Last Monday I shared a little preview of my rural escape to East Sussex in England. Today I want to give more details and above all more pictures of my countryside experience on Walnuts Farm. Now, as an urban dweller it seems to be very favorable to plan a little rural getaway every now and then. You learn to appreciated the serenity of the countryside, the rich green fields and the forests. You wander through gardens and get some face-to-face interaction with animals. All this I experienced two weeks ago on the Walnuts Farm in Stonegate, East Sussex.
Our one-day getaway was entitled 'Farm Bloggers' and our mutual ambition was to spend a day styling and photo shooting on the countryside. We were ten lifestyle bloggers: Emily (who kindly organized the day), Yvonne, Kat, Lottie, Catherine, Heather, Geraldine, Tina, Bridgee and me.
Our day began with a very early departure from London. Meeting Geraldine in her happy yellow dress and two picnic baskets full with yummy food and props at 7 am at London's King's Cross station was such a fun moment - barely awake we already started our day chatting and giggling along. The train ride took us through the picturesque English countryside towards southeast. One and a half hours later we arrived at a tiny little station where people were smiling and greeting each other with 'good morning' - welcome to Stonegate!
A very energetic and smiling Yvonne was waiting for us with her car and after a few detours we eventually arrived at Walnuts Farm where the others were waiting for us. Naturally, our first action was to ask for a wifi code and set up our connection to the outer world also known as our realm where we usually reside. A fresh pot of coffee was brewed and we gathered for a little get-together and kick-off of an inspiring blogger day. Moreover, we had the opportunity to peek into Yvonne's brand new cooking & interiors book 'Yvestown in de Keuken' - what a beautiful book. I definitely need to get hold of the English copy.
The sun peeked through some passing clouds and the turkey was prancing proudly while the geese cackled along peculiarly. The first veggies sprouted in the garden and before I even grasped all of this it was time for a mutual lunch under the English sun. Homemade food was served and colorful tableware set to be photographed and enjoyed. Rose lemonade, couscous salad and a wonderful sour bread wreath from Kat were just a few of the delicious treats served that day.
Later on I set off to discover the interior of Walnuts Farm with its rooms full of character and memorabilia. Details were abounds and yet it was so hard for me to imagine that people actually live there - probably I've been living for too long in a small city center apartment! Of course I couldn't help but practice my Urban Jungle Bloggers skills by repotting a beautiful succulent - an urban jungle blogger gone rural jungle blogger.
The day on Walnuts Farm was a great and unique experience for me. I was happy to spend the day with wonderful people devoted to the beautiful aspects of life and I was happy enough to team up with my friend Bridgee to bring back this great set of photography.
I hope you enjoyed this little getaway to the English countryside. And now I am wishing you a great Monday and a successful and happy new week!
Photography by Bridgee Melling and Igor Josifovic
