inspired by Blackwell House

We were the only people in the cafe when we arrived soon after half past ten, so we assumed that we would have the building to ourselves.... Wrong!.... What made us think that we were the only ones who would take inspiration and comfort from this wonderful arts and crafts building?

Apart from its intrinsic beauty, I am intrigued by the fact that it was used as a girls' school from the second world war until 1976. I can't help wondering if the pupils realised what a beautiful building they were in, and what kind of mischief they managed to get up to.

There are parallels with the High School in Horsham, where I and my three sisters studied in the fifties and sixties. The style was very different. It was built in 1887 in the neo-Jacobean style, but I remember lovely oak floors, paneled walls and handsome fireplaces. The front staircase could only be used by the staff and sixth formers, and our way in to the main building was via the servants' quarters.

It has now been divided into flats. I would love to have a peep inside.