September again!

​Castle Drogo,
Drewsteignton,
Devon

The last castle to be built in England,
completed, between 1911 and 1930, for the ambitious Julian Drew,
by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Almost as impressive as the newly-restored Castle itself (recently-emerged from under scaffolding after an 8-year restoration labour of love by the National Trust ) are the extensive and beautifully tended grounds, which overlook the River Teign gorge.
We felt very privileged to visit at last the Castle with the interior and exterior restorations complete: as if we were seeing the Castle 'as new', almost as it would have been. Do visit if you get the chance!  This view is from a side terrace of the Castle, breathtaking and inspiring, creating a feeling of being 'on top of the world' - what a spot for a castle!

---

 As the evenings begin to draw in, there is all the more reason to make the most of the daylight hours, and to foray into Nature whilst the sun's rays afford some gentle warmth. The grounds at Castle Drogo ( www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo) are exceptionally well laid out, tended and stocked, and are a treat to visit; but besides the castle grounds there are also extensive adjacent walks through the wooded valley along the gorge, perfect for September and the days leading up to and into Autumn when, as the evening chill begins to make itself felt, all good pubs light their fires...
   So if you venture in this direction, after such wanderings, why not try out the nearby Sandy Park Inn ( www.thesandyparkinn.co.uk/) a community pub in a most charming location, on the outskirts of Chagford, not far from Drogo itself, just off the A382. Dog friendly too.  Here's to September !

Castle Drogo, Main Staircase, with family portraits

Window over Main Staircase