Chawton & Jane Austen

Dear readers, Hope you’re all OK and that everything is going well for you! As you might as well guess (see title), last Thursday, with my university, we all went (for me, it was the second time), to Chawton! I couldn’t stop smiling, despite the pouring rain but then again, it wouldn’t Great Britain without rain (rire)! :) And anyway, I think it add something to scenery (even though the sun would have been welcome!:) So, let’s come back to our sheep! Last time, I went there was two years ago and it hasn’t changed much! :) Still the same lovely village lost in the Hampshire, not too far from Winchester and also from my university. It was around the time where I had to choose which university I’d choose. And I took the opportunity to visit with a dear friend (whom I miss very much and thought about her, when I was there!) to visit Jane Austen’s house, where she has lived, just before going back to Winchester, to be near her doctor, as she was ill. I must have mentioned in a previous article (I think) but it was a long time ago…anyway, you might find it hidden (lol) in the archives somewhere!:) It’s a lovely house and you can easily imagine one my favorite author walking around the house or the garden, reading a book, entertaining guests or simply working on her fabulous novels!:) If one day you’ve the chance, don’t hesitate one second to go there, it is a lovely place to visit and maybe stop by the Cassandra’s tea room! (I haven’t had the chance yet but its sounds lovely nonetheless!) So, this time, we had the chance to visit the Chawton House Library! What’s it? Well, this lovely place (further down the road from Jane’s Austen’s house), which has opened in 2003 (nearly ten years ago now!) is the ‘home of Early English Women’s writing’ as they call it! Just a bit of history before giving you my impressions: ‘Amongst the many owners to have made their mark is Jane Austen’s brother, Edward, who became the heir of the childless Knight family relations and inherited the estate in 1809. He settled his mother and sisters, Jane and Cassandra, in a cottage in the village (now Jane Austen’s museum) where Jane began the most prolific period of her writing career. The estate remained owned by the Knight family until the 1990’s when it was acquired on long lease by the newly-formed registered charity, Chawton House Library. After meticulous restoration work, it opened to the public in 2003 for the benefit of visitors of all ages.’ Source from the leaflet I took there.:) If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to go on the website: www.chawtonhouse.org Now, as I mentioned above, this place respire le calme et la tranquilité! Lost in this lovely town, you feel at peace and happy to there at the same time as nearly two centuries ago, Jane Austen and probably many others, have walked the same ground as we did!:) All around is the lovely british countryside, you could even see some sheeps and horses, in the field, next to the House Library, and of course with the rain, the estate was even more charming , as you could see the nature…how could I say it? (smile)…hum…hum…let’s say with the rain, the nature seemed quite awake and the colors were standing quite well, if you see what I mean? :)There are also some lovely cottages around! You can’t stop but falling in love with the place! It’s impossible not to! And now after this beautiful scenery, I’d like to talk to you about the inside of the House Library as charming as the outside! Full of history, you feel already at home! A lot of portraits (mostly women) or old maps, nice furniture (chairs, tables), alcoves around, a lot different doors and impressive stairs, lovely tapestries as well and a really lovely kitchen, kept as it was!  And the library, of course, where they keep the old books with much care (you can just look or if you need to consult them, you have to ask first!)In a word (or many), a fantastic place to visit or to work! You can stay many hours, wondering how people before us where living here, every day! :) So, to conclude, a place worth to visit! For the anecdote or just as simple information, it’s possible to hire the place for receptions or weddings! Not kidding! (Smile discreet), a good idea, don’t you think? ;) And to finish, a quotation from Jane Austen: 'When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not a excellent library’ Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen (1775-1817) I agree with her on that one(rire), I can’t imagine my future flat or home, without a lot of books either! :) Have a lovely Sunday and see you soon for another article! (Maybe another Bookholic or something else, I’ll see! :)Take care, xxx