AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY PARADISE OASIS
Greetings Hivers, Liketuers and Pinmapplers alike! Today, I'm taking you on a delightful adventure to The Meare, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Suffolk. As a frequent visitor to this charming part of the country, I was thrilled to explore this area for the very first time. Even though I had to embark on a less-than scenic drive from London, traversing the picturesque countryside roads eventually made up for it.
The journey began on the A12, a major road connecting London to Suffolk. There are currently major road works on the A12, so traffic was moving relatively slowly, and we were diverted of course a couple of times, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. As I left the bustling city behind, I meandered along smaller roads, passing through quaint villages such as Wickham Market and Snape, totally avoiding Cambridge. These roads, with their hedgerows and winding lanes, though make for dangerous driving, provided a serene backdrop for our countryside escapade.
I stayed at a beautiful cottage owned by a family friend who made it absolutely magical. I had actually spent the first half of the day, after arriving in Suffolk, at the beach. It was the first time visiting the seaside in 2023 😂. The year is only half over. The next day was spent enjoying the Suffolk countryside and coast with family friends. The last place we visited was likely the icing on the cake. We had to drive for about 20 minutes to get there through winding roads that were clearly not planned for cars. I always find it a little stress full going 60 mph on roads where, at any time and all of a sudden, you have to slam on the breaks to avoid crashing into an oncoming vehicle, usually a tractor with no desire to get out of your way 😩
Arriving at the destination, though, was worth the long drive: The Meare. This enchanting place takes its name from J.M. Barrie's timeless tale, Peter Pan. The Meare was created in the early 20th century as a boating lake and is said to have served as an inspiration for the author's Neverland. You step into the magic of Peter Pan's world as you explore the interconnected waterways and islands within The Meare. It's truly a testament to the enduring power of literature and imagination.
As we arrived, the first thing that captured my attention as the exquisite architecture that surrounds The Meare. Beautiful houses and cottages, some built as far back as 1912, adorned with charming clay-tile roofs and colourful gardens, dot the landscape. Each building seems to whisper stories of its own, adding to the tranquil ambiance of the area. It's no wonder that many choose to make this haven their permanent residence, immersing themselves in the beauty and serenity of The Meare. There are some photographs of the area where you could see the old buildings as they were before some modifications, like attic rooms for instance, were added, or chimney's removed.
One of the highlights of The Meare is the abundance of birdlife that graces its waters. It's late spring, and the air is filled with the delightful chirping of avian friends. As you gaze out over the meandering channels, you spot families of waterfowl gracefully gliding along the surface. The proud parents watch over their fluffy offspring, who are now old enough to venture out into the world. It's a heartwarming sight that reminds us of the cycle of life and the beauty of nature. Just a friendly reminder, though, if you're visiting with a four-legged companion, please keep them on a leash to ensure the safety of the birds and their young ones.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and it was soon time to bid farewell to this tranquil oasis. As I reluctantly left The Meare behind, I found myself facing the reality of heavy traffic on the journey back to London. The once peaceful countryside roads were filled with bustling cars, reminding me of the contrast between the peaceful haven just experienced and the urban hustle and bustle I was returning to. But fear not, for the memories of The Meare will linger, reminding me to seek solace in the beauty of nature whenever the city chaos becomes overwhelming.
Peace & Love,
Adé
