Mrs Mannering explains that some of the castle is very old but most of it had been restored and rebuilt. The castle at the top of the hill is described as “a most imposting and rugged old castle”, with a tower at each end, thick walls and a mixture of slit windows and wide ones. It has a stream running through the untidy and rocky back garden. In her letter Mrs Mannering says it is “somewhere in the hills… lonely sort of place, but packed with wild birds.” The cottage is small, but comfortable, with a thatched roof and small leaded windows. In a later book it’s stated that this adventure took place in Scotland. Spring cottage is on the side of Castle Hill, though we’re not told where in the UK that’s to be found. The boys arrive at the holiday cottage a day after the girls. We are reminded of the girl’s looks – one red haired and freckled, the other with wavy hair and a tuft at the front, as well as their personalities – one timid and the other bold. She wants their house decorated, so has booked a cottage for the holidays. The book starts with Lucy-Ann and Dinah at school, reading a letter from Mrs Mannering. First edition dustjacket by Stuart Tresilian
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