Palm Springs meets Scotland in Toronto

We had a wonderful opportunity this past month to completely design a rooftop installation for one of our corporate clients' own home. 

 South West exposure....... thinking......desert..... dry, hot.  It is SO not cottage garden flowers and plants for this terrace. This is extreme territory !

 We needed to compile a list of plants that could survive a drought tolerant, wind exposed position. We also wanted both drama and tropical in an extreme sort of way......hence Palm Springs meets Scotland.

 Plants: a knotted pom pom Scots pine, aloe vera,  various succulents, bougainvillea (totally love), lava rocks, various cactus and other sun loving gems.

It worked very nicely!  We are so pleased with the results.....

And the client was very happy also.  We received an email this morning saying they spent the evening on their terrace enjoying their Palm Springs meets zen like garden, in Toronto.

Bespoke Country House Parties

So, last year I stumbled across this company that throws bespoke country house parties in the beautifully charming Cotswolds. It just so happens that one of the partners' in this retreat is  Sophie Conran (yes, that Conran, daughter of the great Terence). Man, it must be in their blood to be so entreprenuerial and also so talented. This family rocks !


And so does this place ! Temple Guiting is actually owned by a fellow called Steven Collins. Steven decided that he wanted to convert this family property into an investment. Smart man. Together with the famed Sophie Conran they have created this gorgeous retreat for anybody (which is semi affordable if you don't mind saving for a year and not take another holiday for another year --- the weekend rates will make you gulp a little) to hold your own private country party (just like the wealthy Edwardians did). 


Sounds good to me.You name it. It can be organized. They have experts from a varied and wide set of backgrounds. Hmmmm.....want to do a little fly fishing ? No problem. Always wanted to spend an afternoon baking artisinal breads ? No problemo. How about hot air ballooning, wine tasting, jam making, shooting, learning to play bridge/poker ?  It's covered. And of course, my favourite......the floristry course.


All this, and in the most gorgeous setting. The accomodation is to die for. Heck who cares about the activities. I just want to go and hang out....go for long country walks, read by a roaring fire, eat wonderful meals, drink great wine and sleep in the most sumptuous bedrooms ever !

Of course, there's always the  National Trust  or the  Landmark Trust  if you're not in need of so much pampering but still want to have that great country house/manor  experience. I think this is more my speed and more of what my wallet can handle. But if money were not an object........ then here I come Temple Guiting. Just for the weekend only.

More pictures and definitely more info on their website.

Baby, it's COLD outside !

Yep, as I write this on a quiet, beautiful Sunday morning, the temperature outside sits at -20 celsius dipping to -33 with the wind chill factor ! Ooooh yes, welcome to Canada. But I love it. The sky is a sparkly blue, the air is crisp, snow everywhere and there is a stillness that I find soothing. Mind you, you must be dressed for it and even then one needs to be careful. It can be dangerous at these temperatures.

But enough of winter, let's get onto dreams and fantasy holidays. Last year I stumbled upon a gorgeous website www.absolute-escape.com. I think I came upon it through the British newspaper The Telegraph.
Anyway, in the Property section there was an article about an interior designer who was selling Mas St Esteve, his home in the south of France with all of its' furnishings as part of the deal. Gosh, I wish I could recall the fellow's name but I can't. Sorry.

I don't know if he ever sold it or decided to hang on and rent it out but it's definitely for rent. For the modest sum of $10,000 per week (well it does accomodate 12 people - so that's not too bad) you can
enjoy this handsomely restored farmhouse located near the village of Isle sur la Sorgue also known as the "Venice of Provence". Have a drool, umm, I mean look ....

What a pretty sitting room. Imagine having a lovely cup of tea with a great book in hand. I love the sofa and the rustic jar filled with garden roses. 

Champagne lunch anyone ? I think a semi formal setting like this is so chic for a casual but elegant lunch. Oh, did I mention that it can be arranged for a Michelin star chef to be on staff should you not care for the "self catering" approach ?

Errr, can't quite read the label. Something about a ......... -du-Pape. Must be a local wine of some sort. The cheeses look scrumptious and the beautifully monogrammed napkins -- classic.

The kitchen has a lovely open, contemporary feel. It think it's quite big.

Nicely styled.

Nearby vineyard

Quintessential Provence view

The farmhouse at night. The Plane trees are magnificent. Have a look at the first photo for a better view.

Very old world. The curtains look very sumptuous.

                            

A favourite shot - a pretty, summery bouquet of chamomile flowers in a classic Provencal jug.

And of course we can't leave out the swimmimg pool. A much needed refreshing dip to keep the heat at bay.

Unfortunately I couldn't nab photos of the bedrooms, so if you want to check out the accomodation you'll need to go online.

Oh, and just in case Mas Ste Esteve doesn't suit, Absolute Escape also has two properties in Verbier, Switzerland for all you ski types and one property in Marrakech, Morrocco for a hit of exotica.

The Bolt Hole.....

Phewww...we have just finished a very busy week at Wild thyme.

We have been most fortunate to be part of some wonderful celebrations over the past few months. We certainly have no complaints, as it has been busy. However, whenever I start to feel really stressed and overworked, I try to relax and and think about all of the amazing places I will visit when time and circumstances allow. Very often, I just want to get out of Dodge, slow right down and just hide away in a lovely place for a week.

In Britain, they call it a "bolt hole". I love the term. Because that's exactly what you want to do....bolt and hide.

A few years ago I stumbled upon Callakille Cottage on the west coast of Scotland, via the internet.

The cottage is 50 yards from the beach and located on one of Scotland's most scenic stretches of coast, with views across to the Isle of Skye.

The interior is extremely charming, stylishly appointed and romantic.

I love the branches and the Roberts radio on the window sill. Ahh yes, music quietly playing or maybe I'd be catching up with The Archers on BBC radio 4.

The deerskin hide, the dark laquered floors and the simple bedding and pillows make the room feel inviting, rather than dowdy.

I would easily de-stress in this room. It's bright and simple. I can just picture myself with a cup of tea, some toast, comfie "jammies" and a few Persephone books to lose myself in. Love it !

Callakille cottage belongs to online entrepreneur Rosie Brown. Rosie has great taste and has an incredible eye and talent for sourcing the best of Scotland's artists and artisans. And no, it's not all shortbread and tartan kilts !

Oh, by the way, this is the bag I would have with me at Callakille Cottage. I find it rather chic and classic. Great for town visits.

So practical AND stylish !

For those long, long walks when one gets thirsty. Very tasteful.

And, oh my, we can't forget our wellies. Much needed in Scotland.

via flickr

I love the idea of deer antlers on the mantle. Very hip and gorgeous.

Oooh, this blanket looks divine. Check it out on Papa Stour.

I'm totally into hot water bottles. This one would be perfect for Callakille Cottage !

The Welcoming Committee! Sweet!

By the way, if anyone has stayed here or is planning to visit, we'd love to hear from you as we're are thinking of booking for 2010 sometime.