If you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, you will soon! It began going out Tuesday morning (that’s today!), so everyone should have it by Friday. There are a few surprises in there, I don’t want to give them away, so in the meantime . . . MUSICA! Let’s travel a bit, shall we? Good old comfy armchair travel. Let’s take our kitty with us.
But first, Oh Dash! Oh Victoria! Oh Lord M! Prince Albert and his selfish, cruel “Uncle Leopold!” Tell me no secrets and I’ll tell you no lies. Sunday night’s Victoria was a teary one. I did like the puppy though, all was not lost.
A cold and dreary wet day it is out here in the wild Atlantic ocean. But I have my wee cup of Constant Comment in my Castle Cottage cup, the fire is burning, can’t really ask for anything more. I thought I might take us to Scotland today! I hear lots of you are going to Scotland, or might go, or want to go, so if you do, I thought I’d show you a wonderful castle we stayed in, maybe you would like to stay there too. So off we go to the land of clans, lochs, lairds, lads and lasses, Bonny Prince Charlie, Outlander, and Balmoral, the beloved home of Queen Victoria.
It was late evening when we went looking for the two rooms that our friend Elizabeth had “found online.” We were traveling together, Joe and I, Elizabeth and Mike ~ she had no idea what this place would be like and neither did we. But how could we go wrong, we were together and having a great time.
Through tunnels of Scottish trees we went looking for a sign that said “Stravithie” on it. It was out there somewhere, so we were told! We’d traveled up from Edinburgh that day, the long way, along the Fife coast, stopping to eat, walk along the beach, pick up sea glass, go to a fishing museum . . . it’s where the cutest little fishing villages are, all festively criss-crossed with bunting flapping in the wind ~ now we were stopping overnight on our way to St. Andrews.
I was crazy about Edinburgh, everything I loved about York, there was twice as much of it in Edinburgh . . . the red line on this map traces the world famous Fife Coast where we’d been that day.
We probably passed it twice, but finally we quit talking and started concentrating, and there it was. What a nice little sign we all thought, very low key, and a cute little guardhouse too. So far, so good!
We turned down the drive . . . the lovely drive . . . Not too fancy, kind of real . . . the suspense is building, what will we find?????
This was our first glimpse of the house . . . ooooh, aaaah . . .
We drove around to the front, and this is when we began to call it a castle. Isn’t it the MOST? Couldn’t Jane Eyre be living in that pointed turret? We were saying to Elizabeth, “Where did you say you found this?” The thrill of discovery! You really never know what you might stumble upon . . . 
The Laird of the Manor, David Chalmers, with his cute Scottish accent, came out to welcome us. We were already peering into the hall, at the doors, the heads and horns on the walls, the lamps. What mysteries lie ahead?
I thought I would show you a better photo of David. Such a very nice man! And he knows all the best restaurants!
So into the front hall we went. I loved the lamp, I loved the ceiling trim and the little bit of green. I loved the whole thing. This is David’s home, he lives here, on 30 acres of gardens and a river with his wife and two children, so it’s a home they love to share with others, because as you can imagine, it’s fascinating!
I don’t know what they call this long, deep wood-paneled room, but there is the very old head of an alligator up on top of that dresser. The hunt room, perhaps. Leathery and manly, perhaps the smoking room.
I took photos of everything! Pretty lamp, pretty molding.
The dining room was filled with old carved furniture and things from days gone by.
Elegant old china and cut glass and silver . . .
Mrs. Chalmers came in a little later . . . we could hear one of their children practicing the piano somewhere in the house. Made it even more perfect.
Very much a family home. “My parents gave it to me.” That’s what David said when we asked how he came to live here. Of course they did!
Off we went to our separate wings to see our rooms . . . Joe and I climbed the red stairs in the turret . . .
looking up as we climbed . . . those are stairs. How did they do that? We don’t know. (I take that back, I’m sure Joe knows, but it’s not even light out yet, he would not want me to wake him to get this question answered!) My job is to admire curves and shadows.
Down this hallway-sitting room we went . . . loving the furniture,
Loving the fabric . . .
Loving the lamp . . .
Loving all the lamps!
Into our charming room with a view of the lawn and the river,
. . . framed by the heavy, lined drapes you find everywhere in the UK.
We came in through the hall on the right, the bathroom is off that hall, and the kitchen is through the door on the left … We each (meaning each couple) had our own kitchen. I’m happy, Joe’s happy, everyone is happy!
Perfectly appointed, all you need, bright and clean. . .
And more . . . they’d left everything we could possibly want for breakfast, Scottish bacon, ham, fresh eggs, sweet rolls, bread, butter, jam, tea, milk, juice, yogurt and cereal, a feast! And the table was set . . .
So pretty in front of the window . . .
And the view . . . How did Elizabeth ever find such a place?! Must hang out with her more!
We unpacked, went out to dinner to a wonderful restaurant David suggested, and toasted Elizabeth, and our friendship, and Scotland, and life and all good things!
And came back to the castle under this beautiful moon . . .
XXX
The next morning, of course we had to go for a walk, across the lawn and along the river we could see from our bedroom windows.
On a path through the woods. The perfect antidote to modern times.
Let’s to church! as they said in Shakespeare in Love. Yes, let’s! A lovely quiet spot out in the middle of nowhere with a beautiful old sleepy graveyard.
I imagine this walled lawn may have been a vegetable garden at one time. But I was most curious about the little rock sitting on the stone. There was something on it.
I came closer . . .a small piece of slate or maybe granite with something scratched into it:
My imagination says it may have been here since 1993. But if I let myself go, maybe 1593. Or maybe, stretching, just plain 93, as in Druids. We don’t know, but we didn’t touch it, left it as it was for other lucky travelers to happen upon. I automatically think very highly of the person who put it there. Little magic-maker. Hope she’s reading this. Love is the Law. Truly, it should be.
Back through the ancient wood the merrie folk did go.
We climbed a hill and came upon these worn stone steps and, oddly, that hole filled with water (I guess, needless to say, no one tasted it). 😜 Unmarked. No explanation. A hot tub for fairies? A little last-resort bathtub? (One of our Girlfriends suggested it was a “tail wash for dragons!”😂) But why here when there is a perfectly good river nearby? We had no idea. We saw no hose bib. I know it rains a lot here, but this much?
It’s perched on a kind of ledge, actually, the entire thing is rock. You could step behind those ferns on the left, walk off the edge and fall, maybe 20 feet? (I’m not good at falling distances.) There’s a very old, moss-covered, slippery-looking stone stairway to the bottom of the ravine that no one wanted to go on. But the boys wanted to see how deep the hole was. Nothing pulled Mike in, which was good. I stayed about this far away from it the whole time wishing I had my dangerous mastiff at my side.
And again, an answer from one of our Girlfriends. It’s a Druid’s well! It’s an actual thing. You can read more about it HERE! Fun!
Flowering things grew wild from the rocks. Because it’s Scotland. Did you know the national animal for Scotland is the Unicorn? Oh yes. Magical Scotland, land of legends and ghosts.
It was a wonderful time. If you would like to stay in a castle in Scotland, you can, so easily. Go to www.stravithiecastle.co.uk. Or write [email protected] or phone 01334 880251 It’s close to lots of nice things. And tell David we said Hello!
As promised in the new WILLARD, a Giveaway! This England, this green and pleasant land, this cup. For thee. And the book . . . a signed copy of A Fine Romance. That’s one.
And behind door number two, the new Spring cup, and one of my brand new cross stitch kits for Home Sweet Home, because they kind of match, and go together. Also for thee. Two giveaways! They won’t arrive from England until the first of April, so you’ll have to wait for spring. I’ll be away, but Sheri will make sure you get them the moment they arrive. All you need to do to sign up for both giveaways is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, where you see the teeeeeny tiny word that says, “comments,” click there, say anything, and voila, you’re in the drawing! I’ll contact you if you win, but you can come back in a few days to see if Vanna chose your name. Life is good!
Must go now . . . Say Goodbye to my muses, these . . .
And this one. I’m thinking of changing his name to Dash. Beloved puppy of mine. Have a wonderful day dear ones. Keep in touch! There are adventures and more surprises ahead! 
What a fun trip while staying at home. I especially love the little poems & drawings between the writing. 💕
Wishing you very happy and safe travels!
Your posts are always so touching and heartfelt. Thanks for sharing your artistry and life with us. Love having my morning cup of tea or cider in one of my/your cups. Your Jack is adorable. Always like hearing about his antics.
Hi Susan – loved your blog about Scotland, David’s castle and especially Jack hanging out with you in your desk drawer 💗! I’ve been following you since your recipes in Country Living and my home & garden all have that special Susan Branch magic! My husband was listening to me tell him about your most recent blog and your adventures in Scotland and right away he said – “Let’s celebrate our 60th birthdays in Scotland.” We have about a year and a half to plan this magical trip! Thanks for the inspiration!😘
Brilliant idea! Excellent husband! xoxo
I agree–Excellent husband. Cherish and treasure that. (Mine won’t go).
That’s why we need our girlfriends!
This spurs my desire to return to Scotland. I never went up that way toward St Andrews. On theist!
Gorgeous! What a fantastic, magical time in Scotland! I do so want to go visit, though that Druid’s well looks a bit deep an mysterious…
I want to see Scotland
Oh my goodness! This post was DELIGHTFUL!!! I am an Outlander fan, so seeing all this was a real treat!! I hope I can visit Scotland some day, but for now I have this! Your pics made me feel like I was almost there! That castle you stayed in was amazing! It would be so fun to cook in that little kitchen!
Thank You!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures of Scotland. I hope to visit Scotland and Ireland soon….I always enjoy your posts.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for my armchair trip to beautiful Scotland and the charming castle. I also love everything British and look forward to hearing all about your experiences on this spring’s adventure. I too love Victoria and was glued to the Telly during this wonderful 2 hour gift last Sunday. Aren’t the costumes amazing?
I so hope, along with everything else you do, you will manage to write and illustrate another book of your trip to Scotland. I love all your books….you’re amazing.
All the best, Susan
Love reading about your adventures. I own and enjoy all of your books. Very much enjoyed meeting you when you were signing at Vromans in Pasadena, CA. Thank you for signing ALL my books!!
Robin
I felt like I was right there in the castle with you! Thank you for that!
I’m really looking forward to reading Willard! I’m always torn about reading your blog posts and willards – read it without any delay, or save it until I can make a bit of an event out of it? I usually decide to do both! Which is why I’m curled up with a cup of cocoa and a purring cat on my lap, rereading a blog post that I first read this morning. Thank you for the lovely little lift that you bring to your readers’ days.
Susan, you find the best places! Thanks for always sharing. I always feel like I’ve been on a mini vacation when I read your blog.
Wonderful adventure, thanks for sharing so much
Thank you for sharing lovely Scotland with us, Susan! Loved it!
Also, can I make a pitch for a sequel to Isle of Dreams? I’d love to read about your years as a newlywed with Joe as you settled into your lovely house. I liked The Fairy Tale Girl very much, but I absolutely loved Isle of Dreams because I enjoyed reading about your life on Martha’s Vineyard so much. I pick it up and flip through it whenever I’ve had a bad day – paintings of birds, cats, and tomatoes always seem to cheer me up.
Also, my almost two year old loves when I flip through it because she loves finding paintings of cats! She sometimes brings it to me saying “mama book mama book read it read it!” This is kind of an aside, but I just wanted to let you know – you get praise from the most important critic in our house!
I’ve always said I write children’s books for big people! Thank you Katie!
Thank you for this wonderful trip to Scotland. I have a dear friend whose daughter, another dear friend, is currently studying at University in Glascow. She loves it. I am forwarding your blog to her.
Loved a bit of Harry James too. Perfect musica for the ride!
Best,
Kelly 🌷🌻🌷
My ancestors came from Scotland, would love to visit!😍
Dear Susan, Your magical tour of the castle and grounds and church and special steps in the green wood, were all so wonderful to read. Thank you so much. I love that dear little cup with the English house on it. I would be so thrilled if Vanna would pick my name.
Dearest Susan, You are the best….a new blog post with a mini vacation to Scotland, staying in a castle, no less; teaching us about a Druid’s well; a new Willard just around the corner with lots of exciting news; two, count them, 2 giveaways!!; and THE sweetest photo of Jack every. Thank you, dear girl. Love, Rachel
Ah Rachel . . . You. The givingest of us all! xoxo
What a beautiful post, loved it all but I think Jack in the drawer is the sweetest part. Will be going to Scotland this Fall and so looking forward to it.
So glad you discovered Scotland.I’ve been there three times and would love to go again. It seems so much more old fashioned than the rest of the U.K.–using words like “wee”, “jumper”,etc.I agree with you—love Edinburgh but really lose my heart to the Highlands, especially the western Highlands! Charming people—beautiful country!!
Just came home from “Darkest Hour” movie.
I can’t wait to go, and I can’t wait til I can go again!
Thank you for sharing.
That looks like a very magical place you stayed. I love everything about it. I also love that you left the stone.
I love reading about your travels sprinkled throughout with the quotes and your beautiful drawings. I was in England last year taking my elderly mother to see our family. We went to Wales and enjoyed multiple teas at her girlfriends’ houses. All of them are in their late 80’s and have been friends since they were in their teens. I love the green and the hills and the stories of the land and the coal miners. Thanks for giving us that with the story of Scotland and its fairies.
Dear Susan…loved the post, the castle, the give-aways, and Jack in the drawer! Love and hugs!!!
Love the pictures of Scotland! Dreaming of going one day!
Just love visiting places through your eyes! Please don’t stop sharing.
What a lovely, magical place to stay!
Oh! What a lovely post! You brightened my day, Susan!
Such joy to find a new post on your blog! Thank-you for sharing!
I really enjoyed this little travelogue; from the suspense of the drive down the tree lined road to the tour of the inside of the castle rooms to your wanderings of the “ancient wood.” Seemed like a storybook tale come to life. I’m now (im)patiently awaiting the new Willard.
Also, love the spring cups, especially the little lambies. Just may have to order one of those.
Anything I comment would not live up to your lyrics; but I also would love to win !! thank you for the chance!!
Thank you for telling us about the lovely Scottish castle you and Joe stayed in. Maybe the hole with water you came upon during your walk was a mini fairy pool? I visited the fairy pools on the Isle of Skye when my family traveled around Scotland a few years ago. Magical!
Dear Susan, I always enjoy your posts, especially the travel ones. Thank you for sharing.
Take care….
I would never have guessed that the looks of such a tremendous castle on the outside was so cozy and comfy on the inside! Thanks for sharing your trip inspirations Susan 🙂
I’ve lived in Hawaii all my 64 yrs (except for 2 yrs in San Fran) but today you took me on a trip to Scotland. Thank you, I loved it! And I love you everything you say and do, you inspire me.
The other side of the world!
I LUV “This royal throne of kings, this scepter’d isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house
Against the envy of less happier lands,
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.”
And you are putting it on a mug!!! LUV IT!
Oops….wrong quote!
“I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant land.”
Lovely……..truly enjoyed your post……Thank you so very much ! Love to you, Jack and Joe.
A Willard and a post all in one day… I am rich! I loved walking down memory lane back to Scotland! This castle is wonderful and reminds me of the one in Monarch of the Glen… have you watched any of that wonderful series?? If you haven’t, you must… it is hysterical, and Julian Fellowes (creator of Downton Abbey) plays the most wonderful character called Killwillie in the series! But, I digress… I just devoured the Willard and was thrilled to see that you’ll be going to Ireland along with England and Wales. I was in Ireland three years ago, and I do believe it is one of the most magical places on earth! It looks exactly like what I had imagined… green, green, green. Oh, that cottage that you’ll be staying in … White ‘o Morn’s cousin for sure! When I was there, we were lucky enough to stay in homes with such lovely hosts for 2 of the weeks, which ensured we were able to soak up the local culture (and, of course, had a “full Irish breakfast” more than once.) Butter from grass fed cows and milk, too! We spent the majority of our time in Northern Ireland, but also enough time in Dublin to see so much and to know that I MUST go back. We even went sailing on Strangford Lough… it has one of the fastest tidal flows in the UK and the shoreline is dotted with the most wonderful pastel colored flats (like our townhouses here). Can’t wait to follow along as you go to all the lovely places. Wish I could tag along in your suitcase! I nearly teared up when I saw that stack of Beatrix Potter books… instantly took me back to being 5 years old. Thank you for sharing so much loveliness with us always!!
Hi Sue… thanks for sharing. Loved Scotland… some years ago we rented a car in London and with no plan, drove where our hearts desired thru England, fell in love with the Lakes District and all the little villages everywhere, B&B’s, pubs, then into Scotland, loved everything, ended up in Aberdeen then flew over to Ireland. Best trip ever. I know why you love it so ❤️
I love the castle that you stayed in. I think I need to plan a trip soon to Scotland. Thank you for your wonderful post.
Scotland sounds wonderful!
Hello Susan, I’m afraid I haven’t written for a while but I have been keeping up with your Blogs. We are going to SKYE in October after our sons wedding for a relax and to do lots of walking. I will remember your recommendation though and may return another year.
Please could you let me know if the beautiful dragonfly dish will be available through Nursery Thyme in England …I would love one so much as I have a bit of a thing for dragonflies.
best wishes from gloomy and wet England
Jacqui
The cups are made in England, so it’s easy to drop some off before they are shipped to me. Not so, I’m sorry to say, with the other dishes which are made here. It’s one thing to export, but a whole other thing to import! We do ship though if it becomes a must have!
Your stories just make me happy! Thank you for sharing.
We were able to take a little holiday to Scotland last June, courtesy of the McMillan Cancer trust and it was magical. I had ancestors which came from Scotland and so it was pretty wonderful to be able to walk where they once walked! It is a beautiful country and I could easily see why Nova Scotia got the name it did. (I am from Nova Scotia originally although I was born on PEI.) They are so very much alike! I loved seeing the different view of it via your camera lens and words. I really want to go back now. I am hoping and wishing to get up to the Picnic in May. Fingers crossed! We will see how it goes! Love all that you share with us! xoxo
Hope you can Marie!
I love Scotland, it’s all that you say and more. I’m in Devon staying with my son and family for two weeks then up to Yorkshire to spend two weeks with my sister. Upstate New York is where I now live but England is my home of birth so you can image how I love all you write about it. Thank you for this delightful blog, can’t get enough.
I can imagine how you are loving this early spring. Devon and Yorkshire (and upstate New York isn’t too bad either!), you are a lucky girl!
Thank you for another lovely Post! Looking forward to meeting up in The Lake District.
Love the castle
What a wonderful trip.Staying in a castle things dreams are made of.
Thank you, Susan, for taking us along on your travels and adventures! I’m sure you have heard this at least a million times before, but as someone who is sidelined due to health/mobility issues, being an “armchair traveler” with you is so very enriching. I love seeing the places and “meeting” the people you encounter. All the energy you pour into your Willards and blog posts is very much appreciated!
What absolutely marvelous pictures! Thanks so much for the armchair vacation ❤️
You just crack me up!! I had a very similar walk w my husband and a friend from college travelling together in Tasmania, Australia! Those “boys” are always exploring something more thoroughly than I think they need to…as I just step back cross my fingers and pray nothing bad happens to them in the process! Does it stop me from going out on these little adventures with them??? NEVER!!!!
Interesting. Exploring and finding new surprises are always rewarding.
What a wonderful post. Loved the adventure, love the castle, LOVE LOVE the giveaways, but I just marvel at the little green plant (which looked to me like something from the shamrock family), growing in the rocks. Just peeking through to surprise someone! Love it when plants find their way into a spot where it is hard to believe they would survive.
I do too, there’s a lot of faith and hope and strength there!
I NEED to go to Scotland! Just came back from a trip to Paris with 3 of my sisters, my daughter, granddaughter and daughter-in-law. We are ready for our next adventure! Thanks for making your trip so real for us.
What a fantastic traveling group!!
Thanks so much for taking all of us with you on your travels. I love to sit and daydream maybe me one day!
Thank you, Susan. You are a delight as always.
Thank you for sharing, brought back many fond memories of our trip to Scotland many years ago.
I love the detail you put into your posts. I’d love to go back to Scotland.
Went to Ireland last year. Next on my bucket list Scotland. All things UK. Love the Crown and Victoria.
That picture of the woodland trees you took on your walk was my favorite! Loved it! Enjoyed reading and sharing in on your adventure! 😊
Oh my — Did this post ever take me back! I just loved every little peek. What year was this? I don’t remember your posts from the UK with these friends? My husband and I went to St. Andrews so that he could golf. He scraped the dirt from his golf shoes and has it to this day in a special jar. One of the most memorable and special trips EVER. And the trade off was that I got to go to Windermere and Beatrix Potter’s house. Don’t you just LOVE every little detail of all the fussiness on display in the castle? I can’t wait to vicariously journey with you in the spring! Can’t wait to see the Willard. I saw the email coming in early yesterday morn with the word “Willard” and then it disappeared! Holding my breath that I may see it today . . .
Mike and Elizabeth met us in Scotland for a week ~ we were on our own for the rest of the time . . . it was fall of 2016. A relatively sad time for us because my dad had died earlier that year and grief was sometimes my middle name. I didn’t write a lot about it. But you’ll find the glorious day we watched sheepdogs round up sheep. And the most wonderful women’s clothing store in Edinburgh! Let me know if you don’t get that WILLARD back!
Still no Willard. Where, oh where? I usually always get it the first day as I have been on your email list since the beginning of time! It’s Jane from Washington who took the Twain to SLO with my friend to finally, once and for all, meet you!!!! I would love it if you could arrange to send Willard. I’ll give you my info again . . .
It goes out again, twice . . . you should have it by this evening, if not, check your spam folder, Willard sometimes takes a detour ~ if it’s not there, please let me know!
You’re a DOLL! I’ll watch for Willard and put the kettle on!
And a PS. I meant to comment on your loss of your dear Dad and felt badly that I didn’t. My MOm died at age 74 very suddenly, almost fifteen years’ ago, and I think, nearly every day, of something to tell her or show her or just hear her voice. It’s always there in my head and my heart. I hope and pray that when I see her in heaven, I will remember all I have to tell her! And, from the lovely mentions and posts about your Dad, we ALL knew him and felt your loss. I remember at SLO, you shared that loss with all of us and it was so difficult to even say out loud. You were a wonderful, caring, loving daughter. You will always feel a bit of ache, I’m sure.
It’s okay. I really didn’t talk about it too much when it happened, for some reason it was easier to speak in person than write it on the blog. Because I could look in people’s caring eyes. I know everyone loved him. xoxoxo Thank you Jane.
So very sorry for the news of your dad. Fathers are always missed by their daughters. Time heals but the love stays forever. Blessings to you.
Thank you . . . I know, sometimes I think, like with this trip we’re planning, how much he would love it . . . and I find myself leaning more in the way of “doing it for him” instead of lamenting. He was around for so very long, I got very used to him. A piece of my life seems to have broken off. He called every day, and commented on EVERYTHING, and from his chair, even told us how to fix the leak in our ceiling. Thank you Sandy. Time will make it easier. It already has.
Scotland on my bucket list and of course will have to stay in a castle after reading your fabulous adventure!!!
I loved this little trip to Scotland Susan! Hat a great place to stay. We love
Edinburgh too. Thanks for taking us along.
I was so thrilled to see your post on Scotland. The timing was perfect…. dreary weather here, but finding sunshine and joy in my everyday world and always in your blog. Thank you for the beautiful cups! I love them.
Makes me happy to hear that Glenna!
Lovely way to start my morning. Thank you, as always! ♥
Now I have to add “Stay in a Scottish castle” to my travel wish list! Thanks for brightening my day with your post, Susan.
Ooh…ahhh…wonderful post and pictures!
Absolutely lovely! Thank you for sharing!
Always a pleasure to get your blog
Meow. Beautiful.inspirational.=^..^= thank you!
What a lovely, lovely post…Thank you Susan for allowing us to accompany you on all your adventures..
Wow! Over 1000 comments! I shall endeavor to read them all. You inspire millions of hearts Dearest One.
Sitting here in our Boudoir with a cup of coffee…pink floral leggings, long sleeve pink striped tee under a baggy old much loved Winnie the Pooh sweatshirt, pink wild polka dotted fuzzy socks & a nightcap because this room isn’t heated!
Oh My…Absolutely lovely & brilliant lettery Blog. And yes I am whispering out loud as I type & in a really weird Texas Southern Scottisch (gosh that is spelled wrong I think!) accent.
First things first…Just use Dash as Jack’s middle name.
Jack Dash Hall…Oohhh that sounds quite the scamp & rogue!
How utterly Serendipitous Stravithe Castle was! And my heart went pitty pat when I saw all that gorgeous trim work! Being as how Jesse, the Hubs is a cabinet maker & trim carpenter extrordinaire, my eye automatically goes to the trim work!!
And how sweet that some of the wall sconey lamps were cockeyed!
Imagine the stories that old sideboard could share with us all.
Loved going up the Red Stairs to the turrent. How did you open out onto the lawn from up there?
Red Stairs to the Turrent is a great title for a book or just a chapter heading, doncha’ think?
And did I spy with my little eye an oar on the ceiling in the hallway-sitting room?
Loved the walk! So many magical sights to discover.
When we were in Scotland in ’98 we had the Best Time! Spent it all in Edinburg & it was truly Enchanting. Like stepping through a portal.
Welp, must dash over to Willard then up to let all the goats & chickens out.
And LOVE the Giveaways! You are so sweet to us! We could just gobble you up!
Hugs & Smooches to your Sidekicks! Ever Kat on Rose Creek Farm
PS…we have triplet girls that will be a week old this Friday.
Pixel, Bubbles & Cocoa. Absolutely adorable.
I’m making lamb nametags for all the goats…we are back up to 24 now from 12! for the May picnic! If I can’t be there in person I shall make it a wild & fun time right here. Though Hubs had said…”You do realize they are 6 hours ahead of us? If the picnic is at noon, you’ll be out on your quilt with your basket of Goodies at 6 am”. “Well”, says me,” Of course I didn’t think of that!! But that’s just perfectly peachy fine…I’ve never had an early morning picnic before” 🙂 🙂 🙂
The comments, just like yours Kat, are the best part!! Tell your husband to quit being so scientific! 😂
Love hearing about Scotland, keep it coming!
Such a beautiful and generous gift!
,
,
Oh my, what a beautiful place to stay and visit. I love traveling with you through your blog. Many thanks for sharing your travels with us. My absolutely favorite part of this blog post is Jack’s drawer. That’s a marvelous idea so he’s not on top of your desk and your work and he’s still close enough to give him some loving petting. I need to give my cat a drawer of my sewing machine cabinet. Cute, cute cat! Thanks for sharing Jack – love his adventures!
What a delightful place to discover and visit! We only had two days in Scotland before we had to fly back home, so we just stayed in Edinburgh (which was lovely)! But if I ever get to go back, I want to travel in the countryside. LOVE your post and photos. And that church and resting place of saints! Oh my. So beautiful. I am sitting here enjoying your charming post ‘whilst’ (just had to put that in there) drinking from my Susan Branch ‘Winter’ cup–a good morning! But now I see that I must have that English Countryside cup as well–it’s only proper! LOVE it! Can’t wait for my Willard to arrive too.
My Willard just arrived in my inbox! Yay!
AND…my husband just pre-ordered the English Countryside cup as a gift for me for our 29th Anniversary (Feb. 4th)! This IS turning out to be a wonderful day! 🙂
Happy Anniversary Amy!
Susan!
As always! You got me!! I would love to go to Scotland! Ahhhh, well I will have to live vicariously through you and Joe!
Would love to have the mugs!
Hugs, Linda
The best part of Scotland is taking a walk and not having any idea what you are going to find. On our trip last fall, we didn’t walk anywhere near enough, but when we took the time we found ancient walls, hairy coos, and mystery. Magical!
You are a lovely tour guide, Susan. Thanks for generously sharing your talents and travels with all of us.
What a magical grounds and castle! Loved the story and pictures. Would love to nestle in and explore the castle. Reminds me of my childhood and favorite book, “The Secret Garden”.
How perfectly delicious was your post for me this morning. Curled up in my love seat, with a cup of tea in one hand, and the other free to stroke Liri, our seven month old pup. It’s nearing -20 degrees C, here at home. The tea and pup warmed me partially; your charming blog post finished the job.
Always enjoy anything about Scotland. We spent our 31st anniversary there 14 years ago and hope to go back sometime in the next year or two, as soon as life calms down a bit. Thanks for the wonderful pics to bring it all back to me.
I can feel your excitement building for your upcoming trip to your happy place!!🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you for this wonderful trip. This is the closest I shall ever be to Scotland. I enjoyed every moment.
Love all the new cups and plates! Wish I could have them all, but I guess that would be too extravagant!
Is the breakfast book still on the horizon? Seems like I’ve been waiting for years (literally) for it! Hope so!
Ginger
You have! Maybe it’s a good project for when the legs won’t go anymore! I just went through the pages the other day, it’s a cutie!
Oh so glad to know it’s still on the radar screen! I read your “pancakes” story years ago, and when I asked about getting a hard copy of it (couldn’t get it to print properly), I was told it would be in the Breakfast Book. So, I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Any chance of getting a copy of “pancakes” before the book is released? Waiting until “the legs won’t go anymore” might be a looooong wait!
LOL, I’ll see what I can do!
Thank you! That would be the best treat!
What fun to read this post. I need to stay places with kitchens and this place looks enchanting AND has a kitchen for our use. Thank You! I am sitting here with my hot cup of Postum, because my doctor has me off of anything with caffeine and in this cold winter I need something warm to drink.
Your writing is such a blessing to me!! Thank you 😀
Thank you, Susan for a lovely “trip” to Scotland. I truly enjoyed it. Hope your day is a good one. Love to you and Joe and your kitty-cat❣
I really want to go there! We also have “travel buddies” who love adventure! No wrong turns! No mistakes!
Dear Susan,
I read your books then found Willard and your wonderful web site. Thankyou for sharing all your lovely posts, it brings so much joy that there is still good in the world.
Sincerely, Nancy
Susan, Thanks for the lovely walk around the castle. Love your posts. And I love the views out your bedroom windows. Lovely, love, love–what more is there to say!
Love reading about your travels! My daughter and I were in Scotland in August 2001. We loved Edinburgh. We were there right before 9/11. How things have changed since then. We, unfortunately, couldn’t get tickets for their Military Tattoo. But we were there during their “Fringe ” week. So much fun! We walked up and down the Royal Mile between the castle and the Queen’s castle. Did you ever get to Inverness? That was our other favorite place. Keep on writing about your travels.
Didn’t get up that far . . . we stayed at the bottom of the Cairngorms, and basically went either left or right!
Lovely trip to Scotland!❤️
Amazing castle, and his parents gave it to him!
Looks like such a lovely place to stay! I’m sure with your recommendations and lovely pictures they will be booked up solid–and rightly so! Thanks for taking us all along on your lovely journeys.
Wonderful post – such a treat to stay in an actual castle! As I just recently completed “Fairy Tale Girl” and “Martha’s Vineyard – Isle of Dreams” (loved both!), I would certainly love to win “A Fine Romance”. I’m looking forward to hopefully making my first trip to the English countryside in the near future. Thank you!
I enjoyed escaping this dreary day by exploring the castle with you.
What a lovely trip you’ve taken us on today! Thank you for sparking imaginations and bringing smiles to girlfriends everywhere. Looking forward to Spring