Just returning from a magical adventure from the English Countryside of North Devon in the U.K. for the past week. After spending a full day in London prior to our 4 hour drive to Devon, the slower pace of the countryside was a perfect welcome for two New Yorkers that are constantly on the go!

Neil, my husband and business partner for our company Design Works International and I rarely travel together because I travel solo on my most of my business trips while he stays at Design Works International managing our day to day business…so this trip was extra special on so many levels….after starting our design business 26 years ago, raising two kids in NYC who are currently in college, one just graduated and the other will be in his junior year… We are now able to travel as the team we were prior to starting a family!

This adventure was enjoyable because we rented a car and drove through the countryside stopping in towns like Dunster, Lynton, Parracombe and Braunton just naming a few… Each small town has their own charming personality….for example Dunster is a medieval town with an incredible castle and gardens that dates back over 1000 years. The town of Dunster is filled with charming resturants serving the traditional “pasty” prepared either Cornish Style with meat and potatoes or a vegetarian option of onion and potatoe…Most shops are geared toward tourists except for a unique shop called “Horse and Crook” where store owner and curator Abigail finds local treasures and reclaims them in various ways. See below image of her succulent pots in a textured ceramic pot….

The town of Lynton was our next stop perched on the top of a hill reachable by cable car with a view that is spectacular! Here is where I finally had my scone with clotted cream and jam with a pot of perfectly brewed earl grey teal! Next stop was Arbon Textiles where we purchased traditionsl British-made socks from local wool…..Lynmouth is the town directly below Lynton which is known for its seaside village as well as famous fish and chips restaurants!

Thanks to our Art Director Selina at Design Works International for inviting us to her wedding in Braunton because without her invite I am not sure we would of ventured to this magical part of the U.K.! Selina and Pete planned the most fairytale wedding at the Ash Barton Estate which sits on top of the highest hill in Braunton, a well seasoned surfer town…think Montauk LI but with the “best” fish and chips….The Ash Barton Estate is best illustrated by my photographs because it’s hard to find words to describe its visual magic! Selina and Pete’s wedding was an amazing mix of family and friends with a DIY sensibility! From paper flower bouquets, a sign in vintage globe, hand printed invites, seating cards and DIY mason jar beer mugs….no DIY project was left undone!  See pics below of the beautiful bride and groom!

Last but NOT least….”The Cottage Gardens”……being an avid gardener I have to confess my skills are now sharpened and all my gardens will be having a “makeover” in the next few weeks…. So many new plans for new garden beds and the restructuring of old ones….see below my newest Devon inspiration and please head to my blog colorchoasandcreativity.com and my Instagram nancy_fire to view more photos of this amazing adventure!

     Kudos to my husband Neil who drove over 500 miles on the wrong side of the road so his designer wife could photograph rooftops for an upcoming project, gardens for our HGTV HOME Plant partners and for my personal reference….

Planning a trip to this part of the U.K.? Feel free to reach out regarding tips on where to go….I will be posting tips this week on some local restaurants, lodging and general info.

For more pics from North Devon check out my blog at : colorchaosandcreativity.com                           On Instagram @nancy_fire and hgtvhome

Cheers,
Nancy

PS our trip to Stonehenge was incredible….to see this ancient temple aligned on the movement of the sun….over 4500 plus years of history!

Neil and Nancy “photo bombed” by Stonehenge!