Saturday 22nd we packed up early at Wells-next-the-Sea Youth Hostel and activated Herbert for Putney, London. A good run down through Norfolk and Cambridgeshire and even the outskirts of London, until Herbert decided to take us across Tower Bridge (why Herbert, why?). By that time Russ was busting and the long wait in traffic jams was driving us both to distraction. In the end a quick illegal park enabled some relief (not so easy for girls!) and we wound our way through south London with fingers crossed that the car would remain intact until we got it back out to Heathrow. We found our digs, parked up the road, dropped our bags with Serena, had a bite to eat at the Queen Adelaide and headed off to the airport to deliver the car – scratchless after 1500 miles. That’s quite a feat given the number of vehicles on the road, the high-speed motorway-jostling and narrow village lanes never intended for more than foot and horse traffic. Thank you Russ.
Back on the tube to East Putney followed by a longer hike than was necessary in the rain because we didn’t know the exact route and finally back to our London base for the next week. The house, of which we have two basement bedrooms and a bathroom, is on four levels and was built in 1723. It is gorgeous. Wooden beams, predating the building of the house, paneled walls, uneven floors and ceilings, one room wide, a little courtyard garden front and back – a ‘doll’s house’ as Serena says. Built to look grand from the outside, belying its limited width. The house is full of antique furniture, furnishings and ornaments mostly from Serena’s family. Our rooms are below street level, so hidden away, very private and with one room opening onto the rear courtyard garden.
JaneRussell journeys 