2 Ivy House

Summer At Last…

Jun 14, 2023 clairecoard7Leave a comment

Flowers and Chelsea 2023

It was a long time coming but today we are basking in 30 degree temperatures! The lavender is smelling absolutely gorgeous…Always inspired by Chelsea Flower Show I am now re-arranging everything. Did anyone else loose precious plants this year? The Winter and Spring were so cold that I lost my pittosporum, salix flamingo and many agapanthus plants. I would also like to know if the beautiful white floaty flowers in many Chelsea gardens were umbrellifer? They were stunning! Favourite garden at Chelsea was Horatios garden, what was yours?

New Thatch…

We were closed over the winter months as the thatch needed replacing. What a brilliant job! So, so pleased. Fowler & Sons Master Thatchers were so skilled. I had not realised how much was involved from stripping the old thatch off to finishing it took about 6 weeks. They arrived on a daily basis with masses or straw made up in bundles called dollys. Then in freezing cold temperatures it all took shape. It is estimated that the life expectancy of a thatched roof is approximately 15-20 years. lets hope so! Although I am told that re-ridging can be done to extend this. This very old listed building now back to its glory.

New Walking…

So we were out and about last week finalising the new circular trek around the village of Great Shefford. This can be as much as 12 miles or as little as 2, but in every direction there are spectacular views. The walk is going to be added as an option on the walking package weekends. It takes you up onto the downs, through a couple of villages that can offer refreshments, a glorious view stop and a wonderful walk along the River Lambourn, This is one of a few remaining natural chalk rivers in the county. The wildlife and scenery are plentiful and the area is quite historic. Our lovely round towered 12th century church is also well worth a little visit.

The Stables

The Stables offers self contained accommodation and included in the price of your room is locally sourced, home made produce. Granola, seasonal fruit, yoghurt, orange/apple juice and freshly baked croissants, but afternoon cream teas and cheeseboards are available if required. Prior notice required. We look forward to seeing you.

Longer and lighter days…

Mar 12, 2022Mar 12, 2022 2ivyhouseLeave a comment

Its the best time of the year, mornings are light well before 6 A.M, and the evenings around 6.30. You can get so much more done, at around 6.30 this morning we took a stroll out of the village on the opposite side to our usual morning stroll, the views were amazing and there was so much wildlife. Chloe didn’t know where to sniff first! We have recently been trekking around our local countryside to find interesting circular walks for our guests to enjoy. I can’t believe I have lived here over four years and not crossed the road, lol… This walk is part of our Lowlands walk, although looking at the photo you might well be right in thinking that you have climbed quite a steep hill! The next part of the walk is downhill to either a pub or the cafe.

The Lowlands walk then meanders through The Lambourn Valley Way to the pretty village of Eastbury, here you will find the church of St James the great, with the most stunning modern stained window. Oh yes and another pub! The Plough, serving wonderful food and guest beers.

Our walk finishes back in the village of Great Shefford, where you will not be disappointed if you visit The Great Shefford pub. Yes there is a bit of a theme here, but they do also serve great coffee and pastries too. You will receive a friendly welcome and fantastic food created by the chef Sam Cary. We are so lucky to have such a lovely pub/restaurant just a 2 minute walk away. Too convenient sometimes.

Great Shefford Restaurant with river view…

So lucky to live here!

The End Of A Busy Summer…

Sep 27, 2021 2ivyhouseLeave a comment

Views over the Letcombe Valley towards Wantage…

Wonderful Walking…

The area around Great Shefford boasts some of the most beautiful scenery, history and wildlife. Just a short drive and you can be up on The Ridgeway taking in the views for miles around. The Ridgeway is described as Britain’s oldest road and The National Trail is 87 miles long! So plenty of walking and cycling here. Or visit the lost village of Snap in Aldbourne which was not abandoned until the 20th century

Summer At 2 Ivy House…

The weather this year has been a challenge for all gardeners. Late frosts, torrential rain and unusually strong winds have played havoc with the plants. Not to mention BLIGHT! I didn’t know that was a thing until my tomato plants just shrivelled up and died. Lots of fruit all rotten. Its so sad when you put so much hard work into it. However damsons were plentiful, so lots of lovely jam for my guests again this year. Lots of chillies as well. However in late Spring the garden was quite colourful and I am pleased to say that the borders are maturing quite nicely.

Our Guests…

We have had some really lovely guests this summer. Its so lovely to be able to host again. Walkers, cyclists, fishermen/women, wedding guests and actual brides. It was a very exciting day when Alex and his bride stayed with us, lovely to be part of their special day, and a good excuse for champagne and cake. Really looking forward to seeing their photos. Some taken outside by the river.

Places To Eat…

We have lots of superb restaurants nearby but you cannot get much closer than The Great Shefford. A two minute walk from the house! Even more exciting is the news of the new chef Sam. The food is exceptional. Just take a look at their reviews.

At 2 Ivy House in 2022 we will be continuing to offer all inclusive walking/cycling holiday packages. The package includes bed and breakfast, afternoon cream tea on arrival, evening meals, packed lunches and a guide for walkers with transport if required. Please contact me for more details and prices

Weekend Walking On The North Wessex Downs.

Apr 6, 2021Mar 6, 2022 2ivyhouseLeave a comment

3 NIGHT ALL INCLUSIVE WEEKEND BREAK £495.00 per person {based on 2 people sharing}

The Stables offers self contained accommodation, a perfect staycation for enthusiastic walkers. Discover the beautiful North Wessex Downs and the Lambourn Valley Way with our guided walks. The walks will take you along an ancient track {one of Britain’s oldest roads} to Iron Age monuments, pretty villages, local pubs and historic towns. The Lambourn Valley Way walks will ebb in and out along one of the few remaining chalk rivers in an AONB.

Your weekend {Friday – Monday} will include afternoon cream tea on arrival, dinner, bed and breakfast and a packed lunch for your two days of walking. Guided walking and transportation to and from the locations when needed. Some of our walks may commence from the house. (Advance notice needed for all allergies and dietary requirements).

The clear water of the chalk river running along the Lambourn Valley Way. Red kites, owls and occasionally, if you are lucky the kingfisher makes an appearance.

See more photos here.

We are adhering to the COVID 19 POLICY [2022] as set by the government.

Back To Business

Jul 15, 2020 2ivyhouseLeave a comment

We are so very pleased to have said hello to our first guests this week. Some old , some new. The sun was shining and so the afternoon tea could be had outside. I’ve mastered the new scone recipe and they just keep getting bigger! Therefore more jam and cream needed to cover them. Damn, how many calories? Trouble is, I make a batch and there is always some to spare. I wonder if they freeze?

Every effort is being made for you to enjoy your stay at 2 Ivy House whilst staying safe. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions. We would love to welcome guests back to this beautiful part of the country.

The Feature Image of the barn owl, [sadly not taken by myself], is just one of the wonderful creatures you will see on an early morning jaunt not far from the house. On our walks with the dog it regularly follows us, hopping from post to post but just keeping enough distance to keep us guessing what it will be hunting for next. The symbolic meaning of the barn owl is a reminder that you are more powerful than you realise.

At the other end of the day I was lucky enough to go out and about on a bat walk. Amazing! We saw six varieties. Well I say we saw them, we heard them really. They all looked rather alike but they make different sounds. I’m sure that James would be more than happy to recreate this for any of our guests. Some interesting facts 1. Bats are the only mammals that can fly. 2. A single brown bat can catch around 1,200 mosquito size insects in one hour. 3. Bats have only one pup a year. 4. Bats wash behind their ears.

If you are a walker, cyclist or just here to rest there are some lovely pubs really close by now serving food to eat in, eat in the garden or take-away. The Great Shefford is so close its silly not to give it a go, but the Five Bells, The Pheasant and The Plough are just a 10 minute drive. If you don’t fancy any of these then I can rustle up a pretty mean cheese board. Really strict social distancing measures are being applied in all of the above.