USA - VIRGINIA
Had the pleasure of spending the President's Day long weekend away at our friend's beautiful family home & farm in Culpeper, Virginia. I was not expecting the weather to be so warm and lovely being the middle of winter. We spent a lot of our time outdoors - going on walks, having bon fires, and exploring the nearby town and national park.
The property is called Greenville, and my friend's parent's spent almost 2 decades restoring it to it's pre civil war state. The 30-foot high columns were almost falling down when his parents started renovations. Now the place is immaculate with beautiful furnishings and endless sunlight pouring through the house. The property dates back to 1767 and was a King's grant to the first owners. Since then it has passed through about 6 different owners in the 20th century and was even used as a hospital during the civil-war.
My friend Sally cooked us up a delicious breakfast to kick off the first day. Even the plates in this house were charming.
Visiting their gorgeous Norwegian horses who were so affectionate and friendly.
Alex's family have the cutest dogs who follow you all around the property. This is one of them called 'Toast' because he jumps up like toast in a toaster. Definitely stealing that for a future dog name ;)
The dining room which we ate in every night.
The beautiful 3 story stair case.
The living rooms.
If toast was a person.
Alex's gorgeous mother, Adrianne, on her wedding day.
Martha, Alex's other dog, who also has the best name. I love when people call their dogs human names. Martha is an avid bird and horse chaser.
Enjoying a roaring fire after Sally's delicious cooking.
Ricotta and spinach stuffed mushrooms with crispy mozarella topping.
Butter, garlic spaghetti squash pasta with prawns, mussels and asparagus.
Bon fire out in the corn fields with Alex's family friends Phyllis and Allen.
Off with our morning coffee to see the calves!
Sally trying to get them to warm up to us.
This one was my favourite.
Downtown Culpeper is lovely.
Went a bit overboard on the cheeses while we were there. They were just so good!
Ruth giving us a tasting.
Visting James Madison's historical property.
Getting burgers at the local 'wise guys' joint.
