{Downton Abbey}

{via britmovietours}

I have recently become obsessed with Downton Abbey. Yes, I know I'm a little behind on things...it seems it's everywhere from design*sponge to lucky mag...but I've been watching the first season on pbs online, and now, tonight, season 2 is airing on the telly. yay! We, in America are behind, since Season 3 is currently airing in the UK, on itv.
What's not to love about this tv show? Amazing costumes, great characters, wonderful plot, and we get both sides of the story of a great estate home--from the servants downtairs to the aristocracy upstairs (in this way it's similar to Gosford Park). The setting is breathtaking too.

{via huffington post}

Highclere Castle in Hampshire is where most of the filming takes place. I've not been before but I just checked with my good cousin Choo, who is eager to bring me there this summer, when I'm back in the UK. Can't wait!

{via daily mail}

Set in the time of King George V, the lifestyle and the clothing are fantastic.

I love the striped dress Miss Crawley wears in Season 2: 

{via cntraveler}

They dress for dinner & eat formally every night:

{via P&P blog}

They have tea (still a tradition in the Clark family) every afternoon:

{tea on the lawn via austenprose}

Inspiration:

{fashion}

{popyacollar}

{from fancy treehouse}

{amazo}

{decor8}

{from me to you}

{via coco+kelley}

{brunch at saks}

{brunch at saks}

{bhldn}

{dining} 

{via hooked on houses}

{ritzy bee}

...with proper dining etiquette:

{brunch at saks}

 {tea}

{tea at downton via black tie & flip flops}

{holly mathis interiors}

{the perfect palette}

{interiors}

{via kpbs}

{popyacollar}

{elements of style}

{zsazsabellagio}

{pinterest}

{lifestyle}

{graphic exchange}

{Christmas Special, the Hunt via culture concept}

{via the guardian}

{house&home} 

{travel/adventures in merry ol'}

Watching Downton Abbey makes me nostalgic for times when I lived in England, and the yearly visits I now take. Merry England wouldn't be so merry without my great cousins--especially Choo & Liz who take me to lovely castles found across England's pastures green. Here are a few photos...(click here & here for my visit to the UK in 2011) 

{Arundel Castle. part of The Young Victoria was filmed here}

{Sandringham, the country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen}

{my cousin & me at Brighton Pavilion residence of King George IV}

{Strawberry Hill, home of Horace Walpole}

{Waddesdon Manor, home of the Rothschilds}

{Loo & Choo at the country estate (that's our ancestor in the painting in the left background and I'm wearing Granny Handover's fox stole (a real one with little teeth!)}

Can't wait for Season 2 tonight, and can't wait for more adventures in Merry England this summer!