Hatton House

We spent last weekend in Cambridge for a wedding, and used the trip as the perfect opportunity to test out Airbnb. I’ve loved the idea of the site since I heard about it, but Chris wasn’t quite so keen. After scouring the site to try and find somewhere reasonably priced but not too far from the city, I stumbled across Hatton House B&B in Longstanton and placed a reservation. On arriving, I think we were both struck by the serenity of the house and it’s gardens- a beautiful yellow brick house surrounded by gardens and ponds, it was picture-postcard perfect.

The whole house had an air of tranquility- fresh flowers, candles burning, clean white walls and light filled rooms (both our bedroom and bathroom had windows on both sides overlooking the gardens)- it was bliss and I just wish I’d had longer there to relax in that bath or lounge around longer reading in bed on a Sunday morning. The 8 free-range chickens clucking and scuttling around the grounds were just an added bonus.

Highly recommended- Jayne was the perfect host and I can’t wait to head back there next time we head to the city. When we found out our room with a delicious breakfast was only £20 more than a night in a dorm room at one of the Cambridge colleges, it seemed even better value, and I can’t wait to book another break via Airbnb.

Nature’s Bounty

Vintage Treasures

I don’t think there’s anything better on a Sunday than stumbling across an unexpected Antiques sale in a village hall, is there? Chris spotted the signs for this one after we’d had brunch with friends and when we popped in to explore, there were a few treasures I just couldn’t leave without.

A Winchester Walk

Testing Times

A few weeks ago, I took a walk from my parents’ house on my own on a beautiful sunny afternoon- you know that gorgeous, low light that only winter days have?

A windy walk

I love living near the sea.

There’s nothing like a brisk walk in the crisp sea air, with the wind whipping your hair about to make you feel alive.

Still rising

My thoughts are with those affected by the hideous weather we’re still experiencing in the UK. Luckily, the worst that’s happened to me is that my trains to work are cancelled due to the excess water causing the embankment to collapse down the line. Instead, it’s a rail replacement service to the next station followed by another train or otherwise I’ll drive. Considering how bad things are elsewhere we’re pretty thankful to live on a hill and outside the floodplain!

Last Wednesday I was down on the Solent, and considering the high winds, rainfall and tidal surge, I was not surprised to encounter a VERY choppy sea.

This is a site I go to once every other month or so, but I’ve never seen the water so high. The reedbed is where the River Meon comes to the sea, and somewhere under all that water are a load of signs which are normally way above the top of the water.

And just look at those groynes- barely visible!

Lately

Although I’ve been away from the blog, I’ve still been taking lots of snapshots of my life- here’s a little review of January 2014.

Mijn Lieveling Winkels*

After lounging around for a while flicking through a few magazines in a favourite cafe, and wandering the streets of canal houses, there is nothing better in Amsterdam than a bit of boutique window shopping, so here are a few of my picks.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

This is a very aptly timed post. Yesterday, I literally did leave on a jet plane- I’ve been whisked away somewhere in Europe as a birthday surprise. I won’t have found out where until I hit the airport- how exciting!