I should probably clarify that title; this is not actually my countryside estate; well, not outside my daydreams anyway. But though I may not have a sprawling mansion of my own, having sunny weekend adventures in the English countryside is one of my favourite summertime pursuits.
We really couldn’t have asked for a better summer here in England; the days long and golden and the weekends just made for languid, outdoor pursuits. On one of these golden weekends last month, my family and I piled in the car and made for the country; winding over the rolling hills and around curving country lanes lined with brambles (pausing only to allow the horses and their riders to cross our path) towards Polesden Lacey in the Surrey countryside.
We walked through the spectacular house, peering into display cabinets and imagining what Mrs Greville’s famous high society parties for the British royals, Prime Ministers and Edwardian ‘It girls’ must have been like; all lavish excess and glittering chandeliers and flowing champagne. Afterwards, we walked through the rose gardens (me sticking my nose in every bloom I passed), loitered too long on the croquet lawn and then spent the entire afternoon lazing on the sprawling lawns – the house behind us and the rolling hills stretched out in front as far as the eye could see – for a picnic (my beloved Uncle had packed one of his gourmand feasts) as a jazz band played until the sun sank low upon the hills.
Oh, how wonderful these summer weekends are! In my book, there is always room for summertime picnics and games of croquet and adventures in the countryside.
Wearing: ASOS scalloped collar shirt and floral pants (sold out, but similar styles here), Mulberry ‘Lily’ bag, Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Varina’ patent bow flats, Kenneth Jay Lane pearl bracelet (worn on each wrist), Chloe ‘Myrte’ sunglasses (similar styles available here), Jersey Pearl necklace, Alex Monroe lucky clover charm necklace, vintage brooches (similar style here). Beauty note: Chanel ‘Chance’ Rouge Coco Shine ‘Chance’ lipstick, Chanel ‘Emprise’ Le Vernies nail polish, Annick Goutal ‘Petite Cherie’ perfume.
Do you have any favourite countryside escapes where you live? I hope you’ve all been having a wonderful summer filled with happy adventures and glorious new memories.
Love, Miss B xx
Looks divine! The long summer days are definitely something I miss about living in England. Also the lovely soft grass which is nothing like the buffalo grass in Australia
As much as I miss the looong summers in Australia (though not the heatwaves!), there is something so precious and special about the summer in England. It’s as though everyone appreciates it so much, they’re afraid to waste a single moment of sunshine!
B xx
Oh my! What a dream! I would love to visit a place like this. And your blouse is so cute! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
Thank you so much (it was a bargain at ASOS). And it was the loveliest weekend!
B xx
I love this post and scarily, I have a similar post ( including photos sat in a similar bench) in draft around Elton Hall. The only exception is that I don’t look half as nice! Oh, and I also love the vintage brooch! Ann x
http://www.quirkylifestyle.com/
Thank you so much! And thank you for sharing; your post is so charming and I now want to visit Elton Hall too!
B xx
Such a lovely day! Your outfit is gorgeous and I love all the flowers! 🙂
Thank you so much! It was such a lovely day indeed!
B xx
wow what a stunning place that is looks fit for a princess! and I love your look here too! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com
Oh, to be a Princess and call this place home! And thank you!
B xx
Great photos!! Looks like such a beautiful place!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Thank you Giovanna!
B xx
Your photos are always so lovely. I love English countryside there is so much to see and explore. Surrey is beautiful. Glad to hear you had a nice weekend there.
Adela x
Misspinkstyle.net
Thank you so much Adela! And you’re right; there is nothing quite like the English countryside!
B xx
What a wonderful post! I’ve said it before, but I just adore your outlook on life. x
You are so kind for saying that; thank you so much!
B xx
Such a pretty outfit, absolutely love being in the countryside, luckily I’m not too far from Yorkshire 🙂 I love how you take your photos, a beautiful blog 🙂 Following you via bloglovin’ 🙂 xxx
Thank you so much Sally!
B xx
Those sunglasses are so divine!
Thank you! I love them so much I’m on to my third pair!
B xx
Looks like something out of Pride and Prejudice! It sounds like it was a perfect day.
On the other side of the world, it has been pretty rainy here in Australia… but escaping down to Margaret River for the weekend and sitting in front of a lovely cozy fire makes the rain okay!
Thanks for the stunning photos and inspiration (as always!)
Lauren
xxx
To tell you the truth, it felt a little like the setting of a Jane Austen novel! And this sounds so wonderful (the Margaret River is so beautiful); thank you for sharing!
B xx
I often dream about visiting an English Country estate, and what I would wear. Most of the time I am stuck in the 19th Century, but if I were not…then your outfit would be sheer perfection. 🙂 I adore everything about it – from the bracelets to the bow flats.
Don’t worry, I’m usually stuck in another era too 😉 And thank you so much!
B xx
Ahahaha I was all hating on you out of jealousy until you said it’s not your estate. But the photos are lovely! Your sunglasses are my favorite 🙂
http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com
If it’s any consolation, I’d hate me if this were my house too 😉 But thank you so much!
B xx
So funny to spot you on the shore as we punted past in your beloved Cambridge today. I was up for the wedding and a weekend of exploring. Such a beautiful town, especially when it’s graced with sunshine.
Kxx
So fun to see you floating up the river in a punt too (I was having a picnic at Kings and feeding the swans with the Clever Boyfriend). Hope you had a wonderful time here!
B xx
Love your classic looks and picks!
xx Joanne S.
Thank you Joanne!
B xx
Amazing pictures! It looked like a lot of fun. I live in the outskirts of London, so am lucky to have this country-side escape and be close enough to the city. Like you said, it’s great in the summer!
You’re so right! And thank you!
B xx
this looks so gorgeous! I wouldn’t mind a getaway like this…
xx
http://cinjasblog.com
It was so beautiful; I definitely recommend it if you can go.
B xx
The location is amazing and you look extremely adorable, feminine and classy! Love the print of the trousers, so fresh and colourful!
Have a good night!
xoxo
You are so sweet! Thank you so much!
B xx
wow I love your pants, they have such a great print and suit you so well! lovely pictures too 🙂
I just found out your blog but I am definitely coming back!
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Ester @ Drawing Dreaming
Delightful day!
I too can often be found burying my nose into roses, all the roses. Mmm.
I have the exact same Chloe sunglasses and they are (or sadly were) my absolute all time favourite ones… however on mine the metal bits went rusty! With great sadness I had to throw them away… Looks like you’ve preserved yours much better, well done! 😉