Wiltshire

Robert Bradley Antiques: Where History, Romance & Beauty Combine

Walking into Robert Bradley’s beautiful antiques showroom near Salisbury is about as far from the Lovejoy experience as you can get. For a start here is a man with a lifelong passion for antique furniture which he has been collecting and dealing since the 1970s. The pieces in his collection are exquisite, stand out works of art in immaculate condition and, surprisingly, not all of them are inaffordable. read more

Champagne, Fine Food and High Art at Hatch House

Pic credit Suzy Bennett

High art comes to the sleepy, picturesque corner of Hatch in July for the 4th season of Hatch House 2013 (12-14 July).

This is always one of the cultural highlights of our year – breathtaking ballet with world-renowned artists centred around a 3 course supper in the exquisite 17th century Dutch walled garden of Hatch House.

The event brings cultural urbanity to a perfectly rural setting and this was always the plan according to Covent Garden Dance director Matt Brady. read more

Wylye Valley Art Trail 25 May – 2 June

Pictured: Descending into Mere from the Downs by Laura Rich

Looking forward to this year’s Wylye Valley Art Trail – a 9 day festival of visual art and craft in around the Wylye Valley, South Wilts. The Art Trail has become known for helping emerging artists to find a platform for their work, and giving them the opportunity to show alongside more established names. read more

New Look Pythouse About to Reopen

We are beyond excited about the imminent reopening (May 20) of The Pythouse Kitchen Garden and Café which brings a new restaurant space, deli and vintage chic interior to its idyllic Wiltshire location.

Mitch Earl, the former manager of the 18th century walled garden and cafe has taken on the project as his own venture and is bringing a whole new vibe to this much loved place. read more

15% off True Grace

Enter Discount Code TGCC15 here: http://www.truegrace.co.uk/

True Grace are makers and purveyors of perfumed goods. The special fragrances they blend are strongly associated with memory and emotion. True Grace capture the essence of the English countryside in everything they do, from wonderfully scented candles to natural hand wash and lotion. Indulge in your favourite fragrances with a special 15% discount.

To use your discount: go to www.truegrace.com, shop until your heart’s content and enter the code TGCC15 on check out. Offer applies to all True Grace branded products online except accessories and fine fragrance. Offer lasts until 15th May 2013

Top 10 Holiday Houses in the SW

Hideaways – Country And Coastal Holiday Cottages

Sponsored Post

Hideaways first came into existence back in 1975. Based in Salisbury, Wiltshire, “Wessex Hideaways”, as it was known then, consisted of just five cottages for hire, two in Wiltshire, two in Hampshire and one in Dorset. At the time, holiday cottage letting was in its infancy; now it has grown into a major sector within the tourism industry with thousands of properties available across England. read more

Top 10 Butcher’s Shops in the South West

Pictured: Sumbler Bros, Marlborough

Good butchers have never been more in demand and the South West is lucky to have some of the best in the country. You’ll find high quality meat with guaranteed provenance – a far cry from the pre-packed selection in supermarket chiller cabinets. Here are our Top 10 Best Butchers – a cut above the rest…

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Top 10 Properties For Sale in the SW

Thanks to Quartet Interiors for sponsoring this post – find out  more about Quartet here

At last a bit of good news…the South West property market is going to kickstart into action this year according to analysts with London buyers driving the trend. There will be an influx of urban escapees looking to get their hands on eco houses, cut price manors and potential holiday lets. Property searcher Gigi Allen of GA Property Search says: ‘Finally we’re going to see some real movement in the South West market with many new buyers coming from London. High end eco houses are the ‘new’ Georgian rectories, and there’s a real trend for buying properties with additional accommodation such as cottages, annexes and barns to let for extra income.” read more

Best Pop Up Ice Rinks in the South West

Pictured: Winchester Cathedral ice rink

Winchester Cathedral

We’re huge fans of this pop up ice rink which gets full marks for effort. Set against the spectacular Winchester Cathedral the ice rink is even frosted with real snow and there is a tasteful Christmas village inspired by traditional German markets where adults can schmooze for last minute presents. Love the cafe too which does top knotch Gluhwein and stollen plus hot chocolate for the kids. read more