2 Ivy House

Autumn is here…

Sep 6, 2024Sep 7, 2024 clairecoard71 Comment

It has been a busy summer at 2 Ivy House. Chloe and I have had so many lovely guests from all parts of the world. We walked with some, whilst others chose to walk on their own. The fields have been beautiful! Spoilt for choice in this area for fine pubs and restaurants. It was lovely to provide some of our walking guests with good home cooked meals. The vegetarian chilli and lasagnes proving to be a firm favourite. Our dog Chloe is seen here taking a rest on Donald’s bench before heading down to St Thomas’ church.

Church of St Thomas…

The tiny Norman Church of St Thomas, which is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust, has many medieval features. This year a very old tradition of the village will hopefully take place once again. The little Christmas service that was once held on the last Saturday before Christmas will take place this year at 3.00 P.M. (21 December).

Homemade & Local…

The fantastic selection of local produce around this area is encouragement for anyone to try new recipes. Having now made my own mayonnaise I cannot imagine buying it again. It’s quicker to make than I thought, and so few ingredients:

2 egg yolks
1 tsp Dijon mustard
250 ml sunflower oil
2 tsp white wine vinegar and or lemon according to taste
Salt & pepper

Slowly, slowly, drop by drop add the oil to the egg yolks and Dijon mustard by whisking. I do this by hand and it takes about 10 minutes but an electric whisk speeds this up. Once mixed and thickened, add the salt and pepper to taste, and the white wine vinegar and lemon juice. It’s delicious! Keeps in the fridge for 3/4 days…

Summer Fruits..

Lots and lots and lots of damsons… Who else has had a bumper year? What else can you do with them? Jam, gin????? Well, who would have thought I would get first prize at the local produce show. lol…

News, Views & Events

Jun 16, 2024 clairecoard7Leave a comment

The poppies in the garden came out just in time to help with the 80th anniversary D-Day events. Lambourn Parish council together with Nicky Henderson light the beacon to commemorate the anniversary, it was a perfectly, still, warmish evening and I am pleased to say a huge amount of people turned out to show their respects. A very poignant evening! You could see at least 2 other beacons in the distance.

D-DAY BEACONS

SUMMER FIELDS… I am sure it has not gone unnoticed but we have had so much rain! The flowers, shrubs, trees and even the meadow fields look amazing though. I think the mild winter and lack of heavy frost has certainly benefitted some of the plants, certainly in my garden. In Great Shefford, just 5 minutes from the house we have the most beautifully planted meadow field. Its an absolute joy to walk along the river and see all the wild flowers. This is one of our favourite walks, The Lowland Walk. So lucky to have this on the doorstep.

Wild Flowers IN gREAT shefford

RECIPES & RADIO… A few weeks ago I was invited to Join Penny Locke on our local radio station. Slightly out of my comfort zone, but talking about food and local produce seemed quite natural in the end as here at the B&B I love to cook, garden and produce meals from our garden or locally. I am trying lots of new recipes from jams/conserves to delicious vegetarian options for our walking guests.

OUR LITTLE GEM… St. Thomas Church set in idyllic remote surroundings. A simple church of pre-Norman origin. On the edge of a water meadow. This little church is in need of love and appreciation. Well worth a visit as it takes in some wonderful views and wild life, Canadian geese, ducks, kingfishers, trout, to name but a few.

The pretty St Thomas church at East shefford…

AND FINALLY… My blogs would not be complete without a picture of my beautiful Chloe. We cover many many miles in a week. Its an absolute joy in such wonderful countryside…

Harvest Time

Sep 9, 2023Sep 9, 2023 clairecoard7Leave a comment

Early morning walk….

Archaeological Dig…

The weather has not been that great this summer, and I fear that the crops have not been that great either but the fields look so good this time of the year. Who would have thought two weeks later this very field would have an archaeological dig going on? Well over 1000 enthusiastic metal detectorists visited the area to look for items of historical interest and I believe that they were delighted with their finds of Roman and Saxon origin. The whole event was in aid of the Rodney Cooke Memorial Charity and I have to say I found it fascinating.

Roman Re-enactment…

It’s not everyday you see Roman soldiers in your local field. Usually a quiet, tranquil stroll along the river with the dog but this particular weekend it was buzzing.

Late Summer Flowering…

This late flowering clematis has proved to be an absolute gem. I moved this very mature plant last year not expecting it to even survive but it has come back with an abundance of flower and in a much more appropriate spot. The clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). I didn’t know that until I looked it up. The rest of the garden is actually still very colourful, I guess there has to be some positives from the very wet July, and the fruit!!!!! So many plums and damsons I could start my own jam factory.

A Lovely Place To Visit…

Shaw House in Newbury proved to be an excellent choice for a little day out. Walk, picnic, and until 23.9.23 there is a fascinating sculpture exhibition. Everything was going so well until their resident cat decided to sit about 2 meters away in front of our dog. Chloe is not keen on cats!!!! But the cat loved Chloe. So if you are thinking of paying a visit its worth remembering that the gardens are dog friendly and the house is free entry.

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!