by James Balston | Aug 3, 2019 | Decoration, Travel
The last thing you’d expect to find in a 17th century mill on a Hampshire chalk stream, is a Japanese interior. Isn’t it? As you approach the little brick building through a gate beside an ancient bridge, all is as you’d expect. But open the door of... 
by James Balston | Jul 28, 2019 | Cityscape, Landscapes, London, Travel
I live only a stone’s throw from the boundary of the borough of Croydon, but until recently was largely ignorant of its charms, and unaware of its variety and interest. Sure, I’ve caught trains at East Croydon station, and made trips where necessary to its... 
by James Balston | Mar 20, 2018 | Bathrooms, Colour, Design, Heritage, Kitchens, Toilets, Travel
Returning from a recent city break in Seville, one of the things that impressed me the most, was the city’s famous tiles. They’re everywhere: in churches, in restaurants, on monuments and bridges. All are highly decorated, and have been made locally for... 
by James Balston | Oct 27, 2017 | Boats, Landscapes, Seaside, Travel
Thank goodness we weren’t in this beautiful corner of Kerry a week later than we were, as it stands right in the path of Ophelia. Apparently the damage wasn’t as extensive as they feared, but power was lost for some time. We last visited ten years... 
by James Balston | Oct 18, 2016 | Architecture, Churches, Heritage, Travel
I try to use my National Trust membership much as one uses motorway services. On a long drive across the country, they’re wonderful places to stop, stretch your legs, and have a cup of tea. Ok, so you can’t buy petrol, but then the price of petrol at... 
by James Balston | Oct 7, 2016 | Architecture, Churches, Cityscape, Classical, Colour, Decoration, Heritage, Instagram, Travel
My horizons have broadened a little more after our week spent in Northern Italy. It’s no surprise that those 17th, 18th & 19th century aristocrats, aesthetes, and architects were so inspired by what they found there. We based ourselves in the beautiful and...