An interesting few days this week looking at two diverse properties. An intriguing tiny 16th century cottage which has been in the same family for nearly 100 years. Obviously built for mill workers and their families, despite the tiny rooms and low beams it probably housed a large family and looking back on the history of the area, this little line of terraces has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. You could almost hear the clump of clogs on the cobbles as the mill workers trudged down to the mill.

On the other end of the scale was the wing of a country house that I had to value. Breathtakingly lovely, soaring ceilings, corbelled arches, all the grace and elegance of a bygone era. Walking around the lovely gardens it was easy to imagine a leisurely game of croquet being played on the immaculate lawns. Lots of ideas for Book 2 and 3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!