I rented a car for 3 days while in England in June 1999, and let's just say it was a REAL experience! Thankfully, my Swedish friends were with me to help out with the maps, directions, and moral support. The first place we visited was Cotchford Farm, which is located about an hour or so south of London in Hartfield, Sussex. It took me close to 3 hours to get there!

As you probably know, Cotchford Farm was formerly owned by A.A. Milne, who wrote the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The farm is quite secluded and difficult to find. In that regard, I found the locals very helpful. I was worried they'd tell us to get lost when we asked for directions, but they were very nice about it.

Brian Jones bought the place in 1968, and it's well documented how much he loved it there. It's not hard to understand why because it's a peaceful and beautiful place. Tragically, on July 3rd 1969, Brian was found dead in the swimming pool here, under mysterious circumstances. As a Stones fan, I couldn't help but think about that night 30+ years ago while looking at the pool. It was an eerie and rather sad experience that's hard to describe.

The current owners of the farm bought it from Brian's estate in 1970. They gave us a very warm welcome, and let us take pictures and video freely. The house and grounds are much as they were during Brian's time there, with some minor changes. The interior has been modernized and repainted, but Brian's music room still contains the odd-shaped pieces of stained glass that he installed in the walls. I am forever grateful that Mr. & Mrs. Johns have allowed me to share these photos with you.

Cotchford Farm

Shannon in front of Cotchford Farm.	View of the house from the back yard.

The house and back yard.	The pool has a solar cover on it.

Marianne, me, Shannon, and Harriet. Harriet and Alistair have owned Cotchford Farm since 1970.	Me, shooting video footage of my visit.

Getting ready to tour the inside.	Shannon in the backyard.

Brian at Cotchford Farm with the Christopher Robin statue.	Statue of Christopher Robin, today.

Aerial view of Cotchford Farm a few days after Brian's death.

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