As we count down to Christmas this week it’s a whirlwind of finals; final day at Kindy, Final playgroups, Christmas break-ups and farewell catch-ups (though only for a couple of weeks!). There’s also a lot of shopping, cooking, cleaning and wrapping going on in our house, and much excitement!
Amidst all that I wanted to share some of the outdoor spaces that I am just loving at the moment, like this beautiful wisteria-surrounded doorway above. There’s a real sense of mystery about what’s down that intriguing hallway..
Now this (above) is a dream English country house! Beautiful windows with shutters, a gorgeous garden, all that lovely stonework, heaven!
There’s something about all those long French doors and windows, the private courtyard and all that untamed greenery that makes this a perfect outdoor space (and house design!- above).

These pics (above and below) were sent in to me by a reader after my visit to Paul Bangay’s garden a few weeks ago. Stuart Rattle’s garden (I posted about the house here) was open on the same day but I didn’t manage to get to it (distracted en route by lovely shops at Woodend).
The house is an old schoolhouse. Stuart added the second floor, most of the windows and a kitchen wing. I love his colour scheme outside.



You can see the garden is a bit more ‘loose’ and though structured, the plantings are a little wilder and softer that at Paul’s house. So beautiful. And I love the little outdoor room (below).


Have a great Tuesday!
Naomi x