April been a hectic month already; the tiny boys have started pre-school — and we’ve upped their days to 4 long mornings a week — plus my in-laws are moving house.
They’re downsizing from their large 5 bedroom family home to a 3 bed penthouse apartment. Contracts have already been exchanged, the removal men were in yesterday, the cleaners tomorrow and the new owners will take possession of the keys on Thursday.
And breathe… I literally feel as though I was holding my breath as I typed that.
It feels so odd!
I absolutely love moving house myself but it feels really weird for them to be doing it — almost like the horizon has shifted. When our own status quo is unsettled and things are new and unfamiliar, it’s always lovely to think we have their house as a safe haven. Solid ground, if you like.
It’s definitely the end of an era; in so many ways. Really strange to think that we’ll never set foot in there again. I’m feeling excited and unsettled in equal measures.
Needless to say, there has been a lot to do.
My boy and I left the twins with my parents a couple of weekends ago and went down to help sort through the belongings that 62 years of marriage accumulates.
Stuff to keep, stuff for charity — a LOT of stuff.
We were lucky enough to be given some lovely things; framed prints for me and some beautiful books for him.
They are a set of 3 that belonged to his maternal grandfather:
The Reader’s Digest Complete Library of the Garden.
As relevant today as the day they were printed. Which makes them the perfect heirloom for my gardening mad boy.
Since we’ve owned our own home he’s always loved to garden; plus this year we took over a plot in the village allotment, so he’s got even more room to grow things.
As a result, he’s been poring over magazines and books, planning a growing schedule, plotting his space. So these books are are such a welcome asset.
Plus they’re absolutely gorgeous. Beautifully bound with wood effect covers, pretty embossed spines and pages and pages of the loveliest botanical etchings.
So my styling the seasons post for April is a little bit mixed.
This month is bringing such a lot of change. Growth in our garden and allotment, change at home. New milestones for the Twinkles. A new and exciting era for my extended family.
We’re embracing it all so this month I’m putting out the bunting and celebrating new beginnings.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
Even though it sounds like quite an upheaval with lots of things to sort for the move of your in-laws, it’s great that you’ve focused on the positives and acquired the beautiful gardening books in the process. We throw so many things away now without a second thought (or give them away) that it’s nice when items are kept in the family and are adored rather than kept because there’s the feeling ‘you have to’.
It’s been a big upheaval — particularly as my mother-in-law has been ill and had an op halfway through. Terrible timing. But hopefully now she’s on the mend, when they’re settled it will be a good thing :) Exciting times ahead I think. And you’re so right, there’s such a throwaway culture these days. It’s lovely to keep things in the family :) xx
Oh what beautiful books – they certainly don’t make them like that any more :) I’m sure your in-laws will be just as happy in their new home as their old one x
They’re lovely aren’t they? And such a fitting hand-me-down for my boy! His grandad would be so pleased to know that someone’s using them :)
Ah, my parents are just in the process of thinking about downsizing – I’ve encouraged them but I don’t think I’ve really thought about all the emotional implications of them moving! They’ve been where they are for over 20 years and I have so many memories of that house. I hope the move goes smoothly for your in-laws.
I love those books – they’re beautiful! Gorgeous binding, and the botanical drawings are lovely.
It’s weird isn’t it? I’ve harped on to my own mum and dad about moving but, feeling the effects of my in-laws move, I hope they don’t do it too soon after!! I think it will be fine, once they’ve settled in their new place but we’ve taken SO many memories from the old one!! :)
It must be a strange, but exciting feeling for them to leave their home after such a long time. The books you have are wonderful, there is something magical about older books. It’s great that you will get a lot of use out of them for your allotment!
I think it will be a fab change, to be honest. Once we’ve all got our heads round the fact that they’re in a different place!!! And yes! The books have already been a great help. We went down to the allotment last night — SO much to do!! :)
awww so many memories just popped in my head after reading this. My dad had a lot of Readers Digest books and seeing these again reminds me of that collection which I loved. I think it was more about the comfort of the familiarity than anything, they were just always ‘there’ hope your inlays settle in ok. #homeetc
Thanks lovely. It’s so weird isn’t it? We bowl through life, for so many years, and nothing really changes. Then BAM — something happens to totally change the landscape of our world. I think it will all be lovely once they get into their new place. They completed today so are officially ‘homeless’!! Their new place isn’t ready ’til June so they’ll be living in a hotel until then!! ;)
ah, what a lovely post. Moving house and leaving a lifetime of memories from it is always such a big thing, emotionally and for all the stuff. Wishing your in-laws all the very best for the next phase of their lives, and I’m secretly hoping my in-laws would take the plunge and do the same as we worry about them, but until they’re ready nothings going to happen. Thanks for hosting #homeetc xx
Ah thanks lovely. They moved a LOT in their younger years — it’s something crazy like 15 times in 20 years (maybe more!) due to my father in law’s job — but they’ve been in this house for 32 years and it’s been such a lovely house that’s seen so many happy times. It’s such a wrench. As much for us as for them, to be honest xx
Oh what a beautiful post. I know exactly what you mean about having mixed feelings about your I laws house move, I’d be utterly devastated if my parents move! But those books. Those beautiful books! They are just divine and I’m green eyed with jealousy right now just looking at those gorgeous pictures. I love old books like this, and I would especially love those for their subject. Just lovely. Thanks so much for hosting again. Steph xxx #HomeEtc
Thanks lovely — it’s so odd. I feel very mixed about it. Excited on one hand and totally unsettled on the other. I guess it’s because this is their last move — and we all know that. It just makes life feel just a little bit fragile, if you catch my drift xx
I know exactly what you mean about parents/in-laws moving house. It feels so strange! My mum sold and moved out of the family home I grew up in 18 months ago after splitting with my dad and it was a sad time, but at the same time it’s nice to have new beginnings and create more memories elsewhere.
I love those little gardening boots too, there’s just something about old books or even other items that feel like little treasures almost.
The British Feather – Life, Travel & Home Decor
I guess it’s how we react to change that we have no control over. When my boy and I have moved ourselves it’s cos we’ve chosen to but in the case of his parents moving, we’ve had no control over that happening so it’s all a bit unsettling. As you say though, the next place will see lots of new memories made, I’m sure! :)
Love this post, what beautiful styling! It’s clear those gardening books will be treasured for years to come. They’re a little part of the happy memories your in-laws’ old house held for you x
Aah thanks Keira. And yep, I agree. Such happy memories — it’s lovely to have a little keepsake xx
We’ve not been through it, but I can totally see how weird it would be when parents downsize and leave behind all of those memories. Love your photography :)
It’s so weird!! You sorts of assume that they’re going to be there forever!! Thanks so much :)