...this shepherd's hut belonging to a well-known author and tv presenter* who lives near the place where we stayed in Sussex. Isn't it beautiful? Don't tell anyone, but I am slightly in love with her husband too, or at least, with how he appears on tv and with his writing. I've obviously reached a certain age... it'll be hot flushes next.Anyway, speaking of heat, it was on the hottest day of our holiday and possibly the whole year that we decided to visit all six of the wonderfully quirky Brightling Follies, erected by John 'Mad Jack' Fuller, squire of Brightling, politician and great supporter of the arts and sciences, in the early nineteenth century. I am married to a man who loves a good folly, so armed with a map and guide, we set off to find them all.
The first was the 'Sugar Loaf', supposedly built rather hastily as the result of a wager made by Mad Jack that he could see the spire of Dallington church from his land.
It had a little entrance doorway, and inside was a fireplace and the signs of a second storey where someone had once lived.
Next was the circular tower, hidden away in a little secret wood full of nettles and chestnut horses. It is believed to have been built so that Jack could view the ongoing restoration work on Bodiam Castle, which he had bought.
Some people were keen enough to climb to the top on a rickety ladder...
Next, a splendid observatory on the top of a hill.
And a classical temple in the middle of Brightling Park.
The Brightling Needle is 65 feet high and thought to have been built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.
John 'Mad Jack' Fuller (1757-1834) is buried in this beautiful stone pyramid tucked away in the furthest corner of Brightling churchyard, now beautifully adorned with the self-sown daisy flowers of Erigeron Karvinskianus and full of mystery and intrigue, perhaps just as he would have hoped.*If you can't guess who I'm on about, here's the shepherd's hut in a more familiar pose...
13 comments:
You need to pop over to this side of the Pennines on a Sunday afternoon if you like a good Folly - Wentworth has loads of them and they open 2-5pm on Sundays till September. I am totally in love with the Shepherds Hut - who is the TV Presenter? My hubby says I am like one of the old women in the Harry Enfield sketch - "OOO young man!!!" and dont talk to me about the hot flushes - up till now, they have only been 1 week per month - and at night, but for the last 2 weeks, Ive been getting them day and night!! My son keeps whipping the thermometer out - he thinks I may spontaneously combust!!
One thing about hot flushes...you never get a cold or flu when you are having them..well I didn't anyway. The heat kills the bugs!
Yes, who is that presenters husband?
I have updated the post with the necessary information!
i too am a little in love with that very husband ....
i have met him with Sarah and a collection of dogs on many a dog walk and sadly for all us ladies of a certain age - he is as lovely in the flesh!
how can one woman be so lucky - a gifted gardener and a yummy husband :)
the picture of the shepherds hut is beautiful - it is on my wish list along with the airstream..
t x
I fear Nigel Nicholson looks too much like his grandmother for me but he does come across as being fun company.
I read today in the Telegraph Sarah has lost weight…
Follies are a specialty of Sussex.
I meant to say Adam
A similar shepherd's hut, on an acre of land near Croyde here in North Devon, sold for £247,000 recently. I liked it .... but not that much!
I would like to run away with all my wool and live in that shepherds hut..do you think anyone would notice?..wonderful pictures...who is the person climbing the ladder? Have a happy weekend...love H
Love the shepherd's hut - canleave the presenter alone!!
Lovely follies! I imagine you've been to Mow Cop??
I can totally identify with Diane and Jackie and the said hot flushes! However, back to the subjects in hand - follys and shepherd's huts - love them both, and Romany caravans too!
Jeanne
Ah yes, love the shepherd's hut. We thought of getting one but they are a bit small for an extra sleeping place which is what we had thought of. I would love one just for me but that would be sheer self indulgence. I thought it was Sarah Raven you were talking about. Not too sure about the husband's nose but her life does look pretty good to me too!
That's Rory up the ladder!
I met Adam Nicholson at one of their open gardens. He only had to smile.
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