Through a Gothic Portal
A shimmering of snow decorates 'The Malverns'.
A solitary bell tolls in its Pugin tower - keeper of sacred memories. But we are here to relax and take a short break.
Shall we first wander the grounds and visit the Jacob sheep to see their pretty spring lambs?
Or should we stroll around the lavender parterres?
Iced champagne awaits us in our room, but there are SO many tempting gothic corridors to explore!
We have just returned home after an unusual stay in an Abbey near Malvern, which for more than 150 years was home to a closed order of Benedictine nuns. Recently it has been sympathetically refurbished and reincarnated as a country house hotel.
More history and even more Gothic will follow.
A solitary bell tolls in its Pugin tower - keeper of sacred memories. But we are here to relax and take a short break.
What a perfect place to stay. I look forward to hearing about its history. B x
ReplyDeleteLoved staying here Barbara - I am a great fan of Pugin architecture.
DeleteHow beautiful the hills and the meadows look with a little dusting of snow. The sheep don't seem to mind either. Those gothic corridors are gorgeous, and I look forward to hearing more about this special place.
ReplyDeleteWe wondered whether we would be able to make the journey Patricia as another blast of cold from Siberia was due to arrive the night before we left, but fortunately there was not very in our part of the country.
DeleteThat is nice, must have been very quiet there. Sweet sheep in the snow.
ReplyDeleteVery quiet - we had the whole place virtually to ourselves.
DeleteWhat an interesting looking place to stay. Can't wait to start traveling again. Looks like we'll be able to go to London this Fall.
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic news Janet.
DeleteWhat a lovely place to visit. I look forward to hearing more about it.
ReplyDeleteI could hardly contain my excitement when I stepped inside and immdiately wanted to explore.
DeleteHello Rosemary, Magical pictures, and I loved the black lamb. Looks like they did an incredible and respectful job of restoration; can;t wait to see more.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - the little black lambs were delightful to watch as they frisked jumped around with one another. Loved this place, there was so much to see and enjoy.
DeleteSounds like you had a good vacation in this beautiful place. Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteIt was certainly a very memorable stay and thank you for visiting.
DeleteDear Rosemary, I love places with history that have been restored and made into hotels. That way we can imagine ourselves into the landscape. Looking forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteIt was just my cup of tea too Gina - I loved staying there.
DeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteThe sheep do look like characters.
There were very lively William - jumping and skipping around together, it looked good fun.
DeleteThat gothic corridor is so exquisitely lovely!
ReplyDeleteIndeed - I agree Debra
DeleteIn a beautiful place you rested and to this historical one. A beautiful church, view and sheep. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteThank you Giga - we enjoyed a lovely and special time.
DeleteThe photo at the top of my blog shows the briar. He is the harbinger of the coming spring and it is beginning to bloom in February :)
DeleteThanks Giga
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. The Jacobs are very handsome.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very special and beautiful place Polly, and I agree about the sheep and especially their delightful black lambs
DeleteLooks a beautiful place, like the sheep and the walk way is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love the perspectives created by these corridors.
DeleteWhat a marvelous place , can't decide what I love most !
ReplyDeletePleased that you enjoyed seeing this place Jane.
DeleteYou must have enjoyed this short break in such beautiful surroundings. Love your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me that some people achieve so much in a comparatively short lifetime. A very sad one for Pugin. I clicked on the thumbnail pic and read your post of 10th June, 2012 "Pugin - God's Architect". A wonderful post, Rosemary and a surprise to read that he designed churches in Australia. I have been discovering where they are via "The Pugin Society" web site. I would love to visit one sometime.
I am so glad that you read that post Betty it gives a much better understanding of Pugin.
DeleteThe Abbey was actually mainly done by three of Pugin's sons - he had already died by that time. I do intend linking to the post you read when I write more about the Abbey. The volume of work that he achieved is quite simply staggering.
Here's hoping that some day you do get to visit a Pugin church in Australia and then you can show it to me via a post - fingers crossed.
Liked the Malvern Hills. Stayed in the Youth Hostel there for a few days to explore the range and surrounding areas and really enjoyed that part of the world.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly like living in this area as it has so much to offer.
DeleteThat arched hallway is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed - thank you for your comment.
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect place to escape to, and relax. Love the gothic style Corridors and tiles. And how lovely the Jacob sheep
and black lamb are.
Wishing you a happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn
The little black lambs were a delight Carolyn - skipping and frolicking around. I too loved the corridors.
DeleteHow amazed the nuns would be if they could come back and see such elegant furnishings to their once fairly austere surroundings.
ReplyDeleteThe heavy carved door hinges are beautiful. Finding Thompson's mice would be fun.
I would like to visit Tasmania again, as there are three churches of his design in that state.
He also did seven in Australia too, but I believe that some of them are now no more.
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