Country Life

We've just returned from a weekend reprieve at my cousin's farm in central Alberta. My cousin, her husband, and their gorgeous children, are city slickers-turned-country folk in a courageous and heart-felt quest for fresh air, the enjoyment of animals, and land. Recently, they acquired a much larger piece of rural property to call home and it was such a pleasure to finally see it for ourselves. Some nuances and highlights...

Molly is the hard-working donkey who takes overseeing the safety of the cattle quite seriously. This once neglected beauty, was acquired by her now family and plays a very important role at the farm!

~  Until our next visit to the farm!... ~

Again to Lilford

 

It's usually this time of year when I think about retreating to the refreshing damp greenery of England. I admit I would rather be there sometimes than even the warmest of destinations. While we do have a winter warm-up break planned, I can't resist looking back at our stay in Northamptonshire in February last year. We travelled to Oundle, the ancient market town bordering on Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. I am convinced the prestigious Oundle School was the inspiration for Harry Potter.

 

The highlight of our visit, was a drive through the countryside to see the Jacobean beauty, Lilford Hall (again).  As I have posted previously (see here), my great-great grandfather was the head gardener here. The current owners have been restoring the property and have made some excellent progress. Yes, I wish I lived in an English country manor house too!



 

~ Please visit Lilford Hall's website to learn more about its incredible history! ~

 



A Country Life

 

 

I've always been one part city mouse, one part country mouse; especially when it comes to the English countryside. So, the possibility of living in England in the years to come is quite appealing.

 

On our last visit in March, we did quite a bit of research and admired several lovely properties in Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire in their charming villages and hamlets. Their direct access to London is an added bonus. From updated workers cottages to barn conversions, or even a new build - we are considering all the possibilities! Some examples...

 

This last one is my favorite. These cottages are located on the Ashton Estate near a lovely village. One of the thatched roof cottages is currently for sale and  would be perfect for us!

~ Until the next visit - I'll be dreaming about my country cottage...~

 

 

Into the Woods

 

A few weeks ago, we headed out of town to my brother and sister-in-law's home for a family barbeque in the beautiful hamlet of Bragg Creek, Alberta. I found myself inspired by the peaceful, wooded surroundings, but most of all by the cozy rustic cabin located on their property.

 

 

The cabin is an original pioneer cabin that would have been situated there for several decades before the main house was built. The pioneer's cabin even has the original stone slab on which a wood stove would have sat and been used not only as a source of heat, but also for cooking.

 

 

My sister-in-law, Colleen, has given me the go-ahead to decorate the exterior.  Their property is filled with useful materials such as horse troughs, antique bed frames, finials, wood benches and seating, both new and old. Can you tell I'm excited? I'll share what I've done in a few weeks time.

 

 

Oh, and I'm sure you're wondering; who exactly lives in the cabin? Well that is a secret for only the woods to behold...

 

~ Shhh!..... ~

 

 

 

 

Horse Talk

 

What a spectacular day we had at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, exactly two weeks ago today. Perfect weather, excellent food, riveting events, but best of all (I must confess) was the shopping. All high-quality, well priced items that were difficult to resist! I managed to behave.

 

 

 

Burghley House is certainly worth a visit. The grounds are stunning and the 'house' is an Elizabethan wonder http://www.burghley.co.uk/.  If you would like to attend the horse trials, it runs the first week in September annually. http://www.burghley-horse.co.uk/

 

My one indulgence was a stunning cape  handmade by the talented and charismatic Lucy Bohm of Bohm and Bee that will prove very useful, but more importantly, very stylish this fall. Thank you again Lucy!

 

These gorgeous pups had the right idea after a long and eventful day!

 

The next season is upon us and you know I just can't wait....Until next week!

My Own Downton Abbey

This weekend Andrew and I will be sinking our teeth into the latest season of Downtown Abbey that we recorded last Sunday. I thought I would share the connection to my own Downton Abbey-type estate with you! Here are some photos from when I last visited. 

The estate is Lilford Hall, located in Northamptonshire, England.  My great-great grandfather, William Smith, worked at the estate for many years as a gardener. The current owners have been very committed to the restoration of the Hall - an ambitious and admirable undertaking.

A postcard of the image above hangs proudly in our upstairs hallway along with a page from Country Life Magazine featuring the property for sale years ago. 

A few years ago, I purchased two plots of land in the walled garden to support the restoration project and  in remembrance of where my ancestor had once put his hands to the earth. We’ll be heading up there this year in late autumn and I can’t wait.

My ancestor, William Smith, pictured below with his wife, Mary Ann Roberts, outside their cottage in Lilford-cum-Wigsthorpe. 

(Photo via, our family's private collection) 

Check out Lilford Hall's website for more information on the estate's history and incredible images of the Jacobean architecture! Also, the owner has produced a PBS documentary about its history that you can watch here.

Best of the West

The Calgary Stampede, A.K.A. 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth', is in full-swing here in Calgary, Alberta. Yesterday we moseyed down to the action packed rodeo and rustled-up some cowpokes! YAHOO!! How about roundin' up a bit of western flare and adding it to the look of your home?

Sources:  (Clockwise from top left: Bed, Urban Barn; lamp, This Next; rustic pendant, Woodsyend; coffee table, Bouclair Home; sofa, Country Living; tub, Victoria  + Albert Baths; chandelier, Restoration Hardware; Horse picture, Calgary Stampede; rug, First Dibs; range, La Cornue)

Home on the Range

 

Last weekend we took a lovely drive out to the country. We went to visit my cousin and her boyfriend who recently purchased a large acreage northwest of our city. It's definitely a different pace of life out there; a refreshing, rustic retreat. Magnificent views, interesting historic outbuildings, and antiques left behind within them....their property was full of inspiration!

The stunning picturesque view to the west.

A classic John Deer green mailbox from Kaboodle would certainly fit in well out there!

Old farm equipment poses like intricate sculptures near the stables



Wouldn't it be wonderful to snuggle up with this cozy Pottery Barn throw and watch a storm roll in?

I love the worn green paint on this outbuilding - one of many filled with interesting antiques.

Hello nosy neighbors!

Their sweet puppy 'Sherlock' was exhausted after a day of exploring on the acreage.