Next we visited friends, who live in a house that was converted from a barn that used to belong to the manor house just up the road.
Converted Venton Barn
Alie and John Whitaker with Arjan in Dartington
Alie, P.J., and Arjan at Venton Barn (photo by John Whitaker)
The barn house had a separate flat with an independent entrance, which became our quarters for the next five nights.
Our “Granny Flat”
Under the Eaves
Creative Plumbing
P.J misses her black cat, Luna, while we are on our trip. But Jessie dropped by regularly to make up for lost time with Luna.
Jessie
We were located near Dartington and Totnes. Totnes bills itself as the alternative capital of England. It is a lively place, populated by ex-hippies, some maybe not so “ex”. It strives to be self-sufficient. If you do not grow at least some of your own organic food, do not believe in homeopathic medicine, or drive a big car, you clearly do not belong here.
One night we dined at Dartington Hall, a picturesque medieval retreat. Unfortunately, some of the meals we enjoyed in less medieval places around Totnes were more enjoyable.
Dartington Hall
Large cars are very impractical in Devon. Even some main roads are not always wide enough for two cars from opposite directions to pass. If you do encounter a bus or tractor, things come to a screeching halt and you may have to back up while everyone inches past each other. Nevertheless, the default speed limit is 60 mph, impossible to attain (even for me), but many English motorists give it a good try. Not many accidents here as a result of people dozing while driving!
A highway in Devon— speed limit 60 mph.
A Numbered Route in Devon
Photos © 2014 P.J. Gardner. All rights reserved.