[Renate]

I've experienced a few occasions of American "Liberty Hall", that is an extended holiday at a friend's holiday retreat. Things were largely unstructured, but there were organized walks or a run into town. Dinner was a specific event. But the ground rules were, "Wake up when you like, there is coffee and carbohydrates there, too. We'll have a bit more organized (but not compulsory) brunch at 10 AM or so. If you want to go for a walk, just go. Lunch is whatever we throw together."

Not being megalomaniacal, I've never wanted to own such a place, but I would like to have been the insignificant relation of the owner of a English country house.

I'd be interested in any comments on this theme, but specifically, I wanted to know: I'm horrible at sleeping and get up early. If I get up at 5 AM, can I mosey down to the lower levels in my bathrobe and say, "I'd kill for a cup of tea", or must (should) I ring a bell? At what time would the fires be started? Who is the first person up? Would it be a transgression if I went downstairs?