Monday, October 21, 2013

~TASHA TUDOR, PART 3~

Upon completion of the garden tour,  Marjorie Tudor  safely placed us in the hands of Winslow Tudor, son of Marjorie and Seth and grandson to Tasha...The afternoon became cool and overcast, but as we stepped into Corgi Cottage the warmth and magic of this house enveloped us...


On this Autumn day the fire places were lit, carefully placed maple leaves, mums and bright orange pumpkins adorned the home...it is a wonderful New England house, a design chosen by Tasha and  built by hand by Seth Tudor, Tasha's eldest son...the rooms are small with low hung ceilings, dimly lit, and as Tasha once remarked  "it is like a  chipmunk's nest".
Tasha's presence is keenly felt...we respectfully tour Corgi Cottage, no room is off limits...Of interest to me, Tasha's kitchen with it's old hand pump and wood burning cook stove... Tasha's famous tin kitchen sits in front of the kitchen fireplace. In the downstairs bedroom  Tasha's reading glasses remain on her pillow..it is a warm and cozy room who's windows look out onto the gardens.  As we ascend a very narrow stairway leading to the second floor we come to the loom room and adjoining attic bedrooms...  Corgi Cottage remains as Tasha would have left it, you have the distinct feeling that she has  just stepped out into her garden, perhaps to pick a bouquet of flowers for afternoon tea...Tasha was an avid collector, Corgi Cottage is filled with  many beautiful items, those she collected and those passed down through her family . Tasha's art table is located in the winter kitchen by a north facing window...her paints and brushes remain...There is so much to see and take in...
Corgi Cottage remains vacant...family members tend to it's care... Winslow is slowly making headway bringing Tasha's gardens back to life...If you stop and listen carefully, the faint voices of Tasha's menagerie can be heard...her beloved Corgis, cats, parrots, finches, chickens, roosters, goats...they are all there... If you  have the opportunity to take the Corgi Cottage Home and Garden tour I encourage you to do so...I have been fortunate to take the tour twice, both in the spring and fall. I  so enjoyed both tours, one is not preferred over the other but simply different...Finally, the Tudor's are a very gracious family, their loss is  still raw ... Tasha's presence is clearly dearly missed.   
Upon return to the rookery...the three groups were reunited where we enjoyed  warm mulled cider served in Tasha's blue and white Canton china cups, stuffed eggs, chicken salad sandwiches, cider donuts...No matter the weather it was a lovely and most magical way to spend a day...Thank you Tudor family...I hope to return yet again...

11 comments:

Farm Girl said...

How lovingly written Julie, Oh how you must love being there to be able to write about it this way. I felt as I was reading your words I just wanted to cry. So beautiful. I can tell you have received such a gift of visiting this place. Thank you for sharing, your words warmed my heart like one of those fires that you mentioned in the cottage.
Thank you so much.

Patti said...

Oh what an incredible gift to be able to tour Corgi Gottage! Thank you so much for sharing with us! I have both of Tasha Tudors's DVDs and so enjoy watching them whenever I am having a bad day. They always pick me up :)
Blessings, Patti

Primitive Stars said...

Oh Julie, that sounds so lovely, I could imagine how special a place it is. I also love Tasha, thank you for sharing your experience with us who may never get the chance to visit, Blessings Francine.

Cathy G. said...

What a treat to actually walk the path of life that Tasha Tudor created! Your words express the experience beautifully! No need for photos!!
Hugs!!
Cathy G

Michelle said...

It does sound rather magical.

Mugwump Woolies said...

What a lovely way to spend an Autumn day. I love that Tasha's house has small rooms and low ceilings. That is the type of home I prefer, and for the very reason stated by Tasha herself, it makes a cozy nest. So happy you were able to have this wondrous experience yet again...and for sharing it with us.
Robyn

Ginny said...

I can see you smiling the whole way thru the tour as well as you tell us of your adventure. Lovely..

Jacque. said...

What a wonderful experience...that you share with us through your words. Thank you!

Beehive Needleworks said...

It seemed as though I walked your path with you through the lovely, gentle description of your adventure. I thank you most kindly for sharing, and shall treasure the journey to Corgi Cottage truly.
Sending hugs your way Julie...
Judy

Rowan said...

How wonderful to actually see I inside Corfu Cottage. I'm so glad it's being left as it was and being cared for and also that Winslow is restoring the garden.I would really love to see it but doubt I'll ever have the chance.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Julie. I can't believe I missed these last few posts. You have described Tasha's homestead in such beautiful reality. I feel that I was there but so disappointed that I wasn't. Would have been so wonderful to be able to photograph so your memories would stay forever but, like me, I'm sure you have books about her life that you can look back on and they would be familiar. Someday, if I never go anyplace else, I hope to tour Corgi Cottage..Thanks for sharing..Happy Tuesday..Judy