Rainy Weekend

It seems to have rained for the last week on and off, and certainly for the past few days almost incessantly.  Today is no different - driving rain and blustery winds - more autumnal than early summer.  So in the light of our inclement weather remembering last weekend seems all the more important.  NB and I went off for a weekend away on the Isle of Wight.  Even the journey there feels like going on holiday - the ferry over, glorious blue skies and emerald green sea, yachts with billowing sails, all engendered that feeling of guilty escape. On arrival we made straight for Osborne House, the country retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.  I've wanted to visit for a long time and it didn't disappoint.  The interior was regal but with enough comfort to imagine it as a family home and the exterior truly did justice to the Italian Palazzos it was designed to emulate.  From there we checked in at the little gloster.  Truly a little gem of a find.  Run by two brothers Ben and Jack Cooke and front of house managed by Holly, it's restaurant cum bar cum boutique bedrooms were all that we could have wished for.  Our room looked straight out into the Solent, complete with private balcony, deck chairs and table and bench, where we sat and drank wine in the evening sun and watched the yachts and liners.  The food was amazing too, aromatic and delicious, yet simple and locally sourced.  So, as the rain continues to beat against the windows, I leave you with some pictures of sunnier days...

Osborne House, Isle of Wight

The Italian Courtyard

View from our room

Watching the sun set from the balcony