My favourite place without doubt is our safari tent. It is nestled into the landscape with its back amongst the chestnut trees, its frontage facing the open valley, surrounded by a millefeuille of hills falling off into the distance.

Bouncing up the track in my old car, I concentrate so as not to take a wrong turn. Past the fields of plumy grasses whistling to their own tune and along the avenue of impervious wild flowers flanking the road.