Das Perspective

I wanted to share a few photos from this lovely little place I stumbled upon one summer by chance. I was driving past when I spotted a beautiful, rose-covered cottage. I literally had to do a U-turn and stop.

The cottage is called Smallhythe Place. It’s an early 16th-century house with a charming garden and a barn theatre. It was once the home of the actress Ellen Terry, a leading figure of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Inside, it’s simple and delightfully wonky. I loved everything about it.

When I picture a perfect cottage, this is very close to what I imagine. I’d recommend visiting in late June or early July, when the roses and garden are at their best. Sometimes the loveliest places are the ones you discover by accident. Hope you enjoy the photos.

That picture perfect entrance.

The Barn Theatre

Picture Perfect: Smallhythe Place

Friday, 16 January 2026

I wanted to share this beautiful image of cosmos in a flower pot. I can’t quite remember where I took the photo; it was at one of the many old houses I’ve visited over the past few years. It recently popped up in my “memories” on my phone.

I’ve had a soft spot for cosmos since I was a child. My parents’ garden was full of them every summer, and those are some of my favourite seasonal memories — the Himalayan mountains in the background and seas of white and pink cosmos in the beds.

Every year I try to grow some of my own, but I think my problem is impatience when it comes to planting seeds. The moment they’re in the soil, I want them to start growing. My husband calls me “the impatient gardener” 🙂 and I suppose he’s right.

This year, I’m determined to do things properly: starting them indoors, following the instructions on the packet, and practising as much patience as I can. I’ve chosen some lovely varieties, and if I’m successful, I’ll be sure to share the results with you all.

The Impatient Gardener

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

I’ve always loved the rustic, unfussy feel of this “bathroom”. I first spotted it in an article for Country Style magazine , and it immediately caught my attention. When I looked it up again recently, I ended up finding the house itself, which you can see here. It’s called The Wensley, and it’s available to rent as a holiday stay.

The house sits on 80 acres of gently rolling land in Wensleydale and is built from recycled Oregon and Ironbark, which only adds to its warmth and character. It is perched above a wide valley and reached by a striking timber bridge, the design takes inspiration from traditional Australian sheds and American ski lodges — a combination I find especially appealing. Everything about it feels thoughtful and intentional, from the structure to the interiors. High ceilings, expansive windows and natural materials allow the landscape to flow inside, creating a calm, pared-back retreat that feels a world away from everyday life.

Natural Life

Foyle's War (2002 - 2015)

Synopsis: As WWII rages, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front; investigating crime on the south coast of England. Later series, see the retired detective working as an MI5 agent in the aftermath of the war.

Review: I first watched this wonderful series during lockdown, and when I saw it again on Netflix, I thought I’d give it another try. Part of the reason was to see whether I remembered all the culprits — it turns out I didn’t — so I found myself happily watching it all over again. It truly is a classic. It is perfection: beautifully shot, deeply absorbing, and oddly comforting. A genuine classic. If you are going to watch anything, watch this. It really will be time well spent.

Foyle's War (2002 - 2015)

I think it was really the lockdown that prompted me to stop taking things too easily and actually go out and visit the places I had always wanted to see. One of them was Monk’s House, Virginia Woolf’s 17th-century summer home in East Sussex. I drove all the way from the Cotswolds one summer for a day trip, and it was worth it, especially as it was a hot summer’s day. It’s a very small house, so there isn’t a lot to do, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. Afterwards, I made a few more pit stops along the way and really made use of my National Trust card and app. I hope you enjoy these images.

Staircase leading up to bedrooms.

Summer house

Dining room

My kind of "office"

A place to really loose yourself in thoughts

More writing space

Little garden.

I really liked the originality of the place — it felt authentic. These days, you see many wannabes trying to copy this “look”, but nothing beats the real thing.

Monk's House

Synopsis: Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

Review: I had been looking forward to it; the trailer looked weird enough to pique my interest, and I also think Timothée Chalamet is a very versatile and gifted actor. The film is pretty long, and I found it to be largely pointless. There was absolutely no clear point to the story, and it is full of very unpleasant people, including Marty himself. I found it hard to root for him or care about his journey.

It is basically two and a half hours of non-stop shouting, people talking over one another, and loud music. I personally think it is overhyped. Chalamet is very good, but even so, the film is really not all that.

Marty Supreme (2025)

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

One of my favourites gardens. Whenever I am in Barbados, I drive up to this place and just enjoy the tranquility and peace and quiet. Huntes Garden in Barbados is a botanical haven with a rich history and captivating design. Established in the mid-20th century by horticulturist Anthony Hunte, the garden showcases an impressive array of tropical flora indigenous to the Caribbean region. It really is a piece of art and one of my favourite gardens.

The history of Hunte's Garden traces back to the vision of Anthony Hunte, who cultivated the land into a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Originally a sugar plantation, the garden's transformation into a botanical paradise reflects Hunte's passion for preserving and showcasing the diverse plant species of Barbados. You can really feel and sense the years of love and hard work put into this place.

The design of the garden is characterised by its harmonious blend of indigenous and exotic plants, meticulously arranged to create a captivating landscape. Visitors are treated to a sensory experience as they wander through lush pathways, bordered by vibrant flowers, towering palms, and fragrant herbs.

One of the garden's notable features is its collection of rare and endangered species, carefully curated to highlight the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Barbados' natural heritage. From majestic orchids to towering ferns, each plant species contributes to the garden's biodiversity and ecological significance.

Hunte's Garden also offers visitors a glimpse into Barbados' cultural heritage, with traditional Caribbean plants and medicinal herbs interspersed throughout the landscape. Educational tours and workshops provide insight into the island's botanical traditions, offering visitors a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of plants and human culture. Overall, this garden stands as a testament to Anthony Hunte's dedication to botanical excellence and environmental stewardship. Its rich history, diverse plant collections, and captivating design make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and garden lovers alike.

All photos by May @ Das Perspective

Hunte's Garden in Barbados: A Tropical Heaven

Love this beautiful garden of a home in Montecito, California. It is just right up my alley when it comes to the whole vibe. It was renovated by architect Marc Appleton. I like the whole unpretentious feel and the very inviting and natural look of the place.

Photography by Matt Walla. for Aspire Design Home.

A 1891 California Compound

Monday, 8 December 2025

Another favourite painting of mine, this one takes me back to summer holidays in my parents’ house, curled up with books and completely lost in their worlds.

Couch on the Porch, Cos Cob is a quietly luminous work associated with the Cos Cob art colony in Greenwich, Connecticut, a community that flourished at the turn of the twentieth century. Painted by Childe Hassam, one of the leading American Impressionists, it captures a moment of domestic ease: a simple porch softened by warm light, a comfortable couch, and the gentle interplay of sun and shadow drifting across wooden boards. Hassam was known for translating everyday American settings into scenes of shimmering colour and atmosphere, and this piece is no exception. It reflects the leisurely rhythm of summer days in Cos Cob, where artists gathered to paint and explore new ways of depicting light, texture, and the feeling of lived-in spaces.

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