I’ve just returned from an idyllic trip in the Cotswolds, the English Countryside. A great part of my trip was working for Volvo, “recording luxury through my eyes”. (In the works, the ultimate, luxury SUV.)
ELLENBOROUGH PARK HOTEL
ELLENBOROUGH PARK DINING ROOM
RANGE ROVING AROUND THE COUNTRY
We stayed in fabulous Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham Spa and drove the sheep dotted, rolling green, hilly terrain in a Vouge Edition Land Rover, visiting charming villages, castles and palaces. Breakfast served on freshly pressed linen, china by the Queen’s designer and formal attention from Sandro, our Italian maitre d, began each day. It could not have been more pleasant. But I noticed I was most impressed by the simple things, like yogurt served in ceramic jars and water in glass bottles instead of plastic. And the bald, old, tire swing in the front “yard” overlooking the manor and the Cheltenham Horse Track, brought immense joy to husband, daughter and me.
TIRE SWING AT ELLENBOROUGH PARK
LA FERMIERE YOGURT IN CERAMIC JARS
Visiting stone clad, charming villages and cities with their fine cathedrals, manors, historical treasures, castles, palaces and more palaces was, of course, delightful, even surreal. But it was the little things like the candy shop displays, glimpses of a dragon or two and the way the sun glowed against the buildings, warming us at the end of a chilly day that felt like slices of heaven cake.
BLENHEIM PALACE
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
CLIVEDEN
FANCY SWEETS
WHAT A DISPLAY
WHIMISICAL DRAGONS
THE SUN ON THE GLORIOUS CRESCENT IN BATH
So the lesson is, at home or away, look out for the small things that make you smile. They are the truest luxuries in your life. Of course if you have the miles or can afford it, going first class doesn’t suck either!
VIRGIN UPPER CLASS- FULL RECLINE BABY!
