I Put A Spell On You...

and now you're MINE!

1.  Killahara Castle, Dovea Village, Ireland. 

2.  Iron door knocker, Bayonne France. 

1.  Charleville Castle, Ireland

2.  Silver and enamel spider cufflinks by Deakin & Francis

3.  Ben Soleimani for Mansour Modern. 

1.  S.R. Gambrel

2.  Macbeth Witch Potion Labels, Etsy

1.  Charleville Castle, Ireland

2. Alexander McQueen

3. Danish silver mine ice bucket, c. 1970's 

1.  Douglas Little

2.  "For The Love of God", Diamond encrusted skull by Damien Hirst

3.  Skeleton hand absinthe spoon

1. Axel Vervoordt

2. Greenman wall fountain

Happy Halloween from Bubble & Squeak!


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Tricky Wickets

Cruising down a winding country road with Mother Nature as our only escort and our beloved summer getaway the only destination, we’re finally free from summer’s grip.

A refreshing breeze blows through our hair as we enjoy the scenery through the tint of our sunglasses. After an hour (or two.. because who’s counting?) we approach the crest of a hill and catch a glimpse of the picturesque cottage peaking through a cluster of lazy willow trees.  It’s exactly as we remembered it, crisply painted with all the enchantment one expects from a country house.  Birds chirp and squirrels scatter as we’re greeted by the hydrangeas that have been patiently waiting all season for our arrival.

Once inside, each creek under foot from the wide-plank floors scares away the tension of the past few months.  Just as we’re sinking into the linen sofa, there’s a knock at the door.  Anxiously awaiting our arrival, our friends from down the road have popped in and brought us a basket of freshly picked vegetables from their garden that we’ll happily work into tomorrow’s dinner menu.  This evening, however, our annual Shirts vs. Skins croquet match is on! But before any of the extreme sporting begins, we’re all in need of some light refreshments.  After selecting our favorite color mallets, we sip on Pimm’s cups putting some of those freshly picked cucumbers to good use! Several rounds (and some missing balls) later, we make our way back towards the house avoiding the tricky wickets, as lightning bugs fill the evening air.

1. Karin Blake

2. 1953 Chevorlet Corvette

1. Mariette Himes Gomez

2. French Country Log Basket by Cottage Home

3. Charles de Lisle Workshop

1. Steven Gambrel

2. Lyre Wall Light by Hector Finch

3. Boston Tumbler by Villeroy & Boch

1. The Adventures of Tartan Scot

2. House Beautiful

3. Pimm's

1. Brown Swirl Porcelain Doorknob

2. Fenwick Chair by Mclain Wiesand

3. Karin Blake

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Greener Pastures

We heard a rumor that Spring arrived this week, but Old Man Winter just won't give up.  We're so ready for our second favorite season of the year to begin (second only to Fall) because there is a real feeling in the air that something is about to happen.  Each evening the sun stays up for just a little bit longer, spring bulbs are starting to pop up in the most unexpected places and branches that have remained dormant all winter are now exhibiting signs of life.  This is the time of year when we pack up our sweaters, open the windows to let the fresh air in and give the house (and our minds) a good cleaning.  Here's hoping that this April's showers bring you plenty of figurative flowers.

1.  Welford Park

2.  Dayna Decker wood wick candles

3.  Tommy Ton's Street Style

1.  English lead planters, Lincolnshire, England

2.  Caravaggio, Narcissus, 1599

3.  White Narcissus

1.  Filoli House, Woodside, California 

2.  Anchor Division

3.  Frank Roop

1.  Pink Magnolias

2.  Perrier-Jouët champagne

3.  Miles Redd

1.  Thomas Jayne Studio

2. Gustave Caillebotte, Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877

3.  Col. Littleton, purveyor of fine accoutrements in the Americana tradition
4.  Thomas O'Brien

1 & 3. Martha Stewart 

2.  William Yeoward Fern pattern stemware

1.  Steven Gambrel

2.  Aries terracotta urn at Treillage by Bunny Williams

3.  Semper Augustus Tulip


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How to Make An Entrance

Making an entrance is never an easy task, even for the most experienced party-goers among us.  One needs to exude confidence while appearing approachable and relaxed.  Your outfit should be thoughtful and appropriate.  Consider your hair, nails and makeup.  You should look into the eyes of others as you survey the room, and smile.  There are so many rules!  That's one reason why we want our retreat; there's nothing more honest and relaxing than walking through the door of a weekend getaway where one can sit back in a carefree setting with good company.

Just as important as first impressions are in social situations, the entry to any space is equally important. The spaces below, in their simplicity, exude a confidence and sophistication of their own. As we embark on this cabin pilgrimage, our journey starts with an entrance...and if you'll please excuse us, we need to pick out our outfits. 

1.  Entrance to an apartment in Paris, Casamidy

2.  Steven Gambrel

3.  New Hampshire settee, Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques

1 & 4.  The Rug Company

2.  Portrait of 'Oberschützenmeister', Christophe Edwards

3.  19th century oak Elizabethan-style table, Holmes Samsel Antiques

1.  Axel Vervoordt

2.  19th century Persian Sultanabad carpet, Doris Leslie Blau

1.  McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors

2.  Visconti two arm sconce, Gregorius Pineo

3.  English mahogany center table with marble top, c. 1810, Lee Stanton Antiques

4.  Bunny Williams

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Fired Up

Sitting at home snowed in today, the thought of curling up next to a cozy fire sounds delightful. Of all the quintessential elements a cabin should have, the fireplace tops the list. I don’t think there is anything in today’s modern world that can replace the romantic and intimate allure a fire can bring to a room.  Whether it is the crackling and popping or distinctive aroma, nothing else seems to universally put us at ease and bring us back to a simpler time.  Grande or quaint, they all have the same effect.

Sandringham House, Norfolk, England

Steven Gambrel

John Saladino

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