Inspiration
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Just four more weeks....
The garden has tipped into September - and with it, we now have fewer than four weeks before we'll be moving - so strange to write this. For those that...
Just four more weeks....
The garden has tipped into September - and with it, we now have fewer than four weeks before we'll be moving - so strange to write this. For those that...
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The last days of summer
I'm writing in Dorset this morning, feeling positively autumnal after a weekend of storms blowing through. There isn't quite yet that chill of autumn, I'm glad to say. Someone on...
The last days of summer
I'm writing in Dorset this morning, feeling positively autumnal after a weekend of storms blowing through. There isn't quite yet that chill of autumn, I'm glad to say. Someone on...
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Summer song
P A R T 1 : V E N I C E Is there any better way to start a summer holiday than with a photograph like this...
Summer song
P A R T 1 : V E N I C E Is there any better way to start a summer holiday than with a photograph like this...
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Tuscan interlude
We were very lucky to be invited to stay with some friends at Cetinale, that fabled Tuscan house. We flew to Florence last Friday and at lunchtime this was our...
Tuscan interlude
We were very lucky to be invited to stay with some friends at Cetinale, that fabled Tuscan house. We flew to Florence last Friday and at lunchtime this was our...
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Scotland calling...
Is it possible that six weeks can fly by quite so quickly? From May to July in a single blog, but with rather a few places visited too. I hope...
Scotland calling...
Is it possible that six weeks can fly by quite so quickly? From May to July in a single blog, but with rather a few places visited too. I hope...
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One day...
I got down to Dorset early on Friday morning, driving out of London at dawn. There are few things I like more than being up, really early, in a city...
One day...
I got down to Dorset early on Friday morning, driving out of London at dawn. There are few things I like more than being up, really early, in a city...
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The lie of the Land
I realise that last week's blog was insanely long. Each place in Copenhagen could have been a post on its own. This week, we can catch our breath. Back on...
The lie of the Land
I realise that last week's blog was insanely long. Each place in Copenhagen could have been a post on its own. This week, we can catch our breath. Back on...
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Tulip fever
D O R S E T A month has passed since the last blog - and despite this cold April, here we are, tipping into May - and that extraordinary...
Tulip fever
D O R S E T A month has passed since the last blog - and despite this cold April, here we are, tipping into May - and that extraordinary...
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Easter Song
P R E L U D E I've been away a lot, it feels - first, a lovely trip to Suffolk and Norfolk, for my old office annual reunion in...
Easter Song
P R E L U D E I've been away a lot, it feels - first, a lovely trip to Suffolk and Norfolk, for my old office annual reunion in...
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Home to Scotland
It was a magical weekend in Dorset two weeks ago - sunshine and showers, but springlike days. I have read a brilliant description of this time of year - the...
Home to Scotland
It was a magical weekend in Dorset two weeks ago - sunshine and showers, but springlike days. I have read a brilliant description of this time of year - the...
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January travels
P A R T 1 : S Y D N E Y We arrived in Sydney in crystal clear heat.... We landed early in the morning, met with...
January travels
P A R T 1 : S Y D N E Y We arrived in Sydney in crystal clear heat.... We landed early in the morning, met with...
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All in a day's work
One of the reasons I think I enjoy my life is because the work is so varied. On Wednesday, I was back in London, after the two weeks in Dorset,...
All in a day's work
One of the reasons I think I enjoy my life is because the work is so varied. On Wednesday, I was back in London, after the two weeks in Dorset,...
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"We write the book. The choice is ours"
Happy New year! On the train coming back up from Dorset today, the guard had the following announcement. "Just remember ladies and gentlemen, it's the first Wednesday of the year"....
"We write the book. The choice is ours"
Happy New year! On the train coming back up from Dorset today, the guard had the following announcement. "Just remember ladies and gentlemen, it's the first Wednesday of the year"....
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Autumn journey...
I last posted eight weeks ago, as I was on my way to Scotland. Sorry for the intermission! As you will see, it's been a busy little time. And we...
Autumn journey...
I last posted eight weeks ago, as I was on my way to Scotland. Sorry for the intermission! As you will see, it's been a busy little time. And we...
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The light on the hills
It's that time of year when suddenly the sunlight begins to slant across the land in the most extraordinary way - the low-lying light and long shadows of autumn. I...
The light on the hills
It's that time of year when suddenly the sunlight begins to slant across the land in the most extraordinary way - the low-lying light and long shadows of autumn. I...
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The Indian Summer
It has been a beautiful few days in Dorset - but we have been thinking of our friends and neighbours in Scotland too, as torrential rainfall swept through Argyll &...
The Indian Summer
It has been a beautiful few days in Dorset - but we have been thinking of our friends and neighbours in Scotland too, as torrential rainfall swept through Argyll &...
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Tourists in our own place
P A R T 1 It was a beautiful morning on Wednesday when the office decamped, blindingly, at Petworth House, after a rather early start from Waterloo to Petersfield...
Tourists in our own place
P A R T 1 It was a beautiful morning on Wednesday when the office decamped, blindingly, at Petworth House, after a rather early start from Waterloo to Petersfield...
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Harvest Song
Is there any better view than the train from Glasgow to Lochgliphead, as I was inching my way closer to the bothy? I'd stayed overnight in Edinburgh and caught an...
Harvest Song
Is there any better view than the train from Glasgow to Lochgliphead, as I was inching my way closer to the bothy? I'd stayed overnight in Edinburgh and caught an...
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The last of Summer
Back from Italy. And suddenly, have you noticed the evenings getting shorter, the mornings just that little darker? If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, you will suddenly be feeling...
The last of Summer
Back from Italy. And suddenly, have you noticed the evenings getting shorter, the mornings just that little darker? If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, you will suddenly be feeling...
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Italian interlude, Summer 2023
I left Dorset for London, for Italy… here is a view snapped from my early train that morning. And the sunset, the following evening, in Tuscany…. T U S...
Italian interlude, Summer 2023
I left Dorset for London, for Italy… here is a view snapped from my early train that morning. And the sunset, the following evening, in Tuscany…. T U S...
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Wild Flowers of the Chalk
If you were to come and stay in Dorset, one of the books you’d find in a big stack on the end of the bed in the guest bedroom is...
Wild Flowers of the Chalk
If you were to come and stay in Dorset, one of the books you’d find in a big stack on the end of the bed in the guest bedroom is...
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Six weeks of Summer
Six weeks have passed since I last wrote, on my way back from Scotland. How long ago those balmy days of early June now feel. Charlie’s garden was frothy with...
Six weeks of Summer
Six weeks have passed since I last wrote, on my way back from Scotland. How long ago those balmy days of early June now feel. Charlie’s garden was frothy with...
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Northern progress
I’ve been on a bit of a mission on the second half of this week, taking photographs of our Tornagrain New Town project and two other Scottish houses we’ve worked...
Northern progress
I’ve been on a bit of a mission on the second half of this week, taking photographs of our Tornagrain New Town project and two other Scottish houses we’ve worked...
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Summer days are here again
I had a magical few days in Ojai, California, last weekend – where we will be working on a beautiful 1920s house for a very old client of mine. We...
Summer days are here again
I had a magical few days in Ojai, California, last weekend – where we will be working on a beautiful 1920s house for a very old client of mine. We...
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Fleeting moments
One of my favourite views in the whole of Scotland – as you come around the corner towards Inveraray. Luckily, there’s often a moment when you stop for a second...
Fleeting moments
One of my favourite views in the whole of Scotland – as you come around the corner towards Inveraray. Luckily, there’s often a moment when you stop for a second...
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Coronation Spring
We had the best weekend. Wilfred and Molly came to stay. Here we all are, in the gloaming, marvelling at Charlie’s mad and beautiful Coronation Decorations…
Coronation Spring
We had the best weekend. Wilfred and Molly came to stay. Here we all are, in the gloaming, marvelling at Charlie’s mad and beautiful Coronation Decorations…
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April showers and sunshine
It’s been a cold spring. I can’t say this for a fact… I haven’t checked the official data, but I’ve been feeling it. But the advantage of a slow spring...
April showers and sunshine
It’s been a cold spring. I can’t say this for a fact… I haven’t checked the official data, but I’ve been feeling it. But the advantage of a slow spring...
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Springtime, stateside…
We went to Chicago – my first time back in that beautiful city for well over twenty years. I was there for an event and to receive a very kind...
Springtime, stateside…
We went to Chicago – my first time back in that beautiful city for well over twenty years. I was there for an event and to receive a very kind...
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Out of this world…
Charlie and I are just back from a wonderful week in the mountains. Staying at our absolutely favourite hotel… Built in the later 19th century, and (with a few modifications)...
Out of this world…
Charlie and I are just back from a wonderful week in the mountains. Staying at our absolutely favourite hotel… Built in the later 19th century, and (with a few modifications)...
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Spring is just around the corner, now
I haven’t blogged for a few weeks now, and isn’t it funny to notice how suddenly the air changes in February? Charlie and I were up in Scotland only 2...
Spring is just around the corner, now
I haven’t blogged for a few weeks now, and isn’t it funny to notice how suddenly the air changes in February? Charlie and I were up in Scotland only 2...
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Simple days
The sunshine sparkled on our walk this morning. What a difference a day makes – Saturday was the flattest, greyest life – nothing moving. Today it felt as if the...
Simple days
The sunshine sparkled on our walk this morning. What a difference a day makes – Saturday was the flattest, greyest life – nothing moving. Today it felt as if the...
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From mid-winter to high summer
Well, it was the greyest weekend in Dorset. The flat grey light of late January, the month that seems to last always about a week too long, and that certain...
From mid-winter to high summer
Well, it was the greyest weekend in Dorset. The flat grey light of late January, the month that seems to last always about a week too long, and that certain...
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Winter days and evenings
It has been the softest wintery weekend in Dorset – still air, freezing temperature, brilliant sunshine. Snow still lies on the shadows of the hills. Beautiful January days.
Winter days and evenings
It has been the softest wintery weekend in Dorset – still air, freezing temperature, brilliant sunshine. Snow still lies on the shadows of the hills. Beautiful January days.
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The earth laid bare
From the sparkling sunshine and greens and blues of New Zealand to the depths of the English winter. Dorset is drenched. The rain poured down yesterday, and we hardly left...
The earth laid bare
From the sparkling sunshine and greens and blues of New Zealand to the depths of the English winter. Dorset is drenched. The rain poured down yesterday, and we hardly left...
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The bright summer
We’re back to London this weekend, grey skied, rain sweeping through, everything drenched, trees black-green barked, buildings a symphony of brown and cream and black gloss paint. Red phone and...
The bright summer
We’re back to London this weekend, grey skied, rain sweeping through, everything drenched, trees black-green barked, buildings a symphony of brown and cream and black gloss paint. Red phone and...
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Back to Scotland
Sunday lunch at the Parsonage, a few weeks ago now – Charlie had pulled in all his chrysanthemums from the greenhouse, the sun was streaming in through the bay window…....
Back to Scotland
Sunday lunch at the Parsonage, a few weeks ago now – Charlie had pulled in all his chrysanthemums from the greenhouse, the sun was streaming in through the bay window…....
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Godly and quietly
Autumn is shifting into gear now. We had huge rain and thunderstorms last night and woke this morning to a drenched landscape, but the clouds soon swept through to be...
Godly and quietly
Autumn is shifting into gear now. We had huge rain and thunderstorms last night and woke this morning to a drenched landscape, but the clouds soon swept through to be...
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Autumn song
A month has passed now, since the death of Queen Elizabeth. I was in Oxfordshire, that evening, and for work the following day – so I only got down to...
Autumn song
A month has passed now, since the death of Queen Elizabeth. I was in Oxfordshire, that evening, and for work the following day – so I only got down to...
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The Show Goes On
The blog opens with the wonderfully happy Mayor of Bridport, Ian Bark, on the sunshine-filled day a couple of weeks ago at the Melplash Agricultural Society Show. It is SO...
The Show Goes On
The blog opens with the wonderfully happy Mayor of Bridport, Ian Bark, on the sunshine-filled day a couple of weeks ago at the Melplash Agricultural Society Show. It is SO...
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The Great Dorset Steam Fair 2022
If you’re an old Dorset hand, you probably already know that the best day out in the County is the Great Dorset Steam Fair. But just in case you don’t,...
The Great Dorset Steam Fair 2022
If you’re an old Dorset hand, you probably already know that the best day out in the County is the Great Dorset Steam Fair. But just in case you don’t,...
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Italian Intermission
The strange this is, I’ve only been away for a week. But looking at all these photos, it feels like double or triple that. How beautiful it’s been to be...
Italian Intermission
The strange this is, I’ve only been away for a week. But looking at all these photos, it feels like double or triple that. How beautiful it’s been to be...
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Living the dream
The world goes quiet in August, but I’ve noticed for rather a few years now that the silly season never seems so funny anymore, does it? But then again, I’ve...
Living the dream
The world goes quiet in August, but I’ve noticed for rather a few years now that the silly season never seems so funny anymore, does it? But then again, I’ve...
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High Spring to High Summer
We begin in Spring and end in Summer. I last managed to blog in early May, and here we are, tipping into late June. It’s actually been lovely to look...
High Spring to High Summer
We begin in Spring and end in Summer. I last managed to blog in early May, and here we are, tipping into late June. It’s actually been lovely to look...
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Green time…
It’s a blog of parts again! Looking back at these photos I realise I’ve been around a bit. Time to stay still in the same place sometime soon, I think....
Green time…
It’s a blog of parts again! Looking back at these photos I realise I’ve been around a bit. Time to stay still in the same place sometime soon, I think....
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Catching up
There’s only one way to stay on top of things, I suppose… which is, try to stay on top of things. So although the blog is a little overdue, I’ve...
Catching up
There’s only one way to stay on top of things, I suppose… which is, try to stay on top of things. So although the blog is a little overdue, I’ve...
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Extraordinary spring
We had been planning a trip north. But on Friday morning, early, when Charlie should have been hitting the motorway early (I was going to meet him later in Glasgow,...
Extraordinary spring
We had been planning a trip north. But on Friday morning, early, when Charlie should have been hitting the motorway early (I was going to meet him later in Glasgow,...
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The Broadwey & Upwey Spring Show
It was the weekend of the Broadwey & Upwey Spring show… the first spring show that Charlie has ever entered. I think he was up and about at 4 or...
The Broadwey & Upwey Spring Show
It was the weekend of the Broadwey & Upwey Spring show… the first spring show that Charlie has ever entered. I think he was up and about at 4 or...
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Spring song
The months are passing. I think that all the regular readers of the blog have grown a little accustomed to the fact that I don’t, or can’t, write quite as...
Spring song
The months are passing. I think that all the regular readers of the blog have grown a little accustomed to the fact that I don’t, or can’t, write quite as...
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In the midst of darkness – there is always light
Yet again, time and events run away from me and weeks pass before I write another blog! Happy New Year! But the funny thing is that nothing gives me more...
In the midst of darkness – there is always light
Yet again, time and events run away from me and weeks pass before I write another blog! Happy New Year! But the funny thing is that nothing gives me more...
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Contrasts….
Two weeks ago we were in Cheltenham, for the happiest wedding, one of Charlie’s old friends getting married to her wonderful man. So much laughter along the way and a...
Contrasts….
Two weeks ago we were in Cheltenham, for the happiest wedding, one of Charlie’s old friends getting married to her wonderful man. So much laughter along the way and a...
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Autumn in Scotland
I’ve been on a northern progress – many sights and beautiful things. I drove up to Northumberland on Sunday – to a dreamy, romantic place, where we are being asked...
Autumn in Scotland
I’ve been on a northern progress – many sights and beautiful things. I drove up to Northumberland on Sunday – to a dreamy, romantic place, where we are being asked...
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Softly and gently…
And so, softly, gently, summer slips into autumn. What an autumn it has been this year. I suppose it is amazing how just when the world feels stranger than ever,...
Softly and gently…
And so, softly, gently, summer slips into autumn. What an autumn it has been this year. I suppose it is amazing how just when the world feels stranger than ever,...
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Twenty four hours, twenty years ago.
For four of the five years that I lived in beautiful New York, this was the view north from my little railroad apartment, a 5th floor walk up, one tiny...
Twenty four hours, twenty years ago.
For four of the five years that I lived in beautiful New York, this was the view north from my little railroad apartment, a 5th floor walk up, one tiny...
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Out of the blue….
Welcome back to life – that end of August feeling, September turning, the new school year starting, new notebooks… have you been doing this weekend what is my favourite thing...
Out of the blue….
Welcome back to life – that end of August feeling, September turning, the new school year starting, new notebooks… have you been doing this weekend what is my favourite thing...
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June passing….
I can’t quite believe the whole of June has flown by like this? Can you? And I am sorry that yet again it feels that the blog, which I used...
June passing….
I can’t quite believe the whole of June has flown by like this? Can you? And I am sorry that yet again it feels that the blog, which I used...
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The Saturated Palette of Spring
It’s seeming as though it has never stopped raining this May, although I manage to only take my camera out for the brief 3 seconds a day when the sun...
The Saturated Palette of Spring
It’s seeming as though it has never stopped raining this May, although I manage to only take my camera out for the brief 3 seconds a day when the sun...
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Happy Days really are here again….
“I thought you already owned a Morris Minor?” said a text from my friend Val (from New York) on Monday. “Or am I going mad?”. That was what alerted me...
Happy Days really are here again….
“I thought you already owned a Morris Minor?” said a text from my friend Val (from New York) on Monday. “Or am I going mad?”. That was what alerted me...
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Happy days are here again
'I thought you said you wanted a leaf green Porsche?' said my brother Tim. 'I thought you wanted a Porsche' emailed my friend Paul when I told him. Yup—in a...
Happy days are here again
'I thought you said you wanted a leaf green Porsche?' said my brother Tim. 'I thought you wanted a Porsche' emailed my friend Paul when I told him. Yup—in a...
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An Easter of hope
It has been a beautiful weekend - I hope you have had a very restful, happy Easter. Spring has arrived in Dorset. The air has been filled with birdsong each...
An Easter of hope
It has been a beautiful weekend - I hope you have had a very restful, happy Easter. Spring has arrived in Dorset. The air has been filled with birdsong each...
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One year later….
I’ve been thinking a lot to this time exactly a year ago; I’ll be honest, to the sense of total fear that I had, as I’d arrived in Dorset, physically...
One year later….
I’ve been thinking a lot to this time exactly a year ago; I’ll be honest, to the sense of total fear that I had, as I’d arrived in Dorset, physically...
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Spring turning
As if by magic, we’re on the eve of the 1st of March, St. David’s Day, and spring felt like it had sprung in the valley. I’ve actually been in...
Spring turning
As if by magic, we’re on the eve of the 1st of March, St. David’s Day, and spring felt like it had sprung in the valley. I’ve actually been in...
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Time drifts by….
“Missing Ben’s Blog” said a text from our lovely neighbour Christine, this weekend. And I promised that I’d finally write one! There’s been something about this wintery lockdown – partly...
Time drifts by….
“Missing Ben’s Blog” said a text from our lovely neighbour Christine, this weekend. And I promised that I’d finally write one! There’s been something about this wintery lockdown – partly...
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Out of the fog comes hope
Our walk this morning somehow felt appropriate. It was a beautiful morning, but a thick fog filled the valley. The air was still, silent, muffled. No one was about.
Out of the fog comes hope
Our walk this morning somehow felt appropriate. It was a beautiful morning, but a thick fog filled the valley. The air was still, silent, muffled. No one was about.
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24 Mondays to the longest day of the year!
As always at this time of year, those last few weeks of December hurtle by – even without any late nights and too much drinking as normal – and then...
24 Mondays to the longest day of the year!
As always at this time of year, those last few weeks of December hurtle by – even without any late nights and too much drinking as normal – and then...
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The year is on the brink of turning….
Is it the second lockdown, or was it just that we had a weird technical glitch that prevented me from writing (or at least, from posting a blog) for weeks?...
The year is on the brink of turning….
Is it the second lockdown, or was it just that we had a weird technical glitch that prevented me from writing (or at least, from posting a blog) for weeks?...
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Everything is going to be alright
I left London on Thursday… the most beautiful day, but it was hard to concentrate. The world was holding its breath. I arrived in Dorset, exhausted. Charlie was awake early...
Everything is going to be alright
I left London on Thursday… the most beautiful day, but it was hard to concentrate. The world was holding its breath. I arrived in Dorset, exhausted. Charlie was awake early...
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Out of the storm…
The rain lashed the valley on Saturday. A huge storm passed through. Any tree exposed to the wind has lost its leaves. We stayed in bed late and got up...
Out of the storm…
The rain lashed the valley on Saturday. A huge storm passed through. Any tree exposed to the wind has lost its leaves. We stayed in bed late and got up...
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Reflection time
We were staying with our friends Luke and Duncan this weekend, but were in Scotland the week before that. We popped up for the shortest time to put the cottage...
Reflection time
We were staying with our friends Luke and Duncan this weekend, but were in Scotland the week before that. We popped up for the shortest time to put the cottage...
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Thanksgiving
Last weekend, we had our friends Beata and John staying. The rain lashed down all weekend…wet walks, wet trips to Bridport, wet trips to the beach.
Thanksgiving
Last weekend, we had our friends Beata and John staying. The rain lashed down all weekend…wet walks, wet trips to Bridport, wet trips to the beach.
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Autumnal…
The air is slipping into an autumn mood. Trees are turning; the light takes on that extraordinary glow that I love so much at this time of year. This is...
Autumnal…
The air is slipping into an autumn mood. Trees are turning; the light takes on that extraordinary glow that I love so much at this time of year. This is...
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Weekend in Scotland…
We’ve just come back from Scotland – but first, a few photos from Dorset last week. We’ve had the most beautiful days and evenings; Charlie’s dahlia border is reaching its...
Weekend in Scotland…
We’ve just come back from Scotland – but first, a few photos from Dorset last week. We’ve had the most beautiful days and evenings; Charlie’s dahlia border is reaching its...
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The Summer of 2020: Part II
And then – we were to be in Scotland for weeks. We woke that first day to find bright skies and a powerful breeze; blue skies over Jura… Mavis was...
The Summer of 2020: Part II
And then – we were to be in Scotland for weeks. We woke that first day to find bright skies and a powerful breeze; blue skies over Jura… Mavis was...
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The Summer of 2020: Part 1
I am sorry it’s taken so long to write. It’s for all sorts of reasons. Partly, you’ll understand, that for all of us, hours merged into days, days into weeks...
The Summer of 2020: Part 1
I am sorry it’s taken so long to write. It’s for all sorts of reasons. Partly, you’ll understand, that for all of us, hours merged into days, days into weeks...
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A second month in the country
How’s it possible that four weeks have drifted by since my last blog? Partly – work has been weirdly busy… from time to time, intensely so. Partly, Charlie and I...
A second month in the country
How’s it possible that four weeks have drifted by since my last blog? Partly – work has been weirdly busy… from time to time, intensely so. Partly, Charlie and I...
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From the virtual world, back to the real one
I titled my last post: Life, suspended. As the days and weeks drift by curiously quickly, yet simultaneously slowly, I think we may all know what I mean. And now,...
From the virtual world, back to the real one
I titled my last post: Life, suspended. As the days and weeks drift by curiously quickly, yet simultaneously slowly, I think we may all know what I mean. And now,...
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Life, suspended
A week of more walks, doing the vital daily round; of more long days, with early starts, working harder than I’d somehow imagined possible right now (which makes me feel...
Life, suspended
A week of more walks, doing the vital daily round; of more long days, with early starts, working harder than I’d somehow imagined possible right now (which makes me feel...
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I think it’s going to be okay
We’ve had another week of beautiful mornings – although cold, with a biting east wind. But our daily round of getting up and taking the dogs out as the sun...
I think it’s going to be okay
We’ve had another week of beautiful mornings – although cold, with a biting east wind. But our daily round of getting up and taking the dogs out as the sun...
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The chip at the end of a bar of soap
The title of this blog will make sense only if you ready to the very end. But I wonder, is your week more a tiny bit settled at the end than...
The chip at the end of a bar of soap
The title of this blog will make sense only if you ready to the very end. But I wonder, is your week more a tiny bit settled at the end than...
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The View from Here
This evening, I’m sitting in the kitchen. The dogs are on the sofa, Charlie’s cooking, it feels like any normal evening in Dorset. This was the view on our walk...
The View from Here
This evening, I’m sitting in the kitchen. The dogs are on the sofa, Charlie’s cooking, it feels like any normal evening in Dorset. This was the view on our walk...
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Making a difference when it matters
This is the 442nd blog. That’s a long, long time of writing blogs. I’ve just counted up, and in so doing, I’ve spanned 11 years of writing, of memories, thoughts...
Making a difference when it matters
This is the 442nd blog. That’s a long, long time of writing blogs. I’ve just counted up, and in so doing, I’ve spanned 11 years of writing, of memories, thoughts...
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How can architecture help make places beautiful...
On Friday, possibly, I guess, the last such gathering for a little while, I spoke at a conference in Cerne Abbas organised by that brilliant organisation, the CPRE, the Countryside Charity,...
How can architecture help make places beautiful...
On Friday, possibly, I guess, the last such gathering for a little while, I spoke at a conference in Cerne Abbas organised by that brilliant organisation, the CPRE, the Countryside Charity,...
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Going nowhere
As the world, literally, loses its head, I’ve somehow been finding mine. I’ve gone nowhere and done nothing. The routine has been simple. An early morning walk to the cricket...
Going nowhere
As the world, literally, loses its head, I’ve somehow been finding mine. I’ve gone nowhere and done nothing. The routine has been simple. An early morning walk to the cricket...
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Three weeks in the country…
Actually, that’s what’s about to happen. Charlie has gone to New Zealand, last week, to visit his family – and for various reasons this time I’ve stayed behind. I decided...
Three weeks in the country…
Actually, that’s what’s about to happen. Charlie has gone to New Zealand, last week, to visit his family – and for various reasons this time I’ve stayed behind. I decided...
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Norfolk spectacles and Dorset storms
W E E K O N E It was a brilliant bright day as Charlie, Ruth (aka the Bible of British Taste – by the way, have you checked...
Norfolk spectacles and Dorset storms
W E E K O N E It was a brilliant bright day as Charlie, Ruth (aka the Bible of British Taste – by the way, have you checked...
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Quiet times in Scotland
We’ve had the quietest weekend in Scotland and it’s been so good. Charlie and the dogs left from Dorset on Wednesday, and I got up on Friday morning after a...
Quiet times in Scotland
We’ve had the quietest weekend in Scotland and it’s been so good. Charlie and the dogs left from Dorset on Wednesday, and I got up on Friday morning after a...
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American classic
We’ve been on a whirlwind visit to America… we arrived in Washington on Wednesday evening, late. On Thursday morning, very bright and early, on a crisp, clear, wintry day, we...
American classic
We’ve been on a whirlwind visit to America… we arrived in Washington on Wednesday evening, late. On Thursday morning, very bright and early, on a crisp, clear, wintry day, we...
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The turn of the year
Are you reading this at the beginning of the first day back to work? I’ve called this blog the turn of the year, but of course, it’s the turn of...
The turn of the year
Are you reading this at the beginning of the first day back to work? I’ve called this blog the turn of the year, but of course, it’s the turn of...
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Waiting
The shop is sparkling now… looking so beautiful, dressed for Christmas. Thanks to all those who came for the Lambs Conduit Street Christmas Party on Thursday last week…. And for...
Waiting
The shop is sparkling now… looking so beautiful, dressed for Christmas. Thanks to all those who came for the Lambs Conduit Street Christmas Party on Thursday last week…. And for...
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Peace on earth
After lengthy trips to Dorset and Cornwall last week, I took the train back up to London on Thursday afternoon and caught the sleeper train from Euston in good time....
Peace on earth
After lengthy trips to Dorset and Cornwall last week, I took the train back up to London on Thursday afternoon and caught the sleeper train from Euston in good time....
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Week of contrasts
It’s been a week of contrasts. I can’t really make the connections between the dots, except by a narrative of very separate events and moments. I. On Wednesday,...
Week of contrasts
It’s been a week of contrasts. I can’t really make the connections between the dots, except by a narrative of very separate events and moments. I. On Wednesday,...
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For the long term
A couple of weeks ago, I gave a speech to a packed audience of American architects and interior decorators who were over in London for the Design Leadership Network Summit...
For the long term
A couple of weeks ago, I gave a speech to a packed audience of American architects and interior decorators who were over in London for the Design Leadership Network Summit...
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New rhythms to life
For all sorts of reasons, I find I haven’t written a blog for weeks. The month of October slipped into November quietly… and Charlie and I have found ourselves in...
New rhythms to life
For all sorts of reasons, I find I haven’t written a blog for weeks. The month of October slipped into November quietly… and Charlie and I have found ourselves in...
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Rest amidst the storm
I started the week with a lost voice. Talking too much? A sore throat? Probably, all of the above, and then just spending too much time whizzing here and there...
Rest amidst the storm
I started the week with a lost voice. Talking too much? A sore throat? Probably, all of the above, and then just spending too much time whizzing here and there...
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Thanksgiving
It’s been a good week, and a productive one, but it felt like quite long at times too. I got back from Scotland on Sunday night. A very busy few...
Thanksgiving
It’s been a good week, and a productive one, but it felt like quite long at times too. I got back from Scotland on Sunday night. A very busy few...
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En route….
This was meant to be a blog about moving into Scotland. But I’m 100 photos in and we just arrived at the bothy. So, that will be another blog, because...
En route….
This was meant to be a blog about moving into Scotland. But I’m 100 photos in and we just arrived at the bothy. So, that will be another blog, because...
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Two favourite places
P A R T 1 : N E W Y O R K Somehow, there aren’t many more views in the world as thrilling as this…. the towers...
Two favourite places
P A R T 1 : N E W Y O R K Somehow, there aren’t many more views in the world as thrilling as this…. the towers...
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High Summer weeks
It seems weeks ago that I got down to Dorset at the end of one of the longest and craziest weeks in the office in a fair while – three...
High Summer weeks
It seems weeks ago that I got down to Dorset at the end of one of the longest and craziest weeks in the office in a fair while – three...
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Progress at Tornagrain
This will be a blog of many pictures and few words, designed to give everyone who’s not able to get themselves to Inverness a good look at the emerging town...
Progress at Tornagrain
This will be a blog of many pictures and few words, designed to give everyone who’s not able to get themselves to Inverness a good look at the emerging town...
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The mid Argyll Show
Charlie and I have been up at the bothy for a progress meeting with the builder. Things have moved along amazingly in the last three or four weeks since we...
The mid Argyll Show
Charlie and I have been up at the bothy for a progress meeting with the builder. Things have moved along amazingly in the last three or four weeks since we...
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Holiday reading
Yet again, a month has gone by. My autumn resolution is to get writing weekly or fortnightly – there is something about the rhythm of the blog that needs the...
Holiday reading
Yet again, a month has gone by. My autumn resolution is to get writing weekly or fortnightly – there is something about the rhythm of the blog that needs the...
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The consolations of nature
This was meant to be a blog about a beautiful weekend Charlie and I had had in Scotland – and the week before that, in Suffolk. We’d arrived in Scotland...
The consolations of nature
This was meant to be a blog about a beautiful weekend Charlie and I had had in Scotland – and the week before that, in Suffolk. We’d arrived in Scotland...
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Small moments of peace…
In my memory, maybe it’s right, maybe not, this time last year we were having a bit of a heatwave. Not this June. I left London this morning in a...
Small moments of peace…
In my memory, maybe it’s right, maybe not, this time last year we were having a bit of a heatwave. Not this June. I left London this morning in a...
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Family Gathering, Cornwall calling
We’ve been down in Dorset all week, since the bank holiday. I’ve had work in Poundbury. The evenings have been dreamy… Strange to think that last autumn, Charlie dug up...
Family Gathering, Cornwall calling
We’ve been down in Dorset all week, since the bank holiday. I’ve had work in Poundbury. The evenings have been dreamy… Strange to think that last autumn, Charlie dug up...
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Time flies when you are having fun….
At the end of every weekend for the last month I’ve been saying “oh golly I’ve got to write a blog”. And at the end of every weekend either something...
Time flies when you are having fun….
At the end of every weekend for the last month I’ve been saying “oh golly I’ve got to write a blog”. And at the end of every weekend either something...
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Spring break
It’s been that magical moment since I last posted…. when spring breaks. The Easter weekend was beautifully hot and still in Dorset, but nonetheless the leaves on the trees were...
Spring break
It’s been that magical moment since I last posted…. when spring breaks. The Easter weekend was beautifully hot and still in Dorset, but nonetheless the leaves on the trees were...
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West Country to East Coast
We were in Dorset during the week…. always a pleasure. It was Dad’s birthday supper on Tuesday; I visited local job sites on Wednesday, including a meeting for the church...
West Country to East Coast
We were in Dorset during the week…. always a pleasure. It was Dad’s birthday supper on Tuesday; I visited local job sites on Wednesday, including a meeting for the church...
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Going away and not doing too much at all
Thank you for the kind, thoughtful, beautiful comments on the last post; there’s no doubt whatsoever that the thoughts and prayers of friends – and of those who read the...
Going away and not doing too much at all
Thank you for the kind, thoughtful, beautiful comments on the last post; there’s no doubt whatsoever that the thoughts and prayers of friends – and of those who read the...
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Life
It’s been six or seven weeks since I’ve written. Those that follow me over on instagram will already know that Mum died suddenly, of a heart attack, on the evening...
Life
It’s been six or seven weeks since I’ve written. Those that follow me over on instagram will already know that Mum died suddenly, of a heart attack, on the evening...
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Quiet Times
We got back from America and have had the quietest time… Recovery and catching up. But… we also collected Enid. Oh golly. For those wondering, she’s not a relation of...
Quiet Times
We got back from America and have had the quietest time… Recovery and catching up. But… we also collected Enid. Oh golly. For those wondering, she’s not a relation of...
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One week in the Deep South
We’re back! We had a fantastic time… thank you to every single blog reader that we met who made us so welcome. Charlie and I are having the quietest weekend,...
One week in the Deep South
We’re back! We had a fantastic time… thank you to every single blog reader that we met who made us so welcome. Charlie and I are having the quietest weekend,...
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The promise of January
I’m writing on what has officially been labelled, by people who label things, as the most depressing day of the year. In fact it was a beautiful day in London,...
The promise of January
I’m writing on what has officially been labelled, by people who label things, as the most depressing day of the year. In fact it was a beautiful day in London,...
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The promise of January
I’m writing on what has officially been labelled, by people who label things, as the most depressing day of the year. In fact it was a beautiful day in London,...
The promise of January
I’m writing on what has officially been labelled, by people who label things, as the most depressing day of the year. In fact it was a beautiful day in London,...
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Time Flies, Year Turning…
I am sorry – that’s all I can say. I can’t believe quite how much time has passed since I actually last wrote… time has been flying; since I got...
Time Flies, Year Turning…
I am sorry – that’s all I can say. I can’t believe quite how much time has passed since I actually last wrote… time has been flying; since I got...
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Now we are ten!
Hello from New Zealand. I can’t say it is the warmest summer I’ve known here, but can you imagine how wonderful it is to be transported into long days and...
Now we are ten!
Hello from New Zealand. I can’t say it is the warmest summer I’ve known here, but can you imagine how wonderful it is to be transported into long days and...
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A time to remember
It’s been a sensational two weeks, although I’ll confess I got back from Scotland and down to a project in Cornwall and promptly got the cold that’s been doing the...
A time to remember
It’s been a sensational two weeks, although I’ll confess I got back from Scotland and down to a project in Cornwall and promptly got the cold that’s been doing the...
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Old and New Memories
The autumn colours have been extraordinary this year. A couple of weekends ago, we had our friend Amy staying – the day was bright but the wind was bitterly cold...
Old and New Memories
The autumn colours have been extraordinary this year. A couple of weekends ago, we had our friend Amy staying – the day was bright but the wind was bitterly cold...
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West Country week…
I’ve been out of London for the last ten days. It’s a rather strange feeling waving good-bye (metaphorically) to the Thames and Somerset House on the bus on the way...
West Country week…
I’ve been out of London for the last ten days. It’s a rather strange feeling waving good-bye (metaphorically) to the Thames and Somerset House on the bus on the way...
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One month later….
You blink, and a month has whizzed by! What happened? Well, I’m still alive, at least. What happened was, I got far too crazy to blog. Thank you for everyone...
One month later….
You blink, and a month has whizzed by! What happened? Well, I’m still alive, at least. What happened was, I got far too crazy to blog. Thank you for everyone...
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Early Autumn in Dorset doing nothing very much ...
The garden has reached that peak early autumn moment – wild and ebullient, blowsy, waiting for the first frost. I arrived on Dorset on Friday evening, and we had a...
Early Autumn in Dorset doing nothing very much ...
The garden has reached that peak early autumn moment – wild and ebullient, blowsy, waiting for the first frost. I arrived on Dorset on Friday evening, and we had a...
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Decoration position available
There’s no blog this week, but there is a job being advertised in the Interior Decoration office! We are looking for a bright and enthusiastic new assistant in the studio....
Decoration position available
There’s no blog this week, but there is a job being advertised in the Interior Decoration office! We are looking for a bright and enthusiastic new assistant in the studio....
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It’s Showtime!
From Italy, back to the green of England. It’s been amazing how a couple of weeks of normal temperature and a bit of rain make everything completely green again. Last...
It’s Showtime!
From Italy, back to the green of England. It’s been amazing how a couple of weeks of normal temperature and a bit of rain make everything completely green again. Last...
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Dreaming of Italy
I’ve only been back a week, but Italy already feels like a dream. Summer is shifting now; here for a week or two longer perhaps, but that moment of new...
Dreaming of Italy
I’ve only been back a week, but Italy already feels like a dream. Summer is shifting now; here for a week or two longer perhaps, but that moment of new...
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Pootling about
PART I I followed Charlie back from Stockholm a day late, and had a beautiful day heading to Richmond Park for our friend Monica’s birthday. London steamed in sultry heat,...
Pootling about
PART I I followed Charlie back from Stockholm a day late, and had a beautiful day heading to Richmond Park for our friend Monica’s birthday. London steamed in sultry heat,...
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Swedish Classical
I’m just back from a wonderful few days in Stockholm. Yesterday, I was giving a talk to the Engelsberg Summer School students – and that prompted the thought that Charlie...
Swedish Classical
I’m just back from a wonderful few days in Stockholm. Yesterday, I was giving a talk to the Engelsberg Summer School students – and that prompted the thought that Charlie...
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In suspension
Wednesday evening was not good. Here is our friend Ruth Guilding (author of the incredible Bible of British Taste) and Charlie, at the Pineapple, Leverton Street, which was the perfect...
In suspension
Wednesday evening was not good. Here is our friend Ruth Guilding (author of the incredible Bible of British Taste) and Charlie, at the Pineapple, Leverton Street, which was the perfect...
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The endless weeks of summer
I can’t quite remember anything like it, and I’m not talking about our mad politics. In the ten years since I’ve lived at the Parsonage, there have been some wonderful...
The endless weeks of summer
I can’t quite remember anything like it, and I’m not talking about our mad politics. In the ten years since I’ve lived at the Parsonage, there have been some wonderful...
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Two weekends in High Summer
The heat has been amazing. The earth is dry. It feels as if we are hurtling into late summer already. Walking this morning felt like being in Italy in the...
Two weekends in High Summer
The heat has been amazing. The earth is dry. It feels as if we are hurtling into late summer already. Walking this morning felt like being in Italy in the...
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In a New York State of Mind…
It’s a strange thing about time, isn’t it? Ask me what I was doing last Thursday week and frankly I’ve got no idea. Ask me what I was doing 19...
In a New York State of Mind…
It’s a strange thing about time, isn’t it? Ask me what I was doing last Thursday week and frankly I’ve got no idea. Ask me what I was doing 19...
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Summer passing
The late spring and freezing winter is forgotten. Summer has burst upon the valley and, blinking in the early, early mornings, we realise that we are only a few weeks...
Summer passing
The late spring and freezing winter is forgotten. Summer has burst upon the valley and, blinking in the early, early mornings, we realise that we are only a few weeks...
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Wedding Weekend
It seemed as if England basked in sunshine and happiness. I got down to Dorset on Friday evening to find the Parsonage glowing. Suddenly summer is upon us.
Wedding Weekend
It seemed as if England basked in sunshine and happiness. I got down to Dorset on Friday evening to find the Parsonage glowing. Suddenly summer is upon us.
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Monumental landscapes
We have had our friends Spencer and Austin staying over from New York. Always an opportunity for a monumental tour – which started with a visit to Chettle House, our...
Monumental landscapes
We have had our friends Spencer and Austin staying over from New York. Always an opportunity for a monumental tour – which started with a visit to Chettle House, our...
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Spring into Summer
I remember one of the things I found strangest of all living in New York was the absence of a proper spring. Well into April, ice cold winds could blow...
Spring into Summer
I remember one of the things I found strangest of all living in New York was the absence of a proper spring. Well into April, ice cold winds could blow...
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Where have the weeks flown?
One minute, it was winter. The next minute, it was high summer. And I’m writing this evening, at the Parsonage, next to a fire, with cold grey clouds scudding across...
Where have the weeks flown?
One minute, it was winter. The next minute, it was high summer. And I’m writing this evening, at the Parsonage, next to a fire, with cold grey clouds scudding across...
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Thanksgiving
No – not the time of year – but our amazing response, in the village, to the appeal that I made at the end of the blog last week. Everyone...
Thanksgiving
No – not the time of year – but our amazing response, in the village, to the appeal that I made at the end of the blog last week. Everyone...
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Glimmers of hope
Regular readers of the blog will again be aware that a post hasn’t popped into their email address boxes for a week or two. I am sorry…. it’s been a...
Glimmers of hope
Regular readers of the blog will again be aware that a post hasn’t popped into their email address boxes for a week or two. I am sorry…. it’s been a...
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Snow expected & snow unexpected
Charlie and I went skiing last week for a few days, to France. It was the first time I’d been in years, and it’s always reassuring to realise I’m not...
Snow expected & snow unexpected
Charlie and I went skiing last week for a few days, to France. It was the first time I’d been in years, and it’s always reassuring to realise I’m not...
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Thaw
The snow was wonderful. I love the sense of disruption: a bit like the flu, when you have to cancel carefully laid plans left right and centre; but this time,...
Thaw
The snow was wonderful. I love the sense of disruption: a bit like the flu, when you have to cancel carefully laid plans left right and centre; but this time,...
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Hello Sibyl…
Oh golly, this has been one of those incredibly happy weekends that come once in a blue moon. You know what I mean? Sibyl our new corgi was arriving. Charlie...
Hello Sibyl…
Oh golly, this has been one of those incredibly happy weekends that come once in a blue moon. You know what I mean? Sibyl our new corgi was arriving. Charlie...
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Small moments
If you are driving along the lanes not too far from us, just to the west of the village of Long Bredy, you will see a beautiful display of snowdrops...
Small moments
If you are driving along the lanes not too far from us, just to the west of the village of Long Bredy, you will see a beautiful display of snowdrops...
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Staying put
I suppose when you’ve been a very long way, the best thing of all is not to go very far at all. I’ve had a fortnight to get used to being...
Staying put
I suppose when you’ve been a very long way, the best thing of all is not to go very far at all. I’ve had a fortnight to get used to being...
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The wide open spaces of Summer
So January has nearly disappeared and we didn’t even blink! What happened? I’m afraid it’s taken me a week to get back to the blog – as I’m sure you’ll...
The wide open spaces of Summer
So January has nearly disappeared and we didn’t even blink! What happened? I’m afraid it’s taken me a week to get back to the blog – as I’m sure you’ll...
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Renewal
I hope you’ve had a really peaceful Christmas and New Year. Charlie and I headed down to Dorset on the Thursday before Christmas, leaving behind a deserted London. The countryside...
Renewal
I hope you’ve had a really peaceful Christmas and New Year. Charlie and I headed down to Dorset on the Thursday before Christmas, leaving behind a deserted London. The countryside...
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Scotland calling
Charlie and I are just back from a beautiful few days in Scotland. While the rest of the country was blanketed in snow, we had freezing, clear, sparkling days. We...
Scotland calling
Charlie and I are just back from a beautiful few days in Scotland. While the rest of the country was blanketed in snow, we had freezing, clear, sparkling days. We...
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Into Winter
Nothing’s really been happening – which is nice: a moment of peace before we tip headlong into Christmas. I got sick momentarily, cancelled meetings and went to bed for a day...
Into Winter
Nothing’s really been happening – which is nice: a moment of peace before we tip headlong into Christmas. I got sick momentarily, cancelled meetings and went to bed for a day...
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The Yeovil and District Chrysanthemum and Dahli...
If you’d spotted Charlie and me at a little after two o’ clock on Saturday afternoon, you might have been a bit surprised. This is where we were, in Yeovil....
The Yeovil and District Chrysanthemum and Dahli...
If you’d spotted Charlie and me at a little after two o’ clock on Saturday afternoon, you might have been a bit surprised. This is where we were, in Yeovil....
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Autumn in Venice
We arrived in Venice to sparkling blue skies and sunshine. The moment when you first catch sight of the spires of Venice across the lagoon is always breathtaking.
Autumn in Venice
We arrived in Venice to sparkling blue skies and sunshine. The moment when you first catch sight of the spires of Venice across the lagoon is always breathtaking.
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Temples of delight
Yet again you will be wondering where the blog has gone. If you are, by any chance, a new and budding ‘blogger’, you will know that the first rule of...
Temples of delight
Yet again you will be wondering where the blog has gone. If you are, by any chance, a new and budding ‘blogger’, you will know that the first rule of...
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Out of Season
We’ve been trying to find a weekend to visit our friend Ruth Guilding down in Cornwall for months. Regular blog readers will recall Ruth not only as author of the brilliant...
Out of Season
We’ve been trying to find a weekend to visit our friend Ruth Guilding down in Cornwall for months. Regular blog readers will recall Ruth not only as author of the brilliant...
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Harvest song
It’s been a village weekend. Autumn is settling over the valley. On Friday, Charlie was teaching a flower course at the Parsonage, with our friends Bridget and Henrietta, of the...
Harvest song
It’s been a village weekend. Autumn is settling over the valley. On Friday, Charlie was teaching a flower course at the Parsonage, with our friends Bridget and Henrietta, of the...
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One month
It’s been the craziest month. You might have been wondering where I’d gone. Was I ever going to blog again? The truth is we’ve had a wonderful but manic month,...
One month
It’s been the craziest month. You might have been wondering where I’d gone. Was I ever going to blog again? The truth is we’ve had a wonderful but manic month,...
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You cannot get too much of a good thing
I’m on the train back up to London – a dark evening, pouring rain – never good on a Sunday night at the best of times – and the weekend...
You cannot get too much of a good thing
I’m on the train back up to London – a dark evening, pouring rain – never good on a Sunday night at the best of times – and the weekend...
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Morning and Evening; Summer’s end.
The main event was the Melplash show, and don’t miss reading about that here. But it’s been the most amazing long weekend in Dorset – well, everywhere, I think –...
Morning and Evening; Summer’s end.
The main event was the Melplash show, and don’t miss reading about that here. But it’s been the most amazing long weekend in Dorset – well, everywhere, I think –...
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Melplash Revisited
We arrived at the show after a quick pub lunch to be greeted by a wonderful clown on a hobby horse. It was going to be that kind of a...
Melplash Revisited
We arrived at the show after a quick pub lunch to be greeted by a wonderful clown on a hobby horse. It was going to be that kind of a...
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Facendo nulla
(is Italian for ‘doing nothing’). I’m home from Italy. Back here, Charlie’s been manically getting ready for the Melplash show. As I write, he’s still over in the Horticultural Tent...
Facendo nulla
(is Italian for ‘doing nothing’). I’m home from Italy. Back here, Charlie’s been manically getting ready for the Melplash show. As I write, he’s still over in the Horticultural Tent...
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Scottish sojourn
I’ve just come back from a few days in Scotland. Heaven. It’s about that time of year when Charlie starts getting itchy feet to travel north, like a homing pigeon...
Scottish sojourn
I’ve just come back from a few days in Scotland. Heaven. It’s about that time of year when Charlie starts getting itchy feet to travel north, like a homing pigeon...
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Life cycles
In amongst the torrential rain, it was a lovely weekend at the end of a busy old week. On Friday, I popped over to see Mum & Dad, on the Isle...
Life cycles
In amongst the torrential rain, it was a lovely weekend at the end of a busy old week. On Friday, I popped over to see Mum & Dad, on the Isle...
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Weeks of endless Summer
Where has the time gone? I’m afraid you must have been wondering if I was ever going to blog again, but at the same time, I also know that you...
Weeks of endless Summer
Where has the time gone? I’m afraid you must have been wondering if I was ever going to blog again, but at the same time, I also know that you...
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Dedication…
The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that my first book, English Decoration, was dedicated ‘to Anthony Sykes, who understands more about English Decoration than anyone I know’.Later, we’ll see more of...
Dedication…
The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that my first book, English Decoration, was dedicated ‘to Anthony Sykes, who understands more about English Decoration than anyone I know’.Later, we’ll see more of...
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The View from Here
Apologies for those who use this blog as a way to ease themselves into the week ahead on a Monday morning. Last week, for some reason, I couldn’t quite think...
The View from Here
Apologies for those who use this blog as a way to ease themselves into the week ahead on a Monday morning. Last week, for some reason, I couldn’t quite think...
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Mexico is the….
Well, I couldn’t have said it better than this jacket in the bar of the restaurant we went to one night! Too right. We’re back! We had the best time...
Mexico is the….
Well, I couldn’t have said it better than this jacket in the bar of the restaurant we went to one night! Too right. We’re back! We had the best time...
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Two weeks go by
I realise a couple of weeks have passed since I last wrote; it’s Monday evening, at the end of a quiet Bank Holiday, and I’m on the late train back...
Two weeks go by
I realise a couple of weeks have passed since I last wrote; it’s Monday evening, at the end of a quiet Bank Holiday, and I’m on the late train back...
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By pastures green
One of the strange things about renting two houses is that you spend a lot of time travelling between the two. I suppose that my weeks, in the main, are in...
By pastures green
One of the strange things about renting two houses is that you spend a lot of time travelling between the two. I suppose that my weeks, in the main, are in...
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Happy times, in two parts
P A R T O N E The blog was on a bank holiday last weekend. Did you notice? It’s not that I’d stopped keeping my eyes open, but...
Happy times, in two parts
P A R T O N E The blog was on a bank holiday last weekend. Did you notice? It’s not that I’d stopped keeping my eyes open, but...
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Tangier, revisited
PART I – Tangier It’s been a mad old week. More than once this weekend, Charlie and I were pinching ourselves thinking “this time last week we were….” to which...
Tangier, revisited
PART I – Tangier It’s been a mad old week. More than once this weekend, Charlie and I were pinching ourselves thinking “this time last week we were….” to which...
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Time standing still
It’s been a strange experience, this weekend, to have an almost intense summer heat before the leaves on the trees are beginning to unfurl. But the garden is exploding.
Time standing still
It’s been a strange experience, this weekend, to have an almost intense summer heat before the leaves on the trees are beginning to unfurl. But the garden is exploding.
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Staying put
Spring is springing. We were sitting in the garden this evening, in warm sunshine, at half past six, thinking how strange it is that only a month ago it would...
Staying put
Spring is springing. We were sitting in the garden this evening, in warm sunshine, at half past six, thinking how strange it is that only a month ago it would...
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Spring calling
It’s been a perfect weekend in Dorset. The end of a pretty hectic week – a weekend of peace and quiet had never been more welcome. On Friday evening I...
Spring calling
It’s been a perfect weekend in Dorset. The end of a pretty hectic week – a weekend of peace and quiet had never been more welcome. On Friday evening I...
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Chatsworth
M I D W E E K E X C U R S I O N Charlie and I have been at Chatsworth today. Neither of us had been, and believe...
Chatsworth
M I D W E E K E X C U R S I O N Charlie and I have been at Chatsworth today. Neither of us had been, and believe...
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From a vision, to the start of a reality
It’s Monday evening and I’ve just come back from two brief, glorious days in Scotland. Charlie stayed in Dorset with Henry and Mavis, to which end, time and again, I...
From a vision, to the start of a reality
It’s Monday evening and I’ve just come back from two brief, glorious days in Scotland. Charlie stayed in Dorset with Henry and Mavis, to which end, time and again, I...
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In the high places of Dorset
If you want to write a blog on a Sunday evening, don’t bump into your friends Jasper and Oisin on the train home that afternoon to London from Yeovil Junction....
In the high places of Dorset
If you want to write a blog on a Sunday evening, don’t bump into your friends Jasper and Oisin on the train home that afternoon to London from Yeovil Junction....
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Playing with Castles
We’ve been in Wales for the weekend, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, in a little dreamworld. With our friends Brandon and Will (and their dog Lewis) we’d rented the...
Playing with Castles
We’ve been in Wales for the weekend, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, in a little dreamworld. With our friends Brandon and Will (and their dog Lewis) we’d rented the...
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The Echo Chamber
It’s a stormy, windy night in Dorset. A gale is tearing through the valley, and Charlie, Mavis, Henry and I are sitting by the fire hearing the rain dash against the...
The Echo Chamber
It’s a stormy, windy night in Dorset. A gale is tearing through the valley, and Charlie, Mavis, Henry and I are sitting by the fire hearing the rain dash against the...
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Dream world
Apologies for not posting last weekend. I hope you didn’t miss it. I arrived in London early on Monday morning to find I’d left my camera in Dorset. So the...
Dream world
Apologies for not posting last weekend. I hope you didn’t miss it. I arrived in London early on Monday morning to find I’d left my camera in Dorset. So the...
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Meandering by the river
We were in London for the weekend. On Friday night we had our office Christmas Party. It’s become a bit of a tradition at Ben P towers that Christmas Parties...
Meandering by the river
We were in London for the weekend. On Friday night we had our office Christmas Party. It’s become a bit of a tradition at Ben P towers that Christmas Parties...
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Quiet days are the best right now
We’ve had the quietest weekend. Nothing happened at all. Bliss. Today, it’s rained all day – great swathes of rain washing over the valley, the skies dark and wintry. I’ve...
Quiet days are the best right now
We’ve had the quietest weekend. Nothing happened at all. Bliss. Today, it’s rained all day – great swathes of rain washing over the valley, the skies dark and wintry. I’ve...
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Morning and Evening
A bonus blog this week. Today, Charlie and I were down in Dorset – heading to Devon for my great-uncle’s funeral, where it was a sad but wonderful day learning...
Morning and Evening
A bonus blog this week. Today, Charlie and I were down in Dorset – heading to Devon for my great-uncle’s funeral, where it was a sad but wonderful day learning...
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Prelude
This blog starts with a prelude to great things. We went to Bridport early on Saturday morning. The market was quiet but Charlie and I came away with a haul...
Prelude
This blog starts with a prelude to great things. We went to Bridport early on Saturday morning. The market was quiet but Charlie and I came away with a haul...
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Melancholia
This was the first ever photograph I took of Percy…. and so, so sadly – this is the last. Taken the day before New Year. On Monday, a week ago, very...
Melancholia
This was the first ever photograph I took of Percy…. and so, so sadly – this is the last. Taken the day before New Year. On Monday, a week ago, very...
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Something Old, Something New
It’s not blue Monday yet; that’s next week. So we can still say, Happy New Year! But if you’re like me, the holidays seem a slightly distant memory. Suddenly, this...
Something Old, Something New
It’s not blue Monday yet; that’s next week. So we can still say, Happy New Year! But if you’re like me, the holidays seem a slightly distant memory. Suddenly, this...
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Looking back, and forward
Yay! Charlie’s back, after a wonderful but so-quick-trip to NZ, and we’ve had the quietest week down in Dorset with Henry, Percy and Mavis. The day he arrived home, he was knocked...
Looking back, and forward
Yay! Charlie’s back, after a wonderful but so-quick-trip to NZ, and we’ve had the quietest week down in Dorset with Henry, Percy and Mavis. The day he arrived home, he was knocked...
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Into the mist
This week has been about not very much at all. The time has flown by. It’s Monday morning in Dorset; Monday night in New Zealand, and I’ve just spoken to...
Into the mist
This week has been about not very much at all. The time has flown by. It’s Monday morning in Dorset; Monday night in New Zealand, and I’ve just spoken to...
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Quiet times
Mavis and I don’t entirely know what to do with ourselves. Yesterday afternoon we drove Charlie to the airport and said a sad goodbye as he headed off to New...
Quiet times
Mavis and I don’t entirely know what to do with ourselves. Yesterday afternoon we drove Charlie to the airport and said a sad goodbye as he headed off to New...
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In Preparation
I’m afraid this is going to be the shortest blog ever, partly because the week has whizzed by quicker than ever. Here’s a photo of the house this evening, a...
In Preparation
I’m afraid this is going to be the shortest blog ever, partly because the week has whizzed by quicker than ever. Here’s a photo of the house this evening, a...
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The best things never change
We had Bridie, and our friend and neighbour Gabby Deeming (of House & Garden fame) staying for the weekend… and had the quietest time you could imagine. The kitchen sofa...
The best things never change
We had Bridie, and our friend and neighbour Gabby Deeming (of House & Garden fame) staying for the weekend… and had the quietest time you could imagine. The kitchen sofa...
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In a New York State of Mind
Charlie and I are back from the most wonderful trip to New York – we arrived home on Wednesday night, but it already feels like a dream. I’m sure I’ll...
In a New York State of Mind
Charlie and I are back from the most wonderful trip to New York – we arrived home on Wednesday night, but it already feels like a dream. I’m sure I’ll...
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Home and Away
I think I wrote in my last blog, about Lisbon, how a hidden purpose of travelling to new places is to realise how much you love the familiar. A couple...
Home and Away
I think I wrote in my last blog, about Lisbon, how a hidden purpose of travelling to new places is to realise how much you love the familiar. A couple...
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A weekend on the tiles
LAST WEEKEND Last weekend Charlie and I went to Lisbon. It had been high on our lists for a while. We got in late on Friday afternoon and rolled into...
A weekend on the tiles
LAST WEEKEND Last weekend Charlie and I went to Lisbon. It had been high on our lists for a while. We got in late on Friday afternoon and rolled into...
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Modern art on a hangover is not a good combination
We had our friends Brandon and Will staying. Friday night was quiz night in the village hall. No-one was very good at the answers but as usual we were good...
Modern art on a hangover is not a good combination
We had our friends Brandon and Will staying. Friday night was quiz night in the village hall. No-one was very good at the answers but as usual we were good...
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Pictures not words
PART I Hanging on the wall of my office is a poster I bought a few years ago at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, by Andy Warhol. I...
Pictures not words
PART I Hanging on the wall of my office is a poster I bought a few years ago at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, by Andy Warhol. I...
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The Melplash Show
I have that feeling that I am taking a step back in time, and yet only by a two or three weeks. How quickly summer slips in to Autumn, but...
The Melplash Show
I have that feeling that I am taking a step back in time, and yet only by a two or three weeks. How quickly summer slips in to Autumn, but...
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The Great Fire Bonfire….
I was planning to blog about the Melplash show, and Charlie’s dahlias, this week – but that is going to have to wait a night or two. Tonight – an...
The Great Fire Bonfire….
I was planning to blog about the Melplash show, and Charlie’s dahlias, this week – but that is going to have to wait a night or two. Tonight – an...
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A month in the country
I’m back in London for the first time tonight in a month. I realised, when I was chatting with Charlie this morning, at the end of our wonderful month in Dorset, that...
A month in the country
I’m back in London for the first time tonight in a month. I realised, when I was chatting with Charlie this morning, at the end of our wonderful month in Dorset, that...
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Classical Landscapes
This, too, is a blog in parts, so that you can dip in and out when you wish. I F O R D Last week, Charlie and I were in...
Classical Landscapes
This, too, is a blog in parts, so that you can dip in and out when you wish. I F O R D Last week, Charlie and I were in...
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The joy of the everyday
Last week was one of those weeks (as some of you will have noticed) where I entirely ran out of time to post a blog. Events had conspired. No matter....
The joy of the everyday
Last week was one of those weeks (as some of you will have noticed) where I entirely ran out of time to post a blog. Events had conspired. No matter....
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High Summer
Time is flying at the moment…. but I suppose the way to calm it down is to stay still, in one place, for more than a minute. I got down...
High Summer
Time is flying at the moment…. but I suppose the way to calm it down is to stay still, in one place, for more than a minute. I got down...
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Too nice to leave
It was a lovely weekend. I’m writing a day late – it was that nice. We had our friends Jamie and Richard staying, who are themselves old friends of one...
Too nice to leave
It was a lovely weekend. I’m writing a day late – it was that nice. We had our friends Jamie and Richard staying, who are themselves old friends of one...
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A year ago today….
Charlie and I were throwing our wedding party down in Dorset. Rather than writing something new this morning, I’ve been enjoying just thinking about what really was one of the...
A year ago today….
Charlie and I were throwing our wedding party down in Dorset. Rather than writing something new this morning, I’ve been enjoying just thinking about what really was one of the...
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Business as usual
In the interests of business as usual, here is a blog about nothing particular at all. I’m glad to say that some things don’t change in Dorset…. Charlie’s huge flower...
Business as usual
In the interests of business as usual, here is a blog about nothing particular at all. I’m glad to say that some things don’t change in Dorset…. Charlie’s huge flower...
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Back home
I arrived in Dorset late-ish on Friday night, at the end of a very long week. There is nothing in the world more happy than being met by Charlie at...
Back home
I arrived in Dorset late-ish on Friday night, at the end of a very long week. There is nothing in the world more happy than being met by Charlie at...
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West Coasting
We’ve just got back from a wonderful, happy few days North. We called in on the way up with our friend Issy in the Scottish Borders. Heaven. June feels like...
West Coasting
We’ve just got back from a wonderful, happy few days North. We called in on the way up with our friend Issy in the Scottish Borders. Heaven. June feels like...
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Village Celebration, in Seven Acts
This is a story in seven acts. It was the village celebration for the Queen’s 90th Birthday this weekend. Okay, okay, a week earlier than everyone else in the Country,...
Village Celebration, in Seven Acts
This is a story in seven acts. It was the village celebration for the Queen’s 90th Birthday this weekend. Okay, okay, a week earlier than everyone else in the Country,...
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High Summer, already
It’s been a rare bank holiday of beautiful weather from start to end. When did that last happen? Dorset has fallen headlong in to summer.
High Summer, already
It’s been a rare bank holiday of beautiful weather from start to end. When did that last happen? Dorset has fallen headlong in to summer.
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Weekend in Rutland
We’ve been in Rutland for the weekend – for a wonderful wedding of our friends Connie and Tom. In a strange sense, Connie is familiar to every one of our...
Weekend in Rutland
We’ve been in Rutland for the weekend – for a wonderful wedding of our friends Connie and Tom. In a strange sense, Connie is familiar to every one of our...
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Early summer days
The sun has shone on Dorset this weekend. I’m writing on a quiet Sunday evening after the most fantastic couple of days. We’ve had our friends Will and Brandon (and...
Early summer days
The sun has shone on Dorset this weekend. I’m writing on a quiet Sunday evening after the most fantastic couple of days. We’ve had our friends Will and Brandon (and...
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Pottering about in West Dorset
After the washout of the Bank Holiday weekend in Cornwall…. enjoyable as it was…. it was nonetheless rather a rare and lovely feeling to be arriving in Dorset on Friday...
Pottering about in West Dorset
After the washout of the Bank Holiday weekend in Cornwall…. enjoyable as it was…. it was nonetheless rather a rare and lovely feeling to be arriving in Dorset on Friday...
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Happy times in Cornwall
You might have been wondering where I went again….. but in this case it was just another manic week. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to get...
Happy times in Cornwall
You might have been wondering where I went again….. but in this case it was just another manic week. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to get...
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Slow recovery
Some of you may have been wondering where I’d gone. The day before we were meant to go to Lisbon, I came down with a really horrible flu. I woke that...
Slow recovery
Some of you may have been wondering where I’d gone. The day before we were meant to go to Lisbon, I came down with a really horrible flu. I woke that...
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Time flying
Where’s the blog gone, you’ll have been asking… and time has been rushing by. It’s been one of those moments where I have just had to get my head down...
Time flying
Where’s the blog gone, you’ll have been asking… and time has been rushing by. It’s been one of those moments where I have just had to get my head down...
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Small details
I can’t tell you how many hours I seem to have spent being stuck in a traffic jam on the Marylebone Road. For those that don’t know London, this great...
Small details
I can’t tell you how many hours I seem to have spent being stuck in a traffic jam on the Marylebone Road. For those that don’t know London, this great...
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Days lengthening
Sorry for no blog last week. The trouble is, life’s pretty busy from time to time, as I’m sure you know. So there will be the odd intermittent delay –...
Days lengthening
Sorry for no blog last week. The trouble is, life’s pretty busy from time to time, as I’m sure you know. So there will be the odd intermittent delay –...
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Work in progress
Regular readers of the blog (and of a particularly lively comments page) will remember that a few weeks ago I caused minor consternation in benworld by announcing that the garden...
Work in progress
Regular readers of the blog (and of a particularly lively comments page) will remember that a few weeks ago I caused minor consternation in benworld by announcing that the garden...
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The Art of Interior Decoration
I’ll be honest. If you asked me on most Sunday mornings, I never have a clue what I’m going to blog about that evening (well, in fact, it’s early Monday...
The Art of Interior Decoration
I’ll be honest. If you asked me on most Sunday mornings, I never have a clue what I’m going to blog about that evening (well, in fact, it’s early Monday...
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Local museums
I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always preferred a small local museum to the big boys. Something about the charm of the displays; the often rare survivals of...
Local museums
I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always preferred a small local museum to the big boys. Something about the charm of the displays; the often rare survivals of...
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London meandering
We had such a nice day, on a walk we must have done fifty times but where you always discover something new. I’d been completely laid out this week… not...
London meandering
We had such a nice day, on a walk we must have done fifty times but where you always discover something new. I’d been completely laid out this week… not...
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Home time
When you’ve been away – there’s nothing nicer than getting home. And nothing nicer than being in Dorset on a crystal clear sunny morning, with a heavy frost in the...
Home time
When you’ve been away – there’s nothing nicer than getting home. And nothing nicer than being in Dorset on a crystal clear sunny morning, with a heavy frost in the...
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Summertime, and the living was easy
So we got back safe and sound on Friday…. and it’s been a very quiet weekend. There’s no doubt it takes a little while for the brain to catch up...
Summertime, and the living was easy
So we got back safe and sound on Friday…. and it’s been a very quiet weekend. There’s no doubt it takes a little while for the brain to catch up...
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L.A. story, in 36 hours
Happy New Year! Sorry for the strange timing but it’s been wonderful to keep my laptop shut, as I am sure you can imagine. Charlie and I are slowly floating...
L.A. story, in 36 hours
Happy New Year! Sorry for the strange timing but it’s been wonderful to keep my laptop shut, as I am sure you can imagine. Charlie and I are slowly floating...
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Slow recovery
Well, we were never going to feel very well this morning – but it was BAD. Charlie and I went to the amazing, beautiful wedding of our friends Jasper and...
Slow recovery
Well, we were never going to feel very well this morning – but it was BAD. Charlie and I went to the amazing, beautiful wedding of our friends Jasper and...
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Kentish Town with Ruth
Sorry for no blog last week. We still had no internet in Dorset. I can’t tell you what a joy that is. And we had no car, for various reasons,...
Kentish Town with Ruth
Sorry for no blog last week. We still had no internet in Dorset. I can’t tell you what a joy that is. And we had no car, for various reasons,...
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First Frost
It’s a very short blog this week. And late. Apologies! Do you know why? Because our internet is down in Dorset. Complete bliss. I didn’t so much as up my...
First Frost
It’s a very short blog this week. And late. Apologies! Do you know why? Because our internet is down in Dorset. Complete bliss. I didn’t so much as up my...
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A Tale of Three Cities
This blog was going to be called A Tale of Two Cities; London, and Amsterdam. On Friday night, Charlie and I were in Amsterdam on a tiny break, happily celebrating my...
A Tale of Three Cities
This blog was going to be called A Tale of Two Cities; London, and Amsterdam. On Friday night, Charlie and I were in Amsterdam on a tiny break, happily celebrating my...
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Perfect weekend, London, in two parts
BLOG PART I PERFECT SATURDAY It was the last day of Charlie’s pop up shop…. But we were closing early. At 1.45 the dresser was being packed up…. But a last...
Perfect weekend, London, in two parts
BLOG PART I PERFECT SATURDAY It was the last day of Charlie’s pop up shop…. But we were closing early. At 1.45 the dresser was being packed up…. But a last...
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Westward to the Malvern Hills
Charlie and I went to Ledbury for the weekend… to see our friend Phoebe Clive and, at the longest lastest, to visit (amongst other treats) her beautiful shop Tinsmiths. We...
Westward to the Malvern Hills
Charlie and I went to Ledbury for the weekend… to see our friend Phoebe Clive and, at the longest lastest, to visit (amongst other treats) her beautiful shop Tinsmiths. We...
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Harvest song
The flower ladies were in the church on Saturday morning, decorating for the Harvest festival.
Harvest song
The flower ladies were in the church on Saturday morning, decorating for the Harvest festival.
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Pictures not words
It was a beautiful morning in Dorset… pale sunshine, filtered mist. This blog (you’ll be glad to hear) is one of those which has not very much to say –...
Pictures not words
It was a beautiful morning in Dorset… pale sunshine, filtered mist. This blog (you’ll be glad to hear) is one of those which has not very much to say –...
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Indian Summer days
First up, an apology. Where was the blog last weekend, I guess you are wondering? It was all written in my mind – but Bridie, at the last minute, got...
Indian Summer days
First up, an apology. Where was the blog last weekend, I guess you are wondering? It was all written in my mind – but Bridie, at the last minute, got...
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Box of treasures
This is a short blog this week…. Partly, because yesterday I was writing an article for the FT, and there’s only so much writing you can do in a day;...
Box of treasures
This is a short blog this week…. Partly, because yesterday I was writing an article for the FT, and there’s only so much writing you can do in a day;...
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Autumn Turning
This is a strange tale, but very funny… If you happened to read last week’s blog, I said I’d be posting some photos of the new shop. Last weekend, Bridie...
Autumn Turning
This is a strange tale, but very funny… If you happened to read last week’s blog, I said I’d be posting some photos of the new shop. Last weekend, Bridie...
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Changes of climate
It’s a strange thing isn’t it… how one minute you’re there, the next minute you’re here. On Monday, Charlie and I were near Lucca, for Valentina’s birthday. The plan had...
Changes of climate
It’s a strange thing isn’t it… how one minute you’re there, the next minute you’re here. On Monday, Charlie and I were near Lucca, for Valentina’s birthday. The plan had...
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Late Summer landscapes
I remember some friends of a friend coming back from a long holiday in Tuscany one August to announce that the time “had been characterised by rain and conversation”. Which sounded like...
Late Summer landscapes
I remember some friends of a friend coming back from a long holiday in Tuscany one August to announce that the time “had been characterised by rain and conversation”. Which sounded like...
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Two Florentine Gardens
As you will know, the blog is on holiday. I hope you might be too… or at least, I wouldn’t try reading this all at once. It’s a blog in...
Two Florentine Gardens
As you will know, the blog is on holiday. I hope you might be too… or at least, I wouldn’t try reading this all at once. It’s a blog in...
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Incidental details
We’d been out near Henley for lunch today. A beautiful day and a delicious time. And then, Charlie had to head down to Dorset to get permission from the garden...
Incidental details
We’d been out near Henley for lunch today. A beautiful day and a delicious time. And then, Charlie had to head down to Dorset to get permission from the garden...
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High Summer in Oxfordshire
It’s been a perfect weekend in Oxfordshire, of high summer gardens and the blue moon. We were staying at Wardington, but on the way, leaving London lazily on Saturday morning...
High Summer in Oxfordshire
It’s been a perfect weekend in Oxfordshire, of high summer gardens and the blue moon. We were staying at Wardington, but on the way, leaving London lazily on Saturday morning...
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The Church will be locked overnight…
There was a slightly ominous tone to the rules of the Long Bredy Flower Arranging Competition flyer that had been dropped through our letterbox a week or so ago. Especially…....
The Church will be locked overnight…
There was a slightly ominous tone to the rules of the Long Bredy Flower Arranging Competition flyer that had been dropped through our letterbox a week or so ago. Especially…....
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Getting back to normal (a day or two late)
We had the quietest weekend down in Dorset… Once Friday night was out of the way – there was a huge party in the village, our neighbour Glen & Mandy’s summer bash...
Getting back to normal (a day or two late)
We had the quietest weekend down in Dorset… Once Friday night was out of the way – there was a huge party in the village, our neighbour Glen & Mandy’s summer bash...
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The best ever blog?
Okay, I should probably never blog again after this. Don’t worry – I’m not being serious…. but you may remember, if you are a very keen reader, that I said...
The best ever blog?
Okay, I should probably never blog again after this. Don’t worry – I’m not being serious…. but you may remember, if you are a very keen reader, that I said...
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Summer Evening, West Dorset
I’ll admit to finding something deeply special at this time of year, just after midsummer, at the particular time of day as the sun is about to set and the land...
Summer Evening, West Dorset
I’ll admit to finding something deeply special at this time of year, just after midsummer, at the particular time of day as the sun is about to set and the land...
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New friends
This is another blog a little bit about books. You will see why. But then again, can there be too many? I wrote last week about the wonderful world of...
New friends
This is another blog a little bit about books. You will see why. But then again, can there be too many? I wrote last week about the wonderful world of...
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Lost and Found
It’s been an extraordinary weekend. So apologies for a long blog, but you will understand why. We had our friends Maggie and Stephen staying (or should I say, Maggie, and...
Lost and Found
It’s been an extraordinary weekend. So apologies for a long blog, but you will understand why. We had our friends Maggie and Stephen staying (or should I say, Maggie, and...
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Sunset at Wardington
Charlie and I were staying in Oxfordshire this weekend – at Wardington, which I’ve written about before… the beautiful house owned by his friends the Elworthys and which has become...
Sunset at Wardington
Charlie and I were staying in Oxfordshire this weekend – at Wardington, which I’ve written about before… the beautiful house owned by his friends the Elworthys and which has become...
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Evening time
This is a short blog. It’s all about pictures, not about words. It’s about the moment, on the turn from Spring to Summer, as we rush towards the summer solstice,...
Evening time
This is a short blog. It’s all about pictures, not about words. It’s about the moment, on the turn from Spring to Summer, as we rush towards the summer solstice,...
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The Functional Tradition
It’s not often I write two posts in a week… but yesterday was an incredible day. We’re working on a wonderful project on the south coast where we are planning...
The Functional Tradition
It’s not often I write two posts in a week… but yesterday was an incredible day. We’re working on a wonderful project on the south coast where we are planning...
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Meandering home
It was sort of a quiet weekend; sort of action packed. I’m sure you know what I mean. Friday started bright and early, with an amazing visit pre-gates opening to...
Meandering home
It was sort of a quiet weekend; sort of action packed. I’m sure you know what I mean. Friday started bright and early, with an amazing visit pre-gates opening to...
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Fleeting moments…
I thought I’d put up a little mid-week post, before we forget it, of the beautiful window that Charlie has done for the shop this week. It’s Chelsea Flower Show...
Fleeting moments…
I thought I’d put up a little mid-week post, before we forget it, of the beautiful window that Charlie has done for the shop this week. It’s Chelsea Flower Show...
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Tourists in our own town
It was a bright and sunny Saturday. We were in London, for no particular reason other than we wanted a change of scene. Charlie got up at dawn for Portobello; I...
Tourists in our own town
It was a bright and sunny Saturday. We were in London, for no particular reason other than we wanted a change of scene. Charlie got up at dawn for Portobello; I...
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What’s waiting around the corner?
Hasn’t your week flown by? It’s something in the air of spring. No sooner had we blinked but it was Friday night, and a delicious, mad, funny dinner with our neighbours the...
What’s waiting around the corner?
Hasn’t your week flown by? It’s something in the air of spring. No sooner had we blinked but it was Friday night, and a delicious, mad, funny dinner with our neighbours the...
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Weekend wanderings and unexpected pleasures
Rain and mist swept across Dorset this weekend, but it didn’t seem to matter. We needed something to remind us it was a bank holiday, after all. Charlie and I...
Weekend wanderings and unexpected pleasures
Rain and mist swept across Dorset this weekend, but it didn’t seem to matter. We needed something to remind us it was a bank holiday, after all. Charlie and I...
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Tulip time… in London
I have a strange feeling, from time to time, judging from the comments pages, that some readers might have decided to lie in bed for a whole weekend, turn off...
Tulip time… in London
I have a strange feeling, from time to time, judging from the comments pages, that some readers might have decided to lie in bed for a whole weekend, turn off...
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Spring Days on the Isle of Wight
Charlie and I went to visit Mum & Dad on the Isle of Wight this weekend, for two days of beautiful spring sunshine. The talk was of New Zealand travels...
Spring Days on the Isle of Wight
Charlie and I went to visit Mum & Dad on the Isle of Wight this weekend, for two days of beautiful spring sunshine. The talk was of New Zealand travels...
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Pictures without words
We’re back! I hope you haven’t missed the blog too much. (I haven’t… heheh). What can you write about New Zealand? We saw so much, did so much, met so...
Pictures without words
We’re back! I hope you haven’t missed the blog too much. (I haven’t… heheh). What can you write about New Zealand? We saw so much, did so much, met so...
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Relative values
I’m about to go a very long way and I’m getting so excited I can’t tell you. Charlie’s been home in New Zealand for a few weeks now. As I...
Relative values
I’m about to go a very long way and I’m getting so excited I can’t tell you. Charlie’s been home in New Zealand for a few weeks now. As I...
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Staying still
I haven’t felt like moving very far this weekend. And I haven’t moved very far at all. I walked down for tea with my landlord yesterday, and across the road...
Staying still
I haven’t felt like moving very far this weekend. And I haven’t moved very far at all. I walked down for tea with my landlord yesterday, and across the road...
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Come home soon
Charlie’s away. He’s in New Zealand (as some of you may have already guessed. Did you work out that Charlie wasn’t around last weekend?). He has two weddings of friends to...
Come home soon
Charlie’s away. He’s in New Zealand (as some of you may have already guessed. Did you work out that Charlie wasn’t around last weekend?). He has two weddings of friends to...
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Fifteen minutes…
It was springtime at Columbia Road. (that’s a little photo from my instagram posts. If you are not familiar with Instagram, may I just tell you how addictive, and fun,...
Fifteen minutes…
It was springtime at Columbia Road. (that’s a little photo from my instagram posts. If you are not familiar with Instagram, may I just tell you how addictive, and fun,...
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Snowdrop time
“…….Oh B, I’d really like to see some snowdrops this year” said Charlie, a couple of weekends ago. I had a quick think, and called my erstwhile builder Raymond Williams, who...
Snowdrop time
“…….Oh B, I’d really like to see some snowdrops this year” said Charlie, a couple of weekends ago. I had a quick think, and called my erstwhile builder Raymond Williams, who...
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Winter turning
There’s always a false dawn around this time of year, but I can’t help but wonder if winter is turning. I’m noticing how much lighter it is in the mornings...
Winter turning
There’s always a false dawn around this time of year, but I can’t help but wonder if winter is turning. I’m noticing how much lighter it is in the mornings...
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Meandering on the Somerset border
We had a fantastic weekend. There is not a lot to write, but a lot to look at. Bitterly cold winds swept across Dorset, but accompanied by bright sunshine –...
Meandering on the Somerset border
We had a fantastic weekend. There is not a lot to write, but a lot to look at. Bitterly cold winds swept across Dorset, but accompanied by bright sunshine –...
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The kindness of strangers
One of the amazing things about writing a blog is the number of people, who were once strangers, who one gets to know from all over the world. Some I’ll...
The kindness of strangers
One of the amazing things about writing a blog is the number of people, who were once strangers, who one gets to know from all over the world. Some I’ll...
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Are you a Roundy or a Squary?
….Phew… well that was the most commented-upon-blog-ever-by-a-very-long-way. THANK YOU. Amazing. I guess we’re all pretty amazed! A few months ago I mentioned that I wanted to write a blog about...
Are you a Roundy or a Squary?
….Phew… well that was the most commented-upon-blog-ever-by-a-very-long-way. THANK YOU. Amazing. I guess we’re all pretty amazed! A few months ago I mentioned that I wanted to write a blog about...
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Love letter to Charlie
Six months ago this week my life was turned upside-down. I had the amazing fortune to be introduced to the most wonderful person I’ll ever meet… the most wonderful person...
Love letter to Charlie
Six months ago this week my life was turned upside-down. I had the amazing fortune to be introduced to the most wonderful person I’ll ever meet… the most wonderful person...
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New Year glow
This blog was going to be a bit of a rant. I’ve been staring at too many friends’ photos on Instagram showing beautiful Caribbean beaches, and it’s been getting me...
New Year glow
This blog was going to be a bit of a rant. I’ve been staring at too many friends’ photos on Instagram showing beautiful Caribbean beaches, and it’s been getting me...
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London Special Double Billing…
I hope you’ve had the best Christmas ever. We were down with Mum and Dad on the Isle of Wight, and had a lovely time. But this time, the blog...
London Special Double Billing…
I hope you’ve had the best Christmas ever. We were down with Mum and Dad on the Isle of Wight, and had a lovely time. But this time, the blog...
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Have the Happiest Christmas with love from all ...
Here is a little sneak preview of the next blog; a photograph of Peter Hone’s drawing room – which in its own fragile white way is about as Christmassy as...
Have the Happiest Christmas with love from all ...
Here is a little sneak preview of the next blog; a photograph of Peter Hone’s drawing room – which in its own fragile white way is about as Christmassy as...
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A day late, a day early…
The blog is getting very erratic these days isn’t it? A day late, a day early. How does anyone know where they stand? But we’re down in Dorset, waiting for...
A day late, a day early…
The blog is getting very erratic these days isn’t it? A day late, a day early. How does anyone know where they stand? But we’re down in Dorset, waiting for...
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Better late than never…
It’s a funny thing. I meant to post on Sunday night… having driven down from London to Dorset, arriving at the Parsonage after dark, after an unexpectedly wonderful weekend. But...
Better late than never…
It’s a funny thing. I meant to post on Sunday night… having driven down from London to Dorset, arriving at the Parsonage after dark, after an unexpectedly wonderful weekend. But...
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I’d like you to recommend yourself
This is a bit of a trip down memory lane. If blogs had existed when I lived in New York, getting on for 12 to 15 years ago now, this...
I’d like you to recommend yourself
This is a bit of a trip down memory lane. If blogs had existed when I lived in New York, getting on for 12 to 15 years ago now, this...
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Soft late November
From time to time you stop on the roller-coaster of day-to-day life and think to yourself: how can time be spinning so fast? I suppose, really, there are only 52...
Soft late November
From time to time you stop on the roller-coaster of day-to-day life and think to yourself: how can time be spinning so fast? I suppose, really, there are only 52...
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Hudson days
I wonder if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been? Instagram followers were one stage ahead. Needless to say…. A couple of short lovely days in New York…. staying with Valentina,...
Hudson days
I wonder if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been? Instagram followers were one stage ahead. Needless to say…. A couple of short lovely days in New York…. staying with Valentina,...
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Golden and silver Valley
The weekend got off to a shaky start for some. It was bonfire night in the village, where we watched a fantastic display under the stars… and then the real...
Golden and silver Valley
The weekend got off to a shaky start for some. It was bonfire night in the village, where we watched a fantastic display under the stars… and then the real...
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Late Indian Summer
It’s been a hectic week. It was bliss to get to Dorset and to finish a long day of meetings on Thursday, and collect Charlie on the late afternoon train,...
Late Indian Summer
It’s been a hectic week. It was bliss to get to Dorset and to finish a long day of meetings on Thursday, and collect Charlie on the late afternoon train,...
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RIP Ben’s Blog
I was terrified to read a comment posted by Jess last week that said “RIP Ben Pentreath’s Blog, thanks for the good times, you’ll be missed”. You realise what happens...
RIP Ben’s Blog
I was terrified to read a comment posted by Jess last week that said “RIP Ben Pentreath’s Blog, thanks for the good times, you’ll be missed”. You realise what happens...
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The best things are the least expected
I’m afraid the blog has had a cold today and yesterday. I’ve been in bed all day. So, sorry for being late. Can I say, before kind offers of sympathy,...
The best things are the least expected
I’m afraid the blog has had a cold today and yesterday. I’ve been in bed all day. So, sorry for being late. Can I say, before kind offers of sympathy,...
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The heartbeat of London is singing
We set off incredibly bright and early to Columbia Road this morning. We’d had a happy boozy night with Bridie and Andy and it felt a little too much of...
The heartbeat of London is singing
We set off incredibly bright and early to Columbia Road this morning. We’d had a happy boozy night with Bridie and Andy and it felt a little too much of...
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Village thanksgiving
Can you believe this autumn, shifting softly from September to October without a whisper? I am not sure I can remember a more quietly beautiful time as this. I got...
Village thanksgiving
Can you believe this autumn, shifting softly from September to October without a whisper? I am not sure I can remember a more quietly beautiful time as this. I got...
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Autumnal moments
On Friday night, Charlie and I drove back to Wardington… that magical garden in Oxfordshire that you first caught sight of on the blog a few months ago now, Glimpses...
Autumnal moments
On Friday night, Charlie and I drove back to Wardington… that magical garden in Oxfordshire that you first caught sight of on the blog a few months ago now, Glimpses...
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Quiet days are made of this
A bunch of flowers for Monday morning. The dahlias are in their final flourish… I suspect that in a couple of weeks they will be almost over. So it was...
Quiet days are made of this
A bunch of flowers for Monday morning. The dahlias are in their final flourish… I suspect that in a couple of weeks they will be almost over. So it was...
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Paris mornings
It’s that Paris time of year. It’s always a little crazy, just when you’ve got home from your holidays, to find yourself jumping on a train again, and this year...
Paris mornings
It’s that Paris time of year. It’s always a little crazy, just when you’ve got home from your holidays, to find yourself jumping on a train again, and this year...
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dream world changing
We’ve been back for 2 days and I’m in a dreamlike place. Do you ever have that feeling that however fast an aeroplane can travel, your mind only moves as...
dream world changing
We’ve been back for 2 days and I’m in a dreamlike place. Do you ever have that feeling that however fast an aeroplane can travel, your mind only moves as...
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Island revisited
One of the annoying things about a meeting out of London at 9.30 on a Monday morning is that the blog is unlikely to happen, as normal, on a Sunday...
Island revisited
One of the annoying things about a meeting out of London at 9.30 on a Monday morning is that the blog is unlikely to happen, as normal, on a Sunday...
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Lie of the land
It’s been a beautiful weekend in Dorset, but I’ve been a touch reclusive as well. Those who fell victim of my hermit-like nature know who they are, and they know...
Lie of the land
It’s been a beautiful weekend in Dorset, but I’ve been a touch reclusive as well. Those who fell victim of my hermit-like nature know who they are, and they know...
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Summer cure
Well, thank you… for a lot of amazing comments at the end of the last blog. Life’s a lot more cheerful this Sunday than last, I’m glad to report. What...
Summer cure
Well, thank you… for a lot of amazing comments at the end of the last blog. Life’s a lot more cheerful this Sunday than last, I’m glad to report. What...
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Glimpses of things
It’s a strange thing, isn’t it, how you sometimes don’t understand the whole picture but merely see, very clearly, glimpses of things. Do you know what I mean? And if you...
Glimpses of things
It’s a strange thing, isn’t it, how you sometimes don’t understand the whole picture but merely see, very clearly, glimpses of things. Do you know what I mean? And if you...
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Seaside jaunt
I’m always highly conscious when it’s 9am on a Monday morning and I haven’t yet posted a blog. The fact is I’m a whole 24 hours off, this weekend. Yesterday...
Seaside jaunt
I’m always highly conscious when it’s 9am on a Monday morning and I haven’t yet posted a blog. The fact is I’m a whole 24 hours off, this weekend. Yesterday...
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Who flicked the crazy switch?
It’s taken me a whole weekend to recover… and that includes a whole afternoon lying in bed watching the tennis final… do you know what I mean? What am I...
Who flicked the crazy switch?
It’s taken me a whole weekend to recover… and that includes a whole afternoon lying in bed watching the tennis final… do you know what I mean? What am I...
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Sienese dream
I arrived home last night after 2 nights in Italy with Valentina and my friend Catherine. It was one of the happiest holidays I think I’ve ever had, and it...
Sienese dream
I arrived home last night after 2 nights in Italy with Valentina and my friend Catherine. It was one of the happiest holidays I think I’ve ever had, and it...
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Days out are made of this
It was a fun Friday in the office this week. Very, very sadly for us, it was time to say goodbye to Ruth, who’s been with us for a few...
Days out are made of this
It was a fun Friday in the office this week. Very, very sadly for us, it was time to say goodbye to Ruth, who’s been with us for a few...
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Rest
I’ll admit, I woke up this morning feeling rather healthier than last Sunday. That’s the difference between having the decoration office, and Mum & Dad, to stay at the Parsonage...
Rest
I’ll admit, I woke up this morning feeling rather healthier than last Sunday. That’s the difference between having the decoration office, and Mum & Dad, to stay at the Parsonage...
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All work and no play…
…Is no way to run a life. We all know it, but it’s hard to remember sometimes. I think it’s true that just now life feels busier than it has in...
All work and no play…
…Is no way to run a life. We all know it, but it’s hard to remember sometimes. I think it’s true that just now life feels busier than it has in...
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The nicest thing about the blog
… Is the rare experiences that it brings from time to time. This was an email that I received not too long after writing the other day about that great...
The nicest thing about the blog
… Is the rare experiences that it brings from time to time. This was an email that I received not too long after writing the other day about that great...
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There’s a lot I’d like to show you
…this week, but I can’t. Lots has been going on, but my camera has been unusually quiet. I went to stay with Jasper Conran at dreamy Wardour Castle. “Of course...
There’s a lot I’d like to show you
…this week, but I can’t. Lots has been going on, but my camera has been unusually quiet. I went to stay with Jasper Conran at dreamy Wardour Castle. “Of course...
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Ten out of Tenn
Mmmmmm. Stockholm. Civilisation. I’m back in London and the whole thing feels a bit like a dream. We had a wonderful time. It rained and rained, and everyone kept apologising,...
Ten out of Tenn
Mmmmmm. Stockholm. Civilisation. I’m back in London and the whole thing feels a bit like a dream. We had a wonderful time. It rained and rained, and everyone kept apologising,...
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On the cusp
There’s a moment, around now, when I suddenly realised that spring is on the brink of summer. I’m never quite ready in my mind. Are we nearly half way through...
On the cusp
There’s a moment, around now, when I suddenly realised that spring is on the brink of summer. I’m never quite ready in my mind. Are we nearly half way through...
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English Style
If you’re anything like me, you buy a lot more books than you have time to read. My shelves are groaning. My bedside table is laden with books that could...
English Style
If you’re anything like me, you buy a lot more books than you have time to read. My shelves are groaning. My bedside table is laden with books that could...
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Tangerine dream
It’s Monday, I’m back in London, and I’m in a bit of a daze. Not just the effects of a weekend of expatriat-scale-cocktail-drinking after six weeks of Lenten abstinence. There’s...
Tangerine dream
It’s Monday, I’m back in London, and I’m in a bit of a daze. Not just the effects of a weekend of expatriat-scale-cocktail-drinking after six weeks of Lenten abstinence. There’s...
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Dreaming of Heat…
There is honestly nothing, nothing, in the world that I love more than that moment – which I think happened this weekend, down here in Dorset, when there’s a tipping point headlong...
Dreaming of Heat…
There is honestly nothing, nothing, in the world that I love more than that moment – which I think happened this weekend, down here in Dorset, when there’s a tipping point headlong...
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Rain doesn’t stop play
I arrived in Dorset on Friday afternoon to find the house and garden bathed in remarkable sunshine. It felt like a midsummer evening. Will and Maggie were driving down for...
Rain doesn’t stop play
I arrived in Dorset on Friday afternoon to find the house and garden bathed in remarkable sunshine. It felt like a midsummer evening. Will and Maggie were driving down for...
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In praise of… Habitat in the early 70s
It’s nine o’ clock and I can’t believe where the evening has gone. Well, that’s what happens when the clocks change. But it’s also what happens when you’ve had a...
In praise of… Habitat in the early 70s
It’s nine o’ clock and I can’t believe where the evening has gone. Well, that’s what happens when the clocks change. But it’s also what happens when you’ve had a...
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Never go back…
…was the wise advice Will gave me a couple of weeks ago. So true. I’d been asked by the Soane Museum to give a talk, last Monday evening. “What’s it...
Never go back…
…was the wise advice Will gave me a couple of weeks ago. So true. I’d been asked by the Soane Museum to give a talk, last Monday evening. “What’s it...
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Back to Normal
It’s been a bit of a secret of mine, really, but since last summer, around about the time I came back from Italy, the garden has been completely out of...
Back to Normal
It’s been a bit of a secret of mine, really, but since last summer, around about the time I came back from Italy, the garden has been completely out of...
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Morning at Franklin Farm
If I ever get around to writing another book, one of the reasons will be to publish photographs of my friends Kim and Pip’s farmhouse in Hampshire. I was staying...
Morning at Franklin Farm
If I ever get around to writing another book, one of the reasons will be to publish photographs of my friends Kim and Pip’s farmhouse in Hampshire. I was staying...
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Hockney Spring
You’d have felt a bit sad to be an old gold-framed Old Master hanging at the Dulwich Picture Gallery this weekend. The people were queuing to see Hockney. I’m afraid...
Hockney Spring
You’d have felt a bit sad to be an old gold-framed Old Master hanging at the Dulwich Picture Gallery this weekend. The people were queuing to see Hockney. I’m afraid...
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Close to Heaven
It’s been a weekend of houses and wide landscapes. I’ve been up on the coast again, in Norfolk. It was a dreamy, bright day on Friday, driving up to Norfolk...
Close to Heaven
It’s been a weekend of houses and wide landscapes. I’ve been up on the coast again, in Norfolk. It was a dreamy, bright day on Friday, driving up to Norfolk...
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Days Lengthening
Well, who knew we’re an eighth of the way through the year already? At this rate it will be time to plan your Christmas holidays. Just when you thought we...
Days Lengthening
Well, who knew we’re an eighth of the way through the year already? At this rate it will be time to plan your Christmas holidays. Just when you thought we...
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Cyclical worlds
It’s been back to reality with a vengeance. The noise of Mexico City and the peace of Tulum seem an age away: hard to believe I’ve only been back a...
Cyclical worlds
It’s been back to reality with a vengeance. The noise of Mexico City and the peace of Tulum seem an age away: hard to believe I’ve only been back a...
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It’s strange to be back…
….and to welcome you to gloomy old London and a bright new home for the blog! I hope you all find your way around. As you will recall, we had...
It’s strange to be back…
….and to welcome you to gloomy old London and a bright new home for the blog! I hope you all find your way around. As you will recall, we had...
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Gloom rising
For those that like to read the blog early on a Monday with their morning tea, in bed, please blame my friends David and Chris for throwing their annual Christmas...
Gloom rising
For those that like to read the blog early on a Monday with their morning tea, in bed, please blame my friends David and Chris for throwing their annual Christmas...
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There’s a reason why…
..... why What? Before I tell you what I really want to write about today, here's some gratuitously beautiful photos of a walk on Hampstead Heath this morning, with my...
There’s a reason why…
..... why What? Before I tell you what I really want to write about today, here's some gratuitously beautiful photos of a walk on Hampstead Heath this morning, with my...
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Days from Heaven
"I just love this time of year". It's an expression I've heard time and time again recently. I suspect there is something of the autumn in all of us; that...
Days from Heaven
"I just love this time of year". It's an expression I've heard time and time again recently. I suspect there is something of the autumn in all of us; that...
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Contrasts
I think the blog is divided between people who like weekends in London and weekends in the country. Which are you? I love both. Part of me would have loved...
Contrasts
I think the blog is divided between people who like weekends in London and weekends in the country. Which are you? I love both. Part of me would have loved...
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It’s about the time of year…
When I realise just how much I love living in London. If you've been reading the blog for a while, you might remember one or two little odes to the...
It’s about the time of year…
When I realise just how much I love living in London. If you've been reading the blog for a while, you might remember one or two little odes to the...
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Recharge
I love quiet dark Sunday evenings in the winter. And it's amazing how dark it suddenly was in Dorset this afternoon. A storm is blowing in, and as I write...
Recharge
I love quiet dark Sunday evenings in the winter. And it's amazing how dark it suddenly was in Dorset this afternoon. A storm is blowing in, and as I write...
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Winter evenings in a new coat
I'm a creature of habit, and I also love the regular things of life when they happen. I think you know this. That moment of turning the clocks back is...
Winter evenings in a new coat
I'm a creature of habit, and I also love the regular things of life when they happen. I think you know this. That moment of turning the clocks back is...
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Dear Ben, please may we see…
What's been happening up at your flat in London? Is a question that - if you happen to follow the comments section of the blog - comes up from time...
Dear Ben, please may we see…
What's been happening up at your flat in London? Is a question that - if you happen to follow the comments section of the blog - comes up from time...
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Really New Beginnings
I've been hinting, from time to time, about some exciting developments in the shop. And they've all happened this week. For ages and ages, Bridie and I have been talking...
Really New Beginnings
I've been hinting, from time to time, about some exciting developments in the shop. And they've all happened this week. For ages and ages, Bridie and I have been talking...
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New beginnings
I love this time of year. I've probably written it already in the last couple of weeks; The post New beginnings appeared first on Ben Pentreath Inspiration.
New beginnings
I love this time of year. I've probably written it already in the last couple of weeks; The post New beginnings appeared first on Ben Pentreath Inspiration.
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I’ve missed you
...It's been a long time, as some loyal readers of the blog have taken to commenting on (which, I would say, is a fair comment), since I was in Dorset....
I’ve missed you
...It's been a long time, as some loyal readers of the blog have taken to commenting on (which, I would say, is a fair comment), since I was in Dorset....
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Roman Mornings
I have a feeling that one of two readers would like to see what's up in Dorset (judging from the comments section). And I must admit, so would I. From...
Roman Mornings
I have a feeling that one of two readers would like to see what's up in Dorset (judging from the comments section). And I must admit, so would I. From...
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The floor polisher of the Pantheon
You won't find me getting up early for the Sales. I slightly look down on (can I admit it?) that peculiarly British habit of getting up very very early to...
The floor polisher of the Pantheon
You won't find me getting up early for the Sales. I slightly look down on (can I admit it?) that peculiarly British habit of getting up very very early to...
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La Citta Ideale
It's strange how time flies on holiday. I'm lying in my hotel bedroom in Rome, in the middle of a massive thunderstorm (during which I could not of course resist...
La Citta Ideale
It's strange how time flies on holiday. I'm lying in my hotel bedroom in Rome, in the middle of a massive thunderstorm (during which I could not of course resist...
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Thank you…
To everyone who has very kindly entered my international conspiracy For Valentina's birthday and placed an order from Many Kitchens... it's worked! I am so grateful... Birthday going well... Here,...
Thank you…
To everyone who has very kindly entered my international conspiracy For Valentina's birthday and placed an order from Many Kitchens... it's worked! I am so grateful... Birthday going well... Here,...
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The best things in life don’t change…
I realise that it's a year ago to the day (18th August) that I wrote a little blog about the Siena Palio that... how can I put it?... set the...
The best things in life don’t change…
I realise that it's a year ago to the day (18th August) that I wrote a little blog about the Siena Palio that... how can I put it?... set the...
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Oh dear oh dear oh dear…
Just when I'd said my farewells... Answered all emails. Check. Booked taxi for early morning departure: check. Said goodbye to everyone... check. Found out which day my niece's A-level exam...
Oh dear oh dear oh dear…
Just when I'd said my farewells... Answered all emails. Check. Booked taxi for early morning departure: check. Said goodbye to everyone... check. Found out which day my niece's A-level exam...
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Year Turning
I'm writing on Sunday evening, at the Old Parsonage. It's completely still and quiet. Perhaps the stillness is exemplified by the departure, earlier, of my friends Tom & Masie and...
Year Turning
I'm writing on Sunday evening, at the Old Parsonage. It's completely still and quiet. Perhaps the stillness is exemplified by the departure, earlier, of my friends Tom & Masie and...
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North Norfolk Coastal
I left London on beautiful, baking hot Thursday morning. I was making my way to the coast - to Cley-next-the-Sea, where we've been asked to help on a fine small...
North Norfolk Coastal
I left London on beautiful, baking hot Thursday morning. I was making my way to the coast - to Cley-next-the-Sea, where we've been asked to help on a fine small...
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In a perfect world…
It was a serene Friday morning when Lucy and I left London, early, to drive down to our decoration project near Devizes. We're working on a dreamy old stone manor...
