To downsize or upsize?

Is it really so long since I posted? The only real reason is that most of my travels have been sensible authorised affairs just lately. Mostly family outings that belong on the neglected family blog if anywhere. But I am starting to get out and about on my own a little more now.

This post only qualifies in part but I want to include it because it marks what I think might be a new direction for me.

My growing interest in historical building styles and a drive out with my friend Lesley got me wondering about this building.

It is Kelham Hall not too far from Newark. It is quite accessible so not too mysterious really but the first time I saw it I didn't know what it was and could only glimpse it through trees. Tantalisingly, the roadside lodge looks like this.

So you can see why I was keen to see more. The perfect opportunity came last year when hubby was persuaded to take me to an Art Deco fair at the hall. I have mixed feelings about Art Deco but I was curious and the opportunity to see the hall was not to be missed. I didn't buy anything at the fair but I did think a lot about some rather lovely tea sets afterwards. The hall didn't disappoint. A walk around outside showed the building to be interesting from all angles. As well as the original buildding there is now the Dome which looks like this from outside

 but like this on the inside

Quite unexpected. There is also a lovely carriage court with polychromatic brickwork that comes into its own at weddings as the Hall has a very busy life as a wedding venue.

Well last month I got the chance to see Kelham again. It was a very cold day but gloriously sunny so hubby, on chauffeur duty again took off towards the river with his camera while I went to my first ever Doll's House Fair. I have been thinking about one day having a dolls house but don't really have the room in our current house. But, having got so drawn into the world of old buildings, acquiring a miniature property now feels like a way of scratching my architectural itch. I had said I wouldn't buy anything at the fair, although there was plenty to take my fancy. I just wanted to see what was available so I could feed my dreams. I was disappointed not to see more houses for sale but I suppose most miniaturists only have one house at a time and are more interested in decorating and furnishing the one they have than investing in another. The most interesting stand for me was Little Pieces. I didn't expect an Arts and Crafts specialist at a local show like this. I was very tempted to buy a couple of Voysey chairs as a token of my long term intentions.

The thought of fitting out a little house is very appealing at the moment so I have already made an extensive wish list. The only thing holding me back (aside from the disapproval of those who would have to dance around it in our tiny living space) is the thought that until I actually make a purchase I can keep all my options open. Until then my dream house can take on many guises. But I think it is likely I will succumb long before we have a new real world house with the space to display the dream house. As they say, watch this space. I'm sure there's a reason why Miniatura coincides with Hobbycrafts at the NEC this month. The stars are aligning....