Sonata Script: British Edition – Part 2 – The Cotswolds
Giving you a peek into the past week for me and Sonata Home Design. The week in review, my favorite finds on the web, and just a little “this and that.” I always want to give you great ideas, inspiration, creative motivation, light bulb moments, and a hearty “You can do it!”
I know I am not alone in my passion for home decorating, crafting, and nesting. So, please join me each week for this creative Saturday jolt!
Our Cotswolds Adventure
Some trips you dream about for years, imagining quaint villages, cozy inns, and endless tea.
And then reality hits…usually around the second roundabout.
This was our bucket list trip to England and the Cotswolds. and while there were a few surprises (both thrilling and mildly terrifying), it was every bit as magical as I hoped!
Moreton-on-Marsh: First Stop and First Roundabouts
We rented a car right away—because what could be more charming than cruising through English countryside?
Spoiler alert: charming wasn’t the word that came to mind as we navigated driving on the other side of the road, on streets approximately as wide as a dining room table, while locals zipped past us like Formula One racers.
And let’s not forget the endless roundabouts. I think I saw my life flash before my eyes more than once while trying to exit at the correct “third left!”
But we were up for the challenge and eventually got the hang of it! (for the most part!)
But then we arrived at the Manor House Hotel in Moreton-on-Marsh. Ahhh…now this was the England of my dreams!
My husband looked around and exclaimed, “This place screams Missy!”
And he was right. From the carved wood chests to the luxury bedding to the charming window handles (yes, even the window handles charmed me), it was exactly my style.
Walking through Moreton-on-Marsh felt like stepping into a storybook!
A towering church spire anchored the town, flowers spilled from hanging baskets, and houses wore names that hinted at history.
As a retired music teacher, I couldn’t resist photographing the plaque for “Singer House.” Clearly, I now need a name for our own home.
Sonata House, perhaps?
Dinner that night sealed the deal: sitting by a fireplace in patterned floral chairs, eating sticky toffee pudding for the very first time.
Friends, I now understand why this dessert has a cult following. Sticky, sweet, and utterly divine!
Hidcote Gardens: Hedges, Flowers, and Tea
Our first day out led us to Hidcote Gardens, an Arts-and-Crafts-inspired wonderland tucked into the rolling Cotswolds hills.
Imagine enormous hedges so tall and dramatic they made me feel like Alice in Wonderland, stepping into a new world with each turn.
The outdoor “rooms” were filled with exuberant blooms and perfectly structured design.
And then…the trees! I’m talking towering, sky-scraping, “are we still in England or did we wander into a fairy tale forest?” tall trees.
I came home and immediately trimmed the hedge in front of our house—because when you’ve seen Hidcote, your own shrubs suddenly feel woefully inadequate.
A Day in Bath: Bells, Rain, and Bridgerton
Bath was every bit as romantic as I’d hoped. We strolled around Bath Abbey, where the bells were ringing so joyfully it felt like they were celebrating our visit.
We strolled the cobblestone streets, peered into charming shops, and marveled at the historic Georgian architecture.
One highlight was “The Circus”—a perfectly circular arrangement of 30 Georgian townhouses that made me feel like I had stumbled onto the set of Bridgerton.
I may or may not have dramatically imagined myself promenading in a Regency gown…
After several warm, dry days, it finally rained in Bath. And instead of groaning, we celebrated. Rain! In England!
It felt so authentic, I almost bought an umbrella just for the occasion…
Oh, it really just spattered drizzled so I embraced the damp look!
Highclere Castle: Downton Abbey Dreams
Another day brought us to Highclere Castle, the filming location of Downton Abbey.
I’ll be sharing a separate post about this stunning estate (because it deserves its own spotlight), but let me sum it up here in one word: AMAZING!
Downton Abbey Week Giveaway
Speaking of Downton Abbey, it’s Downton Abbey Week at Sonata Home Design!
I’ve got a whole schedule of themed fun planned, and I’m thrilled to be giving away The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook.
To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post or on one of the Downton-themed Facebook posts. You can enter (comment) as many times as you’d like.
I’ll announce the randomly selected winner on Sunday, September 14 on Facebook.
Good luck, my fellow Downton fans!
Painswick: Our Grand Finale
Midway through our Cotswolds adventure, we switched hotels to explore farther north and—let’s be honest—because I just love charming hotels!
This time we stayed at The Painswick, a posh gem tucked into the village of Painswick. Getting there involved more winding roads and a teeny-tiny parking lot that made us very grateful for our teeny-tiny rental car!
The hotel itself was oh-so-stylish, with the feel of an English estate and every thoughtful detail you’d expect.
We wandered the town, discovered yet another beautiful church, and marveled at the famous yew tree “park”…a grove of sculpted hedge trees that looked like something out of a fantasy novel.
A little hide-and-seek seemed the order of the day!
Until Next Time, England…
Oh, England, you were everything we dreamed and more. From sticky toffee pudding to roundabout adventures, from Georgian grandeur to towering trees, you captured my heart!
Until next time…because there will definitely be a next time.
On our last evening, we celebrated with tea on the lawn, soaking in the view and already plotting our return to England!
Wishing you a great week of adventures!
Always remember…travel dreams can come true!
Cheers!
A Little About Me
Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers –
Some British Favorites
It looks like you had a beautiful trip. I love the Cotswolds! Broadway, Stow on the Wold, Chipping Camden, there are so many fabulous little towns and villages. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip to Highclere.