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...~

 

 

In the Mews!

 

 

It's been weeks since I've written a post! So much going on. We've been busy sprucing-up the garden and our deck, (more on that to come!), as well as planning a trip to Paris!

 

In the meantime, not sure if you are familiar with a 'mews' house. Essentially, the 'mews' house is where the chauffer used to live above the garage or 'carriage house' located behind the towering upper middle class to upper class townhouses of London.  I think this would be my preferred style of housing in London for many reasons: quiet back lane streets, privacy, and off-street parking - practically unheard of in London!  In my mind, the value is incredible. And for a cool 4 to 8 million GBP, one of these could be yours... :) Truly still a bargain in London.  

 

 

 

 

This last one is my favorite!!

A Touch of Red

 

Here in Calgary, most days are brilliant with sunshine - even in the winter! In this environment bright paint colors appear to be even more intense. Subdued colors seem to be the preferred tones. Alternatively, in an overcast climate as England typically experiences, bright colors, especially red, just pop out beautifully. What a gorgeous colour to offset stone buildings on cloudy days!

 

 

London Refresh

With a few things to celebrate, we returned to our favorite city for some greenery and a refreshing (and luxurious!) break. How lovely it was to be surrounded by daffodils, crocuses and cherry blossoms. The luxury of our South Kensington hotel was the icing on the cake. 

 

 

 

 

It is still winter at it's worst here in Calgary, so I am missing London already. Until next time!

 

~

Blooms for the Winter Blues

 

I'm in desperate need of a reprieve from winter! Thank goodness warmer weather is apparent! It is difficult to believe that this gorgeous wintry wonderland  our city has become, will eventfully emerge into greenery and blossom in a few months time. 

 

I've filled the house with the floral scent of Jo Malone's 'Orange Blossom' candles and have been taking a look back at my photos of local gardens in summer; as well as some bountiful blooms from our vacations over the past few years - has been very therapeutic! (Please take note, these are my original photographs!)

 

Can you guess where these locations are? See the answer key at the end of this post...

 

 

 

Winter has taken hold all over the globe it seems!.....

 

~ Wishing you warm and sunny days ahead! ~

 

 

From the top: Our back garden, Calgary; Holborn, London; St. James's, London; Lougheed House, Calgary, ; Colony Palms Hotel, Palm Springs; Bistro Jeanty, Yountville; South Beverly Hills, Los Angeles; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Rosendahl Palace, Stockholm; Memorial Park, Calgary; Botanical Gardens, Sydney; Reader Rock Garden, Calgary.

 

Kensington Palace Grounds

 

Five years ago exactly, on Friday, April 29th, 2011, we woke up to my alarm set for 3:00AM to watch the wedding of William and Catherine 'live' with tea and scones in hand (naturally).

Their London home, Kensington Palace, is always one of my favorite places to visit. I never tire of the beautifully kept grounds, architecture and activities taking place around the palace. So, in hopes of bringing out your inner anglophile, I leave you with some lovely images of Kensington Palace.



 

 

~Enjoy this gorgeous spring day!~