I'm not sure what Spring has been like wherever this finds you. Ours has been one dreary weekend after another. Rain, clouds and gusty breezes. The sort of days that make you crave a cup of tea, maybe a good book or crossword and a couch to curl up on. A perfect place to steal away with Winnie the Pooh & Christopher Robin in the 100-acre Wood.
Amazingly, there is such a place in our real world. One year ago in 2021, this fabulous gem of a retreat was constructed in celebration of the 95th anniversary of Pooh and A..A Millne. This incredible lodge is located in Ashtown Forest south of London, which was the inspiration for the 100-acre Wood in the original stories. AND it is a designated AirBnB that can be booked.
Kim Raymond who has been illustrating the Winnie the Pooh classics for the last 30 years was tasked with bringing the vision to life based on the interior designs of E.H. Shepard. It was built by wrapping tree branches around the base of a giant trunk. On entering, it is a magical but tiny complex of rooms. Adorned with kitsch wallpaper and cabinets filled with custom honey pot china.
From the old booking link on AirBnB, it appears it may have a been a short term window only, and limited to residents of the UK. But it is certainly a charmer and would be perfect for these blustery afternoons.
