Post 23 Appledore, a man and his dog.

To an Australian, Pen and Mark's house in Appledore is a thing of wonder.

Perched on the side of a hill, it unfolds between other houses like a Japanese puzzlebox. I am writing this in the conservatory, under the glass seen to the left (and below).

Bedrooms are upstairs again. These two photos were taken from my bedroom window

Car access finishes 100 metres or so from the front door.


These back steps lead up to their garden and office.

They have renovated and adapted it to suit their needs. It is amazing.

This morning we went for a walk around the village of Appledore. Few people are on the street - a far cry from what it will be like in a month's time.




This wisteria must look stunning when it is in bloom.





The estuary is tidal, and there is evidence of the local capacity for shipbuilding.

Along with creative uses of vessels past their use-by date.















There is a substantial "front" ready for summer promenading.

We made our way to the Seagate for a cup of tea (coffee in my case) out of the wind.








We were joined in front of the (pretend) fire by a man.

It was not the Ancient Mariner, but the proverbial man and his dog.

He hailed originally from Yorkshire, more recently from Exeter and regularly visits Appledore for the music and seaside. His hound was bought  a couple of years ago from Corfu - a lost dog about 18 months old. He was a big hit - and beautifully behaved.




We walked home via a back street full of little shops, galleries, points of interest and enticing side lanes.






I, who never buy cards because I have a life-time supply of those I have made, bought some by a local artist because they were so reminiscent of the town





There is still a bit of work underway to prepare for Summer.








We met various neighbours and spoke to numerous residents along the way.

I thought we were headed for a dead-end here, but the footpath continues to the right in front of the Antique shop.














Along this road is an Appledore Retirement Village.







We stopped off the see the Community Hall that has been renovated and adapted for fully accessible use by community effort - in which Pen and Mark have been crucially involved. It is a great facility.

 Tonight we are going to the Cinema, to see Fisherman's Friends so I am posting this early. It will be too late to catch the email version by the time we are home. I am so pleased to be able to make this visit and see Appledore for myself. For a long time I have been intrigued by this place Pen and Mark have made their home - and it is a privilege to be able to experience it.