Old Places And Pictures

Today I'm joining the hodgepodge

1. How would you define 'old'? At what age is someone old? 

If a building is placed on the National Trust or English Heritage registry, then I consider it old.

Growing up I thought turning 40, or 50 was old. Now maybe 70, or 80. I remember my Granny Veronika saying: "I didn't feel old turning 50, but I feel old now my son is turning 50."

2. A place you've been that's old? Tell us something about your visit there. 

One of my favorite old places, Stoneleigh Abbey, is nestled in the heart-of-England, in the idyllic village I grew up in. The oldest part of the building (to the left) was built in 1154. The palatial part of the building (to the right) was built between 1714-1726, for Lord Leigh, the Lord Mayor of London. Some it's most famous guests include Queen Victoria in 1858, and my favorite author, Jane Austen. 

The River Sowe 

The orangery (tea room) has a lot of memories. Growing up we used to come have tea here, oftentimes during springtime and summertime when the gardens were in bloom, in our floral dresses and sunhats. 

An English country garden with an abundance of lupins. 

3. Something you miss about the 'good old days'? When were they anyway? 

I was blessed to grow up in the 1980's and 1990's. My family was always travelling and sightseeing, so I grew up with an interest in family history, architecture, design, preservation, etc. Most of my family has since passed away, and I miss them so much. 

My sister and me, circa 1998. 

If I could go back, I would've taken a lot more pictures of myself at 16/17. I was so fresh and pure.

I'm sure I'll look back at this moment, being a mama, as the 'good old days', someday too. 

4. In what way are you a 'chip off the old block'? Or if you'd rather, in what way is your child a 'chip off the old block'? 

I'm thankful to have my Mum's traits of enjoying the simple life; fresh flowers on the table, day-trips, and a good tearoom. She also shared the importance of manners; making the time to send holiday cards, handwritten thank you notes, and birthday cards. 

5. Old fashioned, Old Testament, old timer, same old same old, old glory, good old boy, old wives tale...choose an 'old' phrase that relates to something in your life or the wider world currently and explain. 

Old fashioned. Even though I'm 35, I've always gotten along well with those older than me. My Granny Veronika, Nana Mabel, Mum Julie. I even follow a lot of older bloggers and vloggers; who are settled in life, and appreciate the importance of preserving moments and memories. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

During my sons naptime, I decorated our kitchen and breakfast room for fall. 

I filmed a video showing how I made the floral arrangements, and a tour of our kitchen and breakfast room. Whenever I decorate for fall, I always get in the mood to bring out the recipe books and bake. How about you?

Have a blessed day, 

Kiki Nakita 

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Trip To England Part Four: Stoneleigh Abbey

Toward the end of my time in England, my husband arrived. On the day he arrived we spent the day meandering around Stoneleigh Abbey, it's played host to several people of note, including King Charles I, Queen Victoria, and novelist Jane Austen.

 

 

The house is comprised of two halves; the first, is a fine example of a Jacobean country house. The second, was designed by famous architect Francis Smith of Warwick in the Baroque style.

 

 

My sweet sister and my Mum.

 

 

The lake where they would row in the summers.

 

 

Beautiful English country garden.

 

 

The field next to the cricket lawn.

 

 

The Orangery, where we had a pot of tea.

 

 

Intricately carved urns.

 

 

One of my favorite flowers, lupins.

 

 

Wildflowers everywhere.

 

 

We walked around the gardens until we reached...

 

 

...this gate. Behind is an orchard.

 

 

The gate house.

 

 

The oldest part of the Abbey was once a monastery and protestant nunnery (C of E) and dates back to 1154.

 

 

Next to the oldest part to the Abbey is the manor house where Jane Austen got her inspiration for Mansfield Park.

 

 

My family has been to Stoneleigh Abbey many times growing up, mostly in the spring as it's minutes from the village I grew up in. I was so blessed to grow up with so much history, stories of notable people and my mum taught us the art of gracefulness when walking around such splendor.  

 

"Respect for right conduct is felt by every body."
by Jane Austen