Pied-a-terre in Paradise

April Cottage, 1 Pleasant Place --doesn't that just sound so Mary Poppins? Zoe's friend loaned us her beautiful home in a little village outside of Penzance -- still walking distance to town -- and it's charming. It faces a tiny lane so I couldn't get back far enough to get a good shot of the front.


This is the backyard -- all sorts of beautiful plants -- roses, fuchsias, primulas and many more I can't name. There's a little water feature with a burbling fountain and water lilies. I don't know how old the house is but considering the low ceilings and bowed roof line, I'd say it has some age to it.

From the breakfast table we have a great view of the garden.



This picture is one of several streets in the main area of Penzance. We walk down there almost every day -- always some errand to run or something interesting to see. This particular shot is looking towards the bay.



The town's main street is called Market Jew -- the "jew" being the old Cornish word for "Thursday." The side of the street with the raised pavement (sidewalk) is called The Terrace.



The closest thing to a mall is the outdoor collection of shops known as Wharfside. You can see St. Michael's Mount through the arch.


Looking up Market Jew Street from the south you can't miss the domed Lloyd's Bank.



Another main shopping street -closed to most traffic - is Causeway Head.



And when we tire of strolling through town, we come back to the cottage and enjoy the view.