The Family and Staff of Pennethorne Manor

Today was photo day at the manor.  As the family and staff gathered at the front of the manor, I set up my cameras and scouted the best views.  Unfortunately, my camera skills are somewhat off . . . but I blame it on my old camera.

I hope you enjoy visiting with the inhabitants of Pennethorne Manor . . .

On the left:  Lord and Lady Pennethorne and Rosemary
On the right:  Reginauld, Edalene and Alyssa

The Pennethorne Family

The staff of Pennethorne Manor

The Pennethorne Family gathered in front of the gazebo.

The staff gathered in front of the main entrance to the manor.

We hope you enjoyed your visit and that the picnic lunch was to your satisfaction.  Please come again soon!

Around the Manor

There's still quite a bit left to do on the outside of the manor, like landscaping and painting the exterior of the basements, but I have been working a bit here and there on the interior decorations.  Most notably, I've hung drapes in the Grand Dining Room and the master water closet.  The scullery is almost done as well.  

We'll start in the Grand Dining Room with the new drapes.  They were custom made by Tanya Shevtsova and they are absolutely stunning!  Her work is impeccable.

Next are the drapes in the master water closet also made by Tanya.  I didn't know exactly what I wanted, but she designed the perfect window coverings for this room!

And aside from hanging laundry from the ceiling and a few other additions, the scullery is finished.

And now it's time for tea . . .

Stay healthy and safe everyone!

Happy New Year!

I'm excited about the new year with its promise of new beginnings and hope for the future.  Pennethorne Manor has sit, somewhat sadly, whilst I wile away my hours with other things that aren't as much fun, but need doing nonetheless.  With it being cold and downright dreary outside, I've decided to take the time to finish up the exterior of the manor.  There's some painting and finish work to do and then I'm about done with the construction and it's just play moving forward.  I'm a little bit sad the major work is done, as that is what I like best.  The wrangling of floors, walls and ceilings in place . . . not to mention those dreaded staircases.

While I was away, there has been a new addition to the manor.  The Pennethorne's have hired a new scullery maid.  Her name is Alyssa and she is 12 years old.  It seems she followed Reginauld around town while he was being fitted for his new jacket, and as she seemingly had no family, or place to live, he sent a letter to the Pennethornes asking if she could be hired.  Of course they said yes knowing Edalene could use the help.  And when she has time, she'll be a perfect playmate for Rosemary.

So here is Alyssa . . .

Alyssa is a custom doll made by Lillian Bass of Lilli's Littles.

And not to forget Reginauld who went on a trip via train to be fitted for a proper butler's jacket.  He is quite proud of it and takes great care to have people notice.  Reginauld was originally made by Julie Campbell and the jacket was fitted by Lillian Bass of Lilli's Littles.  I say he looks quite smashing!

Well, that brings us up to date on the household staff.  I have done some decorating and have installed some sumptuous draperies in the Grand Dining Room and water closet which I will post next.

Enjoy your day!

Around the Manor

I've been working on little projects here and there throughout the manor adding all those little bits that make a room come to life.  Let's start in the Breakfast Room . . .

I took out the cakes and desserts from the table and put in a proper English breakfast . . .

There is also a plate of croissants and a jar of jam, but unfortunately they wouldn't fit on the table.  Perhaps another day when toast isn't being served.  The breakfast was made by Linda of Little Dreamscapes on Etsy.

Next up is the kitchen.  I added a pantry cupboard, copper pots hanging on a board, a butter churn, pears in a wooden crate, and some preserves in jars.  The copper pots were made by JGetzan Miniatures.  All the other items were purchased from various shops on Etsy.  If you really want to know where an item was purchased from, leave me a comment.

In the scullery I've added bowls, a ceramic hen in a nest, a pitcher and a wicker basket.  It's coming along although there is still more to be done in this room.

In the servant's hall I moved in an antique hall tree.

And finally, Rosemary's room is finished . . .

Notice the lamp on the nightstand.  It was made by Ray Storey Lighting.

I loved the new wallpaper so much I decided to cover the panels on Rosemary's armoir!

Other than the new wine cabinet in the wine cellar, I think that's pretty much it for new things.  My goal now is to finish the exterior of the basements and finish the brick foundation on the manor.  Then it will be time to decorate for Christmas!

A New Cabinet for the Wine Cellar

 Since I haven't been able to find out who built this cabinet . . .

I decided to build my own.  It's not exactly alike, but it's close enough.  I started with a purchased base cabinet and then built the wine storage from 1/8" and 3/32 basswood.

My husband thinks I need to replace the brick floor with a gray slate floor.  I haven't been able to find a pattern I like, but when I do I'll slip it in and see how it looks.  Sometimes you just have to please the man paying the bills!

I'll be adding more wine bottles, cheese and the like over time.  This has been a fun room to work on.