Before I left the colonies USA, people asked me whether I would be able to post some photos of the places where I’m staying, so they can get an idea of what a typical English abode looks like. So, as promised to my readers out there in blogland, here is a view of the little piece of the UK in which I am currently inhabiting.  Follow me as I house crash my mum and her husband’s abode in Chepstow.

Chepstow is a town in Monmouthshire, Wales, adjoining the border with Gloucestershire, England. It is most notable for its castle, the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain (dating from 1067), and for Chepstow Racecourse which hosts the Welsh Grand National. The town is located on the west bank of the River Wye.  Adjoining villages on the eastern bank of the Wye, such as Tutshill and Sedbury, are located in England (Tutshill is where Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling grew up).

Nestled in the Chepstow countryside sits my mum’s detached 1930′s Art-Deco style home. Hidden from the main road by a leafy driveway, the home is secluded from the hustle and bustle, yet is only minutes away from the center of town.

By the front door is this cute little porch area, perfect for enjoying the front garden when the weather is fine.  The first Saturday I arrived here, my brother and sister-in-law brought my niece, Grace over to visit and all of us had a lovely brunch on the porch in the (atypically) good weather.

As you enter the house, you are immediately struck by the gorgeous stained glass window in the entry way. The afternoon sunlight really makes the colors dazzle and gives the the whole house a warm, inviting feel.

Walking through the entry way, you come to the large kitchen.  The terracotta colored floor tiles set off the modern white cabinetry. The stainless steel stove is the main appliance on display – the smaller fridge and dishwasher are hidden beneath the cabinet doors.

To the left of the kitchen  leads to the conservatory (or the “sun room” as it is known in the States). The door leading off of the conservatory is the utility area and a small half-bath. This space enjoys an abundance of natural light. Although it is a warm and welcoming area when the sun is out, I enjoy sitting out there when it is raining – nothing can beat the hypnotic drum of rain drops on the roof!

As you exit the house from the conservatory, you are greeted with this quaint patio area, that leads to the detached garage. 

Back in the house, the first door on the right of the entry way, just before the kitchen, is the spacious living room. I am not sure which feature I like the most – the fireplace or the bay window with stained glass insets.

The curved stairs lead to three bedrooms, a full bathroom and yet another stunning stained glass window. To respect privacy, I will not post any photos of the bedrooms, but rest assured that the upstairs is just as lovely as the downstairs.

So, this is where I am spending the majority of my time in the UK.  Gorgeous, I am sure you will agree.

house crashing

house crashing

Tags: family, house crashing, Wales