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! 
Once again you have helped me step aside from the worries and concerns of this day and dream!
Blessings dear Susan.
Colleen
Your posts are always so delightful! I like to look at life like you do, where things are still magical and we look for the fun. Thank you for the chance in the giveaway.
Loved this post! What a glorious place! Than you, Susan!
Thanks for again taking us along with you on another enchanting adventure! Scotland and Stravithie Castle look magical! Your new cups are absolutely adorable! Love them so much! This time I am ordering some, before they are all gone. xoxo
Your cups are so darling. I ordered one and use it every day. The perfect size and I love the colors and designs. Wish I could visit England and Scotland, but will have to settle for your books and blog to let me “visit”. Thank you for taking me along on your travels!
Only had a day in Scotland not nearly enough want very much to go back c
Thank you for our trip to Scotland. I had my DNA tested through Ancestry and all that Irish I thought I was…like the ad on tv…I’m not Irish! I’m Scottish! Overall, I’m 69% Great Britian-so, more than ever, I loved our trip today!
I cried like a baby watching Victoria on Sunday evening. I loved Lord M and then soon furious with uncle Leopold. My emotions were all over the place!
Now, I must sign off and go check to see if the Spring cup is on pre-order!
Reading your posts always feel like I’m on a little vacation! Thank you, Susan.
Susan, what fun adventures you and Joe have. Such good fortune that Elizabeth found the castle for your stay. Scotland looks amazing! I ordered your four new mugs last night and do believe I love “Jack’s” best. Sunday night Victoria was a major crying event for me…on a positive note the costumes are unbelievable!!
Susan,
I received my lovely “Come Sit, Stay” mug and I can barely let go of it long enough to wash it…I love it…coffee, tea..doesn’t matter everything tastes better and feels better.
It arrived at a perfect time, my husband had to have emergency eye surgery (he is healing well)…but my mug and I sat with him while he was recuperating…it cheered my days believe me.
Thank you for taking us with you on your adventures…can’t wait for the next one.
xoxox
Glad to hear your husband is on the mend, and I have to say, we have the same problem about washing our cups!
Your delight in and expression of simple beauty bespeaks your “gift of God.” With gratitude from Camano Island, WA, Diney
I kind of think that too, I feel His many gifts every day. Thank you Diane!
Wonderful read while awaiting Willard! Recent DNA testing estimates my ethnicity as 46% Great Britain, 30% Europe West, and 12% Ireland/Scotland/Wales … so I’m VERY eager to follow along with you to the places you will go! Love, love, love …
Sharon in Alabama
I’m waiting for my labs to come back from DNA testing right NOW! Can’t wait!
I love love the new cottage mug! When will it be available to offer? Your Scottish Castle looks wonderful! Years ago we stayed in the lovely and “haunted” Atholl Palace Hotel with our children, and they got a kick out of it…alas no ghost sightings. 😉
The cups are up for presale right now. xoxo
Yay, I just ordered the English countryside mug! It’s a perfect momento of our trip to the Cotswolds last year. Thank you❤️
PS — “Dash”? As in Dashiell Hammet? Hhmmm… they both have that same little mustache…!
Beautiful post…thank you!
Oh! Susan u take my breath away everytime. With the gorgeous pictures abd lovely stories. Thank you.
Hello susan,
What a lovely post to read today. I am now dreaming of staying in that castle in Scotland.
We were in Edinburgh last summer, and LOVED it! We also went further up north, and if you are near Aviemore, there’s a herd of reindeer you can see! We had such fun!
Looking forward to may, and the picnic!
Lots of love from
Nicoline
xx
See you soon Nicoline!
My best friend and I are in the very early stages of planning a trip to Scotland. Her grandfather came from there. As did her grandmother. They didn’t meet til they got to the US!
You have given me so many ideas today.
Thank you so much for the trip! Can’t wait until the next one…but until then I will revisit the castle with you.
I’m not much of a traveler, so I really love the virtual tours!
Keep making mugs! Such great gifts. Last year, before I flew from CA to MD to see my twin sister, I ordered the Bluebird of Happiness mugs and had them delivered to my sister’s house. What fun is was to drink tea together from them and now she has a special keepsake and lovely cups to enjoy.
Love & blessings!
Makes my day to hear that, I feel like I was there. xoxo
You just turned my frown upside down. 🙂
XOXOXO
Loved learning about your adventures in Scotland! We are looking forward to having adventures in Europe this spring – hoping for warmer weather than in Scotland!
When your blog posts appear, ’tis a good day. Perhaps winning one of your tea cups is in my future.
Beautiful pictures and a wonderful read on a rainy afternoon-loved the Druid well side story-thanks!
Wasn’t it sad that Victoria could love a dog but couldn’t bond with a child. Post depression is a hard thing for women. Love the show.
Oh what a wonderful post! My Hubbie looking over my shoulder while I read it aloud wanted to go back and hit all the high liters and hear the Musica. Bless your heart.
Mary Ann
Take me back to Scotland! What a lovely armchair travel. ❤️
I love traveling virtually with you until I am well enough to travel on my own!
Loved reading about your trip to Scotland…was there many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
It’s always such a treat, traveling with you and yours, thank you for sharing the adventures with us!
All I can say is “I wanna go too”
Love is the Law is a song by the Suburbs! But, it still could have been druids….
Why not both! 😁
Oh woooow….that house, er, castle! Is amazing! Its hard to think that there are people out there in the world who live like that….but how nice they’ll let the rest of us come stay a night or two! I’d love to across the pond and see these gorgeous places. Your jaunt through the foliage reminded me of British murder mystery I’ve been watching– Rosemary and Thyme. Luckily there was no murder in your visit 😉
I would LOVE to be entered into your mug drawing! I was just sighing and fawning over them the other day. Thanks for the chance!
Enjoyed the blog post today! Now you have me wishing to visit Scotland. Our winter in SW Idaho has been quite mild but my husband and I have been enjoying a cup of tea in the evening (loose leaf decaf English Breakfast) and pretend it’s to take the chill off. I believe we need more cups! 😉
Cheers!
Samantha (Mt. Borah Lady from Idaho)
Ooh, I love every bit of it! Thank you for letting me tag along with you to this magical place!
Our public broadcast station had a kind of Victoria marathon. Couldn’t tear myself away. Then the cats did something that required my attention. Was only gone a moment but when I came back in, Albert was devastated. Apparently I missed a very crucial moment. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Yes, his uncle got to him with rather disheartening news!
It’s always lovely to open my email & find something new from you – with lot of pictures, both in your words & in paintings & photos. The scenes come alive almost as if we traveled with you. Thank you for sharing your adventures & treasures with us!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your post. It’s just what I needed today.
Your post brought back many happy memories of visiting our daughter in St. Andrews (while Prince William and Kate were attending.) Had delicious Fish and Chips in Anstruther and did lots of walking along the beach. We’ve always wanted to go back and Stravithie Castle looks charming! (Have you seen the DVD “Crisis At the Castle” about British families who’ve inherited castles trying to figure out a way to pay the tremendous expenses associated with owning a castle? It’s available through the CLAMS Library network.)
Reading this was a nice change of “scenery” from the icy rain falling outside my NH window today! Good daydream material….!
Enjoyed the latest news from the Isle of Dreams!
Thank you!
As usual, somehow your posts and newsletters come just when I need them most! Gorgeous place to stay and lovely pictures, thanks so much for the much needed smiles and giveaway chance.
Love the lush green of Scotland. Never been there but this makes me want to go.
Lovely post. Definitely want to stay there when I visit Ireland and Scotland. It has long been a dream of mine.
LOVE the castle!
Melin
oxox
What a find! Thanks for the vicarious thrill!
Oh how wonderful the castle! Preparing for a trip next year to Ireland with my sister but might try to add Scotland to the adventure.
You said we could say anything, so I shall say….I loveth thee!!
I loveth thee right back!
Thank you again for such a wonderful post. I so enjoy reading your adventures. This one reminded me of the visit my husband, sons and I took to Ireland several years ago. We didn’t stay in a castle, it was a working farmhouse and what a wonderful adventure it was for us. We have always wanted to go to Scotland and this makes me hope to go soon! Kiss your sweet kitty for me.
Magical post glad to sojourn with you in word and photos!
You are keeping Vanna busy. I love the idea of Druids well, but even more — a place for a proper cleaning of a dragon’s tail!!!!!!! Ha! Lovely post. Thanks!!!
So beautiful…loved the castle!! Hope you are having a beautiful day!
A question, Gertrude’s last name I can’t read and I love that quote.
Enjoyed this post as usual.
Jekyll, pronounced Jee-Kel ~ wonderful English garden designer.
Such beautiful pictures!
Another enchanting post! Thank you Susan. You certainly know how to chase away the winter doldrums! God bless .
“I’m not good at falling distances” 🙂 You cracked me up on that one , my friend!!
Something else for us to be good at? I think not!
Lovely going with you on your journey, as usual, although one might battle jealousy and such , if one were not careful. [Not me, of course.] Happy winter !
I want to go to the Castle!
I’d love to be drinking tea and reading, too.
Ahhh, life is good!
Can you see my smile? I always have a smile and Happy thoughts after reading your posts. Thank you.
Do enjoy your upcoming trip. Looking forward to “traveling” with you.
Oh my!!!! Putting that place on my list 💟
Friends of ours are currently on year two living nearby and attending St. Andrews. What a magical place! I can’t wait to see your travel log of Ireland, the land of my ancestors. My fondest wish us to visit Ireland and Scotland one day💕
Thank you for taking us on a journey! You always make us feel we are with you!
I’m signed up! Thanks for the Scottish Castle story. I’ve been there, but we missed that place. Wonderful memories and thank you for sharing!
The minute I saw your beautiful photo I recognized that bit of water as a holy well, as they are called in Ireland. There are hundreds–probably thousands–of holy wells in Ireland, often in secluded places like woodlands. They are usually dedicated to various saints and holy people and people still visit them to meditate and pray. I’m sure you’ll see some on your trip to Ireland.
Scotland, another Celtic land, seems to have its holy wells also, tho religious changes in the 16th century may have outlawed them. But from your photo of its well-tended appearance this one seems well visited–no pun intended!
I can’t imagine how they hollowed out that rock!
Thank you for the mini trip to Scotland! I would so love to go & stay in a castle.
I agree, poor Dash, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert & Lord M. What an evening of PBS.
Enjoy your day, it is raining/snowing here in Michigan as well.
This was a delightful journey. I could almost feel the breeze in the woods.
What a lovely castle…thank you for sharing with us. I went to Edinburgh last September but did not get to travel north…it’s on my list! Love the giveaway items…hoping for a win here!
Love your de-light-full muses! Can’t wait for your next trip diary. You write them so well. Still rooting for your home-making book, too!
Loved seeing the photos of Ireland. What a magical place! I must watch this Victoria show; I keep hearing about it but haven’t watched any of it yet. I’ve been immersed in a great Australian series, A Place to Call Home. It is really good, you can watch it on Amazon video.
We saw the first several seasons of A Place to Call Home, but need to get back to this new season!
Thanks for the Scottish tour, Susan. How elegant the castle looks. Can’t really imagine living in one. Wonder what the children of the Laird think of it. Must be so much fun having your friends over for a play date. Thank you for the lovely giveaway. Waiting patiently for Willard here on the very windy and rainy south end of Vancouver Island.
I’m sure the children think that everyone lives in a castle! Perfectly normal!
Oh my! This thrills my wee heart! Was in Edinburgh last summer and Saint Andrews (and a bit more). I absolutely ADORE Edinburgh! Actually, I adore England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales (UK!!!)!! I love you, Susan, your books, Willard, your BEAUTIFUL art, cups, ETC.!!!
I hear the JOY from your not so wee heart!
Your posts are always wonderful. I used to think they were too “frilly” for me, but, I matured and now I savor each and every one. Thanks for the cheer on a gloomy day here in the Midwest.
LOL! I love the mature you!
Oh dear, now I’ll have to do an armchair trip to Scotland. I want to eat breakfast in that old castle, roam the pathways and see everything you four saw. Wonderful excursion!
Thank you so much, Susan, for bringing sunshine today to my heart, while the rainy weather is outside! Looking forward to hearing about your travels!!!! Hoping to travel next year to the Land of fairies and green hills!
I just love Scotland. We’ve been twice, visiting the fabulous gardens and all the interesting historic sites. We had so many wonderful experiences there. Barely scratched the surface…must go back!What a beautiful castle you have found for us. I have a feeling that the Chalmers will have a lot more bookings after this post😊. I’m writing the information down now!
David deserves to know such kindred spirits like you. xoxo
Wonderful to see such lovely pictures of this wonderful place! But the picture of your kitty in the drawer is the best. Our kitties do that to, sleep in a nook or cranny where it is close and warm on these cold and blowy days. Stay cozy!
What a wonderful story to read about my grandparents’ homeland as I sipped my “cuppa a tea” on this rainy afternoon. I could almost hear my grandmother’s Scottish accent. Thanks for taking me along, Susan.
oh lovely, lovely as always! Thank you for your inspiration. I want to be you, when I grow up!
The trick is to never grow up!
Susan, My comment @ 1:29 today is in the mix of those that passed “Moderation”I don’t know how it got through..hope I still qualify. It says..still waiting for moderation……
Comments are coming in fast and furious…I have 266 waiting right now…I’m reading . . . but I’ll get there!
Pouring down rain in the Pacific Northwest too, but your adventures are always a bright ray of sunshine! Scotland is definitely on my dream list too! Thank you for sharing…
Thank you for sharing your life with us! What a lovely way to start the New Year!
What a beautiful post! Your new Williard revealed exciting treasures as well! I can hardly wait for those new cups! Thank you!
If I can ever go to Scotland again, I am going to stay in this castle!
Dash and Lord M equals Matthew Crawley…way too sad. Loved your Scotland adventure. Debby
I have always dreamed of strolling through Scottland. Thank you for your post, and taking me there at least in my mind. It must indeed be a magical place. How I would love spend time in that castle with my sweet man of many years. Some day … oh, I hope some day.
Thank you for sharing, Susan.
I have been anxiously awaiting your ‘Home Sweet Home” cross stitch kit since you gave us a peek at your handiwork.
Thank you Susan….for sharing the beauty of Scotland! I love Victoria too and I cried and cried when Dash died. My girlfriend told me about you and it was one of the best gifts anyone could have given me!❤️
😘
Deb, your name is my name. I wonder how many of us there are?😜Debby
.I always feel as if you are writing just to me. Thank you.
I so love traveling vicariously with you! Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s cold and rainy here but after reading your letter I’m sitting here daydreaming. Thank you.
Delighted to read of your Scottish adventures. I am lucky enough to live in Scotland.🏴
Yes you most certainly ARE ~ a lucky girl!
I have always said I’d NEVER cross the ocean on a plane, but seeing loving the pictures from your trips makes me want to re-think that!
We go on a ship! I’m the same, forget about the plane!
What a magical time you must have had.
Wish I could go but getting way too old for long trips. At least I can enjoy them through all your adventures. Keep all those travel journals coming so I can still dream.
Blessings to you and Joe.
Lynn
Wonderful post! And Willard of course! Can’t wait to travel along with you! We love Charleston SC. When you’re there you should have dinner at Hyman’s Seafood! Safe travels to you!
Oh Susan! Such a treasure, that entire area! I am an Outlander fan and my first thought about the “faerie pond” was that this is a wee birn, to bring forth the truth! By the way, my sweet Pomeranian is named Dash, many tears fell during Victoria the other night…
Thanks for the post! I’m “saying anything” to have a chance at the goodies!
Loved the story of the Druid’s well!
Your posts, Susan, always brighten my day. Bless you.
Beautiful post! Such a longing to go there! I love that you have an appreciation of every detail…too precious!!🙂
Thank you for taking us along on your adventure to Scotland. I believe you enjoy your travels as much as I do mine. The history, oh, the history! The castle was the perfect place to stay…the furniture, china, crystal, silver, fabrics and more. All the wonderful keepsakes passed from generation to generation. Well, it just takes your breath away, and quickens the pulse. ♥️♥️♥️
What a lovely trip and treat you had at your castle. Would love to win something from your memories of Scotland!!