Friday, March 1, 2019

One Old and One New Castle in Devon


Please join us as I continue to write about our time in Britain as we celebrated our Golden Anniversary.

We enjoyed a restful evening in our new accommodations in Devon.  Yesterday was long and tiring traveling into a new area.  We are excited to enjoy our day as we gaze out the window.



The sunny view from our window of our thatched roof room promises a warm day!  Our hotel is a lovely old thatched roof beauty that has all the things we need for our next two weeks in Devon and Cornwall.

  
The two right windows are the windows to our efficiency suite.  We were both very comfortable with having a small refrigerator to store a few things in for quick snacks.  

Before leaving home in the USA, we planned out our days on this four week adventure to celebrate our Golden Anniversary.  Today we planned to visit three castles.  I hope you will come along with us.  First we are going to the Medieval Castle of Okehampton.

First I must mention we are in a very remote area of Devon.  If we listen to our GPS we will be going down single tract lanes.  We learned this lesson on our first day here in Devon.  



For instance the GPS will take you over the hill to the left on very small lanes intended to move sheep!  The single tract lanes are closer to your destination, but not easier.  Sometimes these are the only roads available.  I'll continue to write about them in future posts.  

Okehampton Castle is a motte and bailey castle.  What is that?  It is a fortification with a wood or stone keep on a raised earthwork called a motte with an enclosed courtyard, or bailey surrounded by a ditch.  




Okehampton Castle was built between 1068 and 1086 by Baldwin FitzGilbert following a revolt in Devon against Norman rule.




The ruins of the castle are all that remain.  In the 1300's the de Courtenays, who became the Earls of Devon used the castle as a hunting lodge and it enjoyed its heyday of luxury.  During the 15th century the de Courtenays were involved in the Wars of the Roses.  Henry Courtenay was executed by Henry VIII and Okehampton fell into ruin. 




The English Heritage now takes care of the ruins.  There is a self guided tour with headphones to learn more about the castle.  We climbed all over these old ruins listening to the audio.







If these old stone walls could talk, I'm sure we would hear some tales.  Some good  and some not so good.



The little British robin that makes his home here was so darling, I had to take his photograph.



Let's say goodbye to Okehampton and off we will travel to another castle that is much newer.



The scenery in Devon is spectacular!  The rolling verdant patchwork makes my heart happy as we drive along.

Next up is the last castle that has been built in England.  Built between 1910 and 1930 by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for Julius Drewe.  There is a big problem at this castle--it leaks!  The National Trust is entering the final phase of a conservation project to save Castle Drogo.





This enormous castle is open during this restoration.  If you don't have a fear of heights, you can go on the scaffolding and get a view of the roof that is being repaired.  We passed on that one!



Castle Drogo sits high above the Teign Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor.  One can clearly see why this was a prime spot for such a castle.  Come along as we enter this lovely castle.



The treasures inside are being kept safe because of the renovations.  It would certainly be a shame if the National Trust were not taking care of this place.



There are beautiful furnishings all throughout the castle.







There are many collections to view.







New innovations were in use at the castle.



A butler's pantry that would be the envy of anyone.

One area of the estate that I'm looking forward to seeing are the gardens.  Come with us as we exit the castle and roam about the grounds.





Behind the yew hedges is Lutyens designed terraced formal garden.





There is a Bunty House with its own miniature garden.  This house was originally built for Julius Drewe's daughter Frances.  Now visiting children can enjoy playing here. 



There are miles and miles of walks one can take here at the estate of Castle Drogo.  We decided for us that it would be good to take a break at their cafe'.  Grayden really enjoyed the mocha that is available at the National Trust sites.  They even put the National Trust symbol of the oak leaves on their coffees. 


As always I ordered my cup of tea.  Earl Grey always satisfies me in the afternoon or really anytime.  I do hope you will come back with us as we continue our adventure in Devon. ♥



 




33 comments:

  1. I was very excited to read this fabulous post. Dart moor was my old stomping ground and I remember Okehampton well. You have captured the area beautifully. Thanks Martha Ellen 😊

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    1. How exciting to know this is the area you lived in, Denise! It's so lovely. I will continue to post about our travels there and into Cornwall as well. Thank you for your sweet comment. I hope my camera brings back good memories. ♥

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    2. Well Martha Ellen, in this case your camera is my treasure :))) Looking forward to your next post and will keep checking back. You have shared so many wonderful photos. Thank you soooo much!

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  2. What a magical place.. both of them but I like the 2nd one best.. the dollhouse was something! I am really enjoying seeing all the things you got to see on your trip. Have a super weekend! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Teresa, there is so much to share here about our trip. It's really fun for us to relive it all over again. You are right, we visited magical places. Enjoy your weekend. ♥

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  3. You took us once again on an amazing tour. The roads (single track) do take some mastering but always a delight to see the open countryside.

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    1. Lorraine, the countryside is our favorite, but I must admit that the single track roads were scary to us. Still beauty all around. Thank you for visiting. ♥

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  4. As always I’ve enjoyed touring with you! It must have been amazing to drive the countryside and see those views. The ruins from the Okehampton Castle had to be very interesting to see. Castle Drogo looks so classic and had to be fun to visit. Too bad about the water leakage problem but at least they’ve recognized it and are on top of it. The effieicny suite with the thatched roof had to of been a real treat to stay at. You sure did plan well!

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    1. Liz, our trip is forever imprinted on our hearts. The fact that there are castles and gorgeous countryside is so thrilling for us. The National Trust does an amazing job of taking care of properties for future generations to enjoy. I will always sing their praises! Thank you for coming along with us. ♥

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  5. Lovely countryside and beautiful castles, even the ruins. I am sure that you and Grayden would love to return one day for more adventures and culinary delights. I agree with you...nothing much more restorative than a cup of Earl Grey in the afternoon.

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    1. Vee, there is so much to see and do in Britain. We would be happy to return anytime. I'm drinking a cup of Earl Grey just now. Won't you join me? Have a nice weekend. ♥

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  6. What a great trip. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to read your future posts! X Chy

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  7. What a contrast in the two castles. I'm glad you could get in the second one even while in repair. I am amazed they would invite tourists up the scaffolding--I wonder if it would happen in the US where everyone is sue happy! How wonderful to stay in one place two weeks! Hope you are having a nice weekend.

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    1. That's so true, Dotsie, We visited another property that I'll post about that invited folks up the scaffolding. Never would happen here! Enjoy your weekend as well. ♥

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  8. The roof in the first picture is so unique. aaahhh, the British Robin is sweet. Looks a lot like our Robins here. The old clock and the furnishings are extraordinary. And is that a doll house, how cute? The library of books is awesome, and so organized. The Butler's pantry is very nice also. And the quaint house with the green door is delightful, and would be loved by children everywhere. You had such a nice golden anniversary vacation, Martha Ellen.

    ~Sheri

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    1. We did, Sheri. I am so thankful for this time we were able to share together. I never knew how thick a thatched roof was until we got up close and personal with this roof. It's amazing! That was a doll house complete with lovely furnishings. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving nice comments, my friend. ♥

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  9. Oh, how I enjoy touring the English countryside with you! While I enjoyed so much in this great post, I must say my favorite pictures are of the beautiful gardens. Surely does make me want to get out and dig in the dirt.

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    1. I'm itching to do the same. The weather is not cooperating yet, though. Not much longer now. ♥

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  10. I love the little playhouse and the fact they made a fenced-in yard around it. I've been looking at playhouses for my enchanted woods for the grandchildren. Ken will not be please that I want a picket fence around it now!

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  11. I'd have passed on that scaffolding climb too! ~shudder~

    Oh, so beautiful, these drives in the English countryside! I can imagine you gasped at some of those scenes as they came into view.

    I found the story of Castle Drogo quite interesting. First of all, I suppose I hadn't though that any castles were built in the 20th century. Secondly, it is interesting that, even with more modern building techniques, there was such a problem with leakage. I am glad that it is being (has been?) repaired and restored.

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    1. Cheryl, the English countryside made me gasp frequently. I still get goosebumps thinking about the beauty of Britain.
      One fact I failed to report is the fact portions of Castle Drogo had a flat roof. On such an expansive building this was not a good idea! If left to leak surely it would begin to go the way of Castle Okehampton. Thank you for sharing our time with us. ♥

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  12. Wow, I'm amazed that they would even let anyone on the scaffolding! Where is OSHA?? Lol Actually, I thought Britain had even more stringent regulations. Anyway, what fun to visit those castles. It's so fun to walk among ruins and then those that aren't ruins. So much history. And as scary as they are, I do love the one lane, two-way traffic narrow roads. Thanks for the delightful visit!

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    1. Judy, this was one of two places we were invited up on the scaffolding! I guess they are pretty confident in their construction. The single tract lanes in Devon were really quite scary especially if they were hedge lined. Thanks for stopping by this evening. Hope you have a great week.

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  13. ooops, how did this slip by me? Well, I bet you were beside yourself staying in a real thatch cottage? I'm in total agreement, SatNav is not to be trusted and it can mislead you into the most awkward of situations!
    If memory serves, a motte and bailey was one of the earliest forms of castle fortification, so you have been to the ancient and modern both in one day!

    ~~~Waving~~~from Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. Deb, we were beside ourselves the whole trip about one thing or another! I had no idea the thickness of the thatched roof. No wonder it works so well for insulation and all sorts of weather. It certainly was an interesting day to visit ancient and new--it's one of the great things about visiting Britain! xoxo

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  14. The castles are what I love to see and especially the ruins with it's history. I bet it would look somewhat eerie as the light of day faded. Neat to see.
    Such a sweet childs playhouse with the green door. Nice box planting with stone sidewalk to it.
    What does it look like from the inside of the house with the thatched roof? I just can't imagine what it takes to put one on a place. So neat to see.
    So nice to read about your adventures and to see such beautiful country side. Look forward to more.
    Happy Thursday
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy, the first photo shows looking out the leaded window to the thatched roof of our room. The rest of our room looked very much like most hotel room efficiencies. Lovely bedroom, bathroom and plenty of storage.
      I think of your grand's playhouse and imagine all the embellishments you will place around it for them. I imagine you are excited to get started with it as soon as Spring shows up in earnest. ♥

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  15. OH! what a wonderful journey you have taken, I have always wanted to visit England, but for now I will visit through your blog, your photos tell the story so well, I especially love the bunty house, and have always wanted to have one at our place, not only for grandchildren but for me, as I made up my mind a long time ago that I was never going to grow up. ~wink~
    I like the fact that they are preserving history through restoration, thank you for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Sue

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    1. Oh Sue, I agree with you about not growing up! You would really love England as it is a fairy tale land in my opinion. With castles and beauty around every corner, what more could we want? I'm so thankful to The National Trust and English Heritage for taking such good care of history for all to enjoy.
      Have a lovely day and thank you for visiting. ♥

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  16. Such lovely countryside and beautiful photographs.

    All the best Jan

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