Vogue's Book of Houses, Gardens, People

A unique book, written by Valentine Lawford and photographed by his long-time friend Horst, with whom he lived on Long Island after leaving the diplomatic service in 1950. The book was published in 1968 and is long out of print. I had a copy from my parents which was unaccountably lost. This copy was obtained from a bookesller in New York, at considerable cost. Click on the heading for some illustrations from the book, with one page of Valentine's writing.

Favourite Wines - the Reds

Chard Farm, Gibston, Nr Queenstown

I posted a note about one of my favourite white wines last summer - the spectacular Napa Valley Far Niente. Now that beautiful white wine has been joined by another of great quality - Devil's Lair from the Margaret River area of Australia (where others that I love, such as Cullen and Vasse Felix, also live.)

But now that winter is upon us reds are more welcome, particularly my favourite New Zealand Pinot Noirs. It's difficult to chose between Cloudy Bay, Neudorf, Mt Difficulty and Villa Maria (who make the Wine Society's fine Exhibition Pinot Noir), with Chard Farm's Viper coming in close behind, but who cares? They are all delicious!

Favourite Views - Stocks Farm

Views of Stocks Farm from Old Winchester Hill in summer and winter


I can't claim credit for these fabulous photos. I found them on Flickr. The first one is taken by a chap called Michael. I hope he doesn't mind me posting it here. It's of our farm Stocks and the cottages on the down, taken in early summer. The other is taken by Treescaper in winter, with the barley showing and the other fields awaiting spring sowing. Both are taken from Old Winchester Hill. 

An earlier photo of the same view appears here

Chelsea

There is a reason why the family are always talking of moving to Chelsea; the 18th Century architecture is timeless and beautiful - even on a January day - and you can walk to the parks and shops and restaurants without ever needing to take the car. One day we may end up there.....