Another visit to the NT’s Cothele where not only do we love the house and gardens but we like the shop where we have bought several things made by local artists. And this time we found the folly on top of the hill at the rear of the property. A most impressive triangular tower where to climb it you have to use some of the wind-up torches provided by the NT. When you reach the top and stand on the roof the views are spectacular.

The gardens were wonderful at this time of year. We enjoyed the cut flower garden where the gardeners were picking for the house bouquets, and the yellow garden (as well as the white and other colours!)…..

and, on this visit the apples were to be seen on the trees in the orchard full of old Cornish varieties….this used to be a very important market garden area supplying London on a daily basis. We also wandered down to Cotehele quay for our picnic lunch by the river, and to look into the fascinating museum about Cotehele’s industrial past…the restored old quay master’s office was particularly atmospheric.