From goats to a garden

the long version

This is the true story about a family that left the convenience of town living to embark on an adventure in the English countryside. They bought a run down four-acre small-holding and neglected cottage in an area of outstanding natural beauty on top of the North Downs in Kent. It is the story of the ups and downs of family life, including their own children, their foster children and their aged relations. It describes the early difficulties of living in and renovating the cottage and the hardships of harsh winters. They had the companionship of their border collies, Sheba, Miffy and Sam, and later on their beloved golden lurcher, Tess. Sheep, goats, pigs and chickens were part of their new life, prompting the learning of animal husbandry. Read about Chirrup the orphan thrush, Nellie and Gertie, the escapist pigs, fluffy white goat kids and Jacob, the lamb who went to work in a handbag. Finally the family made an outstandingly beautiful garden, opening to the public under the National Garden Scheme.