IVHE: Recent Episodes
Larry Klimczyk
The Lodge (3 bedrooms sleeping up to 6) Approached by its own driveway, the Lodge is a detached stone cottage which we think originally served as a gatehouse/caretaker’s accommodation serving what is now Chestnut House. It started as a tiny single storey building but has since been substantially rebuilt and sympathetically extended in local limestone. The newer 2 storey addition is at a lower level so the ground floor areas are linked by 3 steps and stairs then rise from the hallway to the first floor. The Lodge has front and back doors from the hallway and French windows from the lounge….the choice is yours. The Lodge is furnished in a contemporary cottage style – comfy settees in the lounge, limed oak kitchen units and a round pine dining table. An impressive stone fireplace and log burner complete the picture. TV/DVD and hifi/radio plus books, games and information. The reception areas have stone slate floors and all other rooms are carpeted. The cottage is well equipped with gas cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine plus all the other day to day utensils you are likely to need. Off the hallway the ground floor bedrooms and shower room are a bonus for the less agile! The double bedroom enjoys a lovely outlook over the garden. Upstairs there is a further twin bedroom with an adjacent bathroom (shower over the bath). Dove Cottage (sleeps 4) Dove Cottage adjoins our house (Chestnut House) but faces away from it. Chestnut House was originally part of a large house known as the Outrake and part of what is now Dove Cottage was probably the scullery for the main house. We think it is probably the oldest part of the current building and was in an earlier life a separate barn or simple cottage. We have recently renovated Dove Cottage to upgrade facilities but to retain some of its quirky original features. You enter the cottage through the stable door leading into the kitchen/dining room with its attractive limestone tiled floor. In the dining area there is an old pine table and a striking pitch pine dresser base and looking up you will see the original hooks that were used for hanging meat and poultry. The kitchen has contemporary beech units and is equipped with a built in electric oven and hob, fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine plus all day to day essentials. It has a large rooflight so it always feels light and airy. Three slate steps lead upto the cosy beamed lounge which has two comfortable settees – light the log burner, sit back and relax! TV/DVD and hifi/radio plus books, games and information. Incidentally the slate steps have been made out of the slate cold water tank which we found in the roof space of Chestnut House Stairs lead from the lounge to the first floor bedrooms (1 double and 1 twin) which are fully carpeted, tastefully furnished and have antique pine wardrobes. There is a modern shower room with heated towel rail. There is a table and chairs for you to enjoy the cottage garden and an old fashioned garden seat hiding beneath a yew tree.
Beyond the garden is an off road parking area. Chatsworth cottage (sleeps 2 kingsize/2 singles) Chatsworth Cottage was originally part of Chestnut House and the ground floor was the main kitchen for the house. If you look at the outer walls you will see that it has been built to link what is now Chestnut House with what is now Dove Cottage. The ground floor was built first and the different stone suggests that the second storey was added at a later date. The ground floor ceiling is also unusually high indicating that originally it was used for something other than living accommodation. Following the path through the cottage garden you enter the cottage through French windows. The space in the open plan living area is accentuated by the high ceiling. Striking features include the impressive spiral staircase, floor to ceiling pine cupboard and contemporary log burner and slate hearth. There is a comfortable settee and leather armchair for you to settle back in. TV/DVD and hifi/radio plus books, games and information. The kitchen fittings include an electric cooker, fridge with freezer compartment and microwave plus all day to day utensils. The spiral staircase leads to a large light bedroom with tasteful furnishings and stripped pine floor, traditional furniture and a rocking chair to enjoy the view of the garden. There is a separate bathroom adjacent with electric shower over the bath. Outside the lawned garden is bounded by a hedge and sheltered by a holly tree and nearby sweet chestnut offering sun or shade depending on your preference. The crimson leaves of the Virginia creeper adorning the cottage in autumn are an added pleasure!
Beyond the garden is an off road parking area.
This colonial black and white bungalow in Singapore is unique in location, tropical design and architectural heritage. One of only very few left in Singapore, they allow you to experience a bit of history in this now modern, successful Asian city. Orchard Road, the shopping centre of Singapore, is a 10 minute drive away. Glam and hip restaurants are a 15 minute drive away at the most. The house has a resort feel in an otherwise crowded city state. With ample greenery, pool and outdoor furniture, it is a pleasure to enjoy the tropical environment. Birds that visit our garden include hornbills, sulphur crested cockatoos and kingfishers.
Two housekeepers will take care of all you needs. Marites cooks up recipes from any of your favourite chefs including Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Bill Granger, Nigella Lawson among others. Marites and Florida will take care of groceries, cleaning, washing and ironing, too. They are very good with children, which will give parents flexibity to go out for shopping, dinner or sightseeing if they would want to.
The main house has an outdoor and indoor living room, dining room and coffee / wine bar. Four bedrooms, including the master bedroom, are in the main house. In a separate annex in the garden is our guestroom.
The MRT (metro) has a stop outside the park at 1 km distance. Buses stop outside the park at a 400 meter walk. Taxis are abundant, cheap and reliable. They usually arrive in 5 to 7 min.
Furthermore, the house comes with two lovely Labradors called Pip (black lab) and Lola (white lab).
We hope you enjoy staying in this relaxing resort.
Rainbow Coral is one of 15 newly built luxury apartments, on the fourth floor of a 5 storey block, on the up and coming cool and breezy south coast of Barbados.
The apartment, accessed directly by elevator from the basement parking area, overlooks the communal garden and pool area , as well as the beach, from its large balcony.
The apartment is spacious ( 1320 sq ft), and comprises two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and dressing room, full size kitchen, living room and porch with dining and sitting areas , and has been fully equipped to the highest standard. There are ceiling fans as well as air conditioning units in all rooms, if required, although most of the year there is a steady cool breeeze coming in off the sea.
Detached, light and airy, lovingly restored to the highest standards to appeal to families and groups seeking relaxation, quality and convenience. Set in shady garden with new, private, salt water, heated pool 10 x 5 m fenced with security gate.
The whole house has beautiful pitch pine wooden floors, marble fireplaces in most rooms and Central Heating. The entrance hall has a sweeping wooden staircase curving up to the 1st floor. There is a downstairs WC off the hall.
There is a 28 ft x 15 ft kitchen/diner/family room with French doors to terrace overlooking the pool. Quality cream units + island. Limestone tiled surfaces, stainless steel range cooker, gas 5 ring hob, vast electric oven and grill. Dishwasher and American fridge/freezer.
You can stroll down the pretty, winding lane with your picnic and bottle of wine to cool in the river. The children can paddle and play in the shallows with their fishing nets. For more serious fisherman, get a permit from the shop and fish for trout or just to sit on the bank and enjoy the beauty and peace of this lovely river.
Or sit on the terrace at the house overlooking the pool and watch the sun go down over the walnut orchards and distant hills.
Three excellent restaurants in walking distance, one with terrace overlooking Dordogne River. Cafe serving delicious salads and other dishes under the walls of the medieval church.
Boulangerie, butcher, grocer, pharmacy etc in easy walking distance.
Meet the owner of this wonderful home in this IVHE podcast.
This remarkable villa has a multi-level design and is a short walk from the famous Baths and Spring Bay’s beaches in the beautiful British Virgin Islands.
You will enjoy full privacy throughout, with an airy Great Room, having balconies on three sides which can be used for relaxing or entertaining, and is adjacent to a large fully-equipped kitchen expanding to outdoor terraces.
This extensive four bedroom villa can comfortably sleep up to ten, with each air-conditioned bedroom having its own bath (two with outdoor showers), and closet space. Two bedrooms also have separate sitting areas.
The main level includes the Great Room with a dining area and French doors leading out to terraces and varied land and sea views outside. The main kitchen is large and bright, with a breakfast bar. A second kitchen is located in the adjacent guest cottage, where the separately accessed fourth bedroom is located. Two bedroom/bath suites and a half-bath complete this level. The spacious master bedroom suite is accessed on the lower level, from poolside, and includes a kitchenette and outdoor shower.
The 30 foot private pool is tucked into fabulous gardens and edged with huge granite boulders and natural stone decks. A staircase leads up to the unique lookout tower with spectacular views of the surrounding islands and the vibrant blue Caribbean Sea.
Meet the owner of this exclusive property in this IVHE podcast.