We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is called “New Year’s Day” ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce.
(1904-1983. 20th century peace activist and poet)
Breaking with our New Year's Day tradition of walking on the beautiful beaches of Normandy our footsteps today led us down a small country lane which we hadn't explored before.
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| a first glimpse through the wood |
Although the village of Castilly is just a few minutes drive away from where we live we did not realise that the beautiful 18th century Chateau Castilly and the even older l'eglise Notre - Dame de Castilly were waiting there for us to discover.
The Chateau is surrounded by a moat and has a magnificent park and gardens.
It is a private residence and sadly not open to the public.
Come, walk down the lane with me............
The Chateau of Castilly dates from the 18th century and is listed in
the "l'inventaire des monuments historiques"
which corresponds to a UK Grade ll listed building.
the "l'inventaire des monuments historiques"
which corresponds to a UK Grade ll listed building.
A pair of information plaques standing by the church wall briefly describe the area's history.
These plaques, part of the "Mon Village se Raconte"tourist information initiative launched several years ago, can be found in most of the small villages in our region of Calvados.
In every village you will find a Memorial such as this one
to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
This old house next to the Church is empty and neglected, a great little "fixer upper" perhaps?
Do you like the net curtains that the previous owner left behind?
Quite a lot of work required before this home is habitable once more.
The Chateau visible through the trees in the overgrown garden.
At the church we turned to retrace our steps - pausing for a moment to gaze upon this statue of an unknown Saint which stands alone in the midst of this peaceful and tranquil place.
Happy New Year to all my friends in blogland.
May 2015 bring us all Peace, Good Health and Happiness.