Over the last few years, a family wedding was in the planning and my presence was required! Contrary to tradition, the couple were set on having their wedding near the parish of the husband, rather than the bride. Perhaps the reason being that the village in question was rather pretty in the remote area of the lake district, not far…
As the days become lighter, winter recedes and spring is just within reach. It was time for a return visit to Chartwell to see if there had been any updates or alterations. One often sees things with a fresh eye with repeat visits. This time round I’ve added a few fresh views of interior elements that one might have skipped…
For those who are less familiar with gardens in the south east, Perch Hill is something of a trailblazer. Created by Sarah Raven and Adam Nicolson, it symbolises bold colours, new ideas, all whilst grappling with the difficult sticky clay soil in deepest Sussex. Partly on a slope, it is has not evolved overnight, or even in a few years…
Here is an artist’s home I revisit year after year. For those who are less familiar with the inspiration of this important place, it is quite simply one of refuge, past and present. Charleston house was found by the artist Vanessa Bell and her family, as a retreat where she could paint and live her unusual and progressive personal life…
Chawton Cottage Jane Austen readers, fans the world over, will know that Chawton village was where Jane spent her final years; revising and publishing her classic books we know and love today. It had been quite some years since I had visited, and being in need need of a day out, this seemed like a more distinctive destination. The cottage…