Adventures part 3

As a budding British historian I just had to take some day trips to the Baroque palaces of Hampton Court and Blenheim. I devoured Lucy Worsley's Courtiers last year and recently savoured the autobiography of Consuelo Vanderbilt ex Duchess of Marlborough. So these historic houses were at the top of my list to see.

A gorgeous bust of Consuelo, she was gorgeous, warm, kind, intellectual, and forward thinking! A real role model.

The Palace state rooms were full of tapestries in celebration of the first Duke's victory at the battle of Blenheim in 1704.

The Palace is truly beautiful.

The weather was magnificent and made everything that much more enjoyable.

Me in front of the entrance.

Doesn't this angle look like the Downton Abbey intro shot?

Having a snack in the gardens before heading home

I was very impressed by Hampton Court Palace! It was beautiful and very well presented and had so much more to see than just the Henry the 8th side. 

The gardens were beautiful even on  a cloudy day!

Hampton Court Rose Garden

There were so many types of roses and they were just in bloom.

King William II's staircase

Fountain courtyard

Fabulous special exhibition on "the secrets of the bedchamber".

Beatrice Ephrussi Rothschild

Beatrice Ephrussi Rothschild (1864-1934) was an 18th century lover with taste and an abundance of funds! 

She was born in Paris to the Rothschild banking family and as an adult married Maurice Ephrussi, an other banker. She was a socialite and traveler, using her money to travel the world and purchase an amazing collection of art. Her other main legacy is her chateau on Cap. Ferrat on the French Riviera.

This famous pink house happily sits on the Cap Ferrat, close to the town St. Jean where since I was just a baby I have gone on vacations to. As an appreciator of history as well as beautiful things I have always loved this museum and returned year after year. The gardens are SPECTACULAR, as is the view, and as is the house it's self.

Beatrice loved the 18th century. She collected furniture, textiles, and art from this era. Pieces include the last remaining original carpet from the Versailles cathedral, sketches by François Boucher, a desk and table having belonged to Marie Antoinette, and her very own own Sedan Chair.

I always enjoyed hearing stories of her having tea parties with friends in 18th century dress! Also people recalling her being carried around the state in her Sedan Chair. She was described as a bit of a character!

If you are ever have the delight to be in this area, I would highly advise a trip to this villa!

A Regency Stroll at Chatsworth

Pictures from the summer of my finished Regency frock at Chatsworth in the Peak district. For those who are unaware, Chatsworth is the home of the Cavendishes/Dukes of Devonshire, It has always been a favorite place of mine because of the history and it is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring to boot.

When I wore it back in June I hadn't yet made the proper undergarments so if you can see a pair of white shorts underneath my dress that's why.