When the Strawbridges first moved to The Chateau, it needed lots of attention and it was a couple of years before they even ventured outside to plant their first trees. Since then, the grounds have been a rich source of inspiration, but in 2019 they visited the gardens of Giverny to see Monet's home and studio.
There is something very special about being by water. When looking for our forever home, being close to water was on our must have list! It was definitely love at first sight when we saw The Chateau and the moat really was the icing on the cake.
Sometimes you draw upon the beauty of other places to enhance your own home. Our whole family loved the lily pond at Giverny and it seemed only right to take this inspiration straight to our own moat! That year, we planted 30 lily rhizomes and could not believe it when a couple of months later, they gave us week upon week of flowers. We watched the lilies change daily...who knew they only flower when they've had three hours of light! Then when the light goes the lilies gently close and go to sleep... isn't nature fascinating?
