From the picturesque town of Stowe, with it’s traditional looking hardware stores…
.. and churches,…
.. the following day we headed out with Jackie to this place…
.. which is called ‘Hidden Valley Farm’ – to meet Barbara and her husband Mark Leswing.
A elegantly understated, though no less grand, four bedroom home set in 35 acres of beautiful New England countryside in Vermont. After years of living between the frenetic cities of New York and Tokyo, Mark and Barbara found the tranquillity and privacy of this site simply irresistible.
And yes inside it was pretty amazing too…
.. as you can see from these images of the Grand Room – with it’s double height beams and rafters…
.. where the walls reflected the New England sunshine – so was therefore actually very easy to light, with a minimum amount of fill required.
So we actually managed to shoot loads throughout this beautiful house…
.. as the light was as stunning as the place itself.
So while Barbara worked on the flowers in the kitchen…
.. I just snapped away – and even the bedrooms…
.. and Tea for Two bathroom…
.. where wonderfully lit too – as they had decided against putting-up any curtains.
Why no curtains?
Well, it was mainly due to this…
.. so is it any wonder they decided against curtains – as it was breathtaking right through to the end of the day – which is when I shot this, as we all sat out in their garden, enjoying a lovely cold beer… or was it two 
The title by the way, ‘Looking for New England’ – which both House and Home…
.. and Property Life magazine…
used, is based on the lyrics from the song titled ‘A New England’ – a song written and recorded by Billy Bragg and included on his album Life’s a Riot with Spy Vs Spy, released in 1983 – which became a hit single when covered by Kirsty MacColl the next year – which are…
I don’t want to change the world
I’m not looking for a new England
I’m just (Are you) looking for another girl
.. but I think if they saw this place, they would both change their minds
Anyway, I’d just to say huge thanks to everyone involved here and especially to Barbara & Mark – for not only making us feel so welcome but for also making a dream come true for us.
From Marie & me @ ampimage, thank you.
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