The Dragon House Revisited

We were welcomed and shown to our room which was charming with quirky beams, a good bathroom, views of the garden, fine fabrics and, unusually, a dressing room. It was fine and sunny so after a cup of tea, having spotted from the window, steps from a balcony, I wandered down and explored the garden. It was interesting to see the lie of the land and there were good views of the area on the opposite hill; the main garden is at the side of the house.

As we had left home late afternoon MTL was already dressed for dinner, but because I’m a laydeee I changed. There were mainly walkers in the hotel – the atmosphere was jolly, relaxed and informal so I was glad I wore trousers, but in truth one could have worn anything reasonable without feeling uncomfortable.

There was a cracking fire in the bar where we had an aperitif and decided what to eat. Last time we ate in a room opposite the bar, but I hadn’t realised there is also a restaurant which is where we had dinner. We knew from experience how delicious the puds were, so decided not to have a starter and plunged straight in with the main.

We both opted for Chargrilled Supreme of Chicken with Jerusalem Artichoke puree, Dauphinois potatoes, Wild mushrooms and Poultry and Thyme sauce. It was full of delightful flavours. I’m not mad on mushrooms but these little darlings were delectable and I relished every morsel. I wondered where the faint sweetness came from and the chef said it was probably the artichoke puree.

Parfait of Nougat Glace with raspberry compote and cashew nut praline was my choice for dessert which more than lived up to its promise and MTL plumped for sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream which was less adventurous than mine but quite yummy.

After a digestif in the bar and a pleasant chat with some of the walkers (always interesting to hear what people think of your chosen area) we repaired to our room so I could watch an episode of ‘Damages’ but as I kept dozing off I settled for an earlyish night. Amazingly I could still eat a full breakfast – such a treat to have my favourite bacon, egg and tomatoes – perfectly cooked - with eggs from the chickens at the top of the garden.

I think I can safely say the Dragon House is going to be added to my favourites and it really made for a happy and satisfying birthday. For more info and pictures on the Dragon House go to archives Jan 25th 2009.

The Dragon House,

Bilbrook, Somerset TA24 6HQ

Tel No 01984 640215

View from the dressing room

Quirky beams

Pretty feet. Below is detail from the fine silk curtains.

Pretty feet.

Up to the garden

The view for the garden - note the red earth on the hill.

Happy chickens

Good bathroom

Garden views

An unusual dressing room

Bags of room.

Birthday

It’s not till tomorrow so I’m not opening any presents obviously BUT I had an enormous bouquet with a big box of my favourite chocs by post from Australia so I had to open them and then – what may well be my best present - heard the news that one of our grandsons, who has been unemployed for months got two job offers on one day. Did I tell you it’s a beautiful day and is going to be tomorrow too?

I’m not the only one.

Better bloggers than me have suffered the same trauma – Doctor Maroon and Kenju spring to mind- and I remember comforting them saying it was probably a mistake, but when it happens to oneself it’s different kettle of fish and it hurts. Was it something I said? The trouble is we rarely can spot who it is - the follower who has deserted us. Maybe it was the same person - intent on being cruel to bloggers.

Does anybody know why Friday 13th is reputed to be unlucky? Why did they choose to have Comic Relief today? And could somebody tell Arthur Scargill that he is NOT ‘Take That ‘and his day in the sun is done. I’m burbling I know but it’s my birthday on Sunday – not the big one – and I’m allowed the odd burble.

Two early cards gave me particular pleasure – my sister in the States remembered – having forgotten the last two years and one from a girl who lived at the bottom of our lane and who I have known since we were toddlers – ‘Friends for ever ‘ as she says.
We are spending it at The Dragon House, after having had a lovely lunch there the other week. I’ve tried to lose the odd pound in preparation but I’m undone if anyone gives me chocolates.

September Song - Willie Nelson