Pemsey Farm house

Allison teaching Iggy to read.

Allison on Iggy with the family.

Veronica on Iggy with the help of Sophie & Allison.

Yesterday we left Winchester by train to London then to Ashford in Kent. Beautiful ride through the countryside along with a thrilling trip on the tube from one London train station to another. We were picked up at the station by Allison, Charlie Ray’s daughter and a friend of ML’s from way back. She and her husband Michel have recently purchased Pemsey Farm in the little village of Smeeth near Ashford, and we are honored to be able to stay here. The scenery is gorgeous, the horses as charming as the people, and the house is amazing. Built around 1490, with wood taken from a ship build before that, it is a British classic (more on that later). After a tour, Allison gave the kids their first lesson in English riding, and after dinner we enjoyed an evening walk through their wood and across several lovely fields overlooking the rolling countryside. This morning, we’ve picked some apples for human, horse, and compost consumption, and after a hearty lunch at the very local pub, we’re planning to help with the horses and set up for the evening’s festivities.