Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

A contemporary new build in a quaint Victorian town, the house required a garden that would both suit the house and settle in in to its country setting. Set on a 1/4 acre block, the brief was to make the small garden appear larger and more secluded than it was. The result was achieved through the use of a number of techniques to trick the eye. A winding path through a tall perennial border that runs the length of the house gives the block instant depth, as well as privacy from the road. Raised mounds throughout the border add height and interest. A small opening in the border towards the kitchen creates a secluded spot to entertain or sit around a fire. To the rear of the house, a veggie patch ensures a productive food garden, while an outdoor bath hidden from view provides a delightful sanctuary to relax and take it all in. Drawing on inspiration from meadows, the garden bursts with colour and life throughout Spring and Summer. In Autumn it transitions to a more dusty colour scheme, that then gives way to the winter structure of frost-covered grasses and seed heads.
I could not love this meadow-inspired style of landscaping more. Designed by Tim Pilgrim.

Since March of 2020, Electric Bowery Principal Cayley Lambur and her young family have taken up residence in Big Sur, CA, bringing new life to this Mickey Muennig gem. The main house has been restored and updated to celebrate connection to the outdoors, local organic materials. The renovation of the existing main house required a thoughtful reconfiguration of spaces internally, including the custom kitchen. A warm and earthy palette is carried through the home, layering textures and natural materials, old & new. The consistent use of redwood paneling throughout the home offers the experience of bringing the outside inwards, contrasted and complemented by the incorporation of color through art, tile and textiles. A trailer on the property was restored and renovated to accommodate additional guest quarters, and further modified to create an office space outside of the main house for remote work.
I love the warmth of a home clad in wood. Such a great cabin/cottage vibe that would keep you feeling cozy through winter (though not so much a concern in California, eh). This home is stepped up a notch or two with some really cool furnishings.

Since 1910, this noble building has been owned by a family who have invested heavily in its preservation, making it accessible to the general public. Today, this family has decided to pass on the torch to a worthy successor, capable of perpetuating the grandeur inherited from its predecessors. The castle spans a floor surface area of approx. 700sqm. The ground floor has a kitchen with fireplace, terracotta floor and exposed beams, a scullery with sink, a storeroom, wc, a corridor with access to the spiral stairway in the tower, a pantry/laundry room, a guards’ room/entrance with stone fireplace; small 18th century lounge with terracotta floor, moulded ceiling, 18th century stone fireplace and 18th century wood panelling; large lounge with 18th century marble fireplace; a library, a billiards room and a dining room with stone fireplace. The first floor has 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a toilet, a kitchen, a linen room with washbasin and toilet. The second floor has a former library with stone fireplace; a landing room, a corridor leading to 6 bedrooms and a bathroom with toilet. Next to the castle is a large building that houses: a boiler room, various sheds, a workshop, former stables, 2 garages and another shed. There is a former mill, caretaker’s cottage, a chapel, a park, several bridges, a moat and an old garden kitchen.
This one is gorgeous inside and out. A bit on the large size but for €1,696,545 it’s a steal! For sale via Le Nail.

Sharing some more outdoor spaces and gardens designed by Tim Pilgrim. They are just the right amount of structure and informality. That is what I consider a perfect garden.

Oak Cottage is a private garden in the Central Victorian Highlands town of Macedon, an hours drive north of Melbourne. The aim with this garden was to frame the original 1900’s weatherboard facade with an era appropriate naturalistic cottage style garden. The garden needed to be sympathetic to both its bush surrounds, and the existing 100 year old English oak.
I’m trying to not get emotional about this absolutely magical outdoor space but it is very difficult. If my next home is going to end up with a fair amount of land, I will be looking to this for inspiration. Designed by Tim Pilgrim.