We had a bit of trouble finding Tess Cottage in Marnhull, but were eventually pointed in the right direction across a field where small piles of stones kind of paved the way.
Of course, Marnhull is the model for Hardy's Marlott in 'Tess of the D'urbervilles'. It is Tess' childhood home to which she periodically returns during her dips in fortune.
In 'The Hardy Way: A 19th-Century Pilgrimage', Margaret Marande (2015: 92, 96) reminds the reader that:
"The leasehold of the Durbeyfield cottage expires on the death of Tess' father, John, leaving the
family homeless"
and that Hardy used novels like 'Tess' to express strong views on such leases.
My friend, Dave, who is a keen gardener was in awe of the garden at Tess Cottage:
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