What a stunning weekend we just had. When the weather is right, England has to be (one of) the most beautiful places on Earth. Well, some of England.
After another typical week of Microsoft ‘confuser’ wrestling, the real work of getting something useful done spilled over into Saturday afternoon, when I was begrudgingly dragged away to some camp site in the middle of nowhere.
I wasn’t excited by the idea of being in a hot car crawling along behind yet another ugly white caravan, to park in a field squeezed between some more ugly white caravans listening to the occupants arguing with their kids.
I was just working out how to say “I told you so” without causing myself head injuries, when we turned off the A-road. Instantly we left the coma inducing dual carriageways throbbing with Citroen Saxo’s packing exhaust pipes bigger than thier owner’s burger filled arses. Within 10 feet we were transported onto an empty avenue, trees glowing crisply gold in the still hot evening sun. It was like being in France, except rounding the next corner; there rearing up in front was the Uffington White Horse. Those Frenchies haven’t got one of those!
It just got better as we arrived at the camp site. Britchcombe Farm nestles almost rudely in the folds below the White Horse, with views down over the Vale beyond. The great thing is they serve delicious cream teas and encourange camp fires, which shows a glorious lack of concern for Britain’s zealous adherance to Health & Safety (whatever the cost to quality of life). I was told that the impressive 80-something owner Marcella Seymour actually delivers logs around the site in her Land Rover, offering advice on fire starting.
Walking down from the white horse.
If that wasn’t enough to lift my spirits, there wasn’t a single Satan’s Box, sorry I mean caravan, in sight, but there were two Tipis. I’ve never given Tipis much thought before, but having the chance to study them I realised what amazingly clever design they are. One man took them down the next day on his own in less time than it took 2.5 of us (my son was helping in his way) to pack away our super modern tent with bendy wendy poles and plastic hooks. He told us that apparently the Indian women used to be able to put a Tipi up and have a fire going in 20 minutes. Not only are they clever there’s somethng rather beguiling about thier simple structure and natural materials.
Tipi showing the cunning vent system - Photo Courtesy: http://www.wigwamsam.co.uk/
So in the space of 10 feet we’d made the jump from the modern world of better, faster, cheaper to something quite beautiful and much more ancient. I know I am incredbly lucky to love my job and have the option to go camping at the weekend, but sitting by a camp fire next to tipi, looking at the stars over an ancient monument made me feel disturbingly peaceful for a while there. Perhaps I should leave the last word to my fellow camper and best friend – the most soulful and talented Architect Craig Bamford:
If a space or building is crafted with a skill and built of materials that are local it will sit at ease within its location, and with its use. This connection to place and quality will in turn inspire a wellbeing within.
The making of this true space evolves by creating a harmony between existing qualities of the site and the architectural intention, each informs the other until a harmony is achieved.
Tags: Architecture, Design
As the proud owner of the two tipi’s concerned can I thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments. The tipi is a truly beautiful space, light and airy in summer and warm and cosy in winter.
as to the campsite, you are right, a stunning location and friendly welcome. For the record Marcella will be 83 this year and still runs the campsite and farm.
John Terry