BBC1's Escape to the Country comes to Chulmleigh

The sky is a clear Prussian blue and the greens in the hedges and trees are so bright that if you painted them you'd never believe the colours were true.  Birdsong is the soundtrack of the day and a cheeky spring breeze is tickling the leaves into a merry merengue.  It's one of those May days in Devon where the whole landscape comes alive and there's a depth to the beauty that takes your breath away.

the team arrives

If we didn't already live here we'd probably want to escape to the country.  Which is exactly what the lovely couple Sally and Colin who came to visit us today are planning to do (now they've finished making their purses).

The day started with a walk down to the river followed by a chat on the bridge.  

Hilary being wired up

The scenery really sold itself - the dappled water meandering through the theatre of the steep valley.  

After a brisk climb back up to Chulmleigh followed by tea and biscuits it was time for the practical as Hilary showed Sally and 

Colin how to make a beautiful purse each. 

Everyone had a lot of fun - and it turned out that Sally and Colin were absolute whizzes on Hilary's massive industrial machine.

and...action

All too soon the crew were packed up and ready to take the couple to see the three houses; one of which may become their new home in the not too distant future, fingers crossed.  

And we were left with a very tidy shop, homemade biscuits and some great memories.  

busy glueing

Life's always fun and a bit unexpected in this little corner of North Devon!