Jane Seymour's English Manor: Avon UK

This is the Orangery 

An orangery or orangerie was a room or a dedicated building on the grounds of fashionable residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries where orange and other fruit trees were protected during the winter, similar to a greenhouse or conservatory.
Set amid 14 acres of gardens and paddocks is St. Catherine's Court, Avon, a part-time residence for the British-born actress.

"Apart from Hampton Court, ours is the only house in England that has them," the actress says of the Elizabethan grass steps. A Cotswold stone wall is softened by climbing vines and plants growing through nooks. ***I had to look hard for the steps. Aren't they wonderful?
These two photos are from Architectural Digest. See many more photos and read the delightful article here.

Sorry I was AWOL yesterday. I attacked my four lower level windows and screens, a double sliding glass door with a screen, and a back storm door and spent the day with a bucket full of hot soapy water and a hose. I slept like a log last night and it was a day well spent. I did not do the inside windows yet but they will be a snap. Maybe later today when the sun is on the front side of my cottage. See you later. Enjoy this lovely summer day. xo

My Living Room -- Back View + Balcony

I finally have a good photo with the green checked sofa, the French doors and my tiger maple corner cupboard. One of the days, you will have seen it all.

A Corner of My Living Room

Another peek into a corner of my living room that never gets any direct sun. We have a bright sunny day here at the cottage and I'm planning so many things in my head right now. Enjoy your Sunday too. xo See detail of the transferware punchbowl here.

A Wonderful Library

I hope there's a library ladder somewhere to help reach the books up high. This appears to be full of antiquarian books with fine bindings, my favorite! I like the carpet, the art, and the furniture too. via Have a great weekend. I can hardly believe tomorrow is the beginning of August. That month always seems to fly because it's the end of summer.

Gentleman's Closet Extraordinaire

I hope this beautifully fitted walk-in closet doesn't have a door, for it's far too lovely to be out of view for even a minute. via

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester England

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Gloucester Cathedral corridors by Alan Coles

The magnificent Gloucester Cathedral was built in 1100 as a Norman abbey church and survived the Dissolution thanks to its historical connection with the monarchy. It has one of the largest medieval stained glass windows in England and an elegant and impressive interior. It was from this church that William I ordered the Domesday Book, and, in more recent history, the cathedral was graced by the filming of more than one Harry Potter movie. 

Read and see more.

Landscape Design for the Ages

Could anything be lovelier? I think not. via We got a dusting of snow overnight but we have bright sun this morning to melt it quickly. See you later. xo

Stone-Carved Angel Holding a Sundial

This is so very beautiful. Such a wonderful reason to look up. via

Wonderful Period Interior

So understated and simple. Love the colors. via

Antique Pocket Sundial dated 1585

An Elizabethan gilded pocket sundial by Augustine Ryther dated 1585. Made for Sir George St Paul, a Lincolnshire squire. via I can't think of anything I'd rather own at the moment even though there is no sun on this rainy Sunday.

Ancient Fossil

Too beautiful for words. via

15th Century German Dog House

The ultimate medieval doghouse, complete with side chapel. Four Dogs before a Doghouse in a book of fables, German, late 1400s. 

The J. Paul Getty Museum

Drayton Hall Circa 1738 - Charleston SC

I didn't visit Drayton Hall the one and only time I was in Charleston. I must go and see this wonderful place. The 360° online tour is wonderful -- take it here. It really makes you feel as if you are there.

first image

The Big Three

1. Fabulous Architect 2. Talented Builder
3. Wonderful Interior Designer and Owner

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Bird Waiting for A Bath

I wish this guy would hurry up. He looks so cute with his punked up head feathers.

He is a very enthusiastic bather. Don't you love my faux bois birdbath? I got it years ago at an on-site auction and it's one of the few real ones I've ever seen.

The fallout is like taking a shower. I won't even need a bath when he finishes. my photos

Astrolabe - The First Computer

The astrolabe is a very ancient astronomical computer for solving problems relating to time and the position of the Sun and stars in the sky. Astrolabes are used to show how the sky looks at a specific place at a given time. This is done by drawing the sky on the face of the astrolabe and marking it so positions in the sky are easy to find. Read more about astrolabes here. http://www.astrolabes.org/
This is the most beautiful scientific instrument I have ever seen and I want one! via

Perfect Reading Spot

I would turn the chair around and put it where the table is located so the lamp would shine on my book. I would replace the table with an ottoman. I would reserve the middle shelf cubby for placing my coffee or tea cup and then this arrangement would be perfect. What changes would you make? via

Glynallyn House Tour | Mansion in May 2012

Great room fireplace.

Plaster ceiling detail.

Statue at edge of glen.

Early 18th century sundial built in a stone wall.
All photos are mine. Click to enlarge.
Mansion in May

Remarkable Indian Stone Carvings with Elephants

Carving detail from Arjuna’s Penance
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

©http://www.flickr.com/photos/maheshguild/5336091437/in/photostream/

Antique Pig Family

I just walked past these hand-carved pigs and snapped a photo without rearranging them. They were probably part of a Noah's Ark. I should have taken the time to move them around for their debut on my blog but I didn't. Sorry. It's Sunday and these were Sunday toys. Check back, my OCD will make me take another picture. :-)

Much better ~ I'm happy now.


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