Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Sometimes just what you’ve been looking for may well be in your own backyard. For me, that would be Boston (where we once lived for four years). So as I… Read More

Ballyfin: An Irish “World Apart”

10 / 4 / 185 / 15 / 24

If you love a wonderful story, a dreamy, romantic setting and a knight in shining armor who saved the day, then look no further than Ireland’s Ballyfin demesne. Having had… Read More

Irish Gardens and their Signature Details

9 / 27 / 187 / 27 / 20

It was 2003 when I was last in Ireland, with the Atlantic Botanic Garden. So taken was I with the diversity of garden design and breadth of plant material (sighting… Read More

Newport Society: The Harold Brown Villa

9 / 20 / 185 / 15 / 24

In a very European fashion, the Harold Brown Villa has been occupied by the same family since 1895 – approximately seventeen generations – which is befitting of an aristocratic family… Read More

Invitation to a Fantasy Engagement Party

9 / 13 / 188 / 14 / 20

I’m all for fanciful and fantasy moments, especially when they are in the garden and occasioned by a specific plant in bloom. And can then serve as inspiration for an… Read More

Bay Views: Private Newport Residences

9 / 6 / 187 / 27 / 20

It occurred to me as I was enjoying another Newport summer tradition, a harbor cruise, that we perhaps take Narragansett Bay a bit for granted. While I’m most respectful of… Read More

Privileged Pets of Private Newport

8 / 30 / 185 / 15 / 24

Last summer’s post on “Newport Living: A Pampered Pets Perspective” was so popular (no surprise) that I knew I needed to include a part two for 2018. It has been… Read More

A Splendid Affair! Coaching Returns to Newport

8 / 23 / 187 / 27 / 20

An equestrian sport, a tradition and a social pastime, Coaching Weekend was introduced to America in the1880s by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. It’s first venue was Newport and 130 years later… Read More

Bellinis and Blossoms and a Second Bloom

8 / 16 / 188 / 14 / 20

Given our love of gardens and flowers, Cathy B. Graham and I were destined to meet — but actually, it was Instagram that first brought us together — where so… Read More

Newport’s White Architectural Jewels

8 / 9 / 185 / 15 / 24

Perhaps it is because there are so few in a town noted for it’s stunning architectural diversity. But on a very late afternoon with a crystalline blue sky, at just… Read More