Contrasts

The humble vernacular buildings of Dufton in the North Pennines contrasted hugely to the magnificence of Nostell Priory near Pontefract. Both very pleasing to the eye on their own unique ways.

This was our wander south from our Gretna Green overnight stay down to Belper, east of the Peak District. We had a lovely woodland walk at Dufton, complete with falling leaves, golds, yellow and browns, and glorious mud (thank you Berry!). And then on to Nostell Priory on this wonderful, bright day with a whistle stop tour of the house and a promise to ourselves to return and appreciate it better another time. When we planned the day it seemed feasible in a relaxed fashion but somehow the relaxing took over the feasibility!

Our cottage is comfortable and characterful with low doorways that LH has already tried to knock himself out on! The only downside is competitive on-street parking which might give us issues after a day out and about.

Sadly, the car tailgate made a clunking sound when opening yesterday and now dislikes shutting and seems a bit skew. So one or more of our three precious free days is going to be sitting in a garage while it gets looked at. These things always happen at inopportune moments ...

I've added extras of a few lovely things at Nostell for the record. The decanter drier was a new one on me - they obviously did quite a bit of imbibing! I loved the clean lines of the bespoke Chippendale barometer. The painting of Thomas Moore, his family and close associates is a 16th century copy of the Holbein original and the faces really speak (as does the little porky spaniel - my favourite, of course - who apparently depicts allegiance to the faith; he just looks cute to me!).