Watermill House, near Benenden, Kent, in Southeastern England, is where my very good friend Kent Barker lives. Kent's grandfather bought the house, then derelict, in the 1920s, and 3 generations of Barkers have restored it. In the process, Kent, his father and grandfather had to learn to do everything from repairing leaded glass to installing septic tanks. Kent's dad once told me he had the receipt - dated in the late 1700s - for the house's slate roof.

Watermill house is a magical place. Sitting in the back yard in spring or summer, or in any of the house's charming rooms on blustery days, is just an enchanting experience. I've often thought that my fond and vivid memories of the house and people I knew there had much to do with being 19 when first I visited, but every return journey since has been just as much fun. Kent and I are both, um, a bit grayer than once was the case...
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Chris Gulker's view from Silicon Valley - in words and pictures