A wonderful stay
Dear Frederick,
I am writing to thank you for our wonderful stay at Villa Ebner in September.
As I think Sandra told you, I had been to stay at the house with my children about 24 years ago, but this was Sandra's first visit. Although the surroundings have changed and there is less wilderness (which you must miss), I find that the house is a wonderfully steady place. A haven. A harbour. Partly this is because you have resisted the tide of technology and the latest furniture and fashions. But mainly I think it is the atmosphere. The feeling of the house is peaceful, civilised, unhurried - it is a wonderful place to pause and breathe and travel in the mind at the (apparent) speed of the sun setting.
Everything worked as it should and the house in its situation seemed to hold us, so that we hardly wanted to go out. In fact, we hardly went out - except to the beach.
I was delighted by your book - congratulations on the research and writing. I like to think that at least some of it was written at Villa Ebner. It is a house in which to write a book.
Thank you so much for letting us share Villa Ebner, its beach and sunsets (and the impertinent fox). And I very much hope we may be able to return.
With warm wishes and gratitude
Sandra Reeve and Andrew Carey, Westhay Charmouth, Dorset UK - Autumn 2024