Norwich Castle

Built just a few yesrs after the Notman conquest of 1066, it was completed in 1120. One of its claims to fame is that it stands on the largest man made mound in the UK.

It was a show of power and infludnce rsther than somewhere to live and was ysed for feasts and official business.

In horse heaven

Its been Lillys dream to work with horses and to own one. It may be just a girl thing, but I think its in the blood. Having grown up with horses, ridden in shows, dressage, one day events, not to mention going roving behind thousands of sheep for weeks on end, galloping round the paddocks, into dams and playing silly buggers bareback, its a dream I like to share as well.

So, you can imagine how excited she was when she discovered that the housesit we currently were in came with stables and many horses. 

Most of the horses are retired hunters and dressage ponies, living out their twilight years being spoilt by these wonderful owners.

Their facilities are brilliant. I am very envious of the dressage arena they have and the stables are roomy and bright - no wonder the old horses are in such good order.

Happiness truly is a paddock of horses.

Our Norfolk Housesitting home

This is our gorgeous home for the next two weeks. We can hardly believe our luck. Coupled with the wonderful weather we have due for the fortnight, it is set in a little village, up a lane, and (much to Lillys delight) a retired horse riding farm - so lots of older ponies and horses in paddocks and stables.

Amongst our charges for the fortnight are two beautiful wolfhounds, three cats, chickens and fish.

Its a wonderful home - we are very spoilt to have a bedroom to ourselves - heating!! and TV.. so so blessed.

We are central to alot of National Trust places - so will spend the afternoons every day visiting these places - as we will be doing chores and homeschooling etc in the mornings.