The Water Horse Movie: Ardkinglas House, Scottish Manor House

Ardkinglas House on the shore of Loch Fyne, Argyll

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas House is an architectural gem.

This manor house is the real star of the 2007 movie, The Water Horse. I watched it several days ago and loved it. The manor house if full of antiques and the decorating is wonderful, better than Downton Abbey.

Read Roger Ebert's two thumbs up review here.

Like most British family films, "Water Horse" doesn't dumb down its young characters or insult the intelligence of the audience. It has a lot of sly humor about what we know, or have heard, about the Loch Ness monster and various frauds associated with it, and fills the edges of the screen with first-rate supporting performance. Imagine a family film with actors the caliber of Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin and Brian Cox as an old-timer who spins stories in the local pub."

I ran across this film quite by accident and decided to watch it because it stars Emily Watson, one of my favorite British stars. Watch it, you'll like it.
photos via Google images

UPDATE: I found the complete movie of The Water Horse for you on YouTube. WATCH IT HERE. Yay!

Such A Lovely Sunrise

This misty morning sunrise is spectacular, isn't it? I have tall trees in front of my rising sun so the sun's pretty high in the sky before I can see it. When the trees are bare in the winter, I have more misty mornings. via

West Indies Meets Low Country: Nice!

The wooden counter tops are great, aren't they? The ceiling treatment is wonderful too.

I love the triple double-hung windows over the sink. Most builders try to convince you to put casement windows in this location because they are easier to open and close. Nope! I don't like the screens inside and those cranks always break. I have a special stick with a rubber tip for opening mine. Closing them is no problem.

Tour the rest of this amazing home on a coastal island in South Carolina here. 

Wonderful Small Garden and Shed

Actually, the garden isn't that small if you consider both sides of the wide path. I would want that shed to be at least twice as large to accommodate all my stuff. A window or two would also be nice. via

I have been working outside non-stop this week. I got my riding mower back from the shop on Thursday and mowed my entire property. It's never looked better and I am thrilled. There's nothing like a good blade sharpening to make me happy beyond words. For the past couple of years I have had my tune-up just before the last few Fall mowings before putting my Snapper to bed for the winter and that has worked out very well. This way, it's ready for spring needing nothing but new gasoline.

I woke up to 30° temps this morning. I covered my few potted plants with old white towels last night and they look like Halloween ghosts. Enjoy your Sunday. xo

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Paint it black and carve it.

Monogram it.

Decoupage it.

See more: 7 Chic Ways to Dress up Your Pumpkin This Halloween

Charming Low Country Guest Cottage: Richmond Hill Georgia

Wouldn't you love to be a permanent guest here? Historical Concepts Atlanta.
This charming guest house is part of a larger estate at The Ford Plantation near Savannah.

Sussex UK Farmhouse Interior Photographs

Interior Design by Nicholas Haslam. View all interiors of this charming Sussex Farmhouse here.

Fall Foliage In Back of My Cottage

As you can see, the trees are still mostly green. The field grass has also recovered from the lack of rain over the summer. From my front windows I can see more color in the sugar maples diagonally across the street. Gas prices are very low too and that pleases me since I've been driving much more than usual showing houses. Enjoy this beautiful day. xo