The Old Rectory Tea Room
Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England
Castle Combe, England is one of my very favorite places on earth. It is a beautiful village in Wiltshire where it looks like time has stood still. The town was built 600 years ago and the charm of this place has been very well cared for. Besides the occasional car, there are not many outward signs that you might not be in the 18th century... which is why this town is often used as a movie set.
Of course, all this charm translates very well to building in miniature. The building I chose to replicate was the Old Rectory Tea Room with it's beautiful door, a couple of windows and lots of Cotswold stone. This one is a shadow box; just a façade. But there is room in front for a little bit of sidewalk to place my flower pots and a doormat.
The real Old Rectory Tea Room is run by Anna Roberts, who lives there with her family. She serves up the most wonderful and delicious lunch and is happy to share stories of life in this idyllic place. If you are ever lucky enough to visit Castle Combe, I highly recommend lunch in the Old Rectory, it's pure delight!
Artists whose work is displayed in this miniature piece are: Ray Storey who made lighting and the sign; the Flower Lady, Jan Southerton made the flowers; Beth Freeman-Kane made the two little robins on the upper window; Stewart Dollhouse Creations made the lace curtains; Pierluigi Pirovano made the little birdie door bell and the fancy flower box on the wall next to the door. A little Kathi Kuti mouse peeks out from behind the flower pot as a nod to Anna's stories about the "Whiskerfords, a family of mice who live behind the third step of the tea room."
If you are interested in commissioning your own special door, please contact me.
Of course, all this charm translates very well to building in miniature. The building I chose to replicate was the Old Rectory Tea Room with it's beautiful door, a couple of windows and lots of Cotswold stone. This one is a shadow box; just a façade. But there is room in front for a little bit of sidewalk to place my flower pots and a doormat.
The real Old Rectory Tea Room is run by Anna Roberts, who lives there with her family. She serves up the most wonderful and delicious lunch and is happy to share stories of life in this idyllic place. If you are ever lucky enough to visit Castle Combe, I highly recommend lunch in the Old Rectory, it's pure delight!
Artists whose work is displayed in this miniature piece are: Ray Storey who made lighting and the sign; the Flower Lady, Jan Southerton made the flowers; Beth Freeman-Kane made the two little robins on the upper window; Stewart Dollhouse Creations made the lace curtains; Pierluigi Pirovano made the little birdie door bell and the fancy flower box on the wall next to the door. A little Kathi Kuti mouse peeks out from behind the flower pot as a nod to Anna's stories about the "Whiskerfords, a family of mice who live behind the third step of the tea room."
If you are interested in commissioning your own special door, please contact me.
The Old Rectory Tea Room, the inspiration for the miniature.