Pumpkin Found - Check!

I love anything pumpkin and fully believe that autumn time and thanksgiving should be filled with an abundance of pumpkin. Unfortunately, pumpkin flavored anything is scarce here in England. Of course they do not celebrate Thanksgiving here either. On Thanksgiving day I decided to visit Ham House and it did not disappoint. The walk from the bus stop took me through a beautiful neighborhood then down a trail through a wooded park and onto the surrounding grounds of the house which sits on the edge of the Thames. Ham House was built in 1610 and it is absolutely beautiful. Just like other estate houses, additions and expansions happened throughout the years but happily so much of the original architecture, furniture, and finishes still remain in the home. So often when houses like this change hands the integrity of the home can suffer and expensive and historical pieces can disappear. There is something amazing about walking the halls of these historic homes, they speak to me. That is a story for another day. After visiting the house I also made a visit to the café and found pumpkin muffins!!! Even better, the café grows their own ingredients in the garden outside the café. That pumpkin muffin paired with a hazelnut hot chocolate and a tour of Ham House (if there was a Turkey House I would have visited it instead...) made the perfect Thanksgiving Day.

I've now found three different approaches to Hampton Court and still have not stepped inside, but the outside views are sufficient for now. Soon. Until then, enjoy these, the views from the outside are not too shabby!