We rode the far march of autumn, a bright trail bordering winter's bleak days. The sun warmed and the breeze did not chill unduly. Yes, it was a splendid day to be out.
In bright sunshine we passed the new white gates of Ashdown house with their tall finials. What a smart sight they make, newly restored and repainted. The house and grounds are now a preserved part of the national heritage and, when they are open, one can go in and walk around. It looks like a great place for historical films to be made too. I could just imagine a smart carriage drawn by fine horses turning into the drive and trotting up to the house.
Ashdown House was a hunting lodge for some aristocratic landowner long ago. Back then he could ride to hounds as far as the eye could see, across the rolling countryside that today Brena carried me across in a much more leisurely way. Times have changed, whilst the hills which cradle Ashdown House and its woodland stand as mute witnesses to all that has passed.
There were other old buildings too. In fact we were passing through the midst of a complex, for the House required stables, barns, and cottages for labourers. The low sun prevented me from photographing most of these.
Here's the back of the stables. Look at the lovely decorative brickwork and the ornate chimneys, for this was no mere functional building. Or, at least, its function was more than just housing the estate's horses. There were visitors to impress. There were staff who needed to be reminded just what a great man they worked for. The landowner probably wanted to feel good about himself too.
I'd love to have seen this place when it was a massive working farm, with grooms and horses, carts and carriages, ploughs and wains. What a sight that would have been. Now I can just imagine. But of course I have a head-start, having seen draught horses at work, cared for them, even working them myself. It wasn't romantic but, in its own way, it was impressive. And it was unforgettable.
Through the window in the wall facing the track a face appeared. The stables are still occupied. What a pretty face, and what a splendid home!
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