‘What does diversion mean?’ Mariia asked from the back seat of the car.
Well, it has multiple meanings, my husband and I replied. In this case, it’s when the road ahead is blocked and you have to take an alternative route to your destination. It’s also used to mean an entertainment, which equally takes you away from the everyday. Then my husband added that it can mean a distraction, as when someone doesn’t want you to know what they are doing: i.e. picking your pocket!
Satisfied, Mariia sat back in the car and enjoyed the beautiful frost coated countryside rushing past the window.
Though snow is nothing new to her, for Jeff and me it was a treat to drive through the stunning Ashdown Forest; each tree branch highlighted in pristine white. It felt like we were travelling through a Christmas card.
An entertaining diversion
Our destination was Standen, one of my favourite National Trust properties in the Arts and Crafts style. We had been meaning to take Mariia on some cultural trips for weeks and had finally found the time. It was all decorated for Christmas and so would be especially stunning.
It certainly didn’t disappoint. Each room was lavishly filled with Christmas greenery and dressed trees. The 1920s were chosen as the decade the family were celebrating Christmas and throughout the house were quotes of family and servant memories, which made the re-enactment of the Beale family celebration feel a little more ‘real’.
Unlike many of the National Trust properties, Standen was always a family home. A wealthy family, without doubt, but it was somewhere that was properly lived in and where children played. As a consequence, it is inviting in a way that other, grander properties are not.
Tour over, we headed to the outbuilding next to the restaurant for lunch with the dog. (When you have a dog, you get used to eating outside or in the less stylish parts of a building.)
As we finished our meal, I glanced out the window and saw snow. How wonderful and magical, I thought. What a perfect end to our perfect day!
Well, not quite.
Taking an alternative route
The drifting flakes soon turned to fat, swirling ones. At three o’clock, we had barely half an hour before dark and our scenic route home was abandoned in favour of a busier, safer one.
The snow continued to fall, heavier now and sticking most effectively to the roads. It was so unexpected, so early in the year, that no gritters had prepared the way for motorists.
By the time we reached the outskirts of the Ashdown Forest, things were looking a bit scary. If we continued, and got stuck, there was no civilisation for miles and we did not fancy spending the night in the car or having an accident. As the tyres struggled to hold the road, my husband made the decision to turn back, get a hotel, and be safe. I’m so glad he did.
A distraction from Christmas busyness
Fortunately, we were close to the very chic village of Forest Row. We parked safely and asked a local for recommendations for somewhere to eat/sleep. They directed us across the road to the most beautiful country inn.
Just as in some romantic Christmas movie, we asked if they had any rooms; holding our breath for their reply. Yes, they had two. We asked if Mariia were happy to come in with us, as they had a fold down bed available. Though we were happy to pay the extra, we knew very well that there would be many to follow us looking for a warm haven. And there were.
Soon folks were stomping in, covered in snow, having abandoned their cars further up the road. Everyone was delighted to find somewhere warm that they could shelter. Everyone was sociable in the way that only seems to occur when overcoming adversity. We shed our usual shyness and talked to one another.
A few were frantic with worry, but almost everyone else was calm and helpful. The chef returned to the pub- despite finishing a busy shift – to ensure that folks could get fed (all the convenience stores had closed). He stood outside for a time in the freezing night air checking that everyone had somewhere to go. If anyone encapsulated the spirit of the season, it was him.
Everyone found a room somewhere in the village – even the couple who arrived at nine pm having walked a mile and a half through the snow from their car. Christmas music filled the air and everything felt festive and right.
For that evening at least, no-one could get on with work or worry about last minute shopping. The WiFi connection was so sketchy that most people simply sat and mused and sipped their drinks. Conversation hummed all around as people struck up new friendships or forged old.
I think it is fair to say that everyone was grateful: for the warmth, the shelter and the nourishment. Even a brief foray into the night reminded us of how desperately vulnerable we are without all three. So our diversion turned into a mini and unplanned holiday that we will certainly remember for years to come. And next time we go to Standen, we’ll check the forecast first.
