In the countryside with seaviews

Have been to open up and see this house today. Every time I see it I notice more 'attention to detail' by the London architects. Actually there are 2 gorgeous duplex houses on the same plot surrounded by figs, lemons, profusion of pink flowers (!) and lavendar bushes. A feeling of being in the countryside yet with a sea view. Great weekend houses.

More wonderful wisteria

I photographed this yesterday at our friend's house near Dubrovnik. It was a surprise as for 4 years I never realised there was a wisteria tree in the garden. Full bloom and looking fabulous!

Leading you up the garden path

One property on my books is in a secret location and is stunning! Centuries old and very impressive, it is aching for a full renovation in the Dalmatian style. Wrought iron gates, barn, chapel, stone archways as well as panoramic sea/island views ... I know just the architect to stamp his style on this historic pile.

Traditional Dalmatian Styling

I've been busy today, but thought I must share one of my properties for sale. Beautiful authentic Dalmatian style house. Actually there are two - the front building is 2 apartments and the rear is a 4 bedroom house. Fabulous sea and island views. Careful craftsmanship with the stonework in the traditional style.

Stray Cat?

This is the 2nd time I have seen this beautiful kitty on the neighbours balcony. My friend 'lost' her cat in January (he walked out!) so I am wondering if this could be hers. What a gorgeous face.

Quote of the Day

If the sun enters your house, it enters your heart a little. (Le Corbusier)

Here is one of our cats, Africa, curious with a bowl of rose petals.

Dreaming of Summer

Well our Dubrovnik weather continues to be ... 'nothing weather'. Depressing for the mind and soul and everyone I speak to cannot wait for the sun to return. So nothing new to report except working hard as always. To cheer myself up I am posting some views of my dream house, the de Givenchy Residence in The Bahamas, the architect being Tom Scheerer This style is just up my street, so I may start looking at my own apartment for redesigning. Courtesy of one of my favourite daily blogs materialicious.

Life in General

I read a fabulous quote today on Design Sponge

“I’ve always believed in the idea that each of us has a particular place in the universe where we belong, and that if we find it everything will fall into place and we will flourish.” (Patrick O’Connell, chef)

The crocus picture is from a late Easter card from my best friend, Maria, received today. Lovely, simple and striking.

My talented and artistic friend

I was delighted to receive a message from my long time friend Michelle Gill back home in Yorkshire. She is so artistic both with painting and the camera and has just launched her website. You can see it here. Michelle & hubby Adi came to Croatia in 2006 and we went sailing for a week around the islands; a fantastic inspirational voyage. The above photo is it the Caribbean? No! It's Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. I wish Michelle all success.

Freshly caught fish tonight

These little beauties were given to me by my friend today - so fish tonight! Freshly caught by her husband, there were 5 fish in total one 'sopa' and 4 'ukjata'. I gutted and scaled them (so no doubt will see scales all over the kitchen for days now), and with almonds and white wine, made a perfect dinner. 3 happy cats in tow!!! This is one of the joys of living by the Adriatic coast in that people are so generous with their produce, be it fish, kiwi, grapes, clementines ... not to mention home made wine and olive oil ...

Pasta and Wine in Dubrovnik

We spent a wonderful evening with friends last night in the Old Town at Renaissance Restaurant. Beautifully painted ceiling of which I should have photographed for you to appreciate the attention to detail with the decoration. Great service, pasta, wine and flowing conversation. Certainly a restaurant we will visit again in the future.

D'Vino is a great little wine bar and a new addition to the Old Town. Run by our Canadian friend, Cameron, it is excellent to see an impressive wine list from all over the world inc France, Italy, Spain, Australia and of course Croatia. Further flowing wine and continued conversation until the wee hours.

I Want That House!

There is a British TV programme called "I Want That House" - well this is it! Just what I want! I returned back to the Peljesac Peninsula today, 1 and a half hours drive from Dubrovnik to show this house. Great restoration of a countryside house with orchard, barn and lots of land. A lovely couple, he is a 'famous' food writer from Poland (equivalent to our Rick Stein?). A great day for showing properties with the weather on our side. I can just imagine him there writing about food sat amongst all this glorious nature. Best news too he wants to buy! ... so not for me.

Wonderful Wisteria in Cavtat

This afternoon I was on business in the charming historical town of Cavtat. Walking through the old part I came across a wonderful canopy of wisteria across the pathway. Cavtat is 15 km south of Dubrovnik close to the airport, and has a wonderful atmosphere which all the tourists love. The main promenade is a haven for yachts during the season so I'll make sure I have my camera next time I visit in May.

Garden style v beach style

This Bank Holiday Monday has been a quiet one. The weather has been bright yet windy with noisy seas. I found a company in Country Life called Marston & Langinger which sells fabulous items for gardens and countryside living. If my balconies were not so windswept I would love to grow more plants and flowers. For now I can dream of my mother's garden.

Sarajevo Shopping

I was fortunate to be in Sarajevo the week the new shopping centre opened. Having little choice in Dubrovnik this was a treat. I was all window-shopped out until I reached the top floor and came across Coincasa Home Store. This Italian chain was so fabulous with beach-style interiors, it warranted 2 visits on two days. The shop is actually a franchise so would be great to see one open in Dubrovnik.

The Source of the River Bosna

Early Saturday morning we went to the source of the River Bosna, on the outskirts of Sarajevo. The Balkan river gave its name to the region of Bosnia. Lovely and peaceful as we walked around the many pools surrounded by beautiful green nature. Some of the pools were mirror-like calm and others were raging rivers emerging directly from the mountain. Pure crystal clear water. Some pools had islands in the middle with wooden houses for ducks and swans.

Visit to Sarajevo

Friday to Sunday we spent in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, just 4 hours drive from Dubrovnik. A great time there seeing the mix between the old and new buildings standing side by side. State of the art business centres next to bombed out hotels. The first evening we saw these men playing giant chess, not bad for a mobile phone photo. The visit was timely as the BBI shopping centre (5 floors) had just opened last week, so good to wander around (buy some homeware) and see people enjoying themselves.

Visit to Mostar

Have just returned from 2 nights away - Fri to Sun. Two hours drive from Dubrovnik brings you to Mostar in Bosnia. We stopped here for lunch just next to the river with the famous 'newly built' old bridge (destroyed in the war). A very turkish feel to the centre of Mostar with the mosques and the narrow streets of shops.