Gail's Blog

Frome Independant Market

Frome is a town that has changed enormously in the past twenty years.  When we first moved here I worked part time in Frome for a couple of years and it was really full of discount and charity shops; but WOW has it changed. Frome is now a vibrant community, ten years ago, most of the major industries that had supported the…

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A great day out – Somerset Cider Brandy

Despite this year, 2020, being dominated by the Corona Virus pandemic there has been the occasional great outing to somewhere special; and in August for our younger son’s 30th birthday we had a family outing to visit Julian Termperley’s wonderful Somerset Cider Brandy and Burrow Hill Cider.  Just a 40 minute drive…

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Three Newly Designed and Developed Gardens close to us

Today I went to see what all the fuss has been about Hadspen House and The Newt in Somerset Gardens, and I wasn’t dissappointed.  I met an old friend and we wandered around taking in the changes to the garden and had a delicious lunch too.  It’s the most glorious place between Wincanton and Castle Cary, just a…

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My book – Spot On, Good Names for Dogs

This little number has been bubbly away in my mind and on my computer for literally 15 years and I’ve now taken the plunge and had it published. This light-hearted book provides you with an inspiring selection of fantastic names to call your new best friend, from ‘Antic’ to ‘Zuzu’, ‘Rough and Tumble’ to…

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Coping with gluten allergies and going dairy free

We often have guests who warn me in advance of their gluten intollerance and I’m more than happy to accommodate their requirements.  There have been more alarming allergies I’ve been warned about too – peanuts, which can lead to fatal consequences.  Recently I’ve been subject to some of these…

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Local courses to enjoy – perhaps with a stay here too?

I suppose one of the things I’ll regret when I’m older is not putting aside the time to enjoy some of the excellent one day courses which are available all over the country.  I’m talking gardening, flower arranging, bell ringing, bee keeping, you name it there are hundreds to choose from.  This blog is to…

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Walking – the Dorset coast

Every so often when we need to get away and go for a long walk we take off to the Dorset coast.  It’s not too far and often our guests also make day trips to the area.  This area is home to some unique geology and natural habitats, including the Jurassic coast, England’s only natural world heritage site.  The…

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Why are the press so in love with Bruton?

It seems that every time I open a weekend paper there’s an article about the nearby town of Bruton.  The press seem to love it, saying Bruton is the new Nottinghill ………………. well in this house the jury’s out on that one but it does have a variety of good restaurants and the High…

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The American Museum, Claverton, Bath

The American Museum in Bath This, I think is my favourite museum outside London, it’s just 30 minutes away which means I’m able to go as often as I like and enjoy all it has to offer.  And here’s hoping this blog will tempt you to visit too. This photograph gives you some idea of the outstanding Regency…

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Locations used in Wolf Hall

I’m loving the BBC2 production of Wolf Hall adapted from Hilary Mantel’s novels.  I have to admit that I’ve not read the books but everyone says the TV programme keeps well to the feel of the books. The locations used in the production are in Wiltshire, Dorset or Somerset and all close to us here at Castleton…

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