ENGLAND & ITS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WALKS

We have moved alot - having lived in Kansas, Texas, Connecticut, England and Michigan.  While all places have their pros and cons, I have to admit having the opportunity to live in England was my dream come true.  I really appreciate old architecture, the quality of old construction, all the beautiful details, the fabulous countryside, London, the bed and breakfasts, the sheep, all the AMAZING ANTIQUE SHOPS, CENTERS AND SHOWS, and the warm and friendly people with such an accent we all envy.  Really -  the English can say anything and it sounds great.  I really do not like commercialism, billboards and neon signs are impossible to avoid in most areas of the U.S.

Living in England, was like going back in time 20 years.  Our mail was delivered by the post man riding a bike. The villages have a small market, a fish monger, a pharmacy, a post office and a pub.  One of my favorite things was the cab drivers and their nice clean cars - nothing like the horrible looking yellow cabs in New York with drivers who don't speak English and drive 20 miles over the speed limit.  Last spring, I spent a week in Manhattan and then flew to London for a week.  What a contrast!  The biggest of all was the noise.  In NYC, a horn honks once every few minutes.  While I was in London for a week, I heard one horn and that was on a bicycle.  The lifestyle is less hurried, and people take the time to enjoy life more.  When we moved there, most coffee shops did not offer coffee to go (or take away as they would say in the UK).  We are so accustomed to multitasking and being in a rush.  It is truly a wonderful opportunity to get to experience living in another country. 

This was our guest room at the Rectory Farmhouse in the previous photo. I love B&B's because they feel so much more like home - warm and inviting.  We stayed here on our visit to England after returning to the U.S.  This charming bed and breakfast, located in Lower Swell, was not only located near one of my favorite villages to antique shop, Tetbury, but was also a short distance to the town of Bibury with the most picturesque country walk.

This was our view of the Coln River as we arrive the village of Bibury located in the Cotsolds.  Of all of our walks and visits to small villages, Bibury was my favorite.  William Morrris, one of the leaders of the Arts and Crafts movement, described Bibury as "the most beautiful village in England".  This area is so tranquil and enchanting - I wish I were there today.

Look at this beautiful view as you follow the footpath - truly breathtaking..................

All of these beautiful walks would include fields of sheep. 

I have always loved the charm and character of old stone walls.  This walk was just breathtaking!

Wouldn't you love to just walk down this drive and explore this beautiful old home?  I can just imagine all the beautiful furnishings, interiors, architectural details, fireplaces, etc.   If you ever have the opportunity to travel to England, try a country walk - you will not regret it.

Along our walk thru Bibury, we came across this pub to stop and get something to eat.

This is a photo of Arlington Row which was built in the 14th century.  This was originally a wool store and later became weavers'  cottages. 

The English do such fabulous shop signs.  These are three signs we discovered along our walk.

A Bed & Breakfast in the Cotswolds

Last March, my husband and I travelled to the Cotswolds and stayed at this fabulous bed & breakfast. I wished I could have this fireplace and its beautiful wood surround in my family room.