3 Favorite Tings - Volume #21
a new Hometings product, an outdoor space & an indoor space
Hometings is a curated homewares collection, with individual products sourced from all over the world (from Buenos Aires and Brussels to my small town in Florida). You can browse and buy here. Every other week, I'll send you three favorite tings: a Hometings product, an outdoor space & an indoor space.
This week, we have a special guest feature from Chelsey Cox, an interior designer based in Gainesville,Fl. She is founder of Chinotto House, a commercial and residential interior design studio built on the belief that great design can truly transform a space. Chelsey and her partner Rachel, create bold, contemporary interiors that feel personal and lived-in while respecting the architecture of each project.
I'm fresh off a trip to the English countryside and am still holding on to the recent memories of that perfect trip, so what better way to continue reliving them than to focus on my favorite indoor and outdoor spaces of that getaway. As a designer and frequent traveler, I tend to prioritize great design in my hotel choices. Aided by my fabulous travel consultant sister, Taylor Cremo of Smart Flyer, we settled on two properties for this trip: Heckfield Place and The Newt.
Favorite Indoor Space: The Bothy at Heckfield Place
Dubbed, "The Bothy", the spa at Heckfield Place perfectly blended serenity and nature in a way that took my breath away. The zen, minimalist design created a calming atmosphere, with clean lines of natural stone and wood, and soft, neutral tones that help you unwind the moment you walk in. The large picture glass windows brought the outdoors in, allowing the peaceful English countryside landscape to be part of the experience (not to mention the soundtrack playing inside the spa was nature sounds from outside!). Even with the natural vibe, it's a cool contemporary design from the tall architectural ceilings, to the minimalist floor lighting and the randomized tiles in the pool. It’s a place where I felt completely unplugged (a rare occurrence as a mom of two and business owner!) making it the ultimate sanctuary for tranquility.
Favorite Outdoor Space: The Gardens/Grounds at The Newt
When people say a place "oozes charm" they must have the grounds at The Newt in mind. Can't think of gardens that are taken to the level as they were at The Newt. It's a woodland wonderland with the property sitting on 1000 acres, with over 30 acres dedicated to meticulous gardens in true English style. The gardens were recently a feature of Monty Don's British Gardens show on the BBC if you're so inclined to learn more! From expansive apple orchards (they make all their own cyders and apple products!), to gardens dedicated to each of the four seasons and a huge garden designed in color blocks, there was always something to explore. The grounds also include a museum of the history of gardening and ancient Roman villa ruins, both state of the art displays not to be missed. I'll be dreaming of our misty, chilly strolls through the property for a long time.
Favorite Hometings product: Aperitivo Dish
As anyone who has hung out with my family can attest, we "aperitivo" like no other :) In fact, the name of my interior design company, Chinotto House, is based off Chinotto, or the bitter orange, a flavor profile in so many of those amaros in apertif cocktails. Is there anything better than that?? I'd use this tray for various olives, chips and slices of my chili crisp butter pinwheels that go great smeared on toast with tinned fish.
