At Jane Austen's house in Chawton, Hampshire, 25 May 2015

We had thought of several options for trips this day, but really did not come up with anything.  We decided to stay home.  Dad was getting a little stir crazy so he started checking distances to a couple of places and said Chawton wasn't too far of a drive so why not go.  We called a couple of single sisters to join us but they had other plans.  We called the Tooley's and they were happy to join us.  Off we went for a most delightful trip and a wonderful adventure at Jane Austen's home.

This was Jane Austen's last home where she lived with her mother, and sister Cassandra, from 1809-1817.  Here she revised her earlier manuscript novels Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey and also wrote Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion.

This is the front view of the home.  The left side has a lovely view with flower vines growing over two doors.  That is the traditional view that is usually seen.  Did I take a picture of it?  No!  But, I did get Dad and I in front of it.

We came through on the right side of the house to this patio where we entered the gift shop on the right to purchase tickets.  I cannot believe all they have in the gift shop!  The open door straight ahead, is bakehouse, below.  Breads and heavy cooking was done here to keep the heat away from the main house.

The carriage is the type used in Jane's time.

There were not many blossoms in bloom in the garden due to the late season.  The walk around the hedge was nice.

The kitchen has an outside door next to a door that enters the house.  Here is where the meals were prepared.  There are quill pens and an ink well on the table where you could try your hand at writing with them.  I tried it and it wasn't very easy.  The continual dipping in the ink well got tiring.  For Jane to write books was quite an effort.

This is Jane's original writing table.  Boy, I thought I would need more room than that.  Her daily routine was:  breakfast, dress, write, lunch, walk with Cassandra about the village, and in the evening they sat together and read or sewed.  All women during that period were skilled in sewing.

Half way up the stairs we could see into Mrs. Austen's bedroom.  The stairs creaked all the time.  As Dad said:  "You can't sneak up on anyone here!"

Jane and Cassandra shared this bed and room while in this house.

And, I had the joy of playing this 1810 Square Piano!  It was made by Clementi in London and may be similar to the one Jane bought after arriving here.  She also played as women who were accomplished could play the piano.

Note how the sound board is lying flat and runs the width of the piano.  There was one pedal that was a soft pedal.  When I used it the keyboard dropped but the sound was the same.  It was out of tune but still a thrill to play it.

Dining room table.

This portrait of Jane's brother Edward, hangs in the vestibule.  He was to inherit several estates due to the death of a cousin and this house was one of them.  He gave it to Jane's mother for them to live in. The guide telling me about the portrait, etc, is a descendent of Edward.  He was a delightful man and interesting to listen to.  I purchased a small book and then asked him for his signature.  He was surprised but happy to sign it.  The other workers then teased him about being popular.

We walked down the lane to see Edward's house and the village church.  His house is quite a sight from the lane.  All of the farm buildings are behind the trees to the left.  The church is behind the trees to the right.

 St Nicholas Church, Chawton

Northanger Benefice

Winchester Diocese

 People have worshipped here for over 750 years. The building was burned in 1872 and rebuilt excepting the sanctuary, which survived the fire.

The gravestones of Jane's mother, Cassandra Elizabeth, and her sister, Cassandra.  They are in the church cemetery.  Jane is buried in Winchester Cathedral, 30 miles away.

This interesting tree stands in the church cemetery.

One tall tree standing on the lane to Edward's home.

 We enjoyed walking in the village and taking pictures of the beautiful houses, buildings, and flowers.

 I do like doors!

Now, I think I could live here!  The homes and gardens are amazing.

We enjoyed lunch at the Greyfrier's Pub situated across the street from the Austen house.  It made for a very nice adventure in seeing something new to us.