The pool is an infinity type pool with a cascade over the infinity edge. There is a shallow area next to the steps so that children are easily supervised. It is not heated, but in full sun for most of the day.
The poolside area has a shower, loungers, deck chairs parasols and a shade sail.
The main part of the pool is quite deep. Care is needed by non-swimmers.
A maintenance man calls weekly and cleaning tools are provided to fish out leaves and the occasional toadlet that forgot he couldn't swim.
The main part of the pool is quite deep. Care is needed by non-swimmers.
A maintenance man calls weekly and cleaning tools are provided to fish out leaves and the occasional toadlet that forgot he couldn't swim.
The Garden
What we ambitiously call the garden is better termed an unkempt vineyard in the process of restoration, arranged on terraces. Slopes are steep and the land is rough, with plenty of potential for trips and slips and consequent twisted ankles and loss of dignity. We try to grow grapes, apples, pears, cherries, figs, persimmons and walnuts, and there are plums, currants, raspberries and gooseberries on the way. You are welcome to pick and eat any fruit that may be ripe. You will also find plenty of wild flowers around if the strimmers haven't been recently.
We also have an occasional family of very shy deer, plus rabbits, a pair of reclusive crested porcupines, bats, some edible dormice in the hazel trees, wild boar (in the autumn), toads and harmless grass-snakes, but they are all very fearful of you and you are unlikely to actually see anything wilder than the fireflies (spectacularly active in June).
You are free to explore, but please be careful and keep toddlers and small children well supervised.
By the house, under the shade of a walnut tree, is a sitting-out area with table and chairs for eating. It is beside the forno (outside oven) which you are welcome to use. You need to get a strong log fire going at least two hours before use, then move the still burning logs out of the way and place your pizza (or bread, or casserole), on the vacated concrete floor of the oven. Good luck, it is not an easy skill. A long pizza shovel is provided. There is also a much easier charcoal barbecue. Charcoal and logs are provided. Any BBQ beginners may find the gas BBQ easier still.
We have placed on one of the higher levels an old concrete table and stools as a picnic spot with a splendid view, especially of sunsets in May and July.
We also have an occasional family of very shy deer, plus rabbits, a pair of reclusive crested porcupines, bats, some edible dormice in the hazel trees, wild boar (in the autumn), toads and harmless grass-snakes, but they are all very fearful of you and you are unlikely to actually see anything wilder than the fireflies (spectacularly active in June).
You are free to explore, but please be careful and keep toddlers and small children well supervised.
By the house, under the shade of a walnut tree, is a sitting-out area with table and chairs for eating. It is beside the forno (outside oven) which you are welcome to use. You need to get a strong log fire going at least two hours before use, then move the still burning logs out of the way and place your pizza (or bread, or casserole), on the vacated concrete floor of the oven. Good luck, it is not an easy skill. A long pizza shovel is provided. There is also a much easier charcoal barbecue. Charcoal and logs are provided. Any BBQ beginners may find the gas BBQ easier still.
We have placed on one of the higher levels an old concrete table and stools as a picnic spot with a splendid view, especially of sunsets in May and July.
The Population Hereabouts
Every autumn our carefully groomed (reckless exaggeration!) grass path to the pool is attacked by four-legged assailants. Much of the turf is grubbed up. The attack continues into the new year and was, at first, blamed on cinghali (wild boar) digging around looking for the little plant bulbs that proliferate in the soil beneath the grass. We decided to catch the culprits red-handed (red-hooved??)and set up a night-time wild-life camera. Much to our surprise, we found that our nocturnal visitors are many and various. These are in addition to the many cats that also use the path during the day. We suspect an alliance of badgers, foxes, porcupines and boars are responsible for the desecration of the turf path. We apologise on their behalf for the lack of manicured lawn.
Every autumn our carefully groomed (reckless exaggeration!) grass path to the pool is attacked by four-legged assailants. Much of the turf is grubbed up. The attack continues into the new year and was, at first, blamed on cinghali (wild boar) digging around looking for the little plant bulbs that proliferate in the soil beneath the grass. We decided to catch the culprits red-handed (red-hooved??)and set up a night-time wild-life camera. Much to our surprise, we found that our nocturnal visitors are many and various. These are in addition to the many cats that also use the path during the day. We suspect an alliance of badgers, foxes, porcupines and boars are responsible for the desecration of the turf path. We apologise on their behalf for the lack of manicured lawn.
