North Devon Longhouse

My mother's Devon longhouse (half as much again is to the left of this photo), stands in a small rural hamlet not far from Exmoor. Parts of the building date from the 1400s. 

I live in a single storey and very small house in Cumbria so, when I visit south, I get lots of exercise marching from one end of this ancient house to the other. Looking after her amazing house and walking so far each day is part of the secret to Mum's own longevity. But I do worry about the treacherous staircases, none of which would pass modern day building regulations!