We are HOME and happy to be here with darling kitties! I hope you will love this charming MUSICA . . .
Perfect music for nesting . . . which is what I did yesterday, our first day home; I waltzed around to this song putting everything back in order; kissing the kitties, hanging laundry, eating farm-stand Honey Crisp apples, putting the pumpkins we bought on the porch, hanging the wreath on the door. I dressed my stove in the two vintage dishtowels I found on the trip . . . cute eh? Look at those embroidered, appliqued apples! How come that was even THERE? Why hadn’t someone snapped it up before me? Lucky!!
I was all over the place trying to figure out how to do this post . . . I have too many different subjects/things from the trip to show you! But since I started with antiques, I thought I would continue that way . . . especially because we careened into every antique-store driveway we saw and found some really fun things.
“Was it open?” were the most-often spoken words on our trip.
This cute little barn was filled with wonderful old stuff.
But this one had the best prices! I found a 4′ x 6′ black, flowered, hooked rug here, for $49! For my pantry. Oh yes!
Some things struck me as perfect for Christmas presents . . . like this large embroidered towel with the title “Mother’s Little Helper” on the back. For some reason I’m weakest for embroidery, potholders, tablecloths, napkins, dishtowels, fabrics, needlepoints; the soft stuff.
And I found another vintage measuring cup! These are not easy to find! The shapes are softer than the modern ones, and they aren’t printed on, they’re embossed!
But this was the big one, and I do mean big. I walked into a wonderful store called Rustology in Stafford Springs, CT and just fell in love with this old doll house. It was almost four feet tall, and about six feet wide . . . and three feet deep.
The front of the house is on wheels and you can roll it away to reveal the wonderful rooms inside.
Wouldn’t Jack just LOVE this? The owner of the antique store said he found it in the attic of a Massachusetts house during an estate sale. It was originally built as an exact replica of the real house — It must have had a room of it’s own to live in, it’s so big.
What this must have looked like when it was furnished, I can’t imagine! That flowered piece on the floor is an actual carpet, a tiny petit point; and you can see the old wall paper. And the doors! And the doorknobs!
If this was my house, I would make everything for it. I would paint little paintings, and mold little clay, and stencil the walls. It would be so much fun finding the perfect pots and pans, making tiny pillows, looking for little dishes. Decorating it for the holidays!!! Joe could make beds, I could make sheets. Our real house could fall apart, but the doll house would be perfect at all times!
It definitely needs help, but it has great bones … and all the wonderful details; trim around doors and baseboards.
The shutters are perfect, and there’s glass in the windows, and through this window you can see two other doors with doorknobs.
The front door . . . Imagine it with tiny lights on it! The owners of the antique store love the doll house as much as me; they were showing it with so much pride. I don’t think they are in any hurry to sell it; they’d only had it for two weeks . . . they were asking $6,500 for it.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun in there pretending what I would do with it if it were mine. I considered which room in my house I might put it in, and came to the conclusion that it was too big for any of them. I also would have wanted it when I was twenty, so I could have done it the same way I did my charm bracelet, making and gathering one piece at a time, from everywhere, so each piece could have a story to go with it. Magical magical house. Lucky someone who will end up with it! But this house requires commitment, if you move, you have to pack it and take it with you which would he a true heck of a packing job! Maybe the smart thing would be to get it, give it to a historical society with the caveat that during your own lifetime, no body touches it but YOU.
This house was in the same store . . . . MUCH less expensive — $250 . . . and pretty darn cute, although it needs a lot of work. It opens like a little closet … how smart, hardly takes up any space at all; I really liked the original shape of this.
And it has lots of charming details too. . .
Inside, you can still see vestiges of the glory that it once was . . . but someone would have to start from the beginning to put it right again.
Sooo, while I’m at it, I thought I’d show you some of the pictures I took of REAL houses as we drove hill and dale around Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Because truly, one of the inspirations that motivated me into moving to New England was the charming houses I saw in books and movies. I wanted an old house sooooo badly; my life just wasn’t going to be complete until I got one.
Just look at these and you will see why. I would be perfectly ecstatic to have any of them! Look at that glassed in porch. Perfect for a tea party!
Obviously these people have another way to get into this very old house besides the front door! Look at those pumpkins!!! Wonderful, huh?
Of course, I am a fool for picket fences with colored leaves falling around them.
Sunny cottage, little arched porch, dentil-work up top, and tiny windows.
Very old house, leaves swirling through the air.
Love this soft yellow house in Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts — if you ever get a chance to drive through here, you should do it…. the prettiest houses ever, so full of history, most of the houses are very old, pre-Revolutionary war!
The great thing about these houses is that no two are exactly alike and all so amazingly romantic … I always wonder what kind of thinking was going on that they added so much gingerbread; the wide porches, bay windows, columns, and balconies? And inside, with all the built-in little nooks and crannies! Some of the bigger houses have a cozy fireplace in every room! I think I would have liked those people!
So on we drove, past houses and barns, farm stands, graveyards, and antique stores . . .
The sunsets would light the mountains on fire with color . . .
In one little town, we saw they were having a Book Sale . . . So of course we stopped to see what treasures we could unearth . . .
OH BOY, look what I found!! My first book, Heart of the Home! Rescue secured! Book no longer lurking pitifully in cardboard box! I brought my baby back home. Pobrecito!
And then, while nesting all day yesterday; I put some Martha’s Vineyard sand in my new measuring cup; then I added a pear-shaped candle I found on the trip, and a couple of shells and some sea glass. I thought, how perfect for the kitchen table!
And then I set it on top of my book, and it all looked so cute together, I thought,
I already have one of these books, and I already have one of these candle holders; I should make this a give-away for the girls, because they stick by me through thick and thin. And so that’s what it is!
And then, guess what? My brand new Collector’s Edition Ornament was waiting for me when I went to get the mail! Isn’t it cute? This is the 5th year in a row for our dated collectible ornament (no, in case you’re wondering, we don’t have any left from the other years; we only get a few in of each design, and because they are dated, when they’re gone, they’re gone!) . . . . so, I thought, oh yes, I better throw this in with the book and the candle, right? They look so good together. ♥
I added a leaf I brought home from the trip . . . . and I’ll sign the book when I know the name of the winner and where its new home will be. Just leave a comment, and you will be entered in our drawing for all these goodies! And BTW, if my blog is being emailed to you, you have to come directly to my website (click here: www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/) to enter for the drawing . . . just scroll to the bottom of this post where you see the tiny word “comments.” Click there, and leave a comment and that will automatically enter you!
OK Girls, bye-bye for now … I have more to show you, but realized this would be the longest post EVER if I tried to do the whole trip all at once. So, there’s more to come! XOXO Love, me
Dear Susan,
You managed to titillate all of our senses in just one blog post. I am craving a yummy Honey Crisp apple, yearning to see more of the Fall colors, and listening for the crunch of fallen leaves. Fall is gently easing its way into Southern CA as we enjoyed a cool, breezy day. However, it is supposed to be in the 90’s by Sunday. I was excited for you as you shared your travel finds and then to think they were really for some fortunate Girlfriend! Bless you, Susan!
What lovely pictures. Thanks so much for sharing all that you do. I would love to win this wonderful prize.
Oh I’d love a signed book by you. This book looks a lot like your old address book, that I have. I bought the book when I first discovered your illustrated items in a small store in a local mall. Sadly, like many other smaller stores, it went out of business years ago. I hope when the economy improves, I’m optimistic there will be small stores like that and your market stand again. Glad that you had such a lovely trip looking at the leaves and more.
I think Wal-Mart and all the places that supply it (cheap labor) might have to go out of business before the little stores can come back again! They just couldn’t compete with the low prices.
I could almost feel the cool, crisp air and smell the apples while reading your post. I have always loved New England and my biggest dream is to live there one day. In the meantime, I will happily ride along with you on your wonderful outings. Thank you so very much for taking us along.
What fun! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
I love the old homes! I’ve only been to New England twice, and both times I fell head over heels in love with just about everything. I filled several scrapbooks with all the photos we took. The scenery and homes and shops have so much charm. Thanks for sharing about your trip. I look forward to more!
Loved your Fall trip! Thanks for sharing! I feel like your Mini-Me!
We had our own Mini-Fall Trip in Southern Indiana that was similar
but on a much smaller scale. Ended up with Fried chicken dinner,biscuits,
and Apple Butter….Yum! Since my shopping was limited, I would Love
To win some of the Treasures you found!
Thanks,
Mary from (you guessed it) Indiana
Hi Sue – another wonderful post. It makes me want to jump in the car this minute and head to Deerfield on a leaf-peeping, antique-hunting, getting-away-with-my-honey excursion! I have been searching second-hand book stores and book sales for your books that are out of print but haven’t hit pay dirt yet. Sure would love to win the give-away. So thoughtful of you to think of us 🙂
Dear Susan,
My work life has been a little overwhelming lately, and personal time in short supply, but your posts – this one in particular – have felt like mini “vacations.”
Thank you for helping me feel refreshed!!
I’m so enjoying your blog! It’s so refreshing and I love all the pictures and the little paintings, love, love, love.
When I looked at and read about the doll houses, I was drawn to imagining the little girls delight as they received them on Christmas morning. Delightful!
Dear Susan!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful dollhouse and some of the details of your trip with us!!! Your blog is now an addiction. I just finished re-reading your Autumn book and have definitely been inspired; can’t wait to try the Touchdown Chili as I have not used beef stock before in making chili. I was in a darling shop yesterday with my best friend and we were ooing and aahing over linens, and a variety of other items–forgot about the cute little painted chair until I saw yours on your stove this morning so it looks like I will be going back to get it!!!
Thank you for the sweet journey through New England. I love that you collect, and you share! I too dream of a cottage seaside in New England with swirling leaves and candles in the windows. Happy Autumn to you, Joe and the kitties!
xo
Hi Susan, I have been reading your blogs for a few months now but have only just been brave enough to respond now! I would just like to say that through your visit to England earlier this year, you made me look at this beautiful country in a new light. I took my daughter up to the Lake District for a few days and we visited Peter Rabbit in his garden and revelled in the beautifully kept home of Beatrix Potter. I have often looked at the colours of our autumn in Britain and enjoyed the variety so much but wished I could be over in New England in the Fall….and now I have through your latest instalment! Thank you! We’ve never made it to the USA – but you never know…! If I am at all lucky enough to win any prize – I would love you to send it to my friend Bernie Gardiner who introduced me to you and has been in touch with you and sent you things in the past! She is such a lovely friend. Thank you for uplifting us all with your inspirational posts and cute kitties…we have a cute Parson Russell called Toby – he says hi!
Lol – Karen (Welsh but living in England!)
OH please say hello to Bernie for me! And I am so happy to meet you Karen!
Hi Susan,
It’s so funny, I almost feel like I know you already! I absolutely love catching up with you whenever I can – and your liddle kitty too! He is rather sweet! I will be emailing Bernie soon and will tell her I have ‘spoken’ to you! She will be thrilled!
Today’s pictures are wonderful…we too have a lovely day here and all my washing is out – all the bits and bobs are chatting to each other in the breeze! It’s probably early with you – over there but about 3.00 pm here in Blighty! Keep up the fabulous work on your house and may it always feel as welcoming as it looks – your friends are lucky to know you!
Karen 🙂
Thank you Karen, you too, have a wonderful day over there!
I love fall so much! Isnt it grand:-) This year my husband and I are busy painting and packing up so we can move into our first home by Halloween. We havent had time to really enjoy all of the fall beauty. When I got onto this site this morning it was a real treat! Now at least I got to see some pictures of fall beauty. Thanks!
What a great adventure! You were in my neighborhood–I live in a tiny town just west of Deerfield, and am able to enjoy the splendor of this area all year long!
Glad you enjoyed your trip to the ‘forgotten’ part of Massachusetts…
Another interesting post. Your photos of the houses are great. When I drive at night I like it if people have their lights on in their homes and as you pass by you can see in and see a bit of the inside. It may sound nosey of me but it is more of a feeling of comfort that I get. Home for me is the best place to be.
In many ways, the New England states are much like Wisconsin, but quainter ! Here, many older homes get knocked down because they’re….. well … old ! Such a shame, you just don’t see that kind of charm anymore. Porches, arches, wainscoting, pantries, the list goes on and on ! The beautiful Fall colors only add to the charm, especially this year . I love antiquing , wondering where that book or doll came from, who played with it, was it a Christmas gift . Simpler, happier times for sure ! Thank you for sharing your trip with us…to sit here early in the morning with a hot cup of coffee and reading your Blog, dogs on each side of me…….priceless ! What more could a woman want. ~~~Enjoy your day ~~~
You have it all Gloria!!!
Susan,
I felt like I could see the leaves changing and crunching as you and Joe walked through them on your beautiful, “I wish I could go” road trip. That’s one part of the country I must see before my life ends and your blog entry brought tears to my eyes with the beauty and history of the beautiful northeast. I collect miniatures and I dreamed of a dollhouse so when I saw the picture of the ones you saw in the antique shops, my heart leapt. I felt like you when you described your dreams for the dollhouse, you were inside my head as I used to build furniture from matchboxes, jewelry gift boxes and such to fill shoeboxes so I could stack them and make my own dollhouse. Santa did bring me a metal dollhouse with furniture and tiny little people, flesh-colored of course, and spent hours playing with it. It was so fun to see your wonderful finds as I, too, love linens, china, needlepoint, cross-stitched items, samplers and old hankies and wander through the shops in the Midwest to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Your pictures of the homes made me wish for snow, which isn’t my favorite thing, so I could sit with my cup of tea by the fireplace and read a wonderful book. The book you found was one of the my first SB purchases and I just pulled it out the other day to look for a recipe. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful trip with your friends!
Happy fall,
Linda
Lee’s Summit, MO
I find myself wishing for snow sometimes too, because it really can be of the prettiest sights of all . . .
Linda, Santa brought me a metal dollhouse too, and I loved it. It had a “patio” , and that seemed so fancy to me back then… Good memories..
I do so love your blogs! I live in England, and loved your visit to the Emma Bridgewater factory – I am drinking my tea out of one of her cups now! I felt you introduced me to my own country, and now you are doing it all over again with the States – I run an auction house and love antiques, and live in a stone thatched house built in 1684, with stone mullioned windows and chickens and a vegetable patch, and I love the way you look at things and show their beauty, thank you. In a very busy world you bring a bit of calm and happiness.
I can just picture your house…. How wonderful, 1684! So happy to see you here Abigail!
Oh Abigail, you are living my life’s dream!
-Carrie from California-
What a beautiful fun trip you had-we tried a fall leaf watching trip to Virginia but were about two weeks too early-most trees still green but still a nice trip with my hubby-we’ll try again next year or maybe try New England-who knows? Thanks for sharing your fun times!
Great rescue of your book! I made a great rescue of a book the other day of Gladys Taber’s Stillmeadow Cook Book! I couldn’t believe it was just sitting there among many other silly cookbooks at the thrift store. I have been on the search for a Gladys cookbook for a looooong time so this was a very happy day for me. Thank you for the tour and the dollhouses are a dream!
Oh, I want to do a fall trip, but I just have so many fun things to do here at home.
A few yard sales Fri and Sat morning. A Witch’s Ball, and a carousel musuem in Leavenworth Sat night. My sis-in-law’s birthday to celebrate next weekend, and Maple Leaf festival in Baldwin, KS. Need to find cool pumpkins and gourds for the Halloween party I am throwing on the 27th. Craft days with my 3 sisters. Life is good, indeed!!!!!!! B
I love Connecticut. I live in PA and always said if I was ever deported from PA, I would choose CT. Love those old homes. Thanks for sharing.
Reading your blog reminds me to appreciate so much about daily life. I live in upstate New York where our autumns are very similar to New England’s. This fall has been an especially beautiful one. I spend as much time outside as possible to take in the colors.
Love your beautiful pictures! The leaves are turning yellow and red also over here in the Netherlands. Apples are falling from the trees and I am going to try your apple pie recipe!
Thank you,your blog makes me smile.(I hope my english is oké)
Your English is beautiful Loes, happy day, thank you for saying hello!
Love the photos and your blog..thanks !
Susan, you give us so much wonderful detail in each of your posts….. I feel like I’m right there. What a fortunate find, your own first book. I would love to win your give-away. Yours is my very favorite blog. Thanks for the chance to win!
I want an old house more than ever! Loved this mailing!
My favorite time of year and we have many magical “leaf peeping” tours around Michigan. Always a special treat to travel with you and Joe. You go to all the best places! Happy FAll and may their be a pumpkin something in your oven today!
Oh I love when you take us on trips. Especially an autumn drive through New England! That trip is on my bucket list….
Thank you for sharing your journeys with us!
The pumpkins in the front yard of the one house & the leaves … yes! That’s AUTUMN! So gorgeous. I want badly to see New England (any time of the year) in person ~~~
Thanks again for your generosity of time & spirit.
Beautiful and enjoyable photographs and memories of your travels! Enjoyed being along! All the houses, including the doll houses, are just charming. Love love love all your books! Always a happy pleasure getting your newsletters and visiting your blog.
Thanks for sharing your journey…..I love all the houses and thee doll house, oh my….love, love, love.
What a wonderful trip!! I so love New England, especially at this glorious time of the year. Was Petey able to join you on your travels?
I’d love to have that fantastic book of yours. It’s the only one that I don’t have yet in my collection. It’s funny that I had that on my Santa wish list this year and then you found it on your travels. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy Autumn and Holiday season. XOXOXO
Thank you for sharing the photos those lovely, old homes! I try to make my 1960s ranch as cozy as possible…especially in the Fall. Thank you so much for a chance to win!
Can I come with you on your next road trip? Your posts are so yummy. Know for sure where we are going on our next trip. New England here we come.
The color of Fall! I could just smell the leaves. Your blog is wonderful!
Thanks for the ramblings through Massachusetts and Connecticut. Brought me home (I’m from Worcester, MA) and your pictures sparked so many memories, especially in autumn . . . one of my four favorite seasons!
Hi Susan Thanks for the trip thru New England. That’s one thing on my bucket list. Visit New England in the fall. Wonder-fall!!
Your Friend,
Linda in Michigan
I’ve always wanted to visit New England in the fall and your post makes me dream even more of doing so. I don’t think there’s any place more beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Oh, what a lovely trip … what marvelous finds … what a generous giveaway! I love the measuring cup; the glass ones in stores today just don’t hold a candle, what with their printed measurements and the funky handles that just try to require you to use the metric side of the cup.
And .. just had to add, my daughter’s home in NV has the semi-circular steps just like that fabulous dollhouse. The steps were planned and made by them and they have them at both front and back doors. I hadn’t seen any just like them before, and was tickled to see them on the dollhouse.
Oh what a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for taking me along with you. I am pretty sure I would have been right there with you dreaming about fixing up that doll house. My hubby and I just love scouting out antique shops and seeing what treasures we can find. Such wonderful memories can be revisited there. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week! Blessings!
Just loved the measuring cup…I snatch them up any time I see them also. The dollhouse was incredible too.
Funny – two nights ago my daughter wanted to read her library book – Two Bad Mice by Beatrix Potter. It involves a very fancy dollhouse like the first one pictured. She is now insisting that she would like a “dolly house.” I myself always wished for one as a child. Thinking this might be a great project for Daddy and me to work on for Christmas. Thanks for the beautiful pictures – savoring fall!
That doll house belonged to the cousins of Beatrix Potter’s first love. She also had one of her own that is on display in her Hilltop Farm. I saw it. Oh yes, I did! What a project for your daughter, you can enjoy it together!
Oh, Susan,
I have doll house envy! Those doll houses are simply adorable!
Loved your share here. Made me fondly remember a trip, not unlike yours, that my husband and I took as we visited friends from Meriden, Conn., three years ago. We found and loved Deerfield too!
We just got back from a short color tour up north in our state of Mich. It was so much fun to read about your trip and to see all the beautiful homes, the magnificent colors of fall and your cute ‘finds’. I have been collecting your cookbooks for years and love to just sit and enjoy your talents and I thank you for sharing them with all of us. You truly have been given a gift! I start my day by reading your blog or checking other things out on your website and it truly inspires me to embrace the day and all it has to offer. May you continue to be blessed and in so doing, others are blessed.
Susan, what a great giveaway! Please enter me. Thanks for sharing the great photos of your wonderful road trip. It’s a great way to do see the beautiful houses out East. Glad you found your book to rescue.
That dollhouse is amazing. Wish you could have taken it home, it would be amazing to see you restore it. But, sounds like it is just too big to manage.
Thanks again.
Susan,
Loved the autumn photos and the doll house… what a treasure. And finding your first book too! This is one of the few that i don’t have. Would love to be entered in the drawing, and thank you for being so generous to share with us.
-Bobbie
Even my 7 y.o. boy enjoyed reading this post with me. He always tells me when Susan Branch has e-mailed me! Lovely.
Give him a special HELLO from me! xo
Susan,
Left a comment yesterday but still states awaiting moderation – so will leave another? We, too, are back from “up north”. We so enjoyed the amazing colors of all the beautiful trees. So many falling leaves, acorns, and pine needles. Loved your pictures of all the houses and doll houses. The measuring cup reminds me of my Grandmothers only hers was green. Made your corn chowder and slaw recipes. Everybody loved them! As we were leaving and walking to the car, I looked down, and among the leaves on the ground was a heart shaped rock! I of course thought of you! Welcome back! Have a great day!
Jan
As always very enjoyable trip. I think you need a dollhouse, don’t worry, nobody ever really finishes. Always more to do, new things to be added.
So very cool, Susan. You inspired me so on that first day. I went for a walk and I got my leaf. I did a whole 2 pages, (using your fall scrapbooking supplies, of course) and I named them, “Fall in a Bottle.” I found my leaf too! I mod podged it to a piece of your paper and it sits right in front of me. I also wrote a poem to go along w/it. You are my inspiration. If you only knew. Love <3
SO nice! xoxo
I really do love you Susan Branch!!!
You’re a doll Patti!
I forward your blog to my children, who reply ( independently of each other); “No wonder you are so crazy about Susan Branch! You two are exactly alike!”. Indeed we are, and making that sharp turn into whatever place says ANTIQUES is what we enjoy the most, no matter where we are going, or for whatever reason. As a result, between family pieces and what we acquire along the way, our home is very reminiscent of yours. Here is my question, soulmate! Do you do your own dusting and house cleaning, or have you been lucky enough to find someone fabulous to help you along? I have had zero good luck over many,many years and now just throw up my hands and do it all myself. Past helpers have broken/glued/turned damage to the wall…..or worse……. And, what drove me craziest of all is when I had arranged my “vignettes” perfectly to my liking and for my viewing pleasure, they either rearrange after dusting, or carelessly just put things away randomly with no rhyme or reason. So, after a busy day, I have to rearrange everything again. Sigh. So now I do it myself, even washing my dishes/glasses by hand to protect them, and also so I can enjoy handling them. So how do you solve this problem? And, if you do happen to do your own cleaning, how do you get “it” all done with your busy life?! P.S. This morning I read your blog post about domesticity and it put me in the mood to wash my floor with a smile on my face. Thanks for that! 🙂 And glorious fall greetings from Kirtland, Ohio, which is currently ablaze in color.
P.P.S. Regarding Musica: have you heard the new album of classics by The Four Freshmen, titled “Love”? This group of four young men was started under the auspices of the original 1948 Four Freshmen. Give a listen and step back in time….and if you can see them in person, run…don’t walk! (www.fourfreshmen.com)
Just built my very own dollhouse. Happy, happy, happy!
Love everything Susan Branch – my husband, Joe, and I just returned from a fall trip to Lancaster, PA where the scenery there too was breathtaking! Bought a quilt there too. We are indeed kindred spirits – I LOVE the dollhouse. My Joe and I redesigned an old dollhouse and raffled it off for the Make A Wish Foundation. It was so much fun to do – thanks for sharing and bringing back great memories.
Michele,
Glad to know that you were in my neck of the woods. And a quilt! What a perfect memento to have from this area! I hope you enjoy it this winter. It is fun to just drive around on our windy back roads and enjoy the scenery so I hope you got a chance to do that.
Linda
I am so jealous, my Mom and Aunt are on their way to MV tomorrow and I wish wish wish I was going! Thank you for the wonderful pictures, I can pretend I am there!
What beautiful fall pictures – thanks for sharing! I don’t have a home computer so I sit here at work and really enjoy your blog during my breaks. My granddaughers would love that dollhouse!
Hi, Susan! What a great trip you had! Can´t wait to see more of it… Loved the doll house, and the real houses too. So different from what we have here in Brazil! I hope one day my family and I can visit New England and see all this in person… Meanwhile, I´ll have fun “traveling” with you guys! Thanks so much for sharing. XOXO
Thank you for bringing me down memory lane. I lived in VT when I was young. I could feel the chill in the fresh autumn air. The sunshine on my face. My mom always took us out after the chores were done to find “treasures”. Happy Fall Susan!
That’s exactly the kind of day we’re having, the sun is warm, but there’s a definite chill in the air, I think it’s only in the 50’s with a blue sky!
Hi Susan, I have been reading your blog for about a year now because of the love of your outlook on life. I love your home and everything about your gardens. When I get overwhelmed with city life I go to your blog and look at your pictures to settle down and see what really matters. My husband and I just retired from the federal government after 32years and are looking to move so we are heading north to start exploring for those beautiful homes I see on your blog.. Problem is…..who in their right mind would want to sell their home. Hope I win!
Linda
Thank you for taking us on your Autumn tour! The picture of the mountains with the turning leaves was gorgeous. My husband and I have driven through New England in the fall to see the beautiful leaves several times. It’s been a few years since then, so it was great to travel vicariously through your blog. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life, Susan.
Susan! I absolutely loved your new blog!- It makes me want to move to Massachusetts. As soon as I saw your pictures of the old homes, I told my husband we have to go there! Thank you for the pictures! I’m glad you had a good time, I really hope I might be able to win your giveaway! I’m in New Jersey & just love to bake- that measuring glass would be perfect!!! Looking forward to your next blog… 🙂
Susan,
Thank you so much for the wonderful fall tour of the New England States. I, too , get inspiration from all the beautiful houses. I would love to receive your wonderful book as a treasure to have. Please pick me?
Thank You
Elizabeth A. McDermott
My bestest girlfriend in the whole world led me me to you. She spent time on the east coast as a traveling nurse in the 80’s and 90’s and has gone on and on about fall in New England. I’ve yet to make it, but I get to vicariously through you! Thanks for the great pics.
There is a doll house that my father lovingly started building for me when I was 13 (1976) from a blue print he ordered from a magazine. Most everything in it is hand cut/hand made by his talented hands. It’s a Cape Cod style, 3 stories high. He made all the doors and windows, hand cut the walnut, cherry and oak paneling in the rooms. There are real bricks on the fire places. The stairways are all hand made and fitted, the dowels for the railing all hand cut and stained. The treads are just “worn” enough to look used. The floors are ply wood that he sanded, scored, distressed and stained to look like real oak plank floors, complete with “nail holes” at the end of each “plank” for authenticity. The attention to detail is incredible. He even made some scale furniture to go in it (which, thankfully, I have). Alas, he never finished it before he died and it is sitting, covered in dust and forlorn in my step-monster’s garage. ~sigh~ It makes my heart ache to think of it there, unloved and unkempt. However, because of my father’s refusal to amend his will or to make clear his wishes, it is no longer my doll house to claim.
Your photo brings back some bittersweet memories of sitting in Daddy’s dusty, warm garage, on a cold winter’s night with the smells of sawdust, engines, and old tools surrounding me. Glenn Miller softly playing In the Mood on Daddy’s transistor radio hanging from his pegboard, watching his gifted hands fitting together the tiny pieces of balsa wood to make the windows, or mixing and spreading the mortar for the fireplace bricks. I watched him build nearly every piece of that gorgeous doll house. And there is love in every detail. Sometimes our legacy is just delicious memories. And sometimes that is enough.
Happy Autumn, Susan and to all the GFs!
Christy is SoTex
Hi Susan–
Thank you for the beautiful Fall Tour. You have given me more ideas of places to see in MA and CT, as I have been wanting to get out that way and have been mapping my trip. So many places to see.
I, too, love cemeteries, old linens, diners for breakfast, and dollhouses. But I also collect thimbles, charms for the bracelets, bunnies (cookie cutters and molds) and old sewing items, so love the antique shops as well. Thanks for taking us along.
We just returned from enjoying Door County, Wisconsin’s autumn colors, New England-type homes, pumpkins for sale at roadside stands….just leave your money in the jar for the pumpkin you take! The barns in Door County are exceptional, antique stores, yard sales; what a lovely season to take a road trip to places like this, don’t you think? Have you been to Door County, Wisconsin? I hope I win your book, ornament, etc prize this time.
Enjoyed the parade of beautiful history-filled houses and the dollhouses were charming {someone will have a labor of love to accomplish a transformation}! My Mom had a measuring cup similar to yours and used it probably every day. I don’t know what happened to it, but I do have her glass juicer. Simple, everyday items bring back wonderful memories of times gone by.
Hi Miss Susan! I just got my copy of your Autumn Heart of the Home book from Amazon and am reading it slowly with purpose. I have to study each page to remember the colors and pictures. It was a gift to myself because Fall is truly my favorite time of year. Since we moved to Dallas three years ago, I’ve missed the changing of the seasons, so your book and your blog has given me a wonderful place to visit.
I’ve really enjoyed looking at your pictures from your drive through New England. I don’t know that I could convince my husband to ever move there since he enjoys much warmer weather, but your pictures might sway him to visit during the Fall. The houses are just dreamy!
Hope you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack are enjoying a beautiful day there. Can’t wait to see more pictures of the season and Halloween! Pam K. from Dallas, TX
Fall…The most beautiful time of year and it includes my birthday, October 8th! Lucky ME!!
Lucy
Happy Birthday Lucy!
What a beautiful post!! And I fell in love with that doll house! I was almost disappointed that YOU didn’t buy so we could watch its restoration. And thank you for sharing the pics of the beautiful houses. We visited Wisconsin this summer and drove into Duluth, Minnesota. And everywhere we drove there were gorgeous, old houses. Houses that made me want to see inside. sigh. Thank you for sharing your trips with us. A little armchair traveling is lovely.
Thank you Susan for the trip through New England. Living on the west coast I dont get a chance to enjoy such beautiful scenery and homes. I too loved the doll house, what a dream! Thank you for sharing and for the give~away. I hope I win!
Beautiful pictures, Beautiful finds and loved the video as I have never been to the northeast….Thank you so much for sharing!
Susan, thank you for taking me on all of your delightful journeys – think this was my favorite! I LOVE fall, and I LOVE decorating the house all over just as you do. Until I can go on my own fall New England journey (someday… & it’s a very long way from Texas), thank you for sharing yours. ~ Judy
Hi Susan! Autumn in New England…beautiful! Charming houses and buildings everywhere….such a special place to wander..lol…Jack would love the big doll house…he must start to save his pennies! Can’t wait to see if Vanna picks my name ….would love your book, and such a cute candle idea! Mary “Barefoot Sparkler”
Susan,
I just love following your blog. I loved all the fall colors
and beautiful old houses. I have only been to New England once, and
luckily it was in the Fall. I have been searching high & low in bookstores
and shops for your books. No luck so far. Would love your first
cookbook.
Fondest wishes.
Cathe
Just gorgeous as usual! I need to win the lotto so I can travel to your neck of the woods and visit the places you blog about 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go leaf-peeping in New England, so thank you for the tour! The leaves here in Colorado are just about finished because of an early and hard frost, but they were beautiful, too.
Would love to win the ornament, book and candle holder.
I, too, had always wanted to live in an old house and now have lived in our 1903 house for 20 plus years. It’s our 4th (and final) house. I love it!
We toured Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Newport a week ago. I kept looking for your home, Susan. You’ve made me feel like a neighbor. Too bad we were on a bus that wouldn’t go the back roads to explore.
We stayed at the Harbor View in Edgartown overlooking the lighthouse! Such a change from midwest living.
Favorite site was the Methodist Camp and all the gingerbread houses! It was like a wonderland.
Isn’t that amazing? I have heard James Taylor sing in the Tabernacle, outside, on a summer night while lightening bugs float through the bushes.
I have seen him too~ So gifted~ love him!
Ok now it’s just turned the corner and nearly become unbelievable, your magical kingdom. Experiencing J.T. in such a setting, you must have felt like you had arrived at the pearly gates!
I did, you are exactly like!
Hello Susan,
This is my first time writing you only because I’m at work and read your blog everyday just to see if there isn’t something that I’ve missed! If my boss knew this, she would have my head! Ouch!!! But I just can not resist you! I live vicariously through you with the beauty of the old antiques and homes and kitties and trips and just everything! And maybe my husband’s name is Joe too! Your trip to Mass for all it’s beautiful glory and the doll house that was every girls dream, is just amazing! The doll houses are what my generation (born 1952) is all about! We always dreamed of being the Mom in an old Victorian home with 12 kids and family and friends always stopping in for some tea! Oh the live of yesteryear. Have a great day living the life that every women would love! Theresa from Spring Valley, Ohio
Hello Theresa! So happy to meet you! xoxo
Thank you for the beautiful post! Fall is my favorite!!!
I love old houses too. I have had the opportunity to live in three old houses. They have so much charm! I can’t quit looking at your stove. I “covet” it. Is that the right word? Love being with you on your road trip.
Covet is good, it’s the beginning of getting one for yourself! xox
I love nesting in a cozy house especially after a wonderful trip like yours! Thank you for taking me along to New England- now I know where I’ll buy my next house if I win the lotto! Happy Autumn ~*
Your post took me back to when I was 15 and visiting my grandmother’s house in Springfield, Massachusetts (I’m considerably older now). All that green and the incredible “order” of the houses. Thanks so much for a lovely visit via the internet.
I have always wanted to take a trip like yours in the fall! I live in tennessee and we have beautiful autumn scenery but not like the new england area. And I just love your blog, I just stumbled upon it today, I love it!!! Thank You!
Welcome Jere, so nice to see you here! The internet can be a lovely place to go stumbling!
Thank you, Susan, for the wonderful fall trip…the colors, the houses, the coziness of it all. Amazing doll houses too! Oh, and I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed the pictures of your kitchen re-do! You are so thoughtful to share your life and pictures with us!
Susan, thanks for letting me view your beautiful fall even tho I’m smack dab in the middle of the Midwest. We have some pretty fall color, also , here in Missouri.
Thanks for taking me along on your tour of New England. Stunning–and I loved the doll houses. I feel about 8 years old when I look at doll houses. I love them.
I would love to be part of the drawing, pretty please!
Have a wonderful Thursday.
Many of the beautiful old homes in my area are for sale. I would love to buy any one of them, but for the reason they are on the market — “progress.” The streets are being widened, the big old trees are being sacrificed, the large front yards are becoming non-existent. It is so sad. I will just have to be content with my ranch house in the country surrounded by oak, maple, river birch, and dogwood trees. Scarlet maple leaves against a cobalt blue sky – priceless!
That is hideous! That’s something I will never understand. Progress Schmagress.
Thank you so much for sharing your adventure… I was so looking forward to this post as I followed all of your tweets! Your posts always remind me to find the sweet, beautiful details in every day life 🙂
Lots of love!
Heather
I remember the first time I saw your book on a bookstore shelf …. fascinated from the very beginning. My husband and I went on a leaf-peeping tour of New England a few years ago – what a treat to hit it at the height of the season! By going during the week we avoided crowds and felt like we had stepped back into time. So enjoyed Vermont, Concord, Sturbridge Village and Norman Rockwell’s home/gallery. That could be an annual trip and provide a different set of wonders each year.
It really can, there’s so much to see, even though New England is really very small.
I have all your books, but would love an autographed one with that wonderful measuring cup! I have a friend on Facebook (who is really a friend of my late mother) who announced she was on Martha’s Vineyard yesterday and I replied, “Jealous! Wave hello to Susan Branch for me!” 🙂
Thanks again for taking all of your girlfriends on another wonderful trip. Oh how I envy all you surrounded by those colorful, swirling autumn leaves!! My home is in the midst of pine trees…… I’ll have baskets and baskets of pinecones to share with friends this holiday season! Donna in Montana
It must smell really wonderful in those Pine trees!
I would just love to be entered in your giveaway. I have been a fan since I was introduced to your website by my penfriend. You looked like you had a wonderful holiday, and those dolls houses are amazing.
Dear Susan,
In June of this year, we visited Boston, Martha’s Vineyard & Cape Cod. What an absolutely gorgeous place to be in early June! (before the crowds arrive) We stayed at Honeysuckle Inn in Barnstable & fell in love with Cape Cod!! Planning our next trip in June 2013. Thank you for the lovely picture tour in the Fall! Your pictures make everything look so warm & inviting even though I imagine the air is brisk! Love your style, your books & your sweet sweet posts!!
We were lucky enough to live in New Hampshire for a year back in 1990. We spent every weekend exploring a new town, curvy road, or beach. You’re fall drive reminds me of that wonderful year. New England is all charm! We would spend every Wed. night in the summer at a small town in Mass. where in a small park gazebo some older folks would play band marches and sing patriotic tunes. Kids would be running around with hot dogs and cotton candy. Families would be picnicking on blankets……yes, pure charm:)
We have the bandstand sings on Friday nights here in the summer, just above the harbor, and they are exactly like you say. Just darling.
How beautiful are the homes, fall colors and wonderful antique doll houses. Wouldn’t any girl want one to cherish and decorate? And, what stories do the walls of these doll house gems hold? Thanks so much for taking us on your trip of the New England colors… -r-
I loved this trip through the Autumn New England Countryside, Susan. I feel the same way about an old house with history and innate charm and built in cubbies. I’ve lived in a ranch-style house all my life, and now, in my late-50’s, I don’t think I’ll ever be the owner of the charming two-story old home in my imagination, but it’s exactly like the ones you posted. Funny how sometimes it seems like things are familiar….like you’ve seen them before, lived in them before. That’s how it is with your photos. Thank you so much!
I understand, before I ever saw New England, it was calling me, so I know what you mean!