IN THESE LAST DAYS before Christmas, the city sidewalks are filled with last-minute shoppers, merry with the flush of cava and happy to be jostled about by the elbows and shopping bags of grandmothers with arms filled with gifts, and couples hoping to surprise one another with their thoughtfulness. Everywhere, there seems to be a feeling of good cheer.
There are few buildings that can rival a French château for sheer romance. I featured the Château la Durantie in the Dordogne region of South West France a few months back here and recently stumbled on some glorious new photographs by the wonderfully talented Katie Mitchell that I just had to share.
If you’re a longtime reader, you’ll know about our love for ornate austerity — spaces that are minimalist but not altogether cold and modern, but warm and with traditional flourishes such as chevron wood flooring, wood panelling, marble and crown moulding. This stunning house in Boston by Steven Harris Architects fits the description perfectly…
THESE LINKS ARE a little late as we still try to process the terribly sad events that unfolded in Manchester earlier this week. Perhaps it would be best to sum up our feelings with Poet Tony Walsh’s ode to the city and its people, which he performed in front of thousands at a vigil of peace in Albert Square yesterday. Listen here (UK) and here (US) and read the full poem below: