We picked up a piece of 18th century silk brocade, for next to nothing, in a little antique shop the other day. It’s as crisp and as lovely as the day it was made.

It’s another wild night out there. Candle flame dancing, shutters rattling and the wind roaring in the chimneys.

Walking in the cold shadow of the moor under a huge sky: I’m lulled into the vision that with every new morning, life begins.

Giving our B&B rooms a sparkle for the coming season.

gwydircastle.co.uk/accommodation/

That’s just naughty that is.

Twelve hours of storm conditions. It’s been rough. And now this. Blessèd place.

It’s the calm after the storm at Gwydir this afternoon and thankfully no damage to report. Consequently, Barnaby’s entering the Sunday zone.

There’s just something about this stone and the sheep know it too. I watched them cluster around it - cold hands drawn to a flame.

Sun dials are really good for drying out wet tails.

Dogs, a mug of tea and ten minutes with the David Austin rose catalogue…plans are afoot.

Late afternoon on a damp day. Windows closed, fire lit. The light lies lightly on polished boards.

The old and the familiar are often more comforting than the shiny and the new. It’s the end of a busy Bank Holiday weekend and in this mad, swirling world, I hope our visitors have been touched by a little of Gwydir’s peacefulness.

Our five new beautiful Gwydir cards can be bought online at: gwydircastleshop.com/store-test/p/p…

Some of us are gently snoozing in a patch of golden light, feeling completely relaxed that this is our first day of opening. Ar agor dros y penwythnos/Open over the weekend 11am-4pm. Happy Easter everyone/Pasg hapus pawb!

It’s been a great day with our volunteer team of helpers today. Thank you to everyone who came and pitched in so valiantly. We’re all set for our reopening on Good Friday.

I’ve had better days…

There’s a cold wind from the west today and the fire’s lit and outside there’s a beautiful blizzard of blossom falling gently against the windows.

It’s Friday and the windows are open on a warm spring day and the air is richly seasoned with wood smoke and newly-turned earth from the rose bed beneath.

By popular demand...new Gwydir cards are now available! An assortment of 5 spring/summer images taken from these pages (& possibly a few with dogs in them!) We hope you like them &, as ever, all proceeds will go towards the upkeep of this remarkable place

gwydircastleshop.com/store-test/p/p…

They’re sulking. We’ve been away for a day or two. We may never be forgiven.