Not a lot of excitement at Mourne Park – the quiet life! Lots of work happening though. The courtyard garden next to our cottage was in need of a spruce up when we arrived, so lawns have been mowed, edges edged, and garden beds weeded. We are the world’s worse gardeners but even we can pull a few weeds without killing everything! It looks much better. Reg spends most of his time outside spraying, strimming, mowing and burning off old branches – saving the best wood for our fire. Chris, our fellow tenant, spends his days in the grounds with Reg and his evenings doing his website work. I cook little treats to have with our cuppas. A real team. We also share the odd evening meal. Had a BBQ last night – beautiful sunny day and mild evening so made the most of it. We sat outside in our courtyard and enjoyed a great meal, wine/beer – depending on preference – and some laughs. We are all loving it here. So peaceful. Surrounded by grounds, woods and farmland on every side. No passing traffic. Our own little world.
I have been looking at the history of our house sit estate. It was granted to Sir Nicholas Bagnall in 1552 by King Edward Vl, then passed along the family line of Viscounts and eventually Earls. It was mostly used as a second home or country residence – the main family properties were in England. Lots of interesting family history – mistresses, illegitimate children, financial difficulties – par for the course I guess. There is a statue in the gardens near our cottage of the 2nd Earl of Kilmorey – also known as “Black Jack”. He spent the last half of his life infatuated with his mistress Pricilla. Pricilla had been his ward – a bit like foster care – and was decades younger than the earl. Unfortunately she died quite young, but his love didn’t wane. He moved the mausoleum that held her body whenever he changed residence in England. A very involved process and cost a fortune. After “Black Jack” died he was succeeded by his grandson who was involved with the stage in London and went on to build the Globe Theatre. His extravagant spending lead to the sale of their English properties and the move to Mourne Park on a more permanent basis. His wife, Ellen, was a renowned beauty who apparently had a liaison with King Edward Vll. He was a regular guest at Mourne Park. There were many lavish parties held here over the years, frequently attended by the rich, famous and influential – including film stars like Errol Flynn. There was also the odd visit by the Queen Mother. I can definitely say we are “hob knobbing” – even if we are a few decades late! The 4th Earl of Kilmorey was the last to live on the estate – he died in 1961 – when the property past down the female line to the current owners – Marion and Alan.
We rode our bikes into Kilkeel the other day to pick up some supplies. Rode into town on some local back roads – downhill most of the way – lovely views. We came back along the very busy main road – we rode on the footpath! – before turning up past the golf course and winding our way home through the estate. More uphill this time – Reg with the extra weight of the groceries in the backpack. A loop of about 8 miles in total. It’s been a while since riding our bikes in Cambridge. Very unfit!! Happy to make it home – bottoms tender, legs wobbly. Chris took us shopping in his car this afternoon – far less exhausting! Dropped into Cranfield Bay on the way home. Ireland just across the estuary – so close.
Love again
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in House Sits, Mourne Park (1), Mourne Park, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Very envious of you both, sounds a fabulous location. Keep the updates coming, we look forward to them. 1st day of Winter here today, temps in Goolwa about 15deg. Dreading the cold wintery weather.
About 2mths ago we applied for a house-sit in Pickering in the Yorkshire Dales, we missed out on this one and haven’t applied for any more at this stage. I receive daily updates from ‘TrustedHousesitters.com.au’ about properties available to housesit worldwide, there’s many interesting places to stay.
We’ll keep looking and psych ourselves up for the long plane journey over.
Best wishes,
Carol & Graham
Yorkshire Dales is one of our favourite places. Keep trying!! Lovely to hear from you xx
Hi Guys, you look like you are becoming real country yokels, great to see you fit and well, enjoy.
Heather & Jim
Sounds like you are having fun – especially getting out on the bikes. It was great to talk to you the other night. Hope you are still doing your french lessions!!!!
Miss you guys heaps. Got some news today that isnt good, but will email you later.
Take care
LYL
Tarsh and WLM xxx