Blog – Page 2 – 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!

Welcome Back…

Jun 19, 2020Aug 29, 2020 2ivyhouseLeave a comment

We would like to take this opportunity to announce that on the 4th July we may be able to welcome you back at our B&B, hurray! {government announcements pending obviously}. A warm socially distanced welcome awaits you here at 2 Ivy House.

The self contained accommodation is perfect for those of you who would prefer not to stay in the larger establishments for the short term. Our fresh, homemade continental breakfast will still be available but left in the fridge for you to help yourself. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me

There can be no excuse for the garden not to be beautiful this year. an abundance of time and sunshine. The only other topic to occupy me has been food and drink. I’ve been experimenting with new scone recipes, one kindly published by the Queen. Worth the extra effort of soaking the sultanas. They are delicious! My other achievement was piccalilli, although please don’t try this at home. The mess! I had no idea that turmeric was so colourful, it literally went everywhere…

Thankfully the beautiful walks that surround the property have also helped during lock-down. Great Shefford is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the wildlife has flourished. Circular walks or cycling routes mean that you never need to get back into the car once your here. The Great Shefford pub which is all of a 2 minute walk is open at the moment for tasty Take-Aways on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunchtime. Hopefully soon additional hours will be introduced once we get back to our new normal.

So if you are just fancying a change of scenery for a mini weekend break, or a business stay that is just 6 minute drive from the M4 please give me a call…

A YEAR @ IVY HOUSE

Jul 17, 2019Jul 19, 2019 2ivyhouseLeave a comment

A view overlooking Great Shefford, from just one of the many walks nearby 2 Ivy House. It’s been one whole year, cannot believe it. We have been delighted to host some really lovely guests and are looking forward to a few returns in the near future. Here’s hoping that the next year will be as rewarding. The garden is taking shape and there are encouraging signs that damson jam will be on the breakfast menu again this year.

Afternoon Cream Tea… Homemade scones with strawberry and raspberry jam, clotted cream and a glass of bubbly. Full afternoon tea is also available.

Where in the world is this? Oh yes just up the road but it was stunning. The local children able to toboggan, and some grown ups too! Didn’t fancy the walk back to the top too many times. It’s much easier in the summer.

Fresh Seasonal Flowers added to the room, its the little extras that make it special. Please ask us for details