Escape to the beach

FREE IMAGES Winters in Maryland the past few years have not been typical. Cold, windy, and wet seems to be the theme. It just has me thinking...why don't I live in a tropical climate?

via Gentside

via Gentside

via Gentside

I don't even need a fancy house, just give me beach front.

via Cotton House

via Pinterest via Photography Heat

via Photography Heat

Inspiration for incorporating yard sale and flea market finds

FREE IMAGES Since it's the yard sale time of year, I thought I'd show you some inspiring ways to mix in those great flea sale and yard sale finds. It doesn't really matter what style decor you have.

via Angie Hranowsky

via Southern Living

via Ivy and Piper

via indulgy

Here's another example of a what vintage lighting can do adding it with a barn style table and barstools gives it a charming rustic feel. 

via Heart Home

Escape to a historic garden home in the UK

FREE IMAGES Right now they are repointing the brick in my apartment building, and the never-ending grinding noise is UNbearable. What I wouldn't do for a little silence!  At least I can virtually escape.  One thing I like to do is do property searches for country chalets, manors, and garden cottages throughout the UK and Europe.  I'm always able to find some charming little (and big) property that looks like it's been plucked right out of Pride & Prejudice.  I just delve into the photos and try to imagine what it'd be like to spend the summer there. I used Savills today, and they have an amazing array of dream properties.

Here are two properties I discovered this afternoon.

The first, Clapton Mill, used to be a Paper Mill, and has STUNNING grounds, and even a room in the home where you can view the waterfall that running under the home.

Dreamy.

Another gem I found is a Georgian property in a secluded village setting...just the description makes me feel a little better!

I'd spend most of my time outside and in this bright studio

I'd take my high tea out in the garden...I don't know how proper that is though...

What do you think of these homes - how long would you like to retreat in them?

*disclosure: this post in partnership with Savills.co.uk