by Anne Woodyard | Feb 27, 2020 | autumn, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds, England, Music and Markets
As we anticipate returning to this ever-so-charming area of England next month, we’re looking back on previous visits – such as this one, with our Bath Mozartfest tour guests in 2015:
Our guests have been looking forward to a day in the Cotswolds – it’s been twenty years since they were last here! Well, this is a part of the world that probably has not changed much in twenty years – and the Cotswolds like it that way!
Even in the drizzle the villages are a delight…
we walk along the river trailing through Bourton-on-the-Water, well-prepared with our umbrellas. 
After greeting the ducks
we stop for a warming lunch in The Rose Tree, then bundle up and explore further.
We’re not the only ones exploring the village, other umbrella-toters are taking in the late fall beauty as well.
The drizzle continues as we drive on to quaint little Bibury – doesn’t this look like a fairy- tale illustration? 
A plus of the dreary weather is that there are fewer sightsee-ers here today. In September we had trouble finding a parking place, and had to weave between busloads of people checking out the tiny village. Now we can actually see the entire Arlington Row,
picturesque cottages built in the 1300s as a monastic wool store, and later lived in by weavers in the 17th century. Current owners keep them beautifully maintained both in front and behind. Just a few memories – we’re looking forward to exploring yet more when we return!
by Anne Woodyard | Dec 21, 2015 | Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, classical music, Cotswolds, cream tea, England, Mozartfest
Thursday, November 19, 2015
The Cotswolds & Bath, England
Interested in a Music and Markets Tour? We’d love to hear from you!
We’re looking ahead to Spring – Aix en Provence for the Easter Festival.
Our guests have been looking forward to a day in the Cotswolds – it’s been twenty years since they were last here! Well, this is a part of the world that probably has not changed much in twenty years – and the Cotswolds like it that way!
Even in the drizzle the villages are a delight…we walk along the river trailing through Bourton-on-the-Water, well-prepared with our umbrellas. After greeting the ducks, we stop for a warming lunch in The Rose Tree, then bundle up and explore further. Kirk demonstrates the boot cleaning station – this is an area for serious walkers and they’re well provided for! 
The official weather forecast? 
The stone is wet – it’s raining (notice that’s the first option here in damp England), no surprise! We’re not the only ones exploring the village, other umbrella-toters are taking in the late fall beauty as well.
The drizzle continues as we drive on to quaint little Bibury – doesn’t this look like a fairy tale illustration? A plus of the dreary weather is that there are fewer sightsee-ers here today. In September we had trouble finding a parking place, and had to weave between busloads of people checking out the tiny village. Now we can actually see the entire Arlington Row, picturesque cottages built in the 1300s as a monastic wool store, and later lived in by weavers in the 17th century. Current owners keep them beautifully maintained both in front and behind. The village, just steps away, is quietly lived-in, with a primary school and a beautiful old church.
Hardy roses hang on
amidst colorful traces of fall
and approaching winter.
Through the churchyard, we’re surprised to see the gate leading to Bibury Court, a former hotel, now open. 
So we accept the invitation and wander through the beautiful gardens,
pausing by the stream to watch swans on the lookout for a snack. 
They found it!
Speaking of snacks, it’s tea time! So on we go to beautiful Barnsley House, where we’ve reserved our favorite spot, right by the cozy fire. 
It’s our last day in England – and we’re finishing it in quintessential English style.
What a perfect finale this scrumptious afternoon tea is!
Barnsley House is an ideal country house hotel, complete with an outstanding restaurant, gorgeous gardens, and a spa – but it’s family friendly as well – wellies of all sizes at the ready! 
Back in Bath, we’re fitting in a final evening of music as well – 
the gala 25th Mozartfest Anniversary concert in the Assembly Rooms
featuring pianist Sir András Schiff. We’re spellbound by his artistry as he plays the final sonatas of 4 composers: Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert. A perfect finale to our Music and Markets week.
And now it’s goodbye to our Alfred Street apartment, 
and on to more adventures.
by Anne | Oct 15, 2015 | autumn, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds, cream tea, England, Gardens, Lords of the Manor
Wednesday September 23, 2015
The Cotswolds, England
Interested in a Music and Markets Tour? We’d love to hear from you!
How about celebrating Mozart in the matchless city of Bath, England in November?
It’s one of those special birthdays…ending in a 5…and where in the world have I chosen to celebrate? In the peacefully gorgeous Cotswolds in England! And in one of the most beautiful places in which we’ve ever stayed, Lords of the Manor in the tiny hamlet of Upper Slaughter. From the first glimpse of the golden stone mansion tucked into luxuriant gardens, I was absolutely delighted.
And then the gracious hostess walked us through the cushioney and inviting sitting areas, 
and down winding hallways to our room as the delight continued. 
If there were anything available to eat this late in the afternoon, we’d just stay right here! But getting out of Heathrow took too much time, as usual (longest passport control lanes we’ve EVER been in!) and with the nearly two hour drive on top of that, it’s waaaay past our lunchtime! The closest place to get a bite to eat at this time is Bourton-on-the-Water, not far from the Manor, so off we go. 
This area and our beloved Aix are both filled with buildings of a honey golden stone, its color shade-shifting as the light changes through the day. 
What could be more satisfying on a crisp fall afternoon than a cream tea? 
Oh how I love that dense clotted cream – there’s just nothing like it! Slathered on a raisin-studded buttery scone, topped with a smear of strawberry jam….just what I wanted on my birthday 😉
A stroll around Bourton-on-the-Water confirms the fact that we’re here at the most beautiful time of year, with fall hues
joining the lush flower-filled window-boxes
and gardens – heavenly! 
Have you ever seen so many colors of hydrangea on one bush?!
Winter’s coming…and this home is well-prepared with a hefty stack of firewood by the front door. 
Back to Lords of the Manor for a cozy nap to help us get over jetlag,
enjoying the fragrant lavender as we pass.
Then we’re off again
for a pub dinner in nearby Lower Swell (loving these names!), before returning for a good night’s sleep
– we’ve got lots of fun to pack in the next few days!
The best way to describe us (Kirk and Anne Woodyard) is that we're interested in the stories that make the places we visit come alive.
We've visited Europe more times than we can count, learned some entertaining stories there, and met some warm and helpful people who also enjoy the wonders of music and life in Europe. Between our music-related travels, we split our time between our homes near Washington DC and in the the south of France. We look forward to sharing these stories and friends and experiences with you.