Disappointment looms large in life, and although not always catastrophically so, my tulip dreams this past week were nevertheless, monumentally shattered. But alas, we pick ourselves up in times of crisis, put our big girl pants on, and soldier onwards as best we can with heads held high and spirits triumphantly roused. Such calamitous events… Continue reading
Category: House & Gardens
The Wallace Collection – Opulence on a Grand Scale
Alighting from any train station in London is a little like stepping back in time. Of course, the modern city of the 21st century, with its financial beating heart and diverse contemporary architecture has its feet firmly planted in the here and now. Yet one cannot turn a cobbled corner without being jolted back to… Continue reading
A Reflective Anniversary Jaunt – The Sunday Londoner Turns 1!
Camera in hand, I have spent the last year or so exploring and documenting my travels around this vibrant and enigmatic city that I now call home. More than simply a travel journal, The Sunday Londoner was created by an inherent need to focus on the beautiful and inspirational at a time when my sense… Continue reading
Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge – Fusing Art and Life
‘Do come in as often as you like – the place is only alive when used’. – Jim Ede Below the watchful gaze of a tiny stone church, whose tall, pointed steeple far exceeds its miniscule size, rests a cluster of unassuming brick cottages, their humble façades belying the artistic treasures that lay within. Kettle’s… Continue reading
Leighton House – A Quest for The Holy Grail
Moving to England during one of the country’s many pandemic lockdowns – number three I believe this particular one was – presented a great deal of frustration and unrest for this wandering soul. One of the most exhilarating aspects of moving to a new city or country is the delightful pleasure of exploration and discovery.… Continue reading
Brighton – Part 2 – House of Frivolity
Brighton’s streets are a cornucopia brimming with vibrant buildings, lively street art, and a delightful succession of colourful local characters. Yet there is one place that towers above all else with its utter extravagance and outlandish attitude, and despite its monumental stature and exotic appearance, seems oddly at ease in its humble setting by the… Continue reading
Ham House – An Era of Opulence
Although the affluent residential town of Richmond is situated a mere 10 miles from central London, it once was rural agricultural countryside consisting of large houses and hunting lodges of the extremely wealthy. One such estate, a 17th century treasure trove, lies nestled among the naturalistic landscape along the banks of the river Thames. Tucked… Continue reading
Sissinghurst – A Tumble of Roses and Honeysuckle, Figs and Vines
“The heavy golden sunshine enriched the old brick with a kind of patina, and made the tower cast a long shadow across the grass, like the finger of a gigantic sundial veering slowly with the sun. Everything was hushed and drowsy and silent but for the coo of the white pigeons.” – Vita Sackville-West There… Continue reading
Osterley House and Garden – A Lesson in Symmetry and Balance
With spring well under way here in England the variety of wonderful things to see and do seems almost infinite. Grand old homes with their well tendered, enveloping gardens fling open their gates to allow curious visitors the chance to witness these properties at their most glorious. Many of the country’s historic manor houses sit… Continue reading
Kelmscott Manor – An Artistic Sanctuary
“…[Nature] ever bearing witness against man that he has deliberately chosen ugliness instead of beauty…” – William Morris When we were planning our long weekend in the Cotswolds, a visit to one of the many grand heritage gardens that reside here was a necessity. Like resplendent precious jewels adorning a royal crown the gardens of… Continue reading