While in the Cotswolds we visited some fantastic places. One of our first stops after leaving Windsor was Cliveden in Buckinghamshire – an incredible country home which has turned into a private hotel. The gardens and woodlands surrounding the house are stunning. There are incredible gardens both formal and informal, an elaborate maze and lovely woods that seem almost groomed. Beds of flowers offer a riot of color. I’d love to know how many people spend their days  keeping the property looking so good!

We found charming stone markers scattered in the woods for favorite horses who lived and died on the estate . I think my favorite spot was the Secret Garden, a small fenced in garden tucked away from the main traffic flow. There actually weren’t many people around so it was a very peaceful visit.