Doors of the Cotswolds: Part One — Thursday Doors

04May
by Oh, the Places We See

Perhaps there’s one thing to be said for meandering through the Cotswolds in December when nary a bloom is on the vines:  “It’s all the better to see the doors, my dear!” We’ve written about the charm of stone cottages in the area, but the doors — ah, the doors — bear a second look.

Like this sturdy wooden door standing in stark contrast to pale gray stones surrounding it, and adorned by an arc of vines. Classy colors.  Stately architecture. Memorable statement.

 Or this nail-studded door with a pouf of winding, climbing now-hardened vines hovering over and spilling onto to those charming leaded windows.

Even plain doors are noteworthy in the Cotswolds.  With a simple lion’s head door knocker and metal (hand-forged?) letter slot, this Court Cottage door exudes elegance in simplicity.

Now this door deserves a double-take.  If it weren’t on a church, this sweet closure could almost be the opening for a Hobbit house, with that rounded top and romantic carvings.  And look twice at the details like a forged iron hinge at the bottom and teeny cut-outs at eye level.

I guess everyone has a favorite, even among a line-up of remarkable doors where each one seems more special than the last.  And here’s mine.   Perhaps I should call it what it really is — a gate rather than a door.  But it’s a doorway to something.  This lovely carved wooden structure — door? gate? — begged to be pushed open just so I could get a glimpse of what’s on the other side. And it was all I could do to hold back and just take pictures.

Be still my heart.  The Cotswolds have doors to envy!

For more of Norm’s Thursday’s Doors, click here.  And push open a whole new world of worthy entrances.

17 thoughts on “Doors of the Cotswolds: Part One — Thursday Doors”

  2. Linda Arthur Tejera

    They each hold their own fascination! I used to try to imagine living in a Cotswold cottage. It all seems so romantic! And how you kept from at least peeking around that garden gate I’ll never know! Lovely photos! 😄

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      The Cotswolds are just as romantic as you would imagine — gates or no gates! I love the little stone houses, climbing vines around the doors, and stone walkways. Absolutely somethin’ else!!!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I wanted to push on that gate, expecting a creaking sound. But if I had been confronted by the homeowner, I would have either frozen in place or run like the wind! Thanks for taking a look.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks, Hilary. I began looking at doors years ago, but when Norm posted his Thursday Doors series, I thought I really should be taking pictures of them and sharing. I admit I don’t do it often, but doors do speak volumes about the contents of the home and the homeowners, I believe. Thanks for taking a look.

      Reply

  5. Norm 2.0

    I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about this place and each time a see pics I understand why. You found some wonderful specimens here. Looking forward to seeing the rest of them 🙂

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      It’s definitely worth a trip. And now I’m trying to see if I can find a cheap flight for a return. I want to stay a week or so in one place to really get to know the area. Thanks for Thursday Doors. Great idea!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Wouldn’t a secret garden be just the right thing for this door!!! I love the mystery of it, and would love to return and meet the owner. Won’t happen. But what fun it would be!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much, Cindy. I suppose the homeowners are accustomed to tourists photographing their doors, but I didn’t always feel that I should. And there are soooo many more worthy of being pictured!

      Reply

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