The Tower House...

The next morning, we rented a car and followed John and Sally into the countryside to Newbiggin-on-Lune. Along the way we rode through a huge storm. Check out the two funnel clouds I managed to photograph from the window. Amazingly, this was the only bad weather we encountered all week.

We spent six nights at Tower House, which was built in 1570 and occupied by the same family until 1988. It was originally a fortified farmstead with a high walled courtyard and a round tower, which was rebuilt in the 19th century into the tower above.

We loved the rambling house with lots of charm and space.

We also loved the yard; the patio was perfect for happy hour.