Something Pretty for the Weekend

I have been messing about in one of the spare bedrooms, with the help of the last roses from the garden I have been trying to make it pretty for some friends who are coming to stay this weekend...

Wishing you all a Wonderful Weekend

XXX

Italian Holiday

It's that time of year again when I start trying to persuade MG, that a holiday would be a good idea and Italy is never far from my thoughts.  People who read this blog regularly will already know I have a weakness for thick, curving, lime washed walls with the sea just a stones throw away...

All photographs from http://www.botlea.it/

Up At The Villa

I hereby bequeath to the Institut de France, for the Academie des Beaux-Arts, the Villa Ile de France, in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, together with all the works of art and furniture, and the gardens surrounding the villa, for the purposes of creating a museum...To this new museum, I bequeath all my works of art, whether in Paris, 19 Avenue Foch or in the Villa Soleil and the Villa Rose de France in Monte Carlo: paintings, furniture, porcelain, tapestry, etc. it is my wish that as much as possible the museum keeps its current appearance as a salon, and that the valuable pieces are kept behind glass.

A Clause from Beatrice de Ephrussis will.

Young Beatrice

Visiting the Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa and gardens is almost a spiritual experience, you feel like a privileged guest, free to roam round the magnificent house and gardens, whilst your hostess, Beatrice has popped out on an errand...

There are nine gardens in all and they all flow into each other, it's like walking through a series of magical outdoor rooms...

 

 Spanish Garden

Florentine Garden

Views on all sides of the Cote d'Azur and neighbouring Villas
 

 The Stone Garden

 Beautiful stepped passages

Japanese Garden

 View through the Bamboo in the exotic garden

Rose Garden

View From the Provencal Garden

 The Temple of Love

 View from the Temple of Love

 View of the Villa and the French Garden

If this has whetted your appetite, you can read the fascinating story of Beatrice and the Villa Eprhussi de Rothschild, here

Visit the website here

Up At The...Shhh, More Soon!

Wishing You all a Wonderful Weekend.
XXX