Lady Edith comes to... Cogges

New Downton Abbey series has started two weeks ago, and already we're enjoying the melodramatic twists and turns of the storylines: melancholic Baxter with her intriguing past (just who exactly is she covering for?!), ice maiden Lady Mary going away for a naughty week with Lord Gillingham, obnoxious teacher Miss Bunting trying to prove her point at dinner (would you really be so rude to your hosts, even if you dislike them immensely, why do you accept an invitation then?!), Earl of Grantham bordering on a caricature with his ideas about the wireless, suffering-like-a-true-martyr Anna buying a contraceptive device for her mistress, brain-dead Lady Rose who thinks the normal life is about dancing, listening to the music and visiting friends (has there ever been a more annoying vacuous character in the series?)... Of course, the usual winners of the drama are incredible outfits, hats and interiors.

Even more thrilling for the locals was spotting the much-loved Cogges manor farm, transformed into Yew Tree Farm, which is a home for Lady Edith's daughter Marigold.

Cogges... aka Yew Tree Farm

My son Eddie in the kitchen at Cogges; scene from Downton Abbey

We, the locals, heard the rumours that they were filming at Cogges which was closed for several days. Mr Drewe, the tenant farmer and his wife, adoptive parents of Marigold, have taken over the farm and the main kitchen, which is my absolute favourite.

Cogges was turned into an early 20C farm, with minor changes. I love a big open kitchen dresser with pretty vintage china and jam jars.

If you're visiting Cogges at the weekend, you might be lucky to see the cooking on the Victorian range in action. The ladies who volunteer at the kitchen, will offer you tasty Welsh cakes and preserves.

It is a fabulous place to stop by, and every time I visit, I admire its space, light from the ancient windows, views over the beautiful garden.

Then there is a back kitchen too, which is less glamorous, but as cozy, with its low beams and old flagstones.

Biscuit tin (four sides)

Plus there is a pantry in the house too. 

So, if you're a fan of Downton Abbey, you might love to come to Cogges. But do hurry, it will close for winter on 2 November.

If you would like to read more about our visits to Cogges, here are a couple of blog posts you might enjoy:

The ABC of Cogges

and

Apple Welsh Cakes (recipe from Cogges Manor Farm)

Adding my post to our new Out & About Linky hosted by Chez Maximka and Dragons and Fairy Dust.