Chartwell-Home of Winston Churchill

Bright and early on Saturday, December 19th, we stuffed ourselves into our minivan and drove south towards the LDS temple. It was the day the youth from our ward was going down to the temple to do some baptisms for the dead, so Katya was going, accompanied by Robert. The boys and I decided to tag along. Since we didn't have to be at the temple till 1 pm, we made a decision to stop by at Chartwell on the way. It was only 25 minutes away from the temple.

It was a glorious sunny morning. Warm (ish) and sunny, very non-typical for December. 

Chartwell is the property that Churchill bought for himself and his wife Clementine. The extensive gardens are gorgeous, although requiring an expensive upkeep.

There was no playground on this property, but we did find five tree swings that were awesome.

The grass is still green here...and always will be:).

Crazy old-fashioned fun.

That's the view from one side of the gardens towards the house (that brick building in the background in the middle, sort of).

Mark and I fancied this love bench. It says, "The most precious thing I have in life is yr love to me". From Winston to Clementine:)

So much vast space to run around and enjoy the cool air.

The house overlooking the lake and the swans. 

We tried to take pictures of just me and Robert but someone always wanted to be in the picture:). Good!

Did you know that about the black swans, by the way?:)

We walked over to the house right at 11 am as it was opening. 

Unfortunately (and we didn't know that) the majority of the house was closed for the winter, and the only reason anything at all was open was because they wanted to show the first floor decorated for Christmas. One of the most focal rooms in the house is the Churchill family dining room overlooking the gardens and the pond. It was beautifully decorated. 

We ran into this cute maid as well but she couldn't help us much. 

The visit to the house was quick so we will have to come back in the warmer months when it is properly opened. It will be very interesting to see Churchill's office and other upstairs rooms.

Lyana.