Ballyfin: An Irish “World Apart”

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Summer Favorites: Hydrangeas and the Parterre Bench

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There are many signatures that are associated with Newport — magnificent crescent bay beaches; velvety lawns meeting the blue horizon of water; majestic trees adding grace to the streetscapes and… Read More