Life in England: My Favourite Houses, Part 2

The abundance of great houses, both big and small, formal and rustic, untouched or newly restored continues to capture my attention here in England. We make whole day trips to go see a house or a garden, have a picnic, let the kids run around and hope that they absorb at least one thing they learned from the adventure. My 11 year old has just begun to take an interest. When we drive around now, she comments on houses she thinks are special or beautiful or that she thinks I might want to take a photo of. I think it's important to teach kids about inspiration - the idea that we can be excited by things we don't have to buy, the idea of developing a visual vocabulary, and the idea of sharing opinions - sometimes agreeing, sometimes not. It's fun!

I drive by Cornwell Manor on my way to drop the kids to school everyday. Even though I have been to the house may times (our friends live in it),  I always slow down to take in this view of it, and the reflection of the house in the pond, from the road. 

My kids are much more excited by the dovecote at Cornwell. Every day as we pass it on the school run, they crane their necks to see how many doves are visible on a given day. I just love the idea of a "bird house" being built in to match the architecture or your garden or house. Theirs is next to the stable yard as you can see.

Riding on bridal paths and going to hunting meets is also a great way to see beautiful houses. This is the huntsman and his hounds waiting for the day to began at Fifield.

I pass this cottage every morning on my daily run. It is one of my many dream houses.

Every time I drive into Oxford I take a different route so I can all the beautiful college buildings I haven't seen before. This residence is one of my favourites.

This cottage with the river running under it is along the path of a great, long walk I took recently. Could you live this close to the water? I think I could, but certainly not with little kids. 

In most English towns, there is a large house right in the middle of the village. Often it's a bit set back from the road and usually has quite a lot of land behind it, but it still feels part of the community. I find this idea very reassuring, to have space and privacy, but be close to other people.

Badminton is one of the more well known houses in England, particularly because it hosts the horse trials every spring. We recently went to stay with friends that live on the estate, and so enjoyed going on long, wintery walks in such beautiful surroundings.

The gatehouse at Badminton is the prettiest one I've seen.

St James' Palace is my favourite Royal residence. It looks more approachable and cozy than the other much more formal palaces around London.

This little cottage near Rousham with the twig porch really moved me. I can imagine having a very simple, idyllic childhood here.

This is another grand house in the middle of a village. I'm not sure exactly how the layout works, but the facade is just stunning.

So many of the perfect little cottages I see around England remind me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. They make me want to go inside, eat a bowl of porridge, sit in a comfy chair, and then have a nap!