The View from my House:
I live in a beautiful part of England, Herefordshire, about 2 miles from the Welsh border, the Black Mountains (and Offa's Dyke).
The 'Marches' area is stuffed with history: castles, churches; great walking country: green and quiet.
This is the view looking from the front of my house:
My House:
If you were to wander into the field in the picture above and turn around, this is what you would see:
The house is mainly Victorian (about 120 years old), having been built on a 16th Century cottage - which is still in evidence inside.
To the right of the picture is a lane which leads into the back yard where the stables were:
Look up the lane...
and you see the end of the workshop block - converted from the old stables.
Let's go up the lane and take a look.
The Workshops:
Into the yard, up the far end of the old stable block, look right and here is the main carving/teaching workshop.
There is a Green Man to greet you.
You can see him better here, in the gallery.
Inside the Workshops:
This is the view from the door:
The room is large (the picture forshortens it greatly), well lit and filled with different benches, workstations, tools and equipment.
Just a fraction of the tools available for use:
In this workshop we will share a bench
and learn more about the satisfying craft of woodcarving.
Hey - I'm already here!
Well, yes, this is my normal working room too.
Immediately in front of the door is the important sharpening area:
You can try hand and machine methods to get your tools razor sharp.
Lastly, to one side of the sharpening zone:
Keep you hands and work clean, and make coffee or tea.
Woodcarving is hard work! We need to take it in a relaxed way to absorb the most.
That's it! Thanks for visiting!
Feel free to write to me if you have any questions or want to know more.
Accommodation
Because it is such a rambler's area, there are many comfortable Bed & Breakfasts in the vicinity - some very close - where you can stay. And some good pubs for evening meals - including one in our village.
I can give students details of these and will help in making arrangements
Occasionally it is possible for you to stay with us in the house.