also a respected natural scientist and regular person, despite being a genius, who was very proud of her prize-winning sheep) paid to have published herself, exactly the way she wanted it to be. For this special, first-time-ever reprint, they used the same cover she designed originally, but they also added a dust jacket taken from editions published in 1903 by Warne; in a charming calico pattern supplied by Edmund Potter and Company (Beatrix Potter’s family business, isn’t it adorable? Oh, for ten yards of that!). They put the book in a special little bag and the only place you can buy one is at the gift shop up the garden path at Hill Top Farm. ♥ I could not go home without it.
What makes them extra special is, except for the surviving original books, there are only 1000 copies like this. On earth. (At least that’s what they told me, and I choose to believe!) And they all have numbers written in them like this.
The book is written in her own handwriting; all the pen and ink drawings are in black and white, just as they were when she first published the book. Only after Norman Warne started publishing Beatrix’s books were they done in color. He believed in her.♥
I had (was forced by a power stronger than myself, therefore the court would surely rule me not responsible) to steal a flower from the garden to keep in the book. Stealthy, like a cat, despite the pouring rain, looking both ways and still seeing no one — into the dripping mock orange and climbing honeysuckle I went. Rain pattered my umbrella as I tucked the wet rosebud softly, ever so softly, into my raincoat pocket, and was out of there before anyone noticed, leaving only a trail of muddy footprints, a clue soon to be washed away by the deluge; because I needed to press a real Beatrix Potter flower into my book more than I cared if I went to the Far Sawrey town jail . . . in fact, I took two flowers . . . . the rose, and an Iris for my journal.
And then it was time to go. Other than going inside and asking to take a nap in her actual bed, I thought I had done it all. The rain was coming down hard, Joe was waiting on the other side of the little gate with the car running, reading his newspaper. I stopped and took that one last photo of Castle Cottage ~ nostalgic, recalling memories that weren’t even mine ~ across green Post Office Meadow. Nothing in the village of Near Sawrey has changed since Beatrix walked the narrow lanes with her border collie Kep at her side.
I hope you enjoyed our visit — I wrote more about this dream-come-true in our travel journal in case you also have a place in your heart for the life of Beatrix Potter . . .
It has been wonderful traveling with you through out your trip to England. The beautiful pictures and descriptions the places you visited made me feel as if I was there. Even today, looking at the pictures gave me a respite from the Southern California heat! It is so kind of you to share your trip with us and even to offer us a beautiful keepsake.
OOOOH! I would definitely swoon thinking of having that special book in my possession. I am finally stretching my legs and can now skip to the mailbox…it was hard after being crowded into your suitcase for so long! What a trip…thank you soooo much for letting me join in on the fun!
How exciting! This trip of yours was magical ~ not only for you & your hunny, but for all of us, too!
How excited I would be if I won this wonderful book that came all the way from England thru your talented hands. Everytime I visit your blog you make my day brighter. Thank you for your love of the simple things. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
Oh such a treasure! I love Beatrix Potter’s books and read them to my children, enjoying them as much for myself as for them. Just one month ago our eldest daughter had a little baby girl with a wonderful, whimsical head of hair that reminds us all of the sweetest hedgehog ever. So her nickname, for now, is Miss Tiggy Winkle.
How I love that you sneaked a couple of roses off the bush. When I went to Versailles a number of years ago, I just HAD to touch the fabric tassles in a bedroom, and did so when the security guard had her back turned. I completely understand the impulse!
So happy you went back to Hill top for us today. My childhood dog was named Mopsy because of the story of Peter Rabbit altho we called her Mops for short. So Beatrix Potter goes way back for me too. Loved all the photos & the story of the rosebud. 🙂 I think Hill top deserved two days of your visit. One for inside and out for outside and a bonus getting to see it alone. I am glad you went back for that book. Well two books. What a lovely gift for someone that wins it. Would be fun to win it..chance of one in a thousand probably. 🙂 Love what you drew and wrote in it. Very special. Now I am waiting for your Dads comment. I find myself seeking them out now because he makes me chuckle as well as your comments back to him. And laughter is good for you. :))
Hi Susan!
My mom read all the Peter Rabbit books to me as a little girl, so I was transported back to a wonderful time when you visited Beatrix Potters’ house!
Thank you for the whimsy 🙂
Melissa
Oh Susan, thank you so much for your wonderful blog! You are a woman after my own heart. Lover of Gladys Taber, Beatrrix Potter, Jane Austen, kitties, cooking, decorating, I could go on and on. I look forward to reading your posts with a cup of tea. 🙂
How fortunate to have taken such a fabulous trip! Please count me in for a chance to receive this book!
Dear Susan,
Thank you SO much for sharing your trip, your photos and your memories with us! Its all so very special and heartwarming, just like you. The book is certainly a treasure, and the rose, such a loving touch,
God bless you
Awesome! I’ve missed your blog the last couple of days. We loved the house when we went years ago. Glad your home safe and sound.
thx for the pics.
Tiina
What a treasure and treat for someone! I believe reading on one of your blogs at some point that you have seen “Miss Potter” starring Renee Zelweger — if I am remembering incorrectly, you must see it. It is WONDERFUL! Now I feel the urge to go take down one of my treasured cup and saucers and have an afternoon treat and dream a little.
So many kindred spirits…I’ve been reading the posts and so many of us have the same thoughts. I feel so lucky, I took the same trip you did and re-lived it with your pictures and blog.
you’re little book would be perfect in my Beatrix Potter display…..Please pick me
Thanks for all you do
Pat
The book is breathtaking-
your post and presentation of it……otherworldly.
Love the connective link with you & Beatrix,
somehow, it seems so very appropriate that both of you
share space inside the cover of the same book..
Am truly surprised all 1000 copies were not sold out years ago-
what a collector’s dream !
For a bit, I thought you might have found another “Petey”
doll across the pond & he was the prize.
Crazy for the Petemeister, but this book,
blessed by your own brushstrokes & generous spirit is a rare gem !
Love your sweet, gentle lamb have a name yet ?
I already want her to be my Nanny…..and I’m much TOO old for one !
In the Branch & Potter world-
anything seems possible-
no matter the age.
Have a simply wonderful evening !
I believe this is a brand new printing! I felt so lucky! And yes, I agree, anything is possible!
How excited I would be to win this wonderful book that came all the way from England thru your talented hands. Everytime I read your blog you brighten my day. I’ll be waiting to hear from you. <3
Big, big fan of Beatrix Potter. I’m hoping you’ll write a book of your trip so I can follow in your footsteps. Or at least a reasonable facsimile! Big fan of yours as well. So a new book would also give me another volume of your wonderful illustrations! Thanks for sharing your trip.
Yes, I’m doing that now, a Diary of the whole trip! So much I haven’t been able to show yet!
I love visiting your blog everyday. I love your watercolors. I have printed out your adorable book markers and put them in my Susan Branch books. To mark the yummy recipes.
It was sooo fun going with you to England. It felt like I went, too! I loved the
Bon Vogage hanging sign in your room on board ship.
Keep sending us pictures of food, flowers, squirrels, birds, etc.
Thanks to you I have oiled all my cutting boards!!! Hung my pillows on the clothesline! Wash my windows more often.
Thank you for the motivation. I do love my home!
Susan you are an inspiration, artistically and domestically!!!!
Love
ML
Good girl! Isn’t it fun? Thank you Marylou!
How Lovvvvvely!!!! (notice I sometimes now speak with an accent after “our” wonderful vacation with you! I love looking at all the pictures you’ve shared, & am looking forward to many more! Thank you for ALL of it!
Linda*
That is such a wonderful keepsake ~ thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. I’ve enjoyed you work for so many years. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face each and every day when I look at my calendar.
Blessing to you ~
Susan,
Love your photos of Beatrix Potter’s home. The photos made me feel as though I could almost step right into them :). Thank you for sharing! Enjoy the remainder of your summer.
Good Day Susan,
Thank-you for sharing your vacation with us! I enjoyed following every minute of it 🙂 Here’s hoping that you are settling comfortably back into your home and that all is well on your side. I had the most joyous of days…I came back from work to find a box from my post office *jumping for joy* and in it was your 2002 Michel & Company “I’m glad I wasn’t born before tea” Tea-Pot which fits over the Tea-Cup. I was ecstatic!! I found this lovely set on E-Bay and I will post a picture of it soon on F.O.S.B. via Facebook. Thank-you for everything you do and for all the little joys that you provide in our lives 🙂
Have a lovely evening and God Bless!!
Melinda
What a wonderful item to bring back from your trip! So glad that you got to visit Hilltop. I have always dreamed of taking a similar trip there with my mom and sisters. We love all things Beatrix Potter and would love to roam the English countryside. Thanks for taking us all along on your trip, it was fun to see it through your eyes.
Your post made me laugh Susan, I can just picture you skulking round the garden in the pouring rain and snaffling the rose bud 🙂 but don’t worry I won’t tell on you! That is a seriously gorgeous gift for one of your lucky girlfriends.
I just don’t know what I would do if I found myself in Beatrix Potter’s garden, but I know for sure that I would have to pinch myself very hard to make sure it wasn’t a dream. This is the next best thing. I wouldn’t be able to resist picking a flower or too, either! I loved reading all the stories to my daughter when she was little, and love them still!
I did check first that there were a zillion other flowers there! 🙂 Thank you Frances!
It’s good to have you back on this side of the pond, Susan, while still being treated to memories of “our” grand trip! Thank you, thank you, thank you for thinking of all us girlfriends and bringing back a special give-away. I am holding my breath and crossing fingers, toes, and eyes as I type this, knowing that by doing so, I will have given myself an unfair advantage over the others who hope to win the drawing for The Tale of Peter Rabbit. (Please forgive me, girlfriends.) I loved reading the story to my boys when they were small and still have that well-worn book tucked away awaiting another crop of wee lads or lasses. How enchanting it would be to have this personalized edition!
Oh, my what a lovely ‘give away treat’ to top off this wonderful trip!!! I have followed your blog daily, eagerly anticipating the England Updates the entire time you were travelling to and from England. Every one of your blog posts was my favorite, until the next post came, and then I would love that post even more. Every location you went was just fabulous. I have been a Beatrix Potter fan for 23 years now. And absolutely love your photos of Beatrix Potter’s house. Thank you for sharing those images. My Beatrix fascination started with the nursery for my son. My entire family knows how ‘Beatrix Potter crazy’ I am and they give me Beatrix Potter items as gifts. I have all the books, stuffed animals, a coat rack, the child’s teaset, a chair cushion, and I would love this one of a kind book to add to my collection. You are so wonderful to bring a gift back for your girlfriends in the blogosphere!! Thank you for sharing your travels with all of us!!! I can’t wait for the England Travel Diary to be published.
OH, you are so wonderful to share this treasure. And your trip with all of us. You must have the greatest husband ever, besides mine, of course. He is so good at sharing you! I am so grateful.
P.S. Why did people quit putting where they are from? I loved to see where they live. And Maybe see someone from MY area that I could connect with.
Jaimee
Good point, I love it when I get to hear where everyone is from….Hello to Idaho!!
Ohhh to have such a book as a memory of “our holiday”, now that would be grand.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in England. I really enjoy your writings about England. I have always wanted to go but you bring it to life as you are visiting the exact places I would want to go if I had the chance.
Please include me in the chance to win this wonderful book from one of my favorite illustrators of the past to be autographed by a favorite illustrator of the present.
What a wonderful and special prize! So thoughtful of you to bring back gifts for us! Both you and Beatrix have/had so much talent, but even more – such generous spirits!
WOW, I would love to own that original version. I had read Bea’s biography in May and wondered what her self published book looked like, and now I know, so even if I don’t win it, my curiosity is satisfied. I hope that you will draw more dressed lambs. Miss La-a-a–ara Lamb is so fun, just like your imagination. That’s what I love about your blog, it’s different and unexpected and a bright spot in my ordinary, yet wonderful life. Thanks for sharing the trip and your heart with us.
reading that feels like being there with you….
THANKS
I hardly have words…oh, my…it is just like you to have such a special surprise in store for us! A treasured memento to share with one lucky pal…xo
Oh my, what a wonderful suprise! You are so generous Susan! Hope this it’s my turn to win one of your fantastic random drawings! Keeping my fingers crossed. ♥ Marie
Dear Susan, Even though I have never sent you a comment before,I have been a big fan of yours for years. I love all the illustrations and books of yours. I have several of them and they are one of my special possessions. If I had a fire, along with family pictures, I woudl be sure to grab my books. I have really enjoyed your posts from England. If I could afford it, that would be my favorite place to visit-except Matha’s Vineyard,of course. I also love Beatrix Potter books. I think we are sisters in spirit. Thank you so much for your inspiration! Sincerely, Glenna Partin
Thanks for saying hello Glenna!
I am offering a comment on behalf of my friend, Celeste Walker, who would be absolutely gobsmacked to have something (anything!) from Beatrix’s house (she’s on a first name basis with her), and it no doubt help her heart heal, as she’s just lost one of her precious bunnies. Celeste has been so inspired by Beatrix that she’s accumulated a number of gorgeous long-haired rabbits of various breeds– all of them her children– and she blends their fur into yarn, using an old-fashioned spinning wheel (inspiration from Tasha Tudor, as well!) and then she knits lovely items; a true cottage industry from bunny-to-finish! Thank you for your delicious posts! ~michele from seattle
What a lovely opportunity to visit Beatrix Potter’s garden. Simply beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing the lovely photos!
Oh Susan, you’ve done it again! Such a kind, thoughtful and generous heart you have. Whoever ends up with this special book will have a one of a kind treasure, indeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a bright spot in the world!
Susan what a special gift!!! What a truely, priceless gift for some VERY lucky person! Thank you so much for sharing your travels, this was an amazing story, felt like I was there with you! Hope its my lucky day!!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful trip with your “friends”. Your words and photographs made England come alive again for so many of us, (made some of us homesick) and you are generous beyond measure. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the winner of this special little book was not only a Beatrix Potter fan, but perhaps someone who may not be able to visit England and Hill Top Farm in person, but will hold them in their heart? PS Susan in SC gave the rose a perfect name!
Susan: The roses you mentioned in your Peter Rabbit blog look like some in an rose catalog I have from “Royall River Roses”. Unfortunately they are no longer in business but the catalog lists many roses of England and France. I will mail the catalog to you and you may find them on the internet if you do a serch Another rose y is “The Antique Rose Emporium in Trenham, TX 77833-6453 Good luck on your rose hunt. Pat M.
Thank you Pat!!
I bought the miniature sized books for my daughter and have read them several times. I have loved Beatrix Potter for so long. She had such an amazing story-telling ability and I love her drawings.
A treasure indeed! I have loved Beatrix for as long as I can remember. My daughter’s nursery was decorated in Beatrix Potter and my mother embroidered a beautiful picture of Peter Rabbit for her room. Now, my 7 year old granddaughter is quite the budding artist so I have introduced her to Beatrix Potter–the artist. Thank you…..You are a blessing……
Just when I thought your trip couldn’t get any better, you went back to Hill Top! What a wonderful little book! If would look just right between my Peter Rabbit bookends! 🙂 It could tell my other Beatrix Potter books all about Hill Top and my 5 year old son would love to look at it. Thanks for thinking of us!
It’s like a dream come true and even though we viewed that part of the world through your eye s, I feel like I went through the gate too!!!!!!!!! Thank you again for a lovely trip!!!!!!!!!!!
In the early nineties my late husband and I opened a Music Box business. We sold so many of the Beatrix Potter collection music boxes …. How I wish I had saved more!
Thank you for taking us along on your journey – even though the suitcase was a wee bit crowded! Someday I’ll make the trip in person as your itinerary (and the posts and pictures) have inspired me!
Dear Susan,
Just like all of the other kindred spirits on here, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to England! Wow, what a super duper give away! Mr. Random Drawing, please, please pick me!
Oh no…..Susan….I think I MUST have this book…..I MUST!!
It’s wrong to desire material things so much, I guess….but rarely have I wanted a material thing as much as I want that book.
Let’s see if it’s meant for me………
XOXOXO
thinking of you!
I’m putting in a special thought for you too Dawn!!
Woohoo!
I was so excited to see that you got the book for yourself. What a treat. Then when you shared you got a second one for a giveaway…. WOW WOW WOW. If I am the fortunate one to have my name drawn this book will go to my one and only grandhild Bailey, who is just 2 1/2 years old and as cute as can be. I’ve been buying and recording books for her since she was born. We live four hours away, so we don’t get to see her often, but when we do she knows her Nana because she hears my voice all the time reading her stories.
Love the roses at the gardens… hope you can discover what they are. Well worth discovering on a rainy day I think.
Oh the joy of having a little bit of Hill Top Farm and Beatrix! Do you have “Beatrix Potter: A Journal”? If you don’t, you have to get it – wonderful photos and her life story with letters etc. And in the back, there is a little insert with a small copy of the original book – though not as pretty as the one you have! I have LOVED every give-away you have had, but this may be the best! I feel like I was there with you!
Love, Sue
Beatrix Potter, Part 2! Visiting on a rainy and cold day, perfect. Don’t you love those stone fences (2nd picture), stones laid horizontally on the bottom and vertically at the top?
Just the right pictures to ogle on a hot day.
Thank you.
Rebecca (Riverside, Ca)
SURPRISE indeed! Oh what a wonderful prize this would be. I feel selfish hoping that the winner is ME – but oh – I can’t help it. I would be giddy with delight at receiving such a treasure. Of course I’d also be very happy to learn what that rose is. The flower reminds me of a Constance Spry, but I had one of those at my last house, and it grew much bushier, though tall. It was hard to contain, and only bloomed once in the spring. I’m afraid David Austin has spoiled us with his wonderful reblooming roses that still maintain the beauty and fragrance of the old fashioned ones. Ta ta for now, and keep these wonderful posts coming.
Thank you so VERY much for sharing your holiday experiences and photos via your website. What a fabulous trip, what a fantastic give-away; it would be a thrill to win.
Cheers!
Jeanne Murray
I’ve enjoyed your England postings so much! I’ve visited there three times and long to go there again—soon! To help you through your England “withdrawal” I’d like to recommend some books by Susan Allen Toth (you’ve probably already read them, but on the slim chance you haven’t, here they are): “My Love Affair with England: A Traveler’s Memoir”; “England as You Like It”; and “England for All Seasons.” They were all written in ’90s, but are available on Amazon.
Oh, Neat!!!! A gift from you and a sweet memory of a special part of your trip. I love that you returned to Beatrix Potter’s home on “unfinished business”. And, I won’t tell about the roses, esp when one just could be MINE!!!! Thanks for always taking care of The Girlfriends.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip. I have never been to England and was so anxious to see where you went and what you saw each day. I feel so blessed that you shared this journey. What a beautiful place .
THANK YOU!
I’ve loved every moment of your “dream come true” tour of England. My Mom raised us on Beatrix Potter, so of course I shared her tales with my own son, who still had Peter Rabbit curtains in his bedroom when he moved out ! (quite a contrast to the Star Wars toys, legos and hockey gear ).
Thank you so very much for all the time and energy you put into sharing your amazing life with us.
As Queen of Handwritten Books you absolutely COULD NOT leave without Beatrix’s very own handwritten book. What were you thinking?! And NOW you’re giving one of US a chance to have one, too??!! I was shocked when I scrolled to the announcement and saw your inscription. I was pleased just to have see your photos of it. What a treasure! I never would have guessed in a million years THAT was your special surprise. 🙂
I also want to say I love the photo of Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden and the lovely arrangement of the “Miss Potter” song, the rain-soaked garden, and the beautiful roses….I guess I should stop because I’m just reiterating your entire post. 🙂
Oh goodie, another surprised person! xoxo
I am soooo jealous! Going back to England is definitely on my bucket list. I just loved the Lake District and felt at home there (my mom is from England). For now I will enjoy our upcoming trip to Maine this month. Maybe we will stop in for a cup of tea:)
thanks so much for sharing your trip with us, your faithful readers! i know i will never get to England and to see it through your eyes is a special delight! thanks for the chance to win a gorgeous piece of literature……i love it!
Your “surprise” brought tears to my eyes! Never have I felt so touched by this kind gesture. What a lovely, generous spirit and heart of gold you have! Thanks for making us feel there with you on your trip…and when you got back home! Love, Becky from Oklahoma
Susan, I usually don’t comment – but this time I have too. Your blogging of this trip was such a gift to us readers!!!!! I can’t thank you enough. I have loved every entry and photo. I don’t know if I will ever get to England, but your sharing of your and Joe’s trip certainly brought me very close. {{{hugs}}}
So glad you did Cathy, nice to hear from you!
Susan,
I enjoyed this so much! I want to go to both Hill Top Farm and the Jane Austen Center. Your photos and narrative make me feel like I have already been. England and Northern Ireland will be my next trip to Europe to meet my genealogy contacts, and I hope to include these spots on that trip. Now I know exactly what to expect.
I met you at Vroman’s in Pasadena a few years ago. I loved the story about meeting the Beatles way back. You said that that experience told you that you are a lucky person. You definitely are. Keep the stories and photos coming, please.
Clyle Alt in Southern California
Hi Clyle! Nice to hear from you! Vroman’s is always so fun!
Entering with the hope of holding some of that magic in my hands!
I checked first thing this morning and no new post from Susan. sigh. I checked again around 10. No new post from Susan. double sigh. Guess I’ll have to practice patience. Just finished dinner and decided I needed to reread a post or two and relish the photos and lo and behold! A new post. Happy dance! 🙂 Then, the most perfect gift, like a cherry on the top of a sundae….a limited edition Peter Rabbit AND autographed and illustrated by YOU! Oh, please, please, please little bunnie fairies….send it home to live with me. Safe to say, whoever receives your gracious gift will treasure it indeed. Thank you for another wonderful post. ^i^ xoxox
I gasped when I read you stole, um, I mean, took the flower from the garden. Not so much as you took it, but admitted to it. I would have done the same thing, but would be much more sheepish about admitting in public ~grins~ Ah well, now, the cat is out of the bag and I know you cherish your rose.
I love that you went back and took two flowers! The book is so beautiful with your unique touch. My eyes went right to the bee-hole and I couldn’t figure what that was at all. You really found some special things on your return journey.
My guess is that every time you go, you find something new there! I wouldn’t be a bit surprised!
What a great escape you have given us. For the last month, I have stolen away to the back porch to read your blog and for a few minutes, join you. Each one was a mini-vacation, with sounds and video to bring all of us there. Thank you! I loved seeing Hill Top Farm, but then, when I didn’t think your trip could be any better… Jane Austen!
Magical!! And ohhhhhh, what I wouldn’t give to own the book you are so generously giving to one of us lucky girlfriends. Beatrix Potter has been my hero for as long as I can remember. Her botanical work even inspired me to take a 24 month long distance learning botanical painting course through the Society of Botanical Artists based in England. Have you noticed how crazy good the English are at botanical watercolor painting??? I learned a lot, but I’ll never be as good as they are. Phooey. Anyway, I must tell you that my guilt is getting the better of me and I thought this would be the most opportune moment to confess that when my husband and happened to be vacationing in SLO and Arroyo Grande, we found your house, turned on the blinker, turned into the road and parked. I didn’t slam the door, but I crunched through the gravel and peeked around the hedge to see your beautiful garden. I just had to see it in person and it was as much of a thrill for me as if I had been looking a Beatrix Potter’s garden! I said hello to your house for you and waved hello to your llama neighbors. So, there is my confession. I hope that doesn’t disqualify me from the drawing…I hope I win! 🙂
You are not disqualified! 🙂 LOL
Oh, my heart!!!! Words can not express how much I’d LOVE to have this book!! ♥ Squeeeal! Susan, you are so sweet and generous! 😀
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! To have this little book would be double pleasure — the type of magic that happens only once in a lifetime — Beatrix Potter and Susan Branch rolled into one package. A treasure! I love the rainy day picture of the white house at Hill Top (Castle Cottage?). That misty background . . . one can just smell the turf and sweet dampness. I love the way colors are so clear on days like this. Going back a second day, when you kind of knew your way around a bit, must have been so exciting. Visiting the secret, quiet places that only true BP lovers would seek out. Alone to really “feel” it all. So nice. I am transported . . .
Oh, this takes me back to my childhood. Then I read Peter Rabbit to my children. And then to the kindergarteners I taught (making Peter Rabbit puppets!) and now to the children I read to in story hour at the library. What good fortune that you were able to breathe it all in.
Woo Hoo!! I’m going to be the winner this time! I’ve waited so long and I just know this is my time to win!
I so loved my trip in the suitcase, a bit cramped but well worth it. Thanks for taking all of us along to England, probably as close as I’ll ever get to the mother land!
Anita
When I was three years old I slept with my great-grandmother because our apartment in her basement was too small for all of us. Snuggled next to her in her big old-fashioned bed I listened to the story of Peter Rabbit over and over. She didn’t own the book but the story was included in a very old (early 1900s) encyclopedic volume she add. She didn’t read it to me, she knew the story so well. She spoke the words and I stared at the shadowy flowers on her wallpaper imagining each blossom as a beautiful ballgown. I loved the story, it was one of the first that led to a lifetime of books, fables and legends that I shared with my darling great-grandmother.
By the way, my great-grandmother’s parents were both born and raised in England. They and she, loved gardens and especially roses. Grandma’s house was tiny but her flower beds were bursting with roses.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your wonderful trip. I doubt I’ll get to go myself, but your photos and comments were delightful.
Thank you again and again!
Oh! My! Your story touched my heart so deeply! What precious memories you have of your GREAT-grandmother!
Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures! I especially liked the green door in the garden wall!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us. Seeing the sights through your eyes is wonderful.
I have so enjoyed reading your blog posts about your trip. Thank you for including all of us and for this fun blog drawing!!
Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful adventures with us. You are a real and true blessing. You help put the heart in my home! X O!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the incredible trip to wonderful glorious England. I have enjoyed every moment you’ve shared and look forward to your English Diary with great anticipation. When my children were very young they loved to listen to a recording of” The Tale of Peter Rabbit” read by Claire Bloom, the famous British actress. It is so wonderful. Have you ever heard it? You would love it!
It’s great to have you back again in the good old USA. Enjoy summer on the Vineyard. Lots of Love, Gail
I would LOVE to receive the book. I went to the Lake District on a tour back in 1998, and it was a rainy day just as the one you describe. Being a large tour group, we did not have time to do Beatrix Potter’s house. I have always regretted it. I did get to buy a few cards, which I still have! It seems that I can’t bear to part with them! I do remember a little gingerbread place where we bought some yummy gingerbread to eat. I do hope I can make it back some day, but if I don’t, the book would be an absolutely lovely substitute!
What an absolutely sweet book! I have really enjoyed reading all of you updates for England. You actually inspired me to find some Emma Bridgewater mugs here in Washington State 🙂
Did I forget to mention that I’d love to win the book? I would indeed!
How does one even respond to this. I am sure you know how much I love everything you do but this tops them all. I would like to send a heart felt congrats to the person who wins this. I so understand your giving and the pleasure it give you as I also love to give. Wishing you and Joe a lifetime of happiness. Lots of love to you Susan.
I’ve so enjoyed following you on your travels, and your trip to Miss Potter’s house was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Thanks so much for sharing!
xofrances
Your blog always bring a smile and such joy to my life. Thank you for sharing. Please enter me for the prize. Thanks. Luann
I know it is selfish to say this, I don’t know about the rest of you girlfriends, but I am having withdrawal symptoms from this trip really really bad……..it was just so wonderful and should be lasting a lifetime don’t you think? Aw Susan, You have swept us all up into your heart and the heart of England including that sweet Peter Rabbit too …that book would be such a treasure for whomever is the lucky one to win it. I wouldn’t mind being the lucky one………..thank you so much for the treasured memories, thank you, thank you. And enjoy the summer at the Vineyard.
Agree! I miss the daily adventures in England, but we’ll get to enjoy it all again when the diary is published!
Thanks Jackie, I know I am not alone on this score for sure for sure. Can’t wait for the new Diary on England! It has been such a wonderful summer journey we all made here. Thanks to Susan and Joe…….. So exciting isn’t it?
Welcome back,Susan! I,for one, am happy to be sleeping in my own bed.That suitcase was a little crowded but we sure had some good laughs in it!
I’ve been loving your blog and checking everyday for new updates. How lucky for you that you got to go back to Hilltop,to get your (mine I hope)book and see the “secret garden”! Lucky you!
What a treasure!
I have just returned from London! We had a fantastic time visiting Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews & lots of other sites! I loved, loved, loved London but am eager to venture into the English countryside on my next trip! Not sure if I’m brave enough to drive, though. My policy, whilst crossing the street, was not to “Look Left” or “Look Right” but just “Look Everywhere!”
How special! And from Beatrix’s own garden. The rose looks like a rugosa to me. I would like to know who the lucky person(s) is that lives in Castle Cottage. Do they know what a special honor it is that they live there??? I hope they haven’t changed it much. Thank you for taking all the girlfriends along. Mary A
I have been following your England trip blog with such intense interest. I told my husband that I want to go back to England (was there in 1980), explore the countryside & trace my English roots from the paternal Italian side of my family.
Do you remember the PBS movie that was made about Beatrix Potter back in the
1990s? Wish they would show it again. My son was given the Wedgwood Peter
Rabbit dish set as a gift when he was born in 1984. Thank you so, so much for sharing your passion of England with its gorgeous gardens, sheep, farms, pottery, Beatrix Potter, tea rooms, wonderful British people, Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jublilee and so much more. Cannot wait until YOUR book is published.
(I am a huge Anglophile since I was a teenager in the mid’60s…had an English
pen pal who lived in Portsmouth.) You have the best website on the internet
because it makes us smile, laugh & take notice of the little things in life. Oh, I was one of your girlfriends who traveled in one of the many suitcases that came with you on this trip. Don’t worry, the cramps in the neck & legs are slowly
going away. Hugs to you, Joe, Girl Kitty & Jack! Listen to the song of Life.
Best wishes, Barbara
I found it on YouTube! http://youtu.be/U-X9F-m2VlI
It’s in 4 parts, the other parts can be found on the right-hand side of the screen.
I have salivated over every word, picture, song and thought you have so generously have sent to your loyal followers. Please add Travel Agent to your many accomplishments. I’ll be waiting your “Susan Branch England Tour”! Mooch Gracias!
To a special collections librarian like me, that is one spectacular rare book! And its “From Hill Top” label is a terrific piece of ephemera. Imagine how cute that would be as a bookplate! Thanks so much for sharing such a special souvenir with us!
Oh Susan, how utterly exciting!
I think I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now, the tears are running down my face from seeing Hilltop again….and then when I read the words, “I had to steal two flowers . . .I needed one for my book; and the other one was for the book I got for YOU”……the goosebumps went through me, tears flowing, heart thumping.
Susan, I just have such a feeling of gratitude that you took us all along on the journey through England, that you shared so much with us all, for me it has been a blessing. Every blog post was like finding and walking through “green doors in garden walls” to new sights, sounds, and adventures.
I loved the photo of your miniature Beatrix Potter book sitting on the rock soaking in Hilltop; now back in your Peter Rabbit room full of the spirit of Beatrix Potter’s home.
And……………………………………………
I think this will be true of your very special surprise too……the limited edition book, the rose, the sheep you painted and the books inscription. It is a surprise that has soaked in and been filled with the kindness, thoughtfulness, and the excitement of your joyful heart.
What a TREASURE…….it is beyond words. No wonder Jack had such a hard time not giving us hints…..it is too much to contain without almost bursting.
I really want to say again, I just feel grateful for you Susan and this blog, you created a wonderful community of girlfriends. And my heart is really happy…..just anticipating that one of us girlfriends is going to be so surprised, so unbelievably lucky…..to have such a reminder of the wonder of our trip to England……such a heartfelt gift.
Susan, I wish I could give you a hug ……and I know all the other girlfriends do too. What a wonderful surprise!!!!
Glad you like it too Deb . . . we are a very lucky bunch around here! We have each other!
Oh my goodness, really this book must be mine. I just know it is. I have other books, but not Peter Rabbit. I knew there was a reason for that. I have thoroughly enjoyed you trip so much that I am dreaming of a trip to see Hill Top Farm and meet dear Beatrix Potter.
Susan. The book is wonderful, and I would be thrilled to be blessed by it. BUT … I would be beside myself if I could just get my hands on the LAMB IN THE APRON ! Ever since you first mentioned her, I’ve tried to imagine how she would look; and now that I see her: I WANT HER ! Waaah… 🙂
That said, I just want to applaud you for your consummate attention to the details that make a meaningful ‘gift of love’ extraordinary. How many of us would trek out in the cold rain to make the purchase; continue out into the wet garden, specifically to pluck a bit of local flora to press into it; proceed to paint an original illustration to further grace it; then simply give it away?! You are one top-notch lady…
XOXO!
Loved the visits to all the sights but especially love the visit to Hill Top. I think the roses might be David Austen’s Constance Spry. It says in my catalog that it is a glorious climber bearing gorgeous, rose-pink, peony-sized blooms and a very strong scent of Myrrh. This was the first English Rose and is still one of the most popular varieties even though it blooms only once. So many it could be, too bad the gardener didn’t know. Well, enjoyed all the travel pictures very much. Hope you find the name of the rose. Thanks again for a wonderful trip around England. xo
What a wonderful story! Of course, everyone would love to have that special book!
Yum! Nothing better than a BLT and a nice juicy peach!
Your comments made my day, Susan! Thank you so much!:-)
xo Nellie
Loved sharing your visit to England. I would love to have this lovely book.