INSTRUCTIONS: BEFORE STARTING DISCUSS THESE QUESTIONS IN CLASS OR IN PAIRS
- If you could design your own big house, what is one room or feature you would definitely include? Why?
“If I could design my own big house, I would definitely include a state-of-the-art home theater because…” - What is the best memory you have from visiting a relative’s house?
“The best memory I have from visiting a relative’s house is when…” - What would you do if you found a hidden room in your house?
“If I found a hidden room in my house, the first thing I would do is…” - Who in your family tells the best stories during family gatherings? What kind of stories do they tell?
“In my family, the person who tells the best stories during family gatherings is…” - If you could host a family reunion at a big house, what activities would you plan for everyone?
“If I could host a family reunion at a big house, I would plan activities like…”
The Enigmatic Echoes of Echo Manor
As she walked through the corridors, Ella saw that the walls were covered with ornate tapestries that showed stories from the past. It seemed as if the artists were right there, telling their stories through their work. The air smelled of old wood and secrets
In the grand hall, the big fireplace was still the main feature. Although the stones were cold, they seemed to hold the warmth of old days. There were pictures of the Ashcroft family, who first lived in the manor. Sir Henry Ashcroft looked wise and kind in his portrait. His eyes made it seem as if he was still looking after the manor.
Lady Elizabeth Ashcroft was shown in her favorite rose garden in her portrait. The roses looked so real that Ella almost thought she could smell them.
Reading an old diary she found in the Attic, Ella learned that the Ashcrofts did more than just live there; they kept the history alive. “The manor is not just a home,” Sir Henry had written, “it is a place full of memories and dreams.” His words showed how they had lived, full of happiness and sadness.
The diary also talked about the manor’s design. “The columns in the east wing were made to look like the wide streets of Paris,” Lady Elizabeth wrote. The manor did feel a bit like Paris, with its high ceilings and detailed decorations.
Ella’s walk through the house was like a trip back in time. The manor felt alive, sharing secrets of the past, with each room telling a part of the story. As she closed the diary, the history felt very close, and Echo Manor seemed more than just a building; it was a story waiting to be told.
