It has been a winter of continuing renovations at The White House and the nice thing about this year has been that the work has related to the aesthetics of the building rather than putting right things that need renovation.

One of the last projects we have completed is the renovation of our Old Well and we have worked closely with Paul Roddan, a local stone mason who’s previous work has included renovations within Wells Cathedral.

A master craftsman, he worked with us on the initial design (which we matched to our recently installed stain glass window) and the completed work reflects our home (with an etching of a white horse at the back of the Well) as well as the magnificent designs on the cathedral roof.

Sure you’ll agree it looks good and my only regret is I still didn’t get a giant magnet to see what treasures might lie at the bottom…..

There has been much in the news recently warning about winter weather and the polar vortex.  Well, so far we’ve seen nothing of it here in Dulcote.

But this morning we’ve had our first real flurry of the winter (and possibly since we moved here three and a half years ago) and although its not much, the garden looks lovely!

Somerset was the focus of Countryfile on BBC1 last night and there were some superb shots of the Somerset Levels, where presenters were on the lookout for Common Cranes.  These beautiful birds faced extinction but breeding programmes following a return in 2014 have meant there is now a viable population.

The Somerset Levels cover 230 square miles from Glastonbury to Bridgewater and views are stunning.

Unsure if it was to warm the presenters up but the programme also featured Cider Brandy producers.  If you’ve never tried this I would definitely recommend…….

For those who are interested, the programme is currently available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t0bv

Everyone at The White House is now back from holiday and ready to welcome all of our friends and guests in 2018.

We hope you all had a great break, we certainly did.   I know it doesn’t make great business sense to recommend alternative accommodation but we spent our holiday in Scotland, with a significant part of that time at Knock Old Castle.  What a great location and definitely recommended if you are ever planning a trip to Ayrshire

The last minute Christmas cake is ready and looking fab (thank you Kirstie for the recipe aimed at those of us who have been completely dis-organised in preparing for Christmas back at the beginning of October!)

The home made Limoncello is almost ready for bottling (thanks again Kirstie, we all can’t wait to try this one)

And even the local police force are going a bit bonkers over Christmas…….

The Wells Christmas market began yesterday and the market place was exceptionally busy.  Such a lovely atmosphere and a member of our current “Hot Fuzz” allowed me to take this wonderful photograph.  You may not recognise him as a policeman as he was in “plain clothes”

We welcomed an old friend, Oksana, and her daughter Dasha here at The White House over the weekend. Although we keep in regular contact, Oksana hasn’t visited us for almost three years.

Not only did we have a lovely time catching up but this incredibly talented lady also fitted a stained glass window that she has been working on for us since the last time we met.

It’s not often that I am left speechless but we were completely blown away by how fabulous it looks, and the detail included in the window provides lots of references to our life here in Dulcote.

Christmas is most certainly coming…..

On Sunday evening we went to the Wells Cathedral School Advent Service in the Cathedral which is always fantastic.

And we also put up our Christmas tree.  Even Bob joined in and had a great time trying to eat the decorations while we sorted them.  Think he was very glad to take his reindeer outfit off afterwards!

Last year Santa brought both of my daughters Schnauzer slippers and yesterday my youngest, Lucy, found them and decided to wear them.

After a while she went out and left them by the foot stool.

Our little Schnauzer, Bob, found them and thought he had found his long lost brothers and sisters.  Later we found him snuggled up with them.

Such a cutie – can you see which is the real one?

Last night I was in the audience for the first night of Wells Cathedral Upper School production of Beauty and the Beast and what a night.

As usual, the quality of the performance, both cast and orchestra, was superb.

Although there are few tickets left, if you are in the area and are looking for things to do, follow the link for last remaining tickets.

Beauty and The Beast

The Wells Annual Reindeer Parade was a great success again this year and an added bonus for those of our guests who hadn’t realised the event was taking place.

Each year it just gets bigger and the crowds in the Marketplace proved just how popular the event is.

The Reindeer are so beautiful, and obviously very well cared for by their owners, that I really don’t think Santa got a look in!