A COTTAGE & A MANOR

October 17, 2018 65 Comments

WELCOME, TO MY THIRD INSTALLMENT of ENGLISH GARDENS.

If you missed my INTRODUCTION start HERE! Click on it.

If YOU WANT TO REVIEW THE FIRST PART OF THE GARDEN TOUR CLICK ON THIS WORD HERE!

GARDEN THREE

A VISIT TO A THATCHED COTTAGE.FAIRY TALE GARDENS.AN ARTIST & GARDENER EXTRAORDINAIRE.

THESE CAME IN HANDY WHEN A COW WAS SEEN IN THE DISTANCE!

HERE WE ARE ENTERING A COTTAGE with a THATCHED ROOF!

These roofs last for approximately 25 years.

I decided this is a JOB MY ITALIAN could do if we MOVED!

IT is a DYING ARTISTIC TRADE!

HE WOULD BE GREAT AT IT!

I had us MOVING BY THE END OF THE TRIP!

MY ONLY Problem would be HOW TO TRANSPORT THAT MISTER B.

THE PIGGY!

I WOULD NEVER LEAVE HIM BEHIND so I guess we are NOT MOVING!

(PIGS LIVE FOR 20 PLUS YEARS!I WILL BECOME KNOWN AS THAT ECCENTRIC DAME WITH THE PIG!)

LOVED THIS!

JANE UNO THIS PHOTO IS FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

HEDGES DONE JUST SO!

MY FIRST SIGHTING OF FALL!

YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS…..

CHRISTMAS IS HERE IN THE STORES!

PASTURE TO COWS………..I SAW CHRIS OUT THERE WITH A COW AND I WAS OFF!!!!!

BUT FIRST I HAD TO SEE IF I COULD FIT!

MY OUTFIT Is BY AN AMERICAN COMPANY CALLED BRYN WALKER!

THEY ARE LOCATED IN BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

AND SELL UP AND DOWN THE WEST COAST!

THEY ALSO SELL TO DILLARDS IN THE SOUTH AND OTHER STORES.

EVERY SHAPE AND SIZE CAN WEAR THIS CLOTHING!

BELIEVE ME!

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE TALL!

Note the eyes are made of Pinecones!

Loved this as I can see in The SPRING TIME flowers abound surrounding The GOOSE and HER GOLDEN PRIZED POSSESSION!

DID YOU KNOW I HAD PET GEESE AT ONE TIME?

ACTUALLY TWICE!!

HERE I AM with ONE of MY MOST FAVORITE ANIMALS in ALL THE WORLD!

I had to climb a FENCE to GET TO HER and it was a WINDY DAY.

SHE WALKED AWAY FROM ME!

I had brought a FEW of those APPLES you saw FIRST THING from THAT BOWL!

Hoping they were OKAY for HER TO EAT and I would NOT BE UPSETTING HER TUMMY!

The Wind Was Blowing My Jacket Off Not Me doing a STRIP TEASE !!!

AT LEAST I HAVE HER ATTENTION!

I’m NOT LOOKING AT HER HOPING SHE WILL COME CLOSER!

CAN YOU SEE THE APPLE IN MY HAND?

I LOVED THIS.

SHE FOUND MY BASKET WITH MAYBE THREE MORE APPLES IN IT ALL BY HERSELF!

SHE NEVER DID LET ME TOUCH HER!

MY TOUR GUIDE HAD BETTER LUCK!

SEE DEBRA GO!

COME ON LOOK WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU!!!!

PRETTY P L E A S E………..NO WAY SHE SAYS!

I LOVED THIS SHOT.

I have NO IDEA if she Knew she was standing over the patch of GORGEOUSNESS Or NOT!

MY FIRST AGA I have seen with MY EYES that was NOT IN A MAGAZINE!!!!!

The AGA cooker is a heat storage stove and cooker, which works on the principle that a heavy frame made of cast iron can absorb heat from a relatively low-intensity but continuously burning source, and the accumulated heat can then be used for cooking.

ALL AGA ‘s are MADE BY HAND in ENGLAND.

When we lived in ITALY I would BUY the ENGLISH MAGAZINES and COVET these STOVES/OVENS as the animals were always nearby on their dog beds to keep warm as they are NEVER TURNED OFF!I looked into Buying one when we moved back to the STATES but at that time 1994 they were NOT even IMPORTED.

THEY ARE VERY EXPENSIVE.

SO,I settled for a USED WOLF GAS RANGE as THE ITALIAN would HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS ELECTRICAL STUFF ALL HOUSES CAME WITH HERE IN CALIFORNIA!

OUR WOLF RANGE was BIGGER than our KITCHEN and with the PILOT on, warmed the HOUSE for US!!!!!

THAN HE BUILT ME A KITCHEN OF MY DREAMS!

STILL NOT BIG ENOUGH BUT I have ROOM for PORTRAITS, COFFEE TABLE, CHAISE LOUNGE,FRENCH CLOCKS,OLD RETAIL RACKS to HOLD PANS,IRISH CHEST OF DRAWERS,FIVE CHANDELIERS………….working on one more over the SINK like QUEEN OF TRASHY TREASURES on instagram and a FEW other items ONE would NEVER find in a KITCHEN!!!

YOU could say MY KITCHEN is MY SALON………..it’s where the HUB of the HOUSE is and I REALLY LOVE IT!!!!!

GOOD THING as I SPEND A LOT OF T I M E IN IT!

FOURTH GARDEN!

A MANOR HOUSE & GARDEN

OWNED BY A LOVELY COUPLE

SHE IS A RENOWN FLORAL ARRANGER with her partner PENNY.

After LUNCH in their 15 CENTURY BARN SUE & PENNY will give us a DEMONSTRATION in the

13 century CHAPEL.

HOLD ON TO YOUR SEATS LADIES AND GENTS!!!!!!

THAT MUSHROOM LOOKING STONE was to LIFT the GRAIN HUTS OFF THE GROUND SO MOISTURE and VARMINTS couldNOT MANGIA!I saw a BEAUTIFUL ONE AT THE San Francisco ANTIQUE SHOW LAST WEEK for only $325.00.My guess was HE didNOT want to Pack it UP and ship it HOME!

Here I am at THE MANOR HOME in front of a MUSHROOM SUPPORT which NOW A DAYS you see ADORNING GARDENS even in the USA!!I find them rather attractive DO YOU?

BLACK & GREY seem to be THE COLOR OF THE DAY!

WeLL, HELLO GARDEN GATE!

OKAY, HERE is the MANOR HOME and the woman in white pants and striped shirt is the OWNER!

SHE HALES from New Zealand originally!

Now, tell me YOU would NOT LOVE TO HAVE THIS ENTRANCE TO YOUR HOME!

MAYBE YOU ALREADY DO!!!!

LOOK AT THAT OLD STONE OR SLATE DRIVEWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LET ME BREATHE HERE A MOMENT…………

READERS PLEASE MEET SUE she has been kind enough to invite a BUNCH of AMERICANS into her GARDEN and BARN and CHAPEL for a LUNCH and FLORAL DEMO!

I NEED THIS!

DIDNOT REALIZE AT THE TIME BUT I HAVE SOME ASHES ABOUT THE HOUSE THAT NEED A RESTING SPOT AND THIS WILL DO PERFECTLY!

ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN FINE THIS OR A SIMILAR VESSEL!??

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to DO SO YOU MUST CLICK THE TITLE OF THE BLOG POST AT THE BEGINNING!THAN SCROLL DOWN TO THE END OF THE POST TO THE COMMENT SECTION THERE WILL BE A BOX to SCRIBBLE ME A NOTE!

THANK YOU!

Headed to The Vegetable PATCH!

THE WALLS AROUND THESE GARDENS……..SPOKE TO ME!

The Road is right behind but it’s a COUNTRY ROAD.

THE MANOR HOUSE

WHO IS SKIPPING ALONG THIS PATH WITH ME?

This is their Vegetable Garden!

Here you have Your Contessa posing as a SUNFLOWER!

This to me is a BEAUTIFUL HOME.

I believe the church also belongs to their house!This is Not the CHAPEL they had restored.

When will MY WEEPING WILLOW LOOK LIKE THIS?

How many of YOU follow PREPPY EMPTY NESTER’S BLOG?

SHE IS A RIOT and NOTHING LIKE ME!

LIVES ON THE EAST COAST and has TWO DAUGHTERS and TWO DOGS and a HUSBAND WHO COOKS!

PLUS ONE GREAT BLACK AND WHITE TOTE that gets CAPTURED EVERYWHERE!

I had the IDEA AT this MOMENT TO COPY HER with MY AFRICAN BASKET IN THE BUSH!

WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS AS I DONOT THINK I TOOK ENOUGH PHOTOS.

JUST KNOW YOU WERE THOUGHT OF MRS.CLOONEY IN ENGLAND!!!!!!

Oliver awaits the ARRIVAL of the AMERICANS for LUNCH!This so REMINDED me of THE ITALIANS!

THE TABLE IS SET IN THE 15th CENTURY BARN for LUNCH.

ANOTHER AGA to SWOON OVER………wish I had peeked inside the compartments!

YOUR CONTESSA at THE MANOR HOUSE sitting in THE GARDEN.

The 13 Century Chapel that SUE & OLIVER recently had restored.It was a crumbled mound of stones!

Penny & Sue demonstrating the ART of Building a FLORAL DISPLAY!

The window of the 13Century CHAPEL.

The Ladies were up early collecting from Their Gardens for TODAYS PRESENTATION!

I left Thinking……… MY GOAL!

I could DO THIS!

Have a WEEKLY FLORAL DISPLAY from THE GARDEN…….MAYBE A LITTLE HELP in the OFF SEASON from TRADER JOES!

I have enough GREENS for CERTAIN!

From IVY to BAY Leaves to Pine to Plane TREES.

Might even mean I need to find a NEW VESSEL to create in!

MUST BE GRAND!

THE FINISHED DISPLAY!

These LADIES are SELF-TAUGHT.

I think I will STOP HERE for NOW!

I still have MORE TO SHARE………..are you still interested in my PHOTOS and silly stories?

This is such a GOOD way for me to keep a DIARY of SORTS of my TRIP……….

I hope I am NOT BORING YOU TOO TOO MUCH!

I have had an EXCITING WEEK this PAST week by attending the OPENING of THE San Francisco FALL ANTIQUE SHOW and meeting SOME TOP INTERIOR DESIGNERS.

OF COURSE NONE OF THOSE PHOTOS WILL UPLOAD FOR ME!

TYPICAL MORNING FOR ME!

BUT YESTERDAY ALL I WANTED WAS MY BLOOD PRESSURE READ and they sent me to EMERGENCY!

Guess I was headed for a HEART ATTACK by what my WORDS were DESCRIBING!

NEVER A DULL MOMENT WITH ME!

AT THE END OF THE CHAT with THE DOC in EMERGENCY she says to me

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

MY ANSWER……..YOUR PEOPLE ON THE PHONE TOLD ME TO COME!

ARE YOU RELEASING ME?

“YIPPY, I haveNOT FED THE CHICKENS YET!!!!!”

XOXO

65 Comments

Leave your reply.

Susie
· Reply

October 24, 2018 at 5:54 PM

The English style complements this stylish lady.
April
· Reply

October 21, 2018 at 9:05 AM

So fun to read and see you and your travels. That lunch spread looks so inviting- yum??
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 22, 2018 at 5:57 AM
  
  JUST GOT THAT CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE TOO!
  XX
PATRICIA H. Flournoy
· Reply

October 21, 2018 at 8:11 AM

Great Post…so wonderful to see your beautiful photos…Merci!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 21, 2018 at 8:39 AM
  
  GRAZIE…………..SO HAPPY YOU ENJOYED IT!
  THESE POSTS TAKE ME DAYS TO CREATE!!!!!!!!!!!
  I APPRECIATE THE FEEDBACK!!!!!!
  XX
Robin Fink
· Reply

October 20, 2018 at 6:59 PM

Markus went to ISOLA- kind of like the garbage dump here- GP will know- and found the most beautiful rectangular planter box- it had a few cracks- but why would one throw it away? OLD!!!
Your photos are beautiful. Wish I could do the same. LOVE!! England is beautiful, but I hope you will come to Bella Italia and tour the gardens. I can arrange it. You will be swept off your feet! Check out Elizabeth Minchilli blog- she has a country house in Umbria, but lives in Roma with the Italian Architect husband- she an American- like you with GP. Come to ITALIA!!!! XXo Robin
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 21, 2018 at 8:38 AM
  
  YES, I KNOW ELIZABETH M……….she has NO PERSONALITY!!!!!!
  Followed HER FOR YEARS on HER BLOG………Do you think she answered me ONCE?
  When one is called a “CONTESSA” in ITALIAN it is NOT A COMPLIMENT!If one is NOT A REAL CONTESSA!!!!!!
  I’m certain SHE thought I was a NUT CASE……..and I mayBE!
  I followed her before her APPS and books etc………back when it was just a BLOG!
  HONEY I’ve GOT YOU NOW with your CONNECTION to ISOLA and I know that DUMP on the HILL outside SCANDICCI……….(I forget how to spell it!)
  YOU CAN ARRANGE THOSE MAGNIFICENT GARDENS I NEVER DID GET TO SEE WHEN I WAS THERE WITH TODDLERS?LETS PLAN THIS……….send me an email with a list and links if you can!
  ALSO a CASA COLONICA that would FIT about 8 woman per dormire………….
  KATHARINE………..how BIG a VAN can YOU get to drive us around in these days with luggage?
  I SEE TOSCANA IN MY FUTURE…………….
  ROBIN get the CASA n ORDER………YOU will be HOSTING A FEW AMERICANOS!!!!!!!
  A PRESTO BELLA…………..
  XOXO
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

October 20, 2018 at 10:41 AM

This trip sounds fantastic!

Unbelievable! Loved every story!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 21, 2018 at 8:27 AM
  
  IT TRUELY WAS……….BEST GROUP TRIP OVERSEAS I HAVE BEEN ON TO DATE!
  XX
Rosemarie
· Reply

October 20, 2018 at 12:20 AM

Hi there CONTESSA – I have really enjoyed your garden tour posts. So nice to see the differences in the gardens and also the architecture. A most enjoyable time for you. Thank you for taking all the pics and sharing your tour with us. Lovely lunch you had – the salads looked absolutely delicious.

Weekly floral arrangements would be very creative done by you. I’d look forward to seeing them.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 20, 2018 at 7:10 AM
  
  I MUST FIND A VESSEL……..AND DECIDE ON THE LOCATION FIRST.
  MAYBE I will DO THAT TODAY after I VOTE!!!!!!!!!WE have an election coming UP and I VOTE BY mail and want to get THAT DONE AND EN-ROUTE!!!!!!!VERY IMPORTANT THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!Well EVERY YEAR but THIS YEAR I am ON IT !
  THE SALADS were and GLUTEN FREE TO BOOT!
  I see YOU have sent me some PHOTOS as YOU do from time to time!THANK YOU will take a PEEK later today!!!!!!!!XX
Roslyn Short
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 9:59 PM

Oops Normandy with dear Sharon
Ros Short
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 9:57 PM

Bravo Dear Contessa on your second trip to wander the English gardens .You fire up an appetite for more & if close my eyes Isee u wandering the garden paths in your own unique style ,your enthusiasm shines thru !Brings back memories of wandering the byways of Brittany seeking brocante .Keep up that magical spirit that takes us on these journeys with you .Take care of your health ,you inspire all of us with your magical garden tours . Blissfully yours Ros S ,ps I had 4 days at Golden Door in CA can thoroughly recommend it ,would have loved to have contacted you but whole family was on the trip ,so snuck away while they went to Disney
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 20, 2018 at 7:05 AM
  
  ROS!!!!!!!!!!!!
  I COULD HAVE FLOWN TO San Diego AND JOINED YOU!
  I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO THE GOLDEN DOOR!!!!!!HAVE WANTED TO GO SINCE I WAS A TEENAGER!!!!!HOPE YOU FOUND SOME JOHNEY WAS ALONG THE ROUTE!!!!!I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE YOU!!!!!I UNDERSTAND…….NOT ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY WEEKS………..I DO NEED TO POP OVER TO AUSTRALIA!
  I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU EVEN IF I HAVE TO YELL A BIT!!!!!!!!
  BIG HUGS!!!
  XOXOX
Leslie Lord
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 1:53 PM

Such a lovely tour of the cottage and manor house. I admire those large floral arrangements but they would just become cat toys here in The Humble Bungalow!
Sorry to hear about your trip to the ER! I hope that you get some answers soon…
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 20, 2018 at 7:12 AM
  
  SO,your FURRY BABES are STILL YOUNG and PLAYFUL!!
  What JOY they BRING!
  ANSWERS would be WONDERFUL NEWS in THIS HOUSE!!!!!
  THANK YOU HOSTESS of the HUMBLE BUNGALOW.THANK YOU,
  XX
Our French Oasis
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 1:46 PM

So glad you are ok. Did you know that the Aga is originally Swedish, not British at all? That one you show in the photo is a very old model, looks like it is probably solid fuel. Have grown up with them all my life, on the farm in England we used to have bottles of milk warming for orphan lambs during lambing season in the spring, I have been known to put my frozen feet after riding in the bottom oven to warm up and have spent many happy hours sitting on the cool dome. They are one of those wonderful things that are hard to live without once you have had one!! p.s. the rest of the post is absolutely fantastic too, loved every word and every photo.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 20, 2018 at 7:18 AM
  
  MY Husband asked me last night if they are fuel or GAS and we gathered GAS propelled.So the older models were FUEL?NO, I had NO idea SWEDEN had invented the AGA…..
  SO, tell me you would lose a lot of MOTHER SHEEP in the BIRTHING PROCESS?!!
  Do you have a photo of YOURSELF as a YOUNG child warming YOUR FEET in THE AGA?That I would LOVE TO SEE!!!!!!SO, is it hard to learn to operate……..is each compartment set at a different degree?CAN you change the temperature?How long does it take to change?Full of questions I am!!!!!!
  I STILL WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!
  XX
Heidi
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 1:04 PM

PPS. Elizabeth, I hope you are feeling much better now. It seems like nowadays the Dr.’s office staff will send you to the emergency room for just about anything. They are thinking of lawsuits, I think. They are afraid to make recommendations or give advice over the phone, or sometimes even in person, for fear of misdiagnosing and facing legal action. At least that’s been my experience.
XO Heidi
Heidi
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 12:58 PM

Hello Elizabeth La Contessa,
I love this post! I can feel your enthusiasm and joy at having been there. How lovely everything was, even those big, fat, grey clouds!
Your outfit with the harem-like pants is so flow-y and wonderful, and the turban makes you look like you belong in a European garden, giving tours yourself!
Our friends in Ireland have a beautiful home in the country about an hour from Dublin. Outside there are cows in the pasture, a creek, rolling green fields, beautiful trees, and inside, an AGA in the kitchen. The stove makes everything very cosy, even though the house is huge! It’s all too much for me when we visit! Everything over here feels so plain somehow, and I have a very nice house in the country myself. I think it’s the history of the place or something. Anyway, I always enjoy coming along with you as you relive your experiences! Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Xo Heidi
PS I hope you are enjoying my watercolor chicken series on Instagram! Send me some pics of yours and I’ll do a portrait!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 3:56 PM
  
  I”M NOT GETTING THE CHICKEN SERIES AM I???? HAVE I LIKED ANY????
  I’ll check this EVE!!!!!!!
  YOU know I think I’m missing OUT on a few of my FOLLOWERS TOO…….
  Granted I have not been GLUED to IG this past week I have been PRETTY BUSY!
  BUT LIFE will get back to NORMAL NOW!
  I can concentrate on FRAMING YOUR DRAWING NOW!
  IT’s hard to capture MY GIRLS but I’ll TRY!!!!!!
  WHEN ARE WE GOING TO VISIT YOUR FRIENDS IN IRELAND?!!!!!!!!!!!
  XO
DA Squires
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 9:47 AM

I know I am not alone wanting to skip down the stone path with you… you would be the turban wearing, bejeweled Pied Piper leading your adoring readers, the ladies of the coop, one royal Corgi, one orange cat, and taking up the rear, Prince Banksy, adorned with his flower crown. This should be painted, set at the Manor House amidst the magical, romantic English gardens (with a cow or two as spectators, heads poking through the hedges). You TELL A STORY each time you post..enchanting, humorous, whimsical… just so wonderful.
Some miscellaneous… the photo in the chapel of the floral creation is breathtaking… ashes can be placed in an antique covered soup tureen and set high on a kitchen shelf (in my kitchen..), it is the heart of the home and where they should be, studied the garden gate very closely, but did not see a gold, embossed keyhole : ) … last, YOU ARE A SUNFLOWER… it is who you are. Sending all good health wishes… remember flowers need water, rest and sunshine…XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 20, 2018 at 7:25 AM
  
  WHEN ARE YOU GOING ON A MAGICAL BOOK TOUR?!!!!!
  I WILL BE THE GREETER!!!!!!!!
  I LIVE IN EARTHQUAKE COUNTRY and THE BIG ONE IS TO HIT ANY DAY NOW……..SOUP TUREEN IS A GREAT IDEA BUT I HAVE NO PERFECT SPOT FOR IT!
  WITH URN THE ITALIAN CAN CEMENT THE LID SHUT.SHE WANTED TO BE IN MY GARDEN.WE bought an URN together but the vessel she is in NOW will NOT FIT inside……….I can not bring myself to OPEN THAT…………..THIS ROUND ONE WILL WORK!Probably MORE information than YOU needed……………
  Drinking LOADS of WATER……..PEEING TOO MUCH!I LOVE MY BED!NEED TO GET OUTSIDE MORE………BEEN BUSY WRITING BLOGS!!!!!!!!
  ADORE YOU!
  XOXO
Shelly Halvorson
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 9:41 AM

I LOOOVVVEEE your posts! They seem so animated! You keep your audience interested. Photos are lovely. I’m grateful I stumbled upon your post. I first found you a year ago. This is how: I was viewing Yolanda Hadid’s Instagram page and she said he always makes her friend’s ELLIE’s Cranberry recipe for Thanksgiving. I clicked on #ELLIEOD (I think that was it) and found you somehow. I read many of you and Ellie’s back and forth letters while she was sick. I read her entire IG account. I fell in love with you and her. Such interesting people. Also through you, I have learned about Stephen Andrew Jones. I adore his IG account as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being you and sharing all you do!! XO’s
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 11:28 AM
  
  WOW…………..It is a small WORLD and I make ELLIE’s THANKS GIVING DINNER EVERY YEAR!!!!!CHRISTMAS TOO!IT’S A NO FAIL RECIPE BOOKS!!!!!!!!MISS OUR DEAR HAVE SOME DECORUM GAL……………SHE WAS ONE IN A MILLION AND THAT STEPHEN!!!!WELL I GOTTA MEET HIM ONE DAY!!!!!!!!THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT!I LOVE TO HEAR THESE STORIES AND HOW PEOPLE FIND ME!!!!!!XX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 9:40 AM

I love the window in the old church and the talented, self taught women and their gorgeous arrangement of flowers. Looking forward to more from your trip!! Do you have your own blood pressure cuff? You can buy one at any drugstore. Hoping things are well. xoxo, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 3:49 PM
  
  YES!
  NOT AS RELIABLE AS THE MEDICAL ONES plus I am VERY HARD TO GET A READING FROM.
  How many POSTS am I behind in on YOUR BLOG?
  I must GO LOOK AGAIN…………..SORRY!!!!
  HAD A BIT OF AN EXCITING DAY TODAY!
  ADVANCED STYLE CAME TO MY GARDEN AND SHOT ME AND THE PIGGY!!!!!!
  XO
lisa thomson
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 9:34 AM

Fabulous tour, Contessa! I can see why you wanted to stay and convince the ITALIAN to move to England. The gardens and this manor are so beautiful. I confess, I’m not a huge fan of cows although they are cute to look at. I DO love apples though 😛 That church luncheon looked delicious and how quaint! The floral arrangement was stunning!! I would love to do a home exchange for a year, say. Are people still doing that? Also, I think your kitchen and garden are definitely reminiscent of the European style. You make a wonderful and happy Sunflower. Sorry to hear you had to make a trip to the ER. Take care!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 3:46 PM
  
  The GOOD THING was I was already in the MEDICAL BUILDING SO just had to walk outside and through the emergency room door!!!!!!YOU see I could NOT make an appointment to see an MD with a HUMAN at the receptionist desk; I had to use the phone on THE WALL!After explaining my symptoms three times on the phone first to the person answering than the Nurse than the Doc she sent me to the emergency room!All I wanted was my Blood pressure read!Which they did first Thing!It was a BIT HIGH by the time I GOT THERE!!I WONDER WHY?
  As far as HOUSE EXCHANGES I have not heard of that happening for awhile now ever since the AIR B&B came on the scene!
  I TRY TO BE MORE EUROPEAN THAN AMERICAN………….don’t ask me WHY it’s just IN ME!
  XX
Christine G
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 8:36 AM

Love seeing all the beautiful photos. I love that you share your enthusiasm for all these wonderful things in life. Please take care of yourself, will be thinking good thoughts for you. This is a busy time of year, so we probably all have to remember to keep calm and pace ourselves. xoxoxoxo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 3:39 PM
  
  THANK YOU………CHRISTINE.IT IS A BUSY TIME but my BUSY SCHEDULE JUST CAME TO A HALT AS OF TODAY!I PLAN TO GO VERY SLOW THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS AND NOT DO WHAT I NORMALLY DO……….we will see what happens!THANK YOU appreciate your words!XX
debra @ 5th and state
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 7:06 AM

A strip tease for cows, sounds like a wild book title! You could do that too Contessa!

Come to Chicago and I will teach you cooking with an AGA, of course this Anglophile would have one. the bad thing about them is once you have one, you could never again live without them!!!!!

I just found out that Oliver is 90! what a dear soul he is and sue is right behind him…..stunning
sylvia could not remember their biz name either

now you my friend, can you email or text me about your health, I am worried ?

xo
Debra
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 3:36 PM
  
  90!
  SO, THERE IS SOMETHING TO LIVING IN THE COUNTRY AND LIVING AND WORKING
  and HAVING YOUR PASSIONS!!!!
  OLIVER is the MAN in the faded RED SLACKS or PINK as I like to say waiting for the AMERICANS TO ARRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!
  TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT HIM DEAR READERS HE IS 90 AND HAS BEEN A FARMER ALL HIS LIFE!!!!!
  THAT SAYS IT ALL TO ME!!!!!!
  EAT RIGHT STAY BUSY and LIVE with a WOMAN who has a PASSION FOR THE GARDEN!!!!AND LOVES DOGS!!!!IS KEY!!!!!MY HUSBAND WILL LOOK JUST LIKE OLIVER!!!!XO
Mrs Rose
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 6:38 AM

What an exciting trip. Loved all of your photographs. You are very creative and could absolutely have a grand weekly floral arrangement with flowers and foliages from your garden. Can’t wait to see what you create!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 3:32 PM
  
  SINCE YOU SAY SO I WILL DO IT!!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU MRS. ROSE WITH THE FLORAL DESIGN BUSINESS!!!!!
  XX
Lisa the Sequinist
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 6:06 AM

Oh, a house made entirely of stone captures my heart like NO OTHER. This Manor House with its tightly packed stones is just breathtaking… AND a thatched roof?! I love it.

The floral display that the ladies created at the end of your post is gorgeous; I love that wild and ordered mixed style of arranging. It is such a delight to see your posts and what you notice. I’d have never taken any note of that mushroom stone; I still don’t entirely understand what it is for. An AGA is wonderful in an English country house; they are a delight to cook on (perfect for breads, stews, roasting veg, whatever, since each compartment does its own thing). I look forward to the next installment, and gosh you are making me long for a country house… again.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 6:21 AM
  
  I have a PHOTO of THE ” MUSHROOMS” IN ACTION further ALONG!I will POINT IT OUT TO YOU when I GET TO IT!Had NO Idea I had so MANY PHOTOS!
  EACH COMPARTMENT DOES IT’s OWN THING!!!!!!???OH!!How long does it take to learn to operate one?
  XX
anitapelayorivera
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 4:32 AM

Oh Contessa, my husband and I are enthralled and bedazzled by the English countryside. IF WE COULD, we’d probably move there. We do love our Minneapolis cottage since our area is truly magical, but there is nothing like this: the great British countryside! What hedges, what cottages! YOU fit right in!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  October 19, 2018 at 6:22 AM
  
  GLAD YOU AGREE!!!!!!!!
  ME THINKS SO TOO!!!!!!!
  YOU have MY CAPS down to a TEE!!!!!!!
  XX
Jacqueline
· Reply

October 19, 2018 at 2:32 AM

Such a beautiful house and garden ……. we English are good at gardening !!! We are very lucky here in the UK as there are so many old houses and gardens that we can visit and get ideas from. Love your photographs Elizabeth. XXXX
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 19, 2018 at 6:23 AM
  
  THANK YOU JACQUELINE…………SORRY I MISSED YOU THIS TRIP!
  I’ll BE BACK!
  XX
Catherine
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October 18, 2018 at 11:46 PM

You make a beautiful sunflower!
What an amazing hostess you had – her home and gardens are delightful.
Love from the UK.
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 19, 2018 at 6:24 AM
  
  I could not RESIST!!
  XX
ellie's friend
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October 18, 2018 at 2:21 PM

Keep those garden stories coming! I love reading about them and seeing your photos!
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 18, 2018 at 6:09 PM
  
  OKAY!
  SINCE YOU ARE MY FAITHFUL READER OF YEARS WILL DO!!!!!
  XX
Jennifer
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October 18, 2018 at 1:03 PM

I love reading about your English garden adventures. Please keep them coming!
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 18, 2018 at 1:20 PM
  
  YES, will DO because I have to tell about THE HOUSE were CHARLES HAD HIS FLING!!!!!
  BECAUSE I wanted to BUY IT before I even KNEW THAT!IT’s PERFECT!XX
Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art
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October 18, 2018 at 8:53 AM

You know I usually comment on your clothes, but I must say I’m impressed with your photographs. Loving this trip and all of your photos. Good for you. Just keep them coming. This is a fabulous trip and I wish I were on it. But love your stories so keep them coming. Of course no one dresses like you so you do stand out. You must make everyones day. I bet they can’t wait to see what you will be wearing today. Love your trip and looking forward to the next post.
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 18, 2018 at 1:18 PM
  
  THIS IS REALLY REALLY BIG NEWS Coming from THE GIRLFRIEND who use to tell me how to take a photo.THAN get THE DIRECTOR ON THE PHONE WITH ME………I LOVED ALL THE TIPS…………than we found out she had CATARACTS in her eyes.I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE!JUST WISHED WE LIVED CLOSER!However, the husbands are probably LUCKY we DONOT!!!!!!!!!!WE would be FIELD TRIPPING TOO MUCH!!!!!!!
  XO
Katie Clooney
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October 18, 2018 at 3:58 AM

Good Morning from the East Coast, Contessa. What a way to begin my day – to be mentioned on your ROYAL blog. I am truly flattered and HONORED!! What a FABULOUS tour! And you look STUNNING in every photo. I LOVE those thatched roof cottages. Your photos look like a MOVIE set. That garden flower arrangement is MAGNIFICENT and so are you, CONTESSA! So glad your little HEALTH hiccup turned out okay. Go feed the CHICKENS!
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 18, 2018 at 1:14 PM
  
  ON IT!
  DONE………….
  ROYAL BLOG!
  HA!!!!
  HEALTH HICCUP NOT OVER YET!!!!!!!!
  If I relaid the story HERE I think YOU all would BE HORRIFIED and I might just have to DO IT as I think I am NOT Be given the RIGHT CARE!!!!!!!
  I will LET MY READERS DECIDE…………as I have run OUT of FIGHTING SPIRIT!
  XX
Pipistrello
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October 17, 2018 at 11:22 PM

Such delightful and very English homes you got to see, Contessa! It’s been an age since I’ve been to England so your pics and stories are very much appreciated. The Manor’s topiaries are a touch cartoonish with their crisp lines & pinecone eyes – the owner of the clippers has a Sense of Humour! And the lady Floristes put on a fabulous show for you, no wonder you’re inspired! I’m sure you can find a teeny bit of room in the casa for a regular giant Floral Display?!!

A tad alarmed to hear about your Emergency & thank goodness you could skip out again!! And I’m sure your chickens were delighted to see you, too!!

Baci xx
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 18, 2018 at 1:09 PM
  
  THOSE GIRLS ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO SEE ME!AND I THEM!However, they are NOT producing many eggs these days…….or EVER for that MATTER!
  I can understand……..its HARD PUSHING OUT THOSE BABIES!!!!!!!
  I NEED TO FIND THE RIGHT SPOT AND MAKE SOME ROOM!!!!!!
  MY PROBLEM is the FURNITURE it would sit upon both pieces are OLD so the vessel must be water tight and sealed!What I am thinking about right now is NOT!!!!!!So, that is slowing me down!!!!!!!Don’t let me forget THIS GRAND IDEA!!!!!
  XX
Kathy L
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October 17, 2018 at 7:32 PM

Thank you for sharing your thatched cottage adventure with us… so many terrific photos. Sorry that you had a trip to the ER recently.
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 18, 2018 at 1:04 PM
  
  IT IS COMING ON THE MARKET SOON AS WELL………….so I HEAR!
  AN AGA…….A THATCHED ROOF and a garden that backs up to a COW PASTURE!!
  HEAVEN TO ME!!!!
  XX
Juliet
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October 17, 2018 at 5:31 PM

Holy moly, delighted to know it was a false alarm . . . Contessa retuned to her villa and chickens fed. More more more, please . . . although Miss Daisy is not likely to be pleased by her competition. Those floral arrangements are spectacular . . . and the arrangers self-taught?! I’m not sure there is enough instruction available for me to reach such floral achievement. Looking forward to next installment! xo
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 18, 2018 at 1:02 PM
  
  OH MISS DAISY!!!!!!HAS NO COMPETITION HERE!
  JUST A FUN THOUGHT AS I WAS PRANCING ABOUT GARDENS WITH A BASKET!!!!
  I SEE MRS. CLOONEY ANSWERED ME!!!
  XX
LA CONTESSA
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October 17, 2018 at 4:26 PM

THEY COME IN A BUNCH OF COLORS!!!!I have even seen RED in a MAGAZINE!
TO BE NEIGHBORS WITH THE LADY WHO DRESSES AND HAS A WORD FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!COY COWS……..I LOVE THAT!!!
XX
Lisa White
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October 17, 2018 at 3:47 PM

We can be neighbors in the MANOR BORN homes…I call the one with the blue AGA! I have ALWAYS wanted an AGA! Now I know they come in blue! Glorious thatched roof homes, English shaped hedges with pinecone eyes, steely grey skies that hold the rain, coy cows who flirt with apple bearing hands, brick and stone garden paths that lead to a land of enchantments (blue AGA stoves) and a warm room with warm hearts and tea! What a delight!
Loree
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October 17, 2018 at 12:55 PM

My first comment disappeared ? So I’ll try again. Hope you’re feeling okay. Your adventures are never boring. I always look forward to your posts. I think I might want to move to England too. Or Scotland. Or maybe Tuscany. It’s getting so crowded here. I am not loving it so much anymore.
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 17, 2018 at 4:24 PM
  
  It’s the TRAFFIC that is getting to ME!!!!!!
  Plus the way people DRIVE!!!!!Like they are in a VIDEO GAME!!!!!!
  CAN YOUR HUSBANDS work relocate?
  XX
Ms. Mary
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October 17, 2018 at 12:40 PM

So enjoyable to tip-toe through the English garden with you, Thanks for the beautiful photos- loved the cows, and the sunflowers, and the climbing rose. There is something about a walled garden that is so inviting.
Sending hugs from my Gulf Coast vacation – You are so generous with your readers; please take the time to be kind to YOURSELF today.
<3
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 17, 2018 at 4:22 PM
  
  MOVING SLOW……….BUT SO MUCH TO DO!
  MOUNDS OF LAUNDRY FOR TWO PEOPLE!
  PEOPLE COMING FRIDAY………
  BABY GIFTS NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE AND IN THE MAIL!!!!!!
  SOAK SOME SUN UP FOR ME!
  XX
Parnassus
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October 17, 2018 at 10:57 AM

Hello Contessa, The English do have a way with gardens and old stone. On the other hand, your unique and lively style also has a lot to be said for it.

By the way, you would not like the kitchens in Taiwan. Very small and no room for decorations, which you would not want anyway as Taiwan kitchens are not the warm center of the house.
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
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  October 17, 2018 at 4:20 PM
  
  ITALIAN KITCHENS TOO!!!!!!!!
  SMALL AND ON WHEELS JIM!!!!!
  XX