Townend and Troutbeck Valley

Today I'd like to take you to Troutbeck Valley in the Lake District.  When we traveled to England in 2015 we visited this special spot and wanted to return on our Golden Anniversary trip in the fall of 2017.  The valley is home to many special farms and lovely scenic views and one special farmhouse of the Brownes called Townend.  If you want to read about our visit then you can go Here.  

The weather was very similar this visit as was our weather last visit.  The incredible silence in this area is noteworthy.

As we take our turn we are transported to a special place in time.  We are early and have to wait for the car park gate to open.  

The views are just spectacular as we drink in the beauty of the morning. 

I decided to get out of the car and do a little visiting with our friends just beyond the fence.

Scenery like this is to be enjoyed for a long time in my mind's eye.

This little darling looked me straight in the eye and smiled!  

Now that the car park gate has opened we decide to walk on over to visit Townend.  The stone bank barn on the right is extraordinary. 

This barn was built in 1666 by George Browne.  It has extensions that were added in the 18th century.  This barn is still used today for lambing and storing feed for the livestock.

The views over the bank barn show the definition of the stone walls marking the fields.  Oh England, I adore your green pastures!

We reach the bottom and find the lovely garden waiting for us to view. 

Fuchsia grows like shrubbery in the Lake District!  I'm amazed as I'm lucky to grow a basket of this lovely plant.  It appears to be perennial here which I find interesting.

The early fall garden is still blooming.

Troutbeck Valley was a favorite of Beatrix Potter.  She knew the Brownes and visited often.  She owned a farm nearby where she raised her prize winning Herdwick Sheep.

It's time for us to take our tour of the home.  Come inside and do watch your step.  This 400 year old home is quite dark inside.  My photos had to be without flash.

The National Trust takes care of this property and only allows a certain number of guests in at a time.  We have our peg (clothes pin) and are called in for a visit.

There is a table that is spread with goodies that would have been served to guests.

All of the furnishing were carved by George Browne.  Even though they were a simple farming family, Mr. Browne wished to impress his guests.  The family collections are featured which span 400 years!

The ceiling boasts beautiful old cast iron pieces. 

The guide took us upstairs to the very small bedrooms.

As we go downstairs we view a much fancier furnished bedroom.

Off from the parlor was a long table set for a very fancy meal.

There is an extensive library collection at Townend.  A total of 1748 titles are present.  Some dating to the 1600's.  

The beam in the main part of the house has been replaced since our last visit.  The National Trust raised funds to have this replaced.  Thanks to the National Trust, Townend will still be able to greet visitors.

This is George Browne X (1834-1914).  He is responsible for having preserved the many pieces we have viewed.

After leaving Townend we decided to walk over to Annie's Clock.  We had eaten here on our last visit.  It had changed owners since then, but we still had an enjoyable meal.

Next we are off to visit an ancient spot to the north.  I hope you will join us as we show you the window to our trip! ♥