Das Perspective

This image is from Beaufort, South Carolina, at the Rhett House Inn earlier this month. Whatever you imagine about the beauty of the South, the heat, and the hospitality of the people, multiply it by 100 and it is all true. I was completely blown away by the laid-back charm of this town.It is now one of my favourite places on the planet.

The heat was, at times, quite unbearable, but luckily the US has air conditioning almost everywhere, including in its historic properties. I miss my early morning bike rides around this peaceful little town, admiring the beautiful antebellum architecture and listening to the sound of the crickets.

Beaufort is also where they film The Outer Banks and, if, like me, you're a fan of Dawson's Creek, you'll love this place. It has that vibe everywhere you go.

I'll share more photos later as I work my way through all the images I took during my travels. There are a lot of them! But for now, I just wanted to share this beautiful image because it takes me right back to a Southern summer…

Southern Evenings

Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Synopsis: Follows Frank Castle, a PTSD-addled veteran who returns to action when Ma Gnucci, a wheelchair-bound crime matriarch, seeks revenge after he killed her son, forcing him to fight off the city's criminals descending upon him.

Review: A pointless episode or movie (it’s only 51 minutes long). There is no story; it’s literally just mindless fights and killing. It really is very bad. I enjoyed The Punisher series (yes, it was violent, but it had a story), but I have no idea why they made this. Don’t bother — you won’t miss anything. Avoid.

The Punisher: One Last Kill (2026)

Sunday, 17 May 2026

I think the weather is finally getting warm so I am starting to feel really excited about the various colours in the garden. We live for the summer in this country (well at least I do) and this is the time when I love to visit gardens and also enjoy the fruit of my own labour in my own gardens. . Main photo from Wollerton Old Hall (one of my absolute favourite gardens). You can see how much love goes into maintaining this beautiful garden. Hope you enjoy these beautiful images and may it inspire you to also do some gardening (doesn't matter how big or small the place, it is what you do with it that matters).

Wollerton Old Hall

My garden.

Smallhythe Place, Kent.

My garden.

Summer Gardens

Synopsis: Set on a college campus, the series centres on an author’s complicated relationship with his daughter.

Review: Every now and again, you come across a show that is so delightful and beautifully written that you binge-watch it in a matter of days. This is one of those shows. It’s sweet, feel-good television with excellent humour throughout. The entire cast, including the supporting cast, makes it a total gem of a show, and I really recommend it. It will be time well spent.

Rooster (2026 - )

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

The David Austin Rose Garden presents a charming destination, whether you're seeking to acquire new roses or simply wish to immerse yourself in the beauty of a well-tended rose garden. Personally, I find June to be the optimal time for a visit (ideally mid-June, though this timing may be adjusted depending on prevailing weather conditions; cooler weather might necessitate a slight delay, while hotter temperatures could warrant an earlier visit). Admission is free, but it's worth noting that a visit here may spark a desire to cultivate your own rose garden. In my opinion it stands out as one of the most captivating rose gardens to explore.

I highly recommend a visit. Some photos for you to enjoy:

Diary Entry: A Perfect Garden part II

Synopsis: Andy Sachs reunites with Miranda Priestly as they navigate their careers amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing.

Review: It’s enjoyable, but not particularly noteworthy, if that makes sense. It’s neither good nor bad — just… okay. And actually, quite pointless.

Minor spoiler ahead…

…

…

Final warning…

…

Because nothing really happens.

There’s no real sense of purpose to the story, and it feels like it exists mainly because it will make money. The soundtrack is strong, and there are a few famous cameos, but they’re so fleeting you could easily miss them — the film jumps quickly from face to face without letting anything land.

I did enjoy it, but it’s not something I’d watch again. What made the original The Devil Wears Prada so compelling was the steely presence of Miranda Priestly. Here, she feels like a shadow of her former self, and without that edge, the film ends up feeling rather bland.

Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Throw back to last week when I enjoyed this beautiful view in Alentejo, Portugal. I was told that the summers can get quite unbearable there but I think with a view like this and a cool interior, it can be dealt with!

An Alentejo Momement

I love reading books, and one of my favourite pastimes is visiting a bookshop. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved the smell of new books, and I’ve bought so many recently that I really need to carve out some proper time to read. Over the past few years, I seem to have gravitated more towards non-fiction. I suppose when someone said, “truth is stranger than fiction”, they really did have a point.

When I was growing up, The Jungle Book was one of my favourite books, so when I was driving through East Sussex and found myself with a bit of free time, I checked my National Trust app. I was delighted to discover that Rudyard Kipling’s former home, Bateman’s, was only a few minutes’ drive away. I had to go and see it for myself.

A small warning though — if you don’t like oak, this probably isn’t the house for you, because it’s full of it! I, on the other hand, absolutely loved it.

I’m sharing a few photos of the interiors here. I took quite a lot, so I’ll try to share more soon. For now though, I have to dash. I hope you enjoy them.

Bateman’s is a beautiful 17th-century Jacobean house tucked away in the East Sussex countryside, and it really does feel as though it belongs exactly where it stands.

It sits just outside Burwash, surrounded by rolling fields, woodland, and little streams — the kind of quiet, unspoilt landscape that clearly seeped into Kipling’s later writing.

Kipling lived here from 1902 until his death in 1936, and what I loved most is how unchanged it feels. The house has been carefully preserved, so you get a real sense of how he lived and worked day to day. It’s all set within gardens, with a watermill and peaceful walking paths that make you want to slow down and stay a little longer.

Inside, it feels intimate rather than grand — more like stepping into someone’s home than visiting a stately house. His study, in particular, feels almost untouched, as though he’s just stepped out for a moment. There’s something very still and atmospheric about it.

Bateman's

Friday, 24 April 2026

As an avid gardener, spring really is one of my favourite times of year, as it’s when I begin to see all the hard work I’ve put into my garden come to life. It’s also the perfect excuse to take out my phone and snap photos of the pretty cherry blossoms.

I came across this street quite randomly on my way back from the Sofa & Stuff showroom, where I had been testing a few sofas for the conservatory. I had to stop and wander around. I love the blue door, and the whole street was covered in cherry blossoms.

This weekend, I’m sure I’ll come across some beautiful wisteria in full bloom.

This is also the third year in a row that a blackbird has built a nest in my garden. Sadly, for the past two years, the neighbour’s cat got to them (thankfully, the people with the cat have now moved out), and I’m really hoping that this year my sweet little blackbird family will have better luck.

Anyway, I’m going off topic — I just wanted to share these photos. I hope you enjoy them!