The Cotswolds
March 19-23, 2003
The Cotswolds, an idyllic spot in the center of England
composed of yellow stone buildings, rolling farmland surrounded by stone fences,
winding lanes, and medieval villages. Now so gentrified that half the barn walls
conceal deluxe getaways for London millionaires, the Cotswolds have nonetheless
preserved their rural, unspoiled feel. Walking along the country lanes, the
smell of manure and the baying of sheep are constant companions.
My friends Jane and Philip live in this coach house.
I stayed in the room marked with the arrow.



The coach house served this manorhouse. The peaked
roof between the trees on the left is the coach house from afar. The property
includes a charming little private chapel.


Chipping Camden is a fetching medieval village. The
market hall is a fixture from a bygone era..The locals have good taste in dogs.




Walking the countryside from Upper Swell to Lower
Swell.



Excursions with Philip to Stratford and Toddington.




Michael, the fellow next door, owns a 1936 Lagonda
that looks like it was built yesterday.


The previous day I'd visited a motorcar museum in
Moreton. Highlights were a 1938 BMW that Jaguar copied almost directly for its
XK120 and XK140 models. The green car is a Morgan three-wheeler, with a JAP
motorcycle engine up front. The Michelin tire pump shows an earlier incarnation
of Bibendum, the Michelin Man.
Upper Swell.