A Return to Loveliness

I am excessively fond of a cottage; there is always so much comfort, so much elegance about them. And I protest, if I had any money to spare, I should buy a little land and build one myself, within a short distance of London, where I might drive myself down at any time, and collect a few friends about me and be happy. I advise everybody who is going to build, to build a cottage.

Jane Austen

English Cottage Style

During the month of March Victoria Magazine shared with us the charm of

English style. Of how Daphne Du Maurier's love for Cornwall inspired

beloved stories such as Rebecca and Jamaica Inn.

Of the times and trials of living in Jane Austin's time and how she

touched our hearts with her romantic heroines in stories like

Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.

When envisioning England, I think of countrysides and towns that

haven't changed for centuries. Of tumbling, rambling gardens

both in stately Manors and humble Cottages.

Of Roses caressing homes and archways. Of walks in the 

countryside along streams and hills.

We are given opportunity over the years

to view such delightful places through

the pages of Victoria Magazine.

What defines English Cottage Style?

"English cottage decorating, is a wonderful, eclectic, casual, very personal way to express yourself. Choose your furniture and accessories with careful consideration of your own likes, comfort level, and budget. You want it to show your own history, personality and humor. Nothing has to match, though your color scheme should be carried throughout. Practicality reigns supreme."

I think of cozy rooms with overstuffed chairs situated

close to the fire - a side table ladened with a teapot and biscuits.

I think of blankets strewn over the side of the chair - 

 of Chintz

- of ecclectic pieces that have sentimental value.

There's much to be loved and admired about England

her people, her homes and her gardens.

I am thankful for the wonderful dedication

Victoria Magazine showed and for the opportunity to

sit in my comfy chair with tea by my side and my

volumes of March Victorias -to travel to a land where

cottages and gardens delight.

A Return to Loveliness
is a blog party I host each week celebrating bringing
loveliness into our lives and into our homes.
I feature articles, photographers and writers
from former and current Victoria Magazines.
You may include Victoria Magazine in your post - 
but it is not required. Publish your post
and enter the URL and requested information
in the Linky below.


I also join in with my friends who host 
Delightsome Tea Parties:

Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesday 

The Plumed Pen's  Tea for Two 

Rose Chintz Tea Time Tuesday 

Martha's Favorite Teacup Tuesday 

A Breath of Fresh Air's
and Silken Purse's

Teapot and Tea Things

Also, I will be hosting a special Seasonal

A Return to Loveliness

Celebrate Spring With Victoria 

on Tuesday, March 22

To join in please leave a comment here.

Thank you for stopping by!

Wishing you a very Delightsome day!

Credits: most photos taken from Victoria Magazine issues 1994, 1998.

Categories: A Return to Loveliness , Chintz , decorating , England , garden , Victoria Magazine