soppy in norfolk

There is only one other place in the world, other than the lovely, lopsided old barn we called home, that really wraps  me up in its arms and nurtures me somehow, and that is the summer home of my childhood near the north norfolk coast. I have posted about it before, but the few short days we have just spent there, did their same old magic, it sounds so sappy I know, but places that you love and are part of your history have that effect, no?

I don't know if it is simply because I have spent so much time there with four generations of my family now, or whether it is something about the way the roses flop over the windowpanes,

or the way the honeysuckle has always grown waywardly around the front door, or whether it is those ancient flint walls and the glimpses of the farmland beyond, but the whole place plays utter mad havock with my heart!

I literally pat the old walls occasionally, linger an extra second at a window or as I push a door open... and can almost touch memories. I am not sure this is totally normal behaviour (ha! no need to answer that!;)) but I think it is just my way of savouring the place, remembering how lucky I am to still  have a place belonging to our family that holds so many good memories. Gah, so soppy!

We were really lucky with the weather (and it is capricious there!), and we can never really believe how empty the beaches are if you are prepared to walk a few minutes from the car parks. Especially near the beginning of the day or late in the afternoon, the coast is so empty and so breathtaking.

It is always SO hard leaving.

Incidentally, in order to keep it on, my parents rent our house out on a week stay basis, so you could see it for yourself!  :) - do email me if you would like details.