So who… is best friend with Min Hogg, legendary founder of WOI was getting down with Tallulah Bankhead age 15 (in between Eton College term times) was a stalwart companion of Diana Cooper née Manners had reclusive star Greta Garbo … Continue reading
It finally arrived, you know… SPRING. So late that nature made up for itself in Ireland bursting forth all at once. It’s been most distracting, I keep on encouraging the children to roll in the grass, you know, get down … Continue reading
My brother came to visit the house and said, ‘Take your time renovating,’” recalls John. “I had already renovated.” Derian’s 1789 ship captain’s house in Cape Cod John Derian is very particular, very precise and very creative. The unerring path … Continue reading
You take it all for granted if you grow up in a happy home, that is until you come back to visit having made your own life. Then each trip is cherished and enjoyed, we were ‘home’ recently and my … Continue reading
Je reste avec vous. (I stay with you) These are the words on Jean Cocteau’s grave stone. He makes a confident statement in death. A contradiction? a truth? a creative legacy? a philosophical statement? a denial? an assertion? definitely … Continue reading
To embark on this journey through uncharted territory I need a vision to inspire me. I always thought I would fall in love with an old house, instead I fell in love with a beech woood, a wild flower meadow … Continue reading
It’s a great title and it’s Jeffrey Bilhuber’s, the subtitle reads ‘Reflections on American beauty’. This side of the Atlantic Ben Pentreath’s offers up ‘English Decoration’, subtitle ‘Timeless Inspiration for the Contemporary Home’, which rather belies the personal tone of … Continue reading
It feels infinite – this time of year in the Nothern hemisphere, the cold and grey are relentless. Now is the season to hunker down and cosy up – hhmmm . The fireplace takes on a whole new meaning, after … Continue reading
I am having a morning tea, with Mungo looking on and it really is all done.
The final tree gave a message loud and clear, that Father Christmas is coming here.
Better get those stockings hung
So dreams can come true (aren’t they lucky) It’s fun to do and I am quite relieved we are through
So till next year, and in the meanwhile charge your glass, New Year’s nearly here.
Happy Christmas
I had a 70′s childhood, you know the one where ‘prawn snacks’ fizzing on heinz tomato soup was A-OK. The cultural highlight of this was my American neighbours where everything seemed ‘Kodak Super 8′: the American fridge freezer, enormous … Continue reading
