We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to
put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first
chapter is called “New Year’s Day” ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce.
(1904-1983. 20th century peace activist and poet)
Breaking with our New Year's Day tradition of walking on the beautiful beaches of Normandy our footsteps today led us down a small country lane which we hadn't explored before.
 |
| a first glimpse through the wood |
Although the village of Castilly is just a few minutes drive away from where we live we did not realise that the beautiful 18th century Chateau Castilly and the even older l'eglise Notre - Dame de Castilly were waiting there for us to discover.
The Chateau is surrounded by a moat and has a magnificent park and gardens.
It is a private residence and sadly not open to the public.
Come, walk down the lane with me............
The Chateau of Castilly dates from the 18th century and is listed in
the "l'inventaire des monuments historiques"
which corresponds to a UK Grade ll listed building.
the "l'inventaire des monuments historiques"
which corresponds to a UK Grade ll listed building.
A pair of information plaques standing by the church wall briefly describe the area's history.
These plaques, part of the "Mon Village se Raconte" tourist information initiative launched several years ago, can be found in most of the small villages in our region of Calvados.
In every village you will find a Memorial such as this one
to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
This old house next to the Church is empty and neglected, a great little "fixer upper" perhaps?
Do you like the net curtains that the previous owner left behind?
Quite a lot of work required before this home is habitable once more.
The Chateau visible through the trees in the overgrown garden.
At the church we turned to retrace our steps - pausing for a moment to gaze upon this statue of an unknown Saint which stands alone in the midst of this peaceful and tranquil place.
Happy New Year to all my friends in blogland.
May 2015 bring us all Peace, Good Health and Happiness.
This is all lovely, Maggie, and the War Memorial was so much in evidence in every tiny village we visited on our trips. It was always very sobering to see how many in each family had died in these dreadful wars. So sad, so sorry that this continues to happen in places all over the world.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely find Maggie! I love the little house, a perfect Normandy project for when I finally retire, not sure I could convince the other half though.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to YOU! Wow! What an exciting walk you had. There are so many intriguing things to see.
ReplyDeleteI must visit France.
Bonne Année, Maggie! What a delightful walk. The little house would be a wonderful project, as Tinker has said, but the logistics between here and there might be insurmountable. Nice to dream, though.
ReplyDeleteQuite beautiful, Maggie -- and what a wonderful way to start the year -- with something new. I love the church; that chateau is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI send many glorious wishes for a Happy New Year!
What a gorgeous place you live Mme.Maggie! You are so privileged to live there.thank you for sharing your lovely walk.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos....and that house - I can't believe it's not a museum or something. Pretty fancy private residence.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely walk. I am glad that you took us along with you. Happy New Year, Maggie. And thank you for visiting the Garden Spot and leaving such kind comments. I do enjoy visiting yours and following you on your adventures to places that I can only dream of. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteA walk and a discovery - a lovely way to start 2015 Maggie. I wish you all the best in the coming year, and look forward to reading more from your beautiful corner of the world.
ReplyDeleteThe quote...how awesome to know that waaaay back then the New Year represented so much opportunity to are fellow women! Yes, it's a whole new page. I simply love how you started it with such a picturesque walk. I would buy the fixer~upper just to be in that lovely area! The statue of the unknown saint touched my heart, just standing there alone so beautiful. So, thank you for including us on your stroll! And thank you for your visit, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteLove to you,
Jane x
Oh Maggie-- you always take us to such beautiful places-- I love that little abandoned cottage. I want it for my very own!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year dear Maggie-- wishing you and your handsome fella all the best in this bright new year.
Love
Vicki