Stockwell Farm
Fri. April 3, 2015
We arrived at Stockwell Farm, Old Radnor, in the Welsh Borders,not far from Kington, on a very wet and windy afternoon. We had our feet up with a cup of tea, eating hot cross buns and the children were toasting marshmallows within half an hour whilst the weather did its worst outside. Tim and I explored the book shelves which, as with all Landmark properties was well stocked with lots of local guide and history books and the sort of books you want to read whilst staying. On this occasion On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin which I’ve been meaning to read for years. Parts of Stockwell date from the medieval period and floors upstairs are charmingly uneven, the stairs are steep and narrow there are flagstone floors and lots of beams everywhere. The walls in all but the kitchen and bathrooms are a warm pink limewash whilst the wood where painted, is that thick dark brown gloss favoured by farmers fifty years ago. It was our third Landmark holiday and was most comfortable and cosiest. We spent our first day in Presteigne, visiting lovely Andy at Courtyard Antiques who doubles also as an informal tour-guide. We followed him (in his car complete with horns) to the industrial estate on the edge of town to have lunch at The Workhouse Gallery. We bought sausages at the Presteigne butchers (very good) for supper and there is also an excellent fish shop which also sells every vegetable known to grow in the UK. The Judges Lodgings in Presteigne were enjoyed by all us Bowen’s although Megan (4) didn’t like the smell which the gas lights gave off nor the basement which she found scary. Our three are museum shopping experts and give the thumbs up to shop at the Judges Lodgings.
Wednesday was spent at Croft Castle. Just the job. The National Trust are always being knocked but they are brilliant at providing great days out for children, whilst they pick up a bit of history and culture along the way. We enjoyed it too; the house in particular has some lovely pieces of early oak. St Stephen’s at Old Radnor was open when we got back; the rood screen and organ doors are a joy.
We headed south on the way home, hoping to visit the small church of Patrisio not far from Crickhowell. However, in order to avoid back seat burnout from the children we diverted too Tretower Court and Castle which we all enjoyed. Wellies are essential. Sadly mine were packed underneath everything in the middle of the van! We stilled haven’t been to Patrisio but the children had fun being knights and damsels. Tredegar House was our next stop. Morwenna made butter in the kitchen and they all cut out pastry leaves to decorate a pie and made rabbits in the servants quarters. Well done all the volunteers at Tredegar House on Maundy Thursday they were great. Thank you Landmark Trust. Can’t wait for the next holiday in Yorkshire.