The Zetter Townhouse

So I guess I'm on a bit of a UK kick. Maybe because the football season is coming to an end. Our team ManUnited is playing Chelsea tomorrow and whoever wins, wins the league. We also play Barcelona in Champions League May 28th (ish). Wahoo! So for now I'll share a find called the Zetter Townhouse. We have family in London but we're always looking for a few days away in the heart of it all. This one is on our list. The stuffed bird is weird but loving the Unions Jack!

Daylesford Organic

I found this amazing Farm in the UK called Daylesford. Their agri-tourism concept features their farm, a creamery, a bakery, a cooking school, a farm school, a spa barn, stores in London and one in Selfridges (pictured). Who doesn't want to be a farmer these days?

Hotel Hafa

My girlfriend Kerry asked me where to go in Mexico that's low key, local and off the beaten track. Although Sayulita is far from a secret anymore there's still a low key Mexican vibe. Last year when we were there my girlfriend Louise drove up to check it out after the storms. It's supposed to be pretty cleaned up now. KDM check out Hotel Hafa. It's owned by one of the Mignot sisters.

Babylonstoren, South Africa

My friend David sent me this link of inspiration asking me if I wanted to re-design our Encil House website (I am forever gratelful for him designing our current site). I am totally side tracked trying to think of ways that I can make it to Cape Town, Cape Point South Africa. Babylonstoren is one of the best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape Dutch tradition. Not only the manor house from 1777, but pioneer structures all the way back to the founding of the farm in 1690! It's all of my favourite things rolled into one. Lots of land, a working farm, spa, pool with a view, the most amazing garden (OMGoodness!), winery, divine food, sweet accommodations all packaged up into an agri-tourism business no one can resist. Pour yourself a glass of wine for exploring this place. You will need it!

Dunton Hot Springs

So I've been on a search for cabin inspiration as Keith and I are looking for a Rocky Mountain getaway. I came across this amazing place called Dunton Hot Springs. It's a small and exclusive resort nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. It's a restored ghost town that thrives on contradictions which I love. Rugged outdoors and lush interiors, awesome food and spa pampering with hard core outdoor activities! There's obviously the hot springs but a waterfall and outdoor sacred place to get married too. If you have $18,000. a night, you can rent the whole town (I mean it does sleep 42 and include meals). Amazing. Love the Tee-Pee.

Hacienda Del Puente

So Hacienda San Angel has finally launched a site that is soon to be the gateway to yet another extraordinary property. I've just signed up for their waiting list. I'm not sure what I am waiting for exactly but to be notified of the completion of their two year renovation of Casa Kimberley - Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor's Gringo Gulch abode - Hacienda Del Puente Janice Chatterton always amazes me. I am sure it's going to be beautiful. Why I love PV and Gringo Gulch!

Ah Italy

My friend David who owns a great luxe designer store in the city called Provide (we splurged and got some of our accessories for the lower carriage house suite from there) just sent me this link as he knows how much I love Tuscany. This place is called Castello di Vicarello - beautiful. Another fantasy is to convert a farmhouse there. Good thing, renting one is much easier!

coqui coqui

The big picture fantasy for our retirement is to run Encil House in the summer and run a boutique place in Mexico during the winter. There have been many Mexican vignettes that inspire us but nothing like the colonial architecture and haciendas of the Yucatan. Pictured is Coqui Coqui in Tulum created by Nicolas Malleville. I first found this on The Selby. So inspiring I can't stop dreaming about it. Keith and I are going to venture to their spa when we are in the Mayan with family and friends this December. Cannot wait! - Photos courtesy Coqui Coqui.

Herbs, herbs, fresh herbs

I'm really into herb gardens at the moment. I have one (pictured with pots) but I keep asking Keith if we can build a "real" herb garden like the one at The Herb Farm in Woodinville Washington. This place is sweet. It's what most romantic domesticated types dream of. Fresh herbs, local ingredients from the Pacific Northwest, pot belly pigs. And although they have a great neighbouring boutique hotel, the Willows Lodge (which is where we stayed when I ventured upon it) they also have a guest house. It's one of the most celebrated restaurants in the US and it all started with a few chives. Zagat says it will be the best 4-5 hours you will spend in your life. It's definately on my bucket list.