72. High Halden, Kent - House and Pet Sitting - Episode 14

One of the best moments on this trip is when you approach a property for a pet sit, not knowing much about it,  then being really pleasantly surprised. Having Penny makes travel so much easier. In fact we couldn't have taken sits like this without a car as this property is not on a bus route. The house was built in the 16th century and sits on 20 acres of pasture. It was a bit dark inside but it gave the place its unique character as we made our way through the house, through all the hallways and rooms. It took a full day to get our bearings!

As happens periodically, we arrived the evening before the owner was due to leave, due to her very early flight the following morning. Serena filled us with dinner and a crisp Canadian sauvignon blanc and we got to know the woofers. 

The Grand House

The dogs were well behaved and easy to be with. We had to be careful with Timmy as he was recovering from the dreaded cruciate ligament surgery and he wasn't allowed to over-exert himself. 

Sasha and Timmy

Sasha the doodle.

Timmy the stunted Labrador.

The beautiful garden that not only had flower beds, but also extensive vegetable beds and a greenhouse.

Courtyard around the back

There are plenty of exposed original timbers around the house. It has been renovated in sections and the upstairs section now has 5 bedrooms, all with ensuites.

Here comes Autumn.

The Daily Walk over the property.

Sasha

One of the NEIGHbours.

The house from the back of the property. It actually had 3 storeys.

We were about 5 miles from Tenterden, the local village. These country towns are so individual and small businesses seem to be able to sustain themselves, in favour of the franchises and chains that take over in so many places. The churches never fail to impress.

St Mildred's Church - Tenterden

The glasswork was absolutely stunning.

The traditional organ was recently refurbished.

These pics of businesses were taken in Faversham, a village about a 30 minute drive from Tenterden. Good to see bookshops still viable .

Not to mention the myriad cobblestone streets.

From here we drive 130km north to one of two sits in Stratford-upon-Avon - Shakespeare country. The first one is short two day stint and the other is about a week. We then head back to the south where we are booked with pet sits through to the new year.