54. Croxton and Surrounds - UK

We were in awe the first time we walked Melody down our street. Picture postcard houses everywhere.

This place was built in the 1500's and it's done well to stay up that long! All the vertical timbers are load-bearing rather than the decorative fascia boards you see in more recent places. the levels in the older places are quite 'organic'

Another perspective - side view.

Outside is a well that's still usable.

And the house next door with exquisite thatch.

The cat in the window added authenticity.

A lot of cottages were built to house the staff serving the owners of Croxton Manor. A lot of these places still have their traditional thatched roofs which have a life expectancy of 30 years before replacement is required.

'Rose Cottage'

Just gorgeous!

'Orchard Cottage'

'The Old Appleyard'

'Chef's Cottage'

'Honeysuckle Cottage'

Downs Barn (Where we are.)

Barn conversions are a bit of a thing in England.  Some are simple and some, not so much. They vary in size and internal structure and range from affordable to outrageous.

Off on a dog walk.

A curious young bull in a field along the walk.

And a close-up of his cousin

Whatever Max was saying had them quite interested. They didn't mooove.

Downs Manor - I couldn't get any closer to get a better pic.

More staff cottages - These are on the manor property.

Pretty girls and gardens.

St James church was built in 1280 and sits on the grounds of Downs Manor. 

Visitors are allowed to go on the property to visit.

On the grounds of the church

It reads:

"To the memory of William Kidman who died on the 15th of February 1855. Aged 76 years.
This stone is erected as a token of regard by Samuel Newton esq. of the Downs, in whose family he was many years an honest and valued servant. He was 62 years in the employment of the occupiers of Croxton Park."

The house owners were gracious enough to lend us a car but it took a couple of days to build up the courage to drive it as it had been 10 months since I'd driven a car!

Relaxed and on our way to nearby villages...

                           

This place is called Godmanchester which was about a 15-minute drive from Croxton.  So pretty

From here we're going back to London for a few days to plan the next adventure.