Hillary Davis Travels's Blog

Liberty Of London: A Wee Peek

 

There are a few icon department stores in London that could just not be found elsewhere. Liberty of London is one of them. From the moment you see it, the architecture and ambiance are carried on within and live on in your memory.

It used to be that you would think of Liberty and associate it with Liberty print fabrics. I am happy to say that today the brand is all about uniqueness, all about one of a kind, all about quirky and charming and all things for home and garb. Today you can even buy Liberty print Nikii sneakers. It's a different kind of Liberty, and it is one of my favorite stores. Here is a weeee peak from my last stroll through!

I always start at the top. I walk all the winding steps upwards towards the light cascading in from the roof top windows, and then gaze downwards to take in the lovely  
Tudor balconies. 

This is another "well", another part of the building. I love the way they still drape oriental rugs over the railings. So homey. And reminiscent of the old Eastern Bazar that used to be in the basement of the store when it first opened over a hundred years ago, a veritable treasure cave of oriental objets d'art.

Looking all the way down to the main floor.....

And a few favorite things I spotted. I do so love a big free-standing tub!

I fell in love with these plates, but only bought one to hang up on its own.....

And I went home with a new best friend.....!

Liberty of London, Great Marlborough Street, London W1B5AH
 

 

Travel Guide Review: The Gardens of English Heritage

The Gardens of English Heritage by Gilian Mawrey & Linden Groves

This is what I call a travel guide. Not a phone book of addresses and hours open. But a book I can read before I go to linger over each beautiful photograph and read evocative descriptions and plan a trip that I know beforehand I will love. 

Actually, this is a coffee table size book so you can not drop it in your bag and carry it with you but you can use it as a wonderful resource and inspiration before you go.

I lived in England for many years and on weekends would often take off to explore the National Heritage Gardens, which are magnificent. The English Heritage owns and manages historic properties throughout England for the benefit of the rest of us. This book opens their gates and allows you to visually stroll through them.

This lovely book covers 23 gardens, including Queen Victoria's Osborne House, Kenilworth Castle, Chiswick House, and Old Wardour Castle, among others.

Each property is fully detailed with its history, pictures of rooms and paintings and furniture, and descriptions of the gardeners and the gardens they created for the property.

If you love gardening and visiting historic homes, this book is for you. 

The Gardens of English Heritage by Gillian Mawrey & Linden Groves