We’ve had our first large gathering at Chartwell – a Harvest Party! As an alternative to Halloween, we had over 15 families (a whopping 73 people!) join us for games, food, and worship. Despite a semi-functioning downstairs bathroom and quite cold temperatures, we had a fantastic time. We now have a better idea of what hosting large numbers like this will require, and we have begun planning accordingly!
We’re In! And hard at work…
Ceilings have been platered, sanded, and now primed… 
Sanding plaster is not for the faint of heart 
We may have had a slight plumbing emergency… 
Keeping up the outdoors 
Mini Tour
Let’s take a look at the property! Here are some quick snapshots of some different gardens, outbuildings, and areas of interest.
ABOVE: The house, with detached garage to the left, and conservatory (sunroom) on the right.
BELOW: Views (from the conservatory) of the front garden.
DEVELOPMENT: Garage will become office space with guest studio above. Conservatory will be converted into a larger “garden room”, usable year-round, for gatherings of up to 30 people.
The vegetable garden and adjacent lawn
DEVELOPMENT: This area will be turned into a Potager Garden, with a winding path leading through trees (olive, bay, pomegranate), perennial herbs, and evergreens – with spots for seasonal vegetables/fruit and cut flowers sprinkled throughout. This will also provide outdoor seating and dining space.
WWII Nissen Hut, with parking lot & separate entrance behind
DEVELOPMENT: The Nissen Hut will become an indoor gathering space to accommodate up to 50 people, with side doors leading to a covered patio area (where the greenhouse currently stands in the bottom left image).
Meadow / Paddock
DEVELOPMENT: This area covers almost two acres. Such a huge, open space! Where two fruit trees already stand, we plan on planting a few more and creating a small orchard and vineyard. Next to the orchard will be an outdoor, nature-focused play area for children. Further down the field we have space for guest cottages (Shepherd’s Huts) as well as covered gathering space, such as a large pagoda or pavilion.
Wood (Tiny Forest) & Summerhouse
DEVELOPMENT: Prayer Wood and Prayer Hut! This small but mature wood was completely planted from seeds and cuttings by Dave, the current owner. The wood contains beautiful trees & shrubs (including two Sequoia Redwoods, one of which was grown from a cone of General Sherman), and the ground is carpeted in a rotating array of perennial flowers throughout the year (snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells, crocuses, clematis . . .) In one corner of the wood is a small “summerhouse” – or one-room cottage – which we have already begun to clean up and prepare to be used as a “Prayer Hut.”
Updates are coming!
As able, we’ll be posting videos and photos of the property, both in its current state as well as “under development”. We’ll also post quick personal updates here as well, as soon as we have news regarding funding and the purchase. Thank you for journeying with us!
Just for fun, here’s a quick video of Chartwell’s front garden, touched by winter: