July 12, 2025
🧳 🌺 Arriving at the Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast - Part 1 of 3 - Relaxing Stories for Adults
Welcome to The Slow Life - A village filled with cozy stories for everyone. This story is called Arriving at the Secret Garden Bed and Breakfast, and it’s about a wraparound porch, the most elegant word I know, and a weekend away—sort of. This is Part 1 of 3 stories relating to a weekend stay at the Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast.
🇨🇦 These stories are written, edited and narrated by Jennifer Zwicker.
Support this podcast at Patreon, here https://patreon.com/theslowlifecalmingstories?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
~~~~
Benefits of listening to cozy stories or adult bedtime stories with The Slow Life:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief
• You want to unwind after a stressful day.
• The gentle pacing, soothing tone, and comforting narratives help calm your mind and body.
2. Help Falling Asleep
• Many people use bedtime stories as a sleep aid. We’ve been told ours help.
• A calming story distracts from anxious or racing thoughts, making it easier to drift off. Especially with a second reading as we have, because you already know what happens.
3. Comfort and Nostalgia
• You’re looking for the emotional safety and warmth that often comes with familiar or gently imaginative stories.
• Cozy stories can evoke fond childhood memories or a sense of being cared for.
4. Escape and Imagination
• A peaceful story can provide a gentle escape from reality without overstimulation.
• Listeners enjoy being transported to a calm village, a peaceful garden, or a quaint and cozy inn.
5. Mindfulness and Presence
• The slow, descriptive nature of cozy storytelling encourages a mindful focus on the present.
• It can be a form of meditative listening, grounding you, the listener, in sensory details and slow pacing.
6. Companionship and Connection
• Perhaps, for people who live alone or feel lonely, a narrator’s voice can feel like friendly company.
• It’s a quiet, non-demanding form of social presence.
🧡 Bedtime stories for grown ups
🧡 Bedtime stories for kids
🧡 Meditation story
Arriving at the Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast is a cozy bedtime story about having a little staycation in my own town. There is beauty, there is comfort. It may help put you to sleep. Calming stories to help you sleep. Relieve anxiety.
⚠️ Take care listening while driving or doing any activity that requires your full attention.
- All stories - Copyright Jennifer Zwicker 2024, 2025
1
00:00:02,009 --> 00:00:07,610
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,620 --> 00:00:12,810
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,820 --> 00:00:17,530
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,540 --> 00:00:23,150
reading.
This story is called Arriving at
5
00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:28,070
The Secret Garden Bed and
Breakfast, and it's about a wrap
6
00:00:28,080 --> 00:00:32,409
around porch, the most elegant
word I know.
7
00:00:32,780 --> 00:00:41,860
And a weekend away, sort of.
Summer settles warmly over the
8
00:00:41,870 --> 00:00:46,420
village.
The air is soft and slow, the
9
00:00:46,430 --> 00:00:50,360
trees full and lush with green
and deep Reds.
10
00:00:50,910 --> 00:00:56,130
The bees and other helpers make
good use of the flowers in full
11
00:00:56,140 --> 00:01:00,230
bloom.
Today I'll do something I've
12
00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:03,560
started to do each year around
this time.
13
00:01:04,450 --> 00:01:09,580
I spend a weekend at The Secret
Garden Bed and Breakfast right
14
00:01:09,590 --> 00:01:15,300
here in the village.
It's not out of necessity, my
15
00:01:15,310 --> 00:01:20,030
own home is just down the road,
but I'd always been curious
16
00:01:20,090 --> 00:01:24,900
about what the old Victorian was
hiding behind its welcoming and
17
00:01:24,910 --> 00:01:29,520
cosy facade.
And what I found has kept me
18
00:01:29,530 --> 00:01:35,450
going back each year.
A treat, I tell myself, even if
19
00:01:35,460 --> 00:01:38,200
the surrounding area is
familiar.
20
00:01:39,530 --> 00:01:44,420
It's mid afternoon as I arrive
with my small suitcase Wheeling
21
00:01:44,430 --> 00:01:49,490
behind me through the open gate
of an ornate design.
22
00:01:49,700 --> 00:01:55,770
The front walk is lined by a low
formal hedge of dwarf boxwood
23
00:01:55,960 --> 00:01:59,770
with tall Lantern style lights
guiding the way.
24
00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:06,450
The gardens on either side are
also kept low to allow the inn
25
00:02:06,460 --> 00:02:11,430
to be seen from the street
without obstructing the view.
26
00:02:11,520 --> 00:02:16,710
A few narrow, spiral trimmed
juniper bushes rise above the
27
00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:22,370
rest like curved sculptures.
Dancing around these are
28
00:02:22,380 --> 00:02:26,890
lavender and catmint, their
mounds of purple blooms
29
00:02:26,900 --> 00:02:30,840
attracting many pollinators who
hum as I walk.
30
00:02:31,930 --> 00:02:37,610
The symmetry is impressive, with
ornamental grasses accenting the
31
00:02:37,620 --> 00:02:42,250
colourful flowers being mirrored
to my left and right.
32
00:02:43,720 --> 00:02:48,270
The grand house stands like a
treasure between practically a
33
00:02:48,280 --> 00:02:52,960
forest of Crimson king Maple
trees on either side.
34
00:02:54,180 --> 00:02:59,810
It's painted in a gentle corn
flower blue with ivory trim and
35
00:02:59,820 --> 00:03:03,500
a hint of gingerbread style in
its architecture.
36
00:03:04,910 --> 00:03:09,740
The Wrap Around Porch invites
you to sit and stay awhile.
37
00:03:10,810 --> 00:03:16,260
Someone sits on the swing,
gently swaying with their elbows
38
00:03:16,270 --> 00:03:20,580
propped on its cushions, reading
a book they've almost finished.
39
00:03:21,590 --> 00:03:25,720
I wonder if they started it
while staying here at the Bed
40
00:03:25,730 --> 00:03:30,350
and Breakfast, and if they've
got another one to dig into.
41
00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:36,740
Soon after they turn the last
page of this one, a warm welcome
42
00:03:36,750 --> 00:03:40,580
waits inside.
The innkeeper, whom I've known
43
00:03:40,590 --> 00:03:45,200
my whole life from around the
village, is polite but doesn't
44
00:03:45,210 --> 00:03:50,290
linger too long, which suits me.
They know I've come to spend
45
00:03:50,300 --> 00:03:55,030
time in the gardens and in the
beautiful top floor room I
46
00:03:55,040 --> 00:04:00,100
requested.
Before heading up to my room, I
47
00:04:00,110 --> 00:04:04,620
do a loop through the sitting
room with its library of books
48
00:04:04,710 --> 00:04:09,450
and soft lighting.
The dining room has recently
49
00:04:09,460 --> 00:04:14,980
become a restaurant in addition
to the breakfast area, and I see
50
00:04:14,990 --> 00:04:20,070
a seat in the sunroom portion
that will do nicely later on for
51
00:04:20,079 --> 00:04:24,690
supper.
On my way up the staircase I
52
00:04:24,700 --> 00:04:29,670
meet a couple unclasping their
hands to allow me room to pass.
53
00:04:30,730 --> 00:04:35,720
I notice there's sun dresses and
shoes aren't The Walking taking
54
00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:40,660
in the sights kind and once they
see me smile they tell me
55
00:04:40,670 --> 00:04:44,230
they're on their honeymoon in
the perfect place.
56
00:04:45,100 --> 00:04:49,890
We exchange a few more words and
I congratulate them as they
57
00:04:49,900 --> 00:04:55,730
rejoin hands below me.
My room is at the top of another
58
00:04:55,740 --> 00:05:00,610
staircase, past a small sitting
nook with cushy chairs.
59
00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:06,110
I make a mental note to return
there later, wanting to use
60
00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:09,150
every space that the inn has to
offer.
61
00:05:10,510 --> 00:05:15,680
The door opens easily and I'm
thankful for modern things like
62
00:05:15,690 --> 00:05:18,740
air conditioning in places such
as this.
63
00:05:19,960 --> 00:05:22,870
It's even cozier than I
remember.
64
00:05:23,280 --> 00:05:29,270
A king sized bed fit for a queen
sits to my diagonal left,
65
00:05:29,700 --> 00:05:35,030
dressed in a luxuriously plush
duvet that looks as soft as I
66
00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:39,790
know it feels.
A hand stitched quilt is folded
67
00:05:39,800 --> 00:05:45,140
at the foot, all bright florals
and winding Ivy patterns.
68
00:05:46,630 --> 00:05:51,680
A bright and spacious washroom
hosts a claw foot tub and a
69
00:05:51,690 --> 00:05:56,700
modern stand alone shower.
I know I'll try out the lavender
70
00:05:56,710 --> 00:06:01,820
bath salts they've provided.
A sitting area with a
71
00:06:01,830 --> 00:06:07,420
Chesterfield comfy arm chair and
a coffee table looks great for
72
00:06:07,430 --> 00:06:10,520
reading or word puzzles
throughout my stay.
73
00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:16,570
As for my favorite spot in the
room, there's a cushioned window
74
00:06:16,580 --> 00:06:23,060
seat overlooking the back garden
below The Secret Garden that you
75
00:06:23,070 --> 00:06:28,910
have to stay here to experience.
The window is large and new
76
00:06:28,920 --> 00:06:31,580
enough that it doesn't warp the
view.
77
00:06:32,830 --> 00:06:37,340
My spot also holds a small
writing desk in the corner
78
00:06:37,410 --> 00:06:41,900
facing outside.
It's the right time of day for
79
00:06:41,910 --> 00:06:46,620
the sunlight to spill across the
top of it and on to the wooden
80
00:06:46,630 --> 00:06:52,380
floor in golden ribbons.
I'll come back to my room before
81
00:06:52,390 --> 00:06:55,630
supper, but now it's time to
explore.
82
00:06:56,940 --> 00:07:01,930
I wander down the stairs, taking
in everything along the way.
83
00:07:02,760 --> 00:07:07,530
The hallways are filled with
framed photographs, old black
84
00:07:07,540 --> 00:07:11,600
and whites of the village of the
Hosts in earlier days.
85
00:07:12,460 --> 00:07:17,690
There are photos of the garden
in full bloom, trellises covered
86
00:07:17,700 --> 00:07:23,090
in pink and white roses and a
winding stone path shaded by
87
00:07:23,100 --> 00:07:28,270
leafy vines.
I hear the clinking of dishes,
88
00:07:28,500 --> 00:07:33,470
and around the corner I see that
a tray of refreshments has been
89
00:07:33,480 --> 00:07:35,990
set out for guests in the
parlour.
90
00:07:37,170 --> 00:07:42,340
I don't know a more elegant word
than parlor, and that alone
91
00:07:42,350 --> 00:07:45,220
persuades me to partake in the
treats.
92
00:07:46,550 --> 00:07:51,040
It's a charming assortment, with
a crystal pitcher of chilled
93
00:07:51,050 --> 00:07:55,980
lemonade sitting beside a
porcelain teapot that's steaming
94
00:07:55,990 --> 00:08:00,300
and fresh coffee percolates
nearby.
95
00:08:01,090 --> 00:08:06,560
Fine China cups and saucers are
arranged neatly, along with
96
00:08:06,570 --> 00:08:09,550
linen napkins embroidered at the
edges.
97
00:08:10,620 --> 00:08:16,630
A small plate displays buttery
shortbread, lemon curd tarts and
98
00:08:16,640 --> 00:08:20,510
chocolate dipped biscotti by its
sides.
99
00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:24,950
It's a glass bowl of fruit
salad, adding a refreshing
100
00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:28,960
touch.
A tiny vase with fresh garden
101
00:08:28,970 --> 00:08:34,820
flowers completes the tray,
inviting guests to pause, sip
102
00:08:34,870 --> 00:08:40,570
and savour our stay here.
The snack has worked its magic
103
00:08:40,659 --> 00:08:42,980
and I'm eager to get to the
gardens.
104
00:08:43,720 --> 00:08:46,640
I find the back door and step
outside.
105
00:08:47,940 --> 00:08:52,360
My breath catches at the sight,
but then deepens.
106
00:08:53,530 --> 00:08:55,970
It's thriving.
It's lush.
107
00:08:56,730 --> 00:09:01,400
It's as though closing the door
behind me transported me into
108
00:09:01,410 --> 00:09:07,850
this other world, but I smile at
proving that this does exist in
109
00:09:07,860 --> 00:09:16,250
our own backyard.
Arriving at The Secret Garden
110
00:09:16,260 --> 00:09:24,320
Bed and Breakfast, summer
settles warmly over the village.
111
00:09:24,850 --> 00:09:30,780
The air is soft and slow, the
trees full and lush with green
112
00:09:30,870 --> 00:09:35,160
and deep Reds.
The bees and other helpers make
113
00:09:35,170 --> 00:09:38,330
good use of the flowers in full
bloom.
114
00:09:39,800 --> 00:09:44,430
Today I'll do something I've
started to do each year around
115
00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:48,650
this time.
I spend a weekend at The Secret
116
00:09:48,660 --> 00:09:52,800
Garden Bed and Breakfast right
here in the village.
117
00:09:53,990 --> 00:09:59,650
It's not out of necessity, my
own home is just down the road,
118
00:09:59,830 --> 00:10:04,180
but I'd always been curious
about what the old Victorian was
119
00:10:04,190 --> 00:10:07,960
hiding behind its welcoming and
cosy facade.
120
00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:13,020
And what I found has kept me
going back each year.
121
00:10:13,780 --> 00:10:19,150
A treat, I tell myself, even if
the surrounding area is
122
00:10:19,160 --> 00:10:23,830
familiar.
It's mid afternoon as I arrive
123
00:10:23,840 --> 00:10:29,390
with my small suitcase Wheeling
behind me through the open gate
124
00:10:29,460 --> 00:10:34,190
of an ornate design.
The front walk is lined by a low
125
00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:40,370
formal hedge of dwarf boxwood
with tall Lantern style lights
126
00:10:40,380 --> 00:10:45,230
guiding the way.
The gardens on either side are
127
00:10:45,240 --> 00:10:49,860
also kept low to allow the inn
to be seen from the street
128
00:10:50,870 --> 00:10:55,880
without obstructing the view.
A few narrow, spiral trimmed
129
00:10:55,890 --> 00:11:00,900
juniper bushes rise above the
rest like curved sculptures.
130
00:11:02,080 --> 00:11:06,630
Dancing around these are
lavender and catmint, their
131
00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:11,080
mounds of purple blooms
attracting many pollinators who
132
00:11:11,090 --> 00:11:16,550
hum as I walk.
The symmetry is impressive, with
133
00:11:16,560 --> 00:11:22,130
ornamental grasses accenting the
colourful flowers being mirrored
134
00:11:22,140 --> 00:11:27,750
to my left and right.
The grand house stands like a
135
00:11:27,760 --> 00:11:32,650
treasure between practically a
forest of Crimson king Maple
136
00:11:32,660 --> 00:11:38,330
trees on either side.
It's painted in a gentle corn
137
00:11:38,340 --> 00:11:44,050
flower blue with ivory trim and
a hint of gingerbread style in
138
00:11:44,060 --> 00:11:49,100
its architecture.
The Wrap Around Porch invites
139
00:11:49,110 --> 00:11:54,840
you to sit and stay awhile.
Someone sits on the swing,
140
00:11:54,890 --> 00:12:00,240
gently swaying with their elbows
propped on its cushions, reading
141
00:12:00,250 --> 00:12:05,260
a book they've almost finished.
I wonder if they started it
142
00:12:05,330 --> 00:12:09,980
while staying here at the Bed
and Breakfast, and if they've
143
00:12:09,990 --> 00:12:14,280
got another one to dig into.
Soon after they turn the last
144
00:12:14,290 --> 00:12:20,120
page of this one, a warm welcome
waits inside.
145
00:12:20,270 --> 00:12:24,230
The innkeeper, whom I've known
my whole life from around the
146
00:12:24,240 --> 00:12:29,400
village, is polite but doesn't
linger too long, which suits me.
147
00:12:30,240 --> 00:12:34,390
They know I've come to spend
time in the gardens and in the
148
00:12:34,400 --> 00:12:37,560
beautiful top floor room I
requested.
149
00:12:38,870 --> 00:12:43,720
Before heading up to my room, I
do a loop through the sitting
150
00:12:43,730 --> 00:12:47,800
room with its library of books
and soft lighting.
151
00:12:49,130 --> 00:12:53,750
The dining room has recently
become a restaurant in addition
152
00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:59,200
to the breakfast area, and I see
a seat in the sunroom portion
153
00:12:59,290 --> 00:13:02,360
that will do nicely later on for
supper.
154
00:13:03,840 --> 00:13:08,570
On my way up the staircase I
meet a couple unclasping their
155
00:13:08,580 --> 00:13:14,720
hands to allow me room to pass.
I notice their sun dresses and
156
00:13:14,730 --> 00:13:19,900
shoes aren't The Walking, taking
in the sights kind, and once
157
00:13:19,910 --> 00:13:24,620
they see me smile, they tell me
they're on their honeymoon in
158
00:13:24,630 --> 00:13:29,540
the perfect place.
We exchange a few more words and
159
00:13:29,550 --> 00:13:33,630
I congratulate them as they
rejoin hands below me.
160
00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:40,310
My room is at the top of another
staircase, past a small sitting
161
00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:45,210
nook with cushy chairs.
I make a mental note to return
162
00:13:45,220 --> 00:13:50,250
there later, wanting to use
every space that the inn has to
163
00:13:50,260 --> 00:13:54,790
offer.
The door opens easily and I'm
164
00:13:54,800 --> 00:13:59,880
thankful for modern things like
air conditioning in places such
165
00:13:59,890 --> 00:14:03,670
as this.
It's even cozier than I
166
00:14:03,680 --> 00:14:08,210
remember.
A king sized bed fit for a queen
167
00:14:08,440 --> 00:14:13,870
sits to my diagonal left,
dressed in a luxuriously plush
168
00:14:13,880 --> 00:14:17,970
duvet that looks as soft as I
know it feels.
169
00:14:19,050 --> 00:14:24,620
A hand stitched quilt is folded
at the foot, all bright florals
170
00:14:24,630 --> 00:14:30,760
and winding Ivy patterns.
A bright and spacious washroom
171
00:14:30,770 --> 00:14:35,780
hosts a claw foot tub and a
modern stand alone shower.
172
00:14:36,310 --> 00:14:40,420
I know I'll try out the lavender
bath salts they've provided.
173
00:14:41,810 --> 00:14:46,560
A sitting area with a
Chesterfield comfy arm chair and
174
00:14:46,570 --> 00:14:50,980
a coffee table looks great for
reading or word puzzles
175
00:14:50,990 --> 00:14:55,870
throughout my stay.
As for my favorite spot in the
176
00:14:55,880 --> 00:15:01,190
room, there's a cushioned window
seat overlooking the back garden
177
00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:07,450
below The Secret Garden that you
have to stay here to experience.
178
00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:12,790
The window is large and new
enough that it doesn't warp the
179
00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:17,000
view.
My spot also holds a small
180
00:15:17,010 --> 00:15:20,630
writing desk in the corner
facing outside.
181
00:15:21,650 --> 00:15:25,900
It's the right time of day for
the sunlight to spill across the
182
00:15:25,910 --> 00:15:30,560
top of it and on to the wooden
floor in golden ribbons.
183
00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:36,510
I'll come back to my room before
supper, but now it's time to
184
00:15:36,520 --> 00:15:41,420
explore.
I wander down the stairs, taking
185
00:15:41,430 --> 00:15:46,300
in everything along the way.
The hallways are filled with
186
00:15:46,310 --> 00:15:51,580
framed photographs, old black
and whites of the village of the
187
00:15:51,590 --> 00:15:56,180
Hosts in earlier days.
There are photos of the garden
188
00:15:56,190 --> 00:16:02,040
in full bloom, trellises covered
in pink and white roses and a
189
00:16:02,050 --> 00:16:06,080
winding stone path shaded by
leafy vines.
190
00:16:07,460 --> 00:16:12,430
I hear the clinking of dishes,
and around the corner I see that
191
00:16:12,440 --> 00:16:17,070
a tray of refreshments has been
set out for guests in the
192
00:16:17,080 --> 00:16:21,480
parlour.
I don't know a more elegant word
193
00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:26,300
than parlor, and that alone
persuades me to partake in the
194
00:16:26,310 --> 00:16:30,540
treats.
It's a charming assortment, with
195
00:16:30,550 --> 00:16:35,080
a crystal pitcher of chilled
lemonade sitting beside a
196
00:16:35,090 --> 00:16:41,270
porcelain teapot that's steaming
and fresh coffee percolates
197
00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:45,540
nearby.
Fine China cups and saucers are
198
00:16:45,550 --> 00:16:50,680
arranged neatly, along with
linen napkins embroidered at the
199
00:16:50,690 --> 00:16:54,860
edges.
A small plate displays buttery
200
00:16:54,870 --> 00:17:00,180
shortbread, lemon curd tarts and
chocolate dipped biscotti.
201
00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:06,650
By its side sits a glass bowl of
fruit salad, adding a refreshing
202
00:17:06,660 --> 00:17:10,660
touch.
A tiny vase with fresh garden
203
00:17:10,670 --> 00:17:16,520
flowers completes the tray,
inviting guests to pause, sip
204
00:17:16,569 --> 00:17:22,290
and savour our stay here.
The snack has worked its magic
205
00:17:22,359 --> 00:17:24,680
and I'm eager to get to the
gardens.
206
00:17:25,420 --> 00:17:28,339
I find the back door and step
outside.
207
00:17:29,640 --> 00:17:34,060
My breath catches at the sight,
but then deepens.
208
00:17:35,230 --> 00:17:37,680
It's thriving.
It's lush.
209
00:17:38,420 --> 00:17:43,110
It's as though closing the door
behind me transported me into
210
00:17:43,120 --> 00:17:49,550
this other world, but I smile at
proving that this does exist in
211
00:17:49,560 --> 00:17:55,420
our own backyard.
I wish you sweet dreams.
00:00:02,009 --> 00:00:07,610
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,620 --> 00:00:12,810
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,820 --> 00:00:17,530
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,540 --> 00:00:23,150
reading.
This story is called Arriving at
5
00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:28,070
The Secret Garden Bed and
Breakfast, and it's about a wrap
6
00:00:28,080 --> 00:00:32,409
around porch, the most elegant
word I know.
7
00:00:32,780 --> 00:00:41,860
And a weekend away, sort of.
Summer settles warmly over the
8
00:00:41,870 --> 00:00:46,420
village.
The air is soft and slow, the
9
00:00:46,430 --> 00:00:50,360
trees full and lush with green
and deep Reds.
10
00:00:50,910 --> 00:00:56,130
The bees and other helpers make
good use of the flowers in full
11
00:00:56,140 --> 00:01:00,230
bloom.
Today I'll do something I've
12
00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:03,560
started to do each year around
this time.
13
00:01:04,450 --> 00:01:09,580
I spend a weekend at The Secret
Garden Bed and Breakfast right
14
00:01:09,590 --> 00:01:15,300
here in the village.
It's not out of necessity, my
15
00:01:15,310 --> 00:01:20,030
own home is just down the road,
but I'd always been curious
16
00:01:20,090 --> 00:01:24,900
about what the old Victorian was
hiding behind its welcoming and
17
00:01:24,910 --> 00:01:29,520
cosy facade.
And what I found has kept me
18
00:01:29,530 --> 00:01:35,450
going back each year.
A treat, I tell myself, even if
19
00:01:35,460 --> 00:01:38,200
the surrounding area is
familiar.
20
00:01:39,530 --> 00:01:44,420
It's mid afternoon as I arrive
with my small suitcase Wheeling
21
00:01:44,430 --> 00:01:49,490
behind me through the open gate
of an ornate design.
22
00:01:49,700 --> 00:01:55,770
The front walk is lined by a low
formal hedge of dwarf boxwood
23
00:01:55,960 --> 00:01:59,770
with tall Lantern style lights
guiding the way.
24
00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:06,450
The gardens on either side are
also kept low to allow the inn
25
00:02:06,460 --> 00:02:11,430
to be seen from the street
without obstructing the view.
26
00:02:11,520 --> 00:02:16,710
A few narrow, spiral trimmed
juniper bushes rise above the
27
00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:22,370
rest like curved sculptures.
Dancing around these are
28
00:02:22,380 --> 00:02:26,890
lavender and catmint, their
mounds of purple blooms
29
00:02:26,900 --> 00:02:30,840
attracting many pollinators who
hum as I walk.
30
00:02:31,930 --> 00:02:37,610
The symmetry is impressive, with
ornamental grasses accenting the
31
00:02:37,620 --> 00:02:42,250
colourful flowers being mirrored
to my left and right.
32
00:02:43,720 --> 00:02:48,270
The grand house stands like a
treasure between practically a
33
00:02:48,280 --> 00:02:52,960
forest of Crimson king Maple
trees on either side.
34
00:02:54,180 --> 00:02:59,810
It's painted in a gentle corn
flower blue with ivory trim and
35
00:02:59,820 --> 00:03:03,500
a hint of gingerbread style in
its architecture.
36
00:03:04,910 --> 00:03:09,740
The Wrap Around Porch invites
you to sit and stay awhile.
37
00:03:10,810 --> 00:03:16,260
Someone sits on the swing,
gently swaying with their elbows
38
00:03:16,270 --> 00:03:20,580
propped on its cushions, reading
a book they've almost finished.
39
00:03:21,590 --> 00:03:25,720
I wonder if they started it
while staying here at the Bed
40
00:03:25,730 --> 00:03:30,350
and Breakfast, and if they've
got another one to dig into.
41
00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:36,740
Soon after they turn the last
page of this one, a warm welcome
42
00:03:36,750 --> 00:03:40,580
waits inside.
The innkeeper, whom I've known
43
00:03:40,590 --> 00:03:45,200
my whole life from around the
village, is polite but doesn't
44
00:03:45,210 --> 00:03:50,290
linger too long, which suits me.
They know I've come to spend
45
00:03:50,300 --> 00:03:55,030
time in the gardens and in the
beautiful top floor room I
46
00:03:55,040 --> 00:04:00,100
requested.
Before heading up to my room, I
47
00:04:00,110 --> 00:04:04,620
do a loop through the sitting
room with its library of books
48
00:04:04,710 --> 00:04:09,450
and soft lighting.
The dining room has recently
49
00:04:09,460 --> 00:04:14,980
become a restaurant in addition
to the breakfast area, and I see
50
00:04:14,990 --> 00:04:20,070
a seat in the sunroom portion
that will do nicely later on for
51
00:04:20,079 --> 00:04:24,690
supper.
On my way up the staircase I
52
00:04:24,700 --> 00:04:29,670
meet a couple unclasping their
hands to allow me room to pass.
53
00:04:30,730 --> 00:04:35,720
I notice there's sun dresses and
shoes aren't The Walking taking
54
00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:40,660
in the sights kind and once they
see me smile they tell me
55
00:04:40,670 --> 00:04:44,230
they're on their honeymoon in
the perfect place.
56
00:04:45,100 --> 00:04:49,890
We exchange a few more words and
I congratulate them as they
57
00:04:49,900 --> 00:04:55,730
rejoin hands below me.
My room is at the top of another
58
00:04:55,740 --> 00:05:00,610
staircase, past a small sitting
nook with cushy chairs.
59
00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:06,110
I make a mental note to return
there later, wanting to use
60
00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:09,150
every space that the inn has to
offer.
61
00:05:10,510 --> 00:05:15,680
The door opens easily and I'm
thankful for modern things like
62
00:05:15,690 --> 00:05:18,740
air conditioning in places such
as this.
63
00:05:19,960 --> 00:05:22,870
It's even cozier than I
remember.
64
00:05:23,280 --> 00:05:29,270
A king sized bed fit for a queen
sits to my diagonal left,
65
00:05:29,700 --> 00:05:35,030
dressed in a luxuriously plush
duvet that looks as soft as I
66
00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:39,790
know it feels.
A hand stitched quilt is folded
67
00:05:39,800 --> 00:05:45,140
at the foot, all bright florals
and winding Ivy patterns.
68
00:05:46,630 --> 00:05:51,680
A bright and spacious washroom
hosts a claw foot tub and a
69
00:05:51,690 --> 00:05:56,700
modern stand alone shower.
I know I'll try out the lavender
70
00:05:56,710 --> 00:06:01,820
bath salts they've provided.
A sitting area with a
71
00:06:01,830 --> 00:06:07,420
Chesterfield comfy arm chair and
a coffee table looks great for
72
00:06:07,430 --> 00:06:10,520
reading or word puzzles
throughout my stay.
73
00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:16,570
As for my favorite spot in the
room, there's a cushioned window
74
00:06:16,580 --> 00:06:23,060
seat overlooking the back garden
below The Secret Garden that you
75
00:06:23,070 --> 00:06:28,910
have to stay here to experience.
The window is large and new
76
00:06:28,920 --> 00:06:31,580
enough that it doesn't warp the
view.
77
00:06:32,830 --> 00:06:37,340
My spot also holds a small
writing desk in the corner
78
00:06:37,410 --> 00:06:41,900
facing outside.
It's the right time of day for
79
00:06:41,910 --> 00:06:46,620
the sunlight to spill across the
top of it and on to the wooden
80
00:06:46,630 --> 00:06:52,380
floor in golden ribbons.
I'll come back to my room before
81
00:06:52,390 --> 00:06:55,630
supper, but now it's time to
explore.
82
00:06:56,940 --> 00:07:01,930
I wander down the stairs, taking
in everything along the way.
83
00:07:02,760 --> 00:07:07,530
The hallways are filled with
framed photographs, old black
84
00:07:07,540 --> 00:07:11,600
and whites of the village of the
Hosts in earlier days.
85
00:07:12,460 --> 00:07:17,690
There are photos of the garden
in full bloom, trellises covered
86
00:07:17,700 --> 00:07:23,090
in pink and white roses and a
winding stone path shaded by
87
00:07:23,100 --> 00:07:28,270
leafy vines.
I hear the clinking of dishes,
88
00:07:28,500 --> 00:07:33,470
and around the corner I see that
a tray of refreshments has been
89
00:07:33,480 --> 00:07:35,990
set out for guests in the
parlour.
90
00:07:37,170 --> 00:07:42,340
I don't know a more elegant word
than parlor, and that alone
91
00:07:42,350 --> 00:07:45,220
persuades me to partake in the
treats.
92
00:07:46,550 --> 00:07:51,040
It's a charming assortment, with
a crystal pitcher of chilled
93
00:07:51,050 --> 00:07:55,980
lemonade sitting beside a
porcelain teapot that's steaming
94
00:07:55,990 --> 00:08:00,300
and fresh coffee percolates
nearby.
95
00:08:01,090 --> 00:08:06,560
Fine China cups and saucers are
arranged neatly, along with
96
00:08:06,570 --> 00:08:09,550
linen napkins embroidered at the
edges.
97
00:08:10,620 --> 00:08:16,630
A small plate displays buttery
shortbread, lemon curd tarts and
98
00:08:16,640 --> 00:08:20,510
chocolate dipped biscotti by its
sides.
99
00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:24,950
It's a glass bowl of fruit
salad, adding a refreshing
100
00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:28,960
touch.
A tiny vase with fresh garden
101
00:08:28,970 --> 00:08:34,820
flowers completes the tray,
inviting guests to pause, sip
102
00:08:34,870 --> 00:08:40,570
and savour our stay here.
The snack has worked its magic
103
00:08:40,659 --> 00:08:42,980
and I'm eager to get to the
gardens.
104
00:08:43,720 --> 00:08:46,640
I find the back door and step
outside.
105
00:08:47,940 --> 00:08:52,360
My breath catches at the sight,
but then deepens.
106
00:08:53,530 --> 00:08:55,970
It's thriving.
It's lush.
107
00:08:56,730 --> 00:09:01,400
It's as though closing the door
behind me transported me into
108
00:09:01,410 --> 00:09:07,850
this other world, but I smile at
proving that this does exist in
109
00:09:07,860 --> 00:09:16,250
our own backyard.
Arriving at The Secret Garden
110
00:09:16,260 --> 00:09:24,320
Bed and Breakfast, summer
settles warmly over the village.
111
00:09:24,850 --> 00:09:30,780
The air is soft and slow, the
trees full and lush with green
112
00:09:30,870 --> 00:09:35,160
and deep Reds.
The bees and other helpers make
113
00:09:35,170 --> 00:09:38,330
good use of the flowers in full
bloom.
114
00:09:39,800 --> 00:09:44,430
Today I'll do something I've
started to do each year around
115
00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:48,650
this time.
I spend a weekend at The Secret
116
00:09:48,660 --> 00:09:52,800
Garden Bed and Breakfast right
here in the village.
117
00:09:53,990 --> 00:09:59,650
It's not out of necessity, my
own home is just down the road,
118
00:09:59,830 --> 00:10:04,180
but I'd always been curious
about what the old Victorian was
119
00:10:04,190 --> 00:10:07,960
hiding behind its welcoming and
cosy facade.
120
00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:13,020
And what I found has kept me
going back each year.
121
00:10:13,780 --> 00:10:19,150
A treat, I tell myself, even if
the surrounding area is
122
00:10:19,160 --> 00:10:23,830
familiar.
It's mid afternoon as I arrive
123
00:10:23,840 --> 00:10:29,390
with my small suitcase Wheeling
behind me through the open gate
124
00:10:29,460 --> 00:10:34,190
of an ornate design.
The front walk is lined by a low
125
00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:40,370
formal hedge of dwarf boxwood
with tall Lantern style lights
126
00:10:40,380 --> 00:10:45,230
guiding the way.
The gardens on either side are
127
00:10:45,240 --> 00:10:49,860
also kept low to allow the inn
to be seen from the street
128
00:10:50,870 --> 00:10:55,880
without obstructing the view.
A few narrow, spiral trimmed
129
00:10:55,890 --> 00:11:00,900
juniper bushes rise above the
rest like curved sculptures.
130
00:11:02,080 --> 00:11:06,630
Dancing around these are
lavender and catmint, their
131
00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:11,080
mounds of purple blooms
attracting many pollinators who
132
00:11:11,090 --> 00:11:16,550
hum as I walk.
The symmetry is impressive, with
133
00:11:16,560 --> 00:11:22,130
ornamental grasses accenting the
colourful flowers being mirrored
134
00:11:22,140 --> 00:11:27,750
to my left and right.
The grand house stands like a
135
00:11:27,760 --> 00:11:32,650
treasure between practically a
forest of Crimson king Maple
136
00:11:32,660 --> 00:11:38,330
trees on either side.
It's painted in a gentle corn
137
00:11:38,340 --> 00:11:44,050
flower blue with ivory trim and
a hint of gingerbread style in
138
00:11:44,060 --> 00:11:49,100
its architecture.
The Wrap Around Porch invites
139
00:11:49,110 --> 00:11:54,840
you to sit and stay awhile.
Someone sits on the swing,
140
00:11:54,890 --> 00:12:00,240
gently swaying with their elbows
propped on its cushions, reading
141
00:12:00,250 --> 00:12:05,260
a book they've almost finished.
I wonder if they started it
142
00:12:05,330 --> 00:12:09,980
while staying here at the Bed
and Breakfast, and if they've
143
00:12:09,990 --> 00:12:14,280
got another one to dig into.
Soon after they turn the last
144
00:12:14,290 --> 00:12:20,120
page of this one, a warm welcome
waits inside.
145
00:12:20,270 --> 00:12:24,230
The innkeeper, whom I've known
my whole life from around the
146
00:12:24,240 --> 00:12:29,400
village, is polite but doesn't
linger too long, which suits me.
147
00:12:30,240 --> 00:12:34,390
They know I've come to spend
time in the gardens and in the
148
00:12:34,400 --> 00:12:37,560
beautiful top floor room I
requested.
149
00:12:38,870 --> 00:12:43,720
Before heading up to my room, I
do a loop through the sitting
150
00:12:43,730 --> 00:12:47,800
room with its library of books
and soft lighting.
151
00:12:49,130 --> 00:12:53,750
The dining room has recently
become a restaurant in addition
152
00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:59,200
to the breakfast area, and I see
a seat in the sunroom portion
153
00:12:59,290 --> 00:13:02,360
that will do nicely later on for
supper.
154
00:13:03,840 --> 00:13:08,570
On my way up the staircase I
meet a couple unclasping their
155
00:13:08,580 --> 00:13:14,720
hands to allow me room to pass.
I notice their sun dresses and
156
00:13:14,730 --> 00:13:19,900
shoes aren't The Walking, taking
in the sights kind, and once
157
00:13:19,910 --> 00:13:24,620
they see me smile, they tell me
they're on their honeymoon in
158
00:13:24,630 --> 00:13:29,540
the perfect place.
We exchange a few more words and
159
00:13:29,550 --> 00:13:33,630
I congratulate them as they
rejoin hands below me.
160
00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:40,310
My room is at the top of another
staircase, past a small sitting
161
00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:45,210
nook with cushy chairs.
I make a mental note to return
162
00:13:45,220 --> 00:13:50,250
there later, wanting to use
every space that the inn has to
163
00:13:50,260 --> 00:13:54,790
offer.
The door opens easily and I'm
164
00:13:54,800 --> 00:13:59,880
thankful for modern things like
air conditioning in places such
165
00:13:59,890 --> 00:14:03,670
as this.
It's even cozier than I
166
00:14:03,680 --> 00:14:08,210
remember.
A king sized bed fit for a queen
167
00:14:08,440 --> 00:14:13,870
sits to my diagonal left,
dressed in a luxuriously plush
168
00:14:13,880 --> 00:14:17,970
duvet that looks as soft as I
know it feels.
169
00:14:19,050 --> 00:14:24,620
A hand stitched quilt is folded
at the foot, all bright florals
170
00:14:24,630 --> 00:14:30,760
and winding Ivy patterns.
A bright and spacious washroom
171
00:14:30,770 --> 00:14:35,780
hosts a claw foot tub and a
modern stand alone shower.
172
00:14:36,310 --> 00:14:40,420
I know I'll try out the lavender
bath salts they've provided.
173
00:14:41,810 --> 00:14:46,560
A sitting area with a
Chesterfield comfy arm chair and
174
00:14:46,570 --> 00:14:50,980
a coffee table looks great for
reading or word puzzles
175
00:14:50,990 --> 00:14:55,870
throughout my stay.
As for my favorite spot in the
176
00:14:55,880 --> 00:15:01,190
room, there's a cushioned window
seat overlooking the back garden
177
00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:07,450
below The Secret Garden that you
have to stay here to experience.
178
00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:12,790
The window is large and new
enough that it doesn't warp the
179
00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:17,000
view.
My spot also holds a small
180
00:15:17,010 --> 00:15:20,630
writing desk in the corner
facing outside.
181
00:15:21,650 --> 00:15:25,900
It's the right time of day for
the sunlight to spill across the
182
00:15:25,910 --> 00:15:30,560
top of it and on to the wooden
floor in golden ribbons.
183
00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:36,510
I'll come back to my room before
supper, but now it's time to
184
00:15:36,520 --> 00:15:41,420
explore.
I wander down the stairs, taking
185
00:15:41,430 --> 00:15:46,300
in everything along the way.
The hallways are filled with
186
00:15:46,310 --> 00:15:51,580
framed photographs, old black
and whites of the village of the
187
00:15:51,590 --> 00:15:56,180
Hosts in earlier days.
There are photos of the garden
188
00:15:56,190 --> 00:16:02,040
in full bloom, trellises covered
in pink and white roses and a
189
00:16:02,050 --> 00:16:06,080
winding stone path shaded by
leafy vines.
190
00:16:07,460 --> 00:16:12,430
I hear the clinking of dishes,
and around the corner I see that
191
00:16:12,440 --> 00:16:17,070
a tray of refreshments has been
set out for guests in the
192
00:16:17,080 --> 00:16:21,480
parlour.
I don't know a more elegant word
193
00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:26,300
than parlor, and that alone
persuades me to partake in the
194
00:16:26,310 --> 00:16:30,540
treats.
It's a charming assortment, with
195
00:16:30,550 --> 00:16:35,080
a crystal pitcher of chilled
lemonade sitting beside a
196
00:16:35,090 --> 00:16:41,270
porcelain teapot that's steaming
and fresh coffee percolates
197
00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:45,540
nearby.
Fine China cups and saucers are
198
00:16:45,550 --> 00:16:50,680
arranged neatly, along with
linen napkins embroidered at the
199
00:16:50,690 --> 00:16:54,860
edges.
A small plate displays buttery
200
00:16:54,870 --> 00:17:00,180
shortbread, lemon curd tarts and
chocolate dipped biscotti.
201
00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:06,650
By its side sits a glass bowl of
fruit salad, adding a refreshing
202
00:17:06,660 --> 00:17:10,660
touch.
A tiny vase with fresh garden
203
00:17:10,670 --> 00:17:16,520
flowers completes the tray,
inviting guests to pause, sip
204
00:17:16,569 --> 00:17:22,290
and savour our stay here.
The snack has worked its magic
205
00:17:22,359 --> 00:17:24,680
and I'm eager to get to the
gardens.
206
00:17:25,420 --> 00:17:28,339
I find the back door and step
outside.
207
00:17:29,640 --> 00:17:34,060
My breath catches at the sight,
but then deepens.
208
00:17:35,230 --> 00:17:37,680
It's thriving.
It's lush.
209
00:17:38,420 --> 00:17:43,110
It's as though closing the door
behind me transported me into
210
00:17:43,120 --> 00:17:49,550
this other world, but I smile at
proving that this does exist in
211
00:17:49,560 --> 00:17:55,420
our own backyard.
I wish you sweet dreams.
