Dispatches from Jane Austen’s House with Bee

If you are one of the fortunate Janeites to have recently visited the Jane Austen House Museum at Chawton, in Hampshire, England, you will know that her last residence and gardens have been newly restored and are not only both beautifully maintained, but an enchanting glimpse into her home and the early 19th-century country life. Imagine being a steward of that lovely and magical home. Meet Bee of From the Desk of Bee Drunken Blog who has that exact pleasure as a volunteer of Chawton Cottgae.

One of the delights and privileges of being a "steward" to the house is opening it up before the guests arrive. Sometimes, for a few precious minutes, I am entirely alone in the house. Although Jane lived here 200 years ago, she must have risen in the morning to open the same sash windows that I do. As she looked out of her bedroom window, she must have gazed with pleasure at the greenness of her garden. As she folded back the shutters of the dining parlour windows, she must have watched, with keen interest, as the little village of Chawton came to life.

Enjoy her reminiscences and reflections on Jane Austen's house, one of the most special places in the hearts of many Jane Austen fans at her lovely blog. We applaud your spirit of volunteerism Bee, and hope that we will be privileged to many more dispatches from Chawton Cottage.

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose