First Line: Remembering our first encounter with Felbrigg Hall, I'm irresistibly reminded of all the horror movies I've ever seen.

Author Mary Mackie's husband feared being tied to a desk for the rest of his working life; their children had "grown and flown"; and as a freelance writer, Mary's work could be done anywhere. When the position of Houseman at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk, England became available, Mr. Mackie applied and was given the job. This slender volume recounts a part of their lives spent in this National Trust house.

I spent an enjoyable hour or two reading of the library in the house, the things the couple discovered while they worked there, and just the daily tasks that are expected of a Houseman (one of which involves walking fifteen miles on a slow afternoon-- without ever leaving the Hall).

Mackie has a light touch and a good sense of humor which combines well with the information she packs in this book. She continues her memoirs of life in this stately home in an additional two volumes-- Dry Rot and Daffodils and Frogspawn and Floor Polish-- and I look forward to reading both of these as well because I cannot resist sampling the histories of old houses, large and small. ( )

Really interesting read. I find Mary Mackie to be a better non-fiction writer than a romantic fiction writer. Fascinating details, humour, and lots of behind the scenes information about what living in a National Trust house is really like. Fun, easy to read and yet teaches you a lot. ( )

The United States has nothing to compare with Britain's National Trust, in which historic properties are restored and/or kept as close to their original condition as possible. The large number of castles, stately homes, Roman remains and other historic sites means that the Trust has an enormous responsibility. Much of the work they do is carried out "behind the scenes", and the casual visitor may not have any idea of the amount of effort that goes in to these lovely places. Cobwebs and Cream Teas is the loving and entertaining account of a couple who spend a year working as the caretakers of Felbrigg Hall, a Trust property. The reader gains a great deal of information about the day-to-day labor that goes into taking care of such a large and valuable property, as well as the many compensations that come from all that work. ( )