The abundance of great houses, both big and small, formal and rustic, untouched or newly restored continues to capture my attention here in England. We make whole day trips to go see a house or a garden, have a picnic, let the kids run around and hope that they absorb at least one thing they learned from the adventure. My 11 year old has just begun to take an interest. When we drive around now, she comments on houses she thinks are special or beautiful or that she thinks I might want to take a photo of. I think it’s important to teach kids about inspiration – the idea that we can be excited by things we don’t have to buy, the idea of developing a visual vocabulary, and the idea of sharing opinions – sometimes agreeing, sometimes not. It’s fun!
April 26, 2013
Hey Amanda – this is such a minor, minor thing, as I love your posts (and am a Brit born & bred, through and through; seeing this through a non-Englander's eyes makes me realise the beauty & grandeur all over again) but I do believe it's 'bridle' not 'bridal' paths, simply because that's where ladies used to ride, whilst their grooms held the bridle & led them. But still loving your work!! : )
Your posts about life in the countryside are my favorites! The photos in this one are stunning! My favorite photo is the huntsman and his hounds. My favorite house is the cottage with the little blue that you pass on your daily run.
Just amazing. What beauty and history! I, too, have spent too many hours to count taking what my kids now and forever more refer to as "housecuts," my version of a shortcut. Despite their earlier protestations, they now point out the houses they like, and humor me as I complain about the ugly monstrosities being built where once stood quaint cottages and farmhouses. Sigh……I do believe I was meant to live in the English countryside. I thoroughly enjoy your blog!
I could live by the water with children. Yep, that's the house for me.
Gorgeous photos! Love the Brit style! Caroline
Makes me proud to be british x
I love the pictures of your life in England. I can envision a life there while I sit at my desk in Los Angeles. Here is a silly question, do the huntsman know the names of all of the dogs in the pack?
I still remember my mother's favorite house that she would point out as we drove by, even though it has been nearly 40 years ago now the last time this might have happened.
The little cottages are so pretty with their hedged walkways and the cozy look of them.
I love all your posts about your life in England!
i love that you take your kids to beautiful houses. i am always pointing to beautiful homes in our neighborhood (way less glamorous than yours), hoping that they pick up a little good design sense along the way. and the other day i pulled up to an estate sale with my 7 year old daughter and she surprisingly pointed out how great the house was. she was right. i couldn't have been more proud! love all the homes you featured…lovely post.