Blaise Hamlet Cottages, Bristol England

This must be Rose Cottage.

I've never even heard of this hamlet but now I must go. Blaise Hamlet is a hamlet in north-west Bristol England, composed of a complex of small cottages around a green. They were built around 1811 for retired employees of Quaker banker and philanthropist John Scandrett Harford, who owned Blaise Castle House. The hamlet was designed by John Nash, master of the Picturesque style. He had worked for Harford on other buildings. The cottages are now owned by the National Trust. They are still occupied and not open to the public, but the ensemble may be viewed from the outside. All the cottages, and the sundial on the green (which is accessible to the public), are Grade I listed buildings. Rose Cottage is now rented out by the National Trust as a holiday cottage. image source

There is a composit of all the cottages HERE on Flickr.

What a wonderful man John Harford must have been. The whole concept gives me goose bumps, and knowing he carried it out is simply wonderful. This must be one of the most charming places in all of England. Have a great weekend.

A Real Life Library

These people lost their interior designer's number and did it themselves (smile). via

Nicely Appointed Kitchen Shelves

Very nice. Wish I could see the rest. via
Update: More photos of this kitchen from
 A Country Farmhouse
Thanks, everyone!

Double Decker Sun Porches

What a great setting. The landscaping is beautiful and there's so little grass to mow. I love the stacked sun porches too. Two thumbs up! via

Delightful Laundry Room

I like it, don't you? via

Downton Abbey Season 4 Preview

It's a little too early to get excited, but I found this behind the scenes peek enjoyable. Click here if you can't see the PBS video below.

via

Bathroom Detail at My Cottage

People always talk about becoming their mothers but I am becoming my grandmother. She used to spend one week in each room of the house doing spring and fall cleaning. My bathroom isn't very big but I managed to spend two whole days cleaning it recently. Keep in mind that I'm easily distracted and take lots of breaks. I'm so proud. I've been showering downstairs in my mother's old bathroom so I can keep mine clean. I'm sure the novelty will wear off any day now and I can go back to being my old self. Honestly, I don't know how people manage to work full time jobs and take care of themselves, much less a family, a house, and a yard. One room down and many more to go. I'll get there eventually. 

Royals Watching the Highland Games in Braemar Scotland

They so enjoy each other's company.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Ellizabeth II and Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay laugh as they watch the sack race during the annual Braemer Highland Games at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 7, 2013 in Braemar, Scotland. The Braemar Gathering is the most famous of the Highland Games and is known worldwide. Each year thousands of visitors descend on this small Scottish village on the first Saturday in September to watch one of the more colourful Scottish traditions. The Gathering has a long history and in its modern form it stretches back nearly 200 years. See more pictures here.