One Friday the weather forecast was sunny weather so we decided to head out and explore a National Trust Property with a garden. Winding through the English country lanes we arrived in the village of Smallhythe, parked beside the church then followed a path through the churchyard into the garden of Smallhythe Place.

Once called Port House but since the river and sea receded there is no more shipbuilding... and the sea is nowhere to be seen! That was during the early life of the house in the 15th and 16th century. A more recent owner was Ellen Terry, a Victorian actress, who left a variety of stage items and artefacts from her theatrical life which are on display plus some beautifully restored stage costumes.

A half-timbered house, the floor of the first floor is very interesting in the library - the floor boards rise to a peak in the middle of the room! Noticeable above the front door on the outside.

At the back of the house are barns where plays were held in Ellen's day and they continue to this day.

Swirls of trained branches of a climbing rose on the side will be beautiful in summer when the buds are in bloom.

The thatched roof on the barn was inches thick.

Daffodils were still in bloom in the garden and in the field next to the house an old tree was in full blossom - possibly a damson tree (if it isn't please let us know as it was beautiful).

The light was fabulous and the colours gorgeous - Spring in all it's glory.