Audley End House

And.... I'm back!

We finally have internet at our new home here in England, and I'm ready to take a trip back in time to update the blog. It's been since early October since I wrote about much at all, and I apologize for my absence. 

Back at the end of September, when Paul's mom and sister were still visiting us, we headed to Audley End House. It is located south of Cambridge, not quite an hour drive from our old house. It's an English Heritage site, and we were there just before their autumn "Apple Festival." We were really impressed with their beautiful gardens, enjoyed a delicious lunch in their cafe, and took a tour of the house to wrap up our day. 

The greenhouses were especially impressive, growing grapes and tomatoes in beautifully espaliered designs. We will definitely have to go back to enjoy the gardens behind the house, as we didn't get to visit those this trip. Since our visit, I've also learned there is a children's train adventure of sorts just across the street -- sounds like something Charlotte would adore when we go back.

Grapes in the greenhouse

Tomatoes in the greenhouse

Outdoor squash

The apples are almost ready for picking!

The dahlias were still showing off.

One of the lovely spots to sit on a bench and enjoy the gardens.

It is definitely getting harder to take non-blurry pictures of Charlotte. She is on the move and she is FAST.

Climbing on some of the (allowed) furniture at Audley End.

Inside the lovely chapel within the House.

Pretty woodwork in the Chapel.

Charlotte enjoyed the uppermost level of the house: the children's rooms! The rooms are tailored for visiting children, who are allowed to play with the toys and massive dollhouse. 

Like I said, massive dollhouse!