The garden has tipped into September - and with it, we now have fewer than four weeks before we'll be moving - so strange to write this. For those that follow me on Instagram, you might have seen a posting that I made a week or so ago - when a lovely article about Charlie and me at home came out in the Sunday Times a couple of weeks ago now. Yes - Katrina, who'd written so kindly about us, had got a scoop - it's time for us to be leaving Dorset.
A lot of people feel sad about this but we don't, if we are honest it's a very exciting new moment. Not just a new chapter but really a new book. I can't wait to tell you a bit more in due course, and you'll see why!
For now we are packing and clearing like crazy people, but still relishing every moment in Charlie's beautiful garden which has never looked more magical than in these days. 
The chickens will be heading to my brother's, just down the road from here, next weekend. Charlie will be starting a new flock when we move. 
We've had some incredible, misty mornings...
Sibyl running to catch up (as always)...
Mavis in heaven....
The weather has had moments of change... it's so crazy to think that we've walked this walk maybe over 1000 times in the last ten years, and no two days are ever the same.
Our favourite blackberry bush has been amazing this year (but is now over).
These photos are from this weekend. Saturday was the clearest, most glorious day.
We were having lunch in Long Bredy with our friends Chris and Caddy, and our mutual neighbour Kate. Kim and Pip came over from Hampshire. We basked in hot sunshine, it felt like the hottest day of the summer, although of course it wasn't....
Caddy's garden become the new home for Charlie's old dahlias - the dahlia border lives again.
And as for Caddy's veg garden - heaven. This is the annual eulogy to Caddy's veg garden, a regular and favourite on the blog.
But the greenhouse this year was next level, with marigolds grown from seed collected by Caddy on holiday in Nepal.
Back at the Parsonage. 
Sibyl in her favourite spot.
And sunset....
Only a few more to come - I will be able to count them on two hands now. Isn't this an amazing thing?
There will doubtless be some blogs saying farewell to the Parsonage, maybe not immediately, but over time. There are so many happy memories. But it's an incredibly exciting time, actually.
Excitement too, at BP Towers - the publication of the book is now just nine days away. Thank you to so many people who've placed pre-orders in the shop - I have some serious signing to do this week! And not just orders at Pentreath & Hall of course - at good bookshops anywhere... and of course, online too - where I think the interest seems to have been strong and sustained, for which I'm very grateful. It really does make a difference. Thank you from Bridie and me!
24 comments
Happy for you, that you two are happy! However, my husband will miss my tales of your wonderful blog, and I did show him some of the gorgeous photos. Thank you for all you have written, and for sharing your story. I hope you will do the same in your next location. Cheers and thank you so much for sharing!
Beautiful photos. I look forward to seeing more from your next chapter. Best wishes for the move. I hope you can take the dahlias.
Well… What could I wish you? Nothing but the best of course looking forward for more captivating posts.
I guess I am getting used to the idea of you leaving the Old Parsonage. Though I can’t conceive how you will even match, let alone exceed, the wondrous world you have both created there. It will be missed. But, we do wait with baited breath to see what comes next! Best of luck to you and Charlie and the fur family—you are taking Henry too, right? (Cats hate change so you will need to be patient with him.) Looking forward to seeing what comes next, and best wishes for an easy transition!
I can’t write a comment. I have a lump in my throat and it has gone to my keyboard…🥲
I’m going to miss your walks through the countryside. And I’m glad I purchased your books, with parsonage pictures included, and anxiously awaiting my third work of yours.
Your book arrived today!! The photos of Dorset and your wonderful yellow kitchen on the front ground me … and now you’re moving on. I can’t wait to see where and whether that amazing yellow will feature.
I’m savouring your book page by page and photo by photo. You have made a truly memorable book … congratulations!
Safe move can’t wait to see the destination.
Lindsey
I could never leave this place. It would break my heart.
Like so many will say, I’m sorry and surprised to learn about your move. The packing! If I lived in the UK I would volunteer to help. I’ve moved a time or eight myself. I am glad to hear that the chickens and at least some of the flowers have been adopted.
Best wishes for the adventures that lie ahead.
Hi Ben. I sincerely wish you all the best. I’ve followed your blog since 2010. Àre you able to say where you are moving to? Kindest Regards, Mark
Will miss these posts from your glorious patronage but your next chapter will be just as amazing and look forward to follow you guys again from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Oh Ben and Charlie……Life goes on as they say, and all of are constantly partaking in “The Circle Game” so aptly said in Joni Mitchell’s song. Good luck to the both of you off in your new adventure.
Jo across the pond
It looks like we are all going to have a new adventure soon but a bit sad at learning you are leaving the beautiful Parsonage property and Charlie’s garden. We are eager to hear about it all. Good Luck!
Will miss your postings from Porsonage I moved to Dorset three years ago and your inspiration helped me adjust , enlightening senses to nature , Charlie’s garden and your written dialogue which spoke to me . Do so hope your next chapter is in the Uk!! Flow of change very exciting and I wish you both well in your endeavours .”Lux Nova “ best Jacqueline
Dear Ben – Thank you for all the years of gorgeous photos, they have sustained so many people through all these years. Your photos are so glorious and remind all of us that there is beauty in the world in an amazingly peaceful place. Your photos really deserve a book ,honestly, you are a master of capturing a moment in time of sublime beauty. I hope there is a book in the making for Charley’s garden. He is one of the greats in garden design.
Warmest wishes on your next adventure with Charley, I know it will be fabulous whatever you two do.
Jacqueline
Excited for your next adventure. So much of your Dorset landscape looks like East Tennessee.
Please come visit to compare! ;)
Aaaaaahhhhh… omg guys. I’ll miss the Dorset-posting (and I’m not even living there myself). What a journey. Thank you for writing and a thousands blessings, and good luck for the move!!! Super excited.
‘Lux Nova’ to you and Charlie
Looking forward to your new adventure
I have thoroughly enjoyed your photos from the parsonage and garden… can’t wait to see what’s next for you two!
Wow, will be so different without your glorious images of Dorset, but look forward to hearing where you are off to. Look forward also to receiving my copy of your book…exciting….greetings from a currently wintery spring in NZ with unusually heavy snow falling in the south. Jennifer
Oh my word! I will miss The Old Parsonage posts of cosy room and abundant gardens which have inspired me so much. No doubt your new digs will be transformed by your magic touches and hope we can come along for the ride!
From now Autumn will always be a special time for you an exciting time of year for a move thank you for the glorious photos wishing you both many happy times in your new place xx
When I see the parsonage, the church spire in the distance. The rolling hills, the misty mornings & the glorious gardens…to me THIS is England. Thank you again for a wonderful blog with stunning pictures as usual.