Want to start from the beginning?
Part 1
Part 2
Interlude I recommend that you read this before going much further into this story.
Andy led the way to our room. We went outside into the abating storm and didn’t really mind the rain too much. A sharp right turn to a set of steps, then a walk past the pool, more steps, a landing and more steps. We were quite high up by the time we got to the doorway. I don’t particularly like heights – I’m OK going up, but not coming back down. I didn’t think too much about the climb…
The apartment we went into was lovely! Rustic charm (which in this case, is not a marketing ploy) and everything we needed. A small heater took the edge off the cold (Andy had started it up a while before, to maximise the effect). The living room/kitchen would be perfect as a little bolt-hole for visitors – a sink, cooker, worktops and cupboards – and a small table to sit around, with a sofa that I assume pulls out into a bed. Even if the sofa didn’t pull out into a bed, it was big enough for one person to sleep on. The floor space was big enough for a few air beds so a group could stay – not much different to camping in the great scheme of things. As an added bonus, there’s a bedroom and a bathroom – you don’t get that kind of luxury when you camp out!
The one thing we did notice as a big difference to UK homes (and attic spaces) is the roof tiles were visible from the underneath. No wonder it was cold! The dormer window stood to one side of the room but the weather forecast didn’t promise there’d be any chance to fit it during our stay.
Andy pointed out the French Pastries we could snack on for breakfast because his last words of wisdom before leaving us to it went along the lines of:
“We don’t get up early, so neither do you.”
Fair enough!
We said goodnight and made ready for bed. The little heater had done its job well, but it had to go to sleep too, can’t risk a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning so the fuel was cut off and we went to bed.
The next morning, we didn’t wake up very early, but light chinked through the curtains. I sat up and moved the curtain. Cold? Yes. Bright sunshine? Sort of.
PONIES? YEP! There were ponies outside the window. What a wonderful sight to wake up to!
Not quite the view from the room, but close...
Because of the Pandemic, we couldn’t stay so very long – we set off on Thursday and had to be back by Sunday – which was another reason the dormer window couldn’t be fitted. We simply didn’t have the time.
For my (missed) birthday, I received a lovely glass from our hosts and the promise of a lovely ride on the horses after breakfast.
Reina and Andy provided a delicious breakfast – or brunch (we’d eaten the French Pastries with our first coffee). Reina gave me the ‘Grand Tour’ of the house. I have to admit, it is a gorgeous house, very homely and beautifully finished. Andy is a true craftsman and his skills were put to good use in the renovation work.
Upstairs they have made one room into a Harry Potter themed room for their grandkids to use when they visit. There’s a full wall of books (wallpaper), stars in the ‘sky’ (ceiling) and even a Sorting Hat. I tried on the Sorting Hat and it said I’m Slytherin…
Harry Potter room!
Andy and the Sorting Hat
Coming back down the stairs in my stockinged feet (socks), I slipped on the polished stairs. I managed to catch myself by the bannister, but one foot skidded forward to smash against the stair post. I think I broke a toe… Never mind, I have 9 more!
We went out on the aforementioned ride, just Reina and me, Princess de Leysac or as Reina calls her, Princess Leia, with me on Bo – Bohemian Rhapsody and Suzy the Greyhound leading the way. Bo looks very similar to my own horse, Onyx.
Reina & Suzy
Saddled up, mounted up, we waved bye to the boys and off we went! Down a cobbled lane (I don’t think the lane was actually paved with cobbles, it just had that feel), toward a body of water. Hmm… I was on a horse I didn’t really know, approaching a small, slow-moving river… knowing my luck, a ducking was in my near future… ah well, we shall see.
The river crossed our path, but a pathway, sort of a low bridge crossed the water. Reina told me the path was made from old grave markers.
I put my trust in Bo as she knew the way. I gave her her head and allowed her to follow Princess Leia. Both horses picked up their feet, right out of the water at first, until the water became too deep to do so. They waded through sure-footed and I wondered how cold the water was and whether my phone could survive a dunking – probably not. Believe it or not, I’ve never ridden a horse through water and as a first-time experience, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it!
We bore left in the middle of the stream and gained solid and almost dry land a few steps out. We had a lovely chat as we rode and the scenery was breath-taking. Up dappled lanes and along paved roads with no cars, across open fields and past a couple of jumps (I declined the offer to go over them, not quite that confident yet.
Not entirely sure where this one is... it may or may not have been part of that ride
We passed landmarks and interesting places, a few holiday homes close to the river and it really did seem like heaven on earth. The peace and tranquillity of the countryside descended on me and drove any worry and care out of my mind. Reina told me about their home, how they came to live there and I knew that it was the right decision for us to buy-into the idea too.
We came to a part of the road that Reina had told me about before. Bo had refused to go any further on one ride out and though Reina kicked and cajoled, Bo wouldn’t move an inch forward. Reina could hear something in the woodland to the side and she thought it was a large dog running through the undergrowth, but suddenly, a large tree fell right onto the path in front of them! Reina is certain that Bo saved both their lives that day. I agree with her.
My friend Reina
Walking along another deserted road, we saw an imposing building ahead. An ancient Priory, closed because of the pandemic, with notice boards dotted about the grounds as information for visitors when it was open. One day we’ll go back and visit, I’m determined!
The ride back was a little more exhilarating, we cantered a few times and the jump I’d declined on the way in? Well, Bo leaped over it like a stag. I lost a stirrup and had to grip with my knees to stay on. She cantered for a while before I managed to regain my balance and my stirrup and I didn’t fall off!
When we came back toward the water to get back home, I felt a little more confident that Bo wasn’t going to dip me in for the laugh and I looked around at the scenery. I can imagine what it looks like in the summer, with butterflies and dragonflies zipping along under the trees, the sunshine dappling through the fresh greenery and I hope we can go back to visit soon.
Back at home, we unsaddled our mounts, fed them and thanked them for the adventure. We went in for a rest and a feed. Trev and Andy had been out on their own adventure and the other two dogs greeted us.
Suzy had had a good run and she went off to lie down. We spent the evening chatting, eating and just enjoying the company. I finished off a crocheted throw I made for Reina and we put the world to rights.
We went off up to our room early that evening, we had one more adventure to look forward to in the morning. “We won’t wake you,” we promised.
More tomorrow…
Today, all pictures are used by kind permission of Reina & Andy