We are all so familiar with the picture-postcard, well-known beauty spots dotted around the coastline that we often ignore the most eye-catching hideaways. Robin Whitcomb’s new guide to England and Wales’ hidden gems unearths more stunning locations, some of which he first glimpsed while putting together his last book, Home Sweet Home. Travelling through Cornwall with his excitable chocolate Labrador Coco, Robin found himself in the diminutive Porthgwarra, a remote fishing cove used as one of the main locations in the TV series Poldark. The South West coastline supplies several of the most picturesque hidey holes at the beginning of the book, as Robin, his dog and his motorhome wander unknown havens in one of Britain’s most popular holiday destinations. Hidey Holes takes in North Devon, Pembrokeshire, and the castles that line the rugged Northumbrian coastline, before Robin heads back to South Devon to visit Agatha Christie’s home at Greenway House. Robin’s photography and light-hearted account of his journey, accompanied by landscapes by local painters, will delight readers who love local history, art and the British coast.
Foreword by the Duchess of Northumberland to 'Home Sweet Home - Most Unusual Homes & Locations in England & Wales.'
'Robin has struck upon a most imaginative idea with this book, since we love to see where other people live - especially if their home is a bit quirky and different.
He has travelled the length and breadth of England & Wales over the past three years capturing these eye catching homes with his beautiful photographs.'
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HOME SWEET HOME - Most Unusual Homes & Locations in England & Wales
Without doubt putting my new book together was great fun. It was another 3 year adventure - the same time it took for my first photographic book 'WEALDING THE WILLOW - A Portrait of Village Cricket Grounds in the Weald -The Cradle of Cricket.
With 'HOME SWEET HOME' I travelled far further a field - in fact hundreds of miles via the length & breadth of England & Wales.
The three year adventure began in beautiful Cornwall where I discovered 'Cliff Cottage'. It was set amongst the granite cliffs overlooking the rolling waves of the Atlantic in the idyllic Lamorna Cove. The inspiration for my book came from the sight of this most breath-taking landscape.It was then that the idea of capturing in pictures the most unusual homes & locations became a definitely worthwhile project.
Not only were the many quirky homes intriguing, but it was also enjoyable to meet so many convivial and hospitable owners.It was often the case that these most unusual homes were lived in by most interesting and often fun-loving people.
Rik Mayes, living in a massive tipi in the Welsh mountains, was a perfect example of eccentricity. He revelled in his very different lifestyle in the midst of nature.
Nigel Teulon thought very differently. He decided to buy a complete railway station (signal box included!) and have his bedroom in the old Ladies Waiting Room.
It took me over thirty phone calls and hours to finally find the green double-decker bus in the Sussex countryside. I was so relieved to eventually find this most unusual home. It was a delight to meet Christy & Ines and their two small children. How contented they were.'What you take from the land' said Christy 'You give back to the land.'
I have so many fond memories of all the friendly people in their most unusual homes whilst I journeyed round England & Wales. Probably the most spectacular adventure was putting the final part of the book together in Northumberland. Here were all the majestic castles, Alnwick & Bambough and then the romantic Holy Island with the spectacular Lindisfarne Castle overlooking the sea.
It was fitting to complete the book on a very high note in beautiful Northumberland where the people were so friendly and helpful.It had all been an unforgettable experience and I do hope that you have as much fun sharing my enjoyment as you look through my book.
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