Our family has been retreating to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina for many years now. When I reflect on what I miss about living stateside, it is this special place, a cabin in the mountains tucked in with my kids by the fire that I ache for. Inspired by my recent return to our favorite cabin retreat, I’ve curated a list of rental properties in the area.

North Wales is a rugged and gorgeous region of the UK. Only now are more people discovering for themselves what a truly stunning area this is. Castles and ruins dotted along the towns and inlets are a reminder of its historic past and how the English struggled to subdue the fiercely patriotic Welsh people. Inland, you’ll discover dense forests and gorgeous waterfalls. Snowdonia will leave you speechless. The coastline will woo you to return over and over again.

At the edge of the Cotswolds sits the newly refurbished Double Red Duke. The soul of this 16th-century coaching inn is the gathering spaces. Cozy sitting rooms invite you to linger with friends or a lover. In the colder months, I imagine lounging in the worn leather chairs by the open fire. Outside, their red-striped umbrellas reveal a flirty side, setting this establishment apart from the otherwise plethora of charming English architecture. I share about my first stay at this wonderful inn and why I plan to return.

The end of summer found us exploring the enchanting parkland of Stowe National Trust on the edge of Northamptonshire in the heart of England. I captured a few images of my daughter as we wander the grounds of this Georgian garden and parkland dotted with Gothic temples.

The atmospheric 17th-century Elizabethan country house, Kirby Hall, is tucked away on the border of Northamptonshire and Rutland. Thankful to have this hauntingly beautiful place nearby to us. The English Heritage property has been lovingly cared for and offers an experience that will linger with you long after you leave.

Once the UK was finally free from the stay-at-home mandate, I set out the first day of freedom for a solo adventure to explore Cornwall and Devon. I’d yet to explore this corner of England. The turquoise water, craggy cliffs with seaside villages, exotic gardens and wild moorlands utterly captivated me. In this post, I share a detailed guide to my tour including a downloadable PDF itinerary.

Castle Ashby Gardens is located in the countryside of Northamptonshire. The Italian garden includes a 19th-century Orangery, a butterfly house, nature walks, a tea room and a menagerie. This is a true gem of the county and one of my favorite places to visit. I also share several images taken of my daughter each year when the camellias are in bloom.

January brings a different landscape to the English countryside. The fog and frost on these days are evocative and haunting. Exploring the frozen world offers a new perspective on these winter mornings.

The first snow day is always magical. But in England, it is otherworldly. One feels like they’re walking through a fairy tale or Narnia. The month of January brought us 3 different snow days. Here I share images from on of my favorite villages Oakham in Rutland, The Burghley House in Lincolnshire along with snowy scenes from around our little hamlet in East Northants.

England is known for it’s stunning gardens. I travel through the heart of England to discover a lessen known gardens but are nothing short of enchanting. It felt like I had entered my own secret garden.

Sharing images from my time attending a photography workshop hosted by Ros of @her_dark_materials and Clare of The Ebrington Arms located in the idyllic northern tip of the Cotswolds. The workshop’s focus was on creating still life images, inspired by the Old World Dutch Painters.