Pixie House

Well we passed this place a few days ago and decided to track it down again today as I was fascinated by the array of junk/antiques just laying around outside. We are on the look out for anything seasidy or quirky to complement our new pond which is nearing completion now. I hate just walking into a garden centre and buying something mass produced - and like to find things old and with a bit of history behind them. I also love picking things up on holiday as they have memories associated with them too.

So we pulled in, in front of the owners detached bungalow. There were bin bags full of junk lying around but also some really fascinating stone models, water features and bird baths. Before we had locked the car the owner appeared telling us everything was reduced due to damage from recent floods. I started to sympathise but before I could finish - oh my god! This chap just let rip! Said how local property owners and politicians were trying to force him out as they wanted his land to build a £5 million development. He described all their tactics and he tried to get even filming their illegal dumping of offal - which allegedly lead to the deaths of 14 local elderly people. He promptly produced newspaper cuttings from his van. Also newspaper reports about a terror campaign against Rick Stein & Jamie Oliver who have businesses in the area. Then told us that Kate Winslet had bought a property nearby but he told her of the lengths the locals had gone to to drive him away - and she promptly sold her house! It would appear this chap has made his millions in hotels and other businesses - and genuinely loved having the pixie house (google Pixie House, Tintagel). An eccentric millionaire if ever I have seen one! My husband was freaked and just wanted to buy something and get out if there. I swear he had the shakes! I could have stayed all day. I just love meeting such fascinating people. Whatever his views - he certainly sounds to have had a colourful life!

So anyway - mission accomplished and we left with Toad of Toad Hall in his boat, a gnome riding on a tortoise and a kingfisher water feature. All for £30 which was a small price to pay for the entertaining hour we had just spent!

I just love people!!