Day out to Bateman's.

Erstwhile home of Rudyard Kipling. Lovely setting in the Sussex countryside, but I have some doubts as to whether the National Trust hasn't relied too much on that. I'm no expert but I thought some of the furniture and fittings were not the original contents. The kitchen, usually fascinating in these places, was under-equipped - a small set of rather modern looking copper pans and a newish Aga did not give the required look for my money.  Talking of which, if you're not a member it's £11.50 to get in.

However the luggage looked real - not sure that EasyJet would approve!

One positive is that the water mill in the grounds which was derelict has been restored. The first extra is of the grind-stone; the second is Rudyard in the garden.