Category: Reviews

Rosemoor, Jadeite – click any image for full size

I received an e-mail from Krys Vita a few days ago (at the time of writing at least!), announcing that Rosemoor, the region she designed with Arol Lightfoot (and of which I wrote about in May 2016), has re-opened to the public for Christmas, taking on a suitably wintry look in the process.

“It’s a winter necessity ;),” Krys said, in describing the change-over in region looks when Caitlyn and I jumped over for a visit. I’m not sure “necessity” is the right word; I’d personally opt for “delight”, as Krys and Arol present a beautiful outdoors setting, lightly wooded and surrounded by high hills. Snow falls from a sky it has made hazy as the sun sits low on the horizon, blanketing the ground and insulating rooftops.

Rosemoor, Jadeite

A water channel cuts so deeply into the land, it almost divides it in two, a single bridge spanning it from north to south. But such is the time of year, the water normally flowing beneath the bridge has frozen over, becoming a slippery alternative  route through the landscape.

To the north-west of the land stands a substantial farmhouse, a dirt track winding southwards past a tall barn and the region’s landing point. Here, horses graze in a corral, a vintage – but clearly well-maintained – truck parked close by. Just beyond the barn sits a tracked snow plough, undoubtedly the reason for the cleared route down from the farmhouse. It sits at rest now, secretly offering a place to sit for those who might volunteer a click. Beyond it, the clear path gives way to frosted grass and a growing carpet of snow, fir and oak trees pointing the way towards the red steeple and whitewash walls of a country church.

Rosemoor, Jadeite

A hill lifts its humped back just a little to the east of the church, its top crowned by an A-framed chalet surrounded by a raised deck. Snug and warm inside, it enjoys a commanding view over the land. With a fire in the hearth, and a decorated tree surrounded by wrapped presents, the single room chalet suggests it might be a winter getaway for someone.

Down the hill from the chalet, and across the water from the church and the barn, sits a little cabin, door thrown wide and fire again burning in the hearth. Quite what its purpose might be is for you to imagine; while a fire may well be lit, the pumpkins on the floor have all seen better days. While they may sit as a reminder of Halloween, one has to wonder why they haven’t be removed.

Rosemoor, Jadeite

As well as exploring, visitors to Rosemoor can find much to do. You can snuggle in a sleigh, for example, or ice skate on the pond (or indeed, on the frozen water just beyond it); there are benches and seats an swings to be found throughout. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll find a place where you can grab a sled and ride it where you will –  just be careful with the local reindeer and other wildlife! Of course, if all the snow and cold air starts to get to you, the farmhouse and chalet offer a cosy respite and a chance to warm up once more.

Between them, Krys and Arol always cook up scenes which delight the eye. and Rosemoor’s winter setting is no exception. As noted above, it will be here until Christmas – which given how busy this time of year can be, might fly by all too easily; so do make sure you set aside a little time and take a wander through its wintertime setting.

SLurl Details

• Rosemoor (Jadeite, rated: Moderate)

Let It Snow!, Timamoon Arts – click any image for full size

For the last two years, a regular seasonal destination for the Pey household has been Milly Sharple’s Let It Snow!, and I’m happy to say that it is once again back, and Caitlyn and I donned our woollies and our boots to explore the delights that artist Milly Sharple has again cooked up to help people into the Christmas mood.

The venue this year is slightly different to those of the past: rather than occupying its own region, Let It Snow! has been relocated to the sky over Milly’s arts community of Timamoon Arts – but this doesn’t make it any less enchanting a place to visit; there’s just as much to explore, see and discover as ever.

Let It Snow!, Timamoon Arts

Journeys begin, appropriately enough, on the north side of the setting, where sits a little paved square with Christmas shop and coffee-house waiting to wrap visitors in their warm embrace after a wander through the waiting landscape. A gentle snow is falling, softening the outline of distant forested crags and peaks.

A rocky hill also raises it head and shoulders from the middle of the landscape, encouraging visitors to go either east or west around it, a path marked by rounded rocks and stone perhaps encouraging most to try that way first. Whichever way you opt to go – along stone-marked path or over virgin snow, rest assured the two routes will reunite on the far side of the hill.

Let It Snow!, Timamoon Arts

Eastward, over the snow, lies a romantic little gazebo across a frozen stream, and open countryside sweeping around to a small park with carousels and merry-go-rounds. Milly’s collection of Snowboys are one again at play here, and a pair of little figure up on the slope a duet sing carols.

Westward, the path swings past a snow-laden house looking out over frosted trees to where a converted greenhouse welcomes couples and groups into its warmth. Follow the path beyond these, and it’ll take you by way of Santa’s grotto to where it branches, one arm leading its way up the rocky slope of the central peak, the other pointing the way to a crystal palace glittering in the snow, waiting to welcome visitors to the events which will be held within.

> Let It Snow!, Timamoon Arts

Should you feel in the mood, a frozen pond offers the chance for ice skating, whiles signs and givers can be found through offering wearing sleds and skis for the venturesome. For those fancying something a little less exerting, the carousels and merry-go-round mentioned above might be just the ticket!

With swings and snugs and seats scattered throughout, Let It Snow! is a place which encourages folk to tarry; Caitlyn and I watched the world walk and run by from the cosy blankets of a sleigh.

SLurl Details

• Let it Snow! (Timamoon Arts, rated: Moderate)

The Mill, Pale Moonlight – click any image for full size

Friends Maxie Daviau and Shakespeare (SkinnyNilla) recently gave their Homestead region of The Mill a makeover and invited Caitlyn and I over to take a look as it opened to the public once more.

The last time we visited, spring was very much in the air; now with the northern hemisphere settling into the winter months, The Mill has taken on a snowy look to match. Several of the familiar elements which have marked the region are still there: the sailing boat off the coast; the windmill; the shed, cars and motorbikes; the little tram track and tram. But there is also much to see that is new.

The Mill, Pale Moonlight

With snow lying heavy on the ground, and in places drizzling down from the sky, the time of year is immediately apparent. The trees stand frosted, some with boughs naked under the sky, others with leaves frozen and golden under the pale sunlight. Here and there the passage of vehicles and feet have churned the snow and brought forth the ground beneath, giving rise to sandy tracks across parts of the landscape.

The lighthouse still stands up on a hill, but the keen-eyed may note it now sports a new stripped paint finish, and the keeper’s house has gone from its base. Perhaps the keeper now lives in the little stone cottage further down the slope from the lighthouse. If he does, the zip line down from the side of the hill might offer a quick route to the tram-car!

The Mill, Pale Moonlight

A farm with a chalet-style house sits towards the middle of the region. It’s a place where Christmas preparations are clearly in hand, although the cats are more content to spend time outdoors despite the snow, keeping watch on the horses. Nestled in the hills to the east of the lighthouse sits a villa which, despite looking like it might prefer the sun-kissed summers of the Mediterranean, offers visitors another seasonal greeting. Down the eastern slope from it, a frozen bay offers the chance for ice skating – don’t worry about the polar bears; they seem more curious than threatening!

For those who prefer a memory of summer, the beach to the north-east of the region remains sandy and free from snow. Gulls wheel, kites fly – but I think the wind keeping them aloft may well carry the same chill from the surrounding mountains as is felt by the rest of the land, so a beach walk may still require sweaters and coats!

The Mill, Pale Moonlight

Just over the dunes from the beach, the local pier is open for business, offering hot drinks to warm hands and insides, a selection of nibbles for the hungry, and places to sit down and watch the world go by. While overhead nearby, a hot air balloon offers a perch where watchers can observe the comings and goings below them.

The Mill has always been beautifully photogenic, and this winter makeover is no exception. With trams, zip lines and sleds to ride, places to sit and cuddle or contemplate, spots indoors and out, it offers something for everyone looking for a little wintertime wandering.

The Mill, Pale Moonlight

SLurl Details

• The Mill (Pale Moonlight, rated: Moderate)