It was one of the first onscreen houses I ever featured, but since many of you probably weren’t reading my blog in 2008, I thought it was time to revisit it. Love your blog, but glad you took a break. My favorite Christmas movie, the farmhouse I absolutely love, and good heavens – Gladys Taber, too – another favorite! Merry Christmas! Hi Julia, Taber was my grandmother, and my family still owns Stillmeadow Farm. I didn’t set a recording, but after reading your blog I have. Those stone walls and beams and that big window are certainly drool-worthy. This is possibly my favorite Christmas movie. and I say to my husband that this house is all I want for Christmas! Jefferson brings her one, too, bringing the total to 39: Apparently this rumor came about many years ago when the IMDb.com website began annotating movies for readers. They were true wordsmiths, and I would hotly contest any need to "edit" their works. background history on old films please keep up the good work. I haven’t seen that movie in years – but now I can’t wait to see it again! Sometimes it is so damn hard to put your mindspace in the right place to enjoy a piece so far out of your frame, and this is definitely one of those books. And, the house/set is lovely. Presumably Laura might have been required to produce copies of her birth certificate and Sir Percival's death certificate in order to get married, but. Shock, something touches him out of the darkness... a ghostly, sick looking woman dressed all in white appears from the shadows, impossible this creature cannot be real... it speaks. I know I’ve seen the movie, but it’s been a long time. Thanks for the reminder about it – i’m going to go look for it! To see what your friends thought of this book. Thanks for all the background info and for the link to the DVD. . Good point! The story behind Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House was fantastic. A buddy read on the side with the Non-crunchers – hold the pants. Just watched that movie a week ago l love the homes interior and the scene as they drive up to the home. I always take note of the interiors, which are so homey and warm. The family name and honour was the uppermost in those days hence it might be the latter. Baking-Powder Biscuits [He has been adventuring in Central America, trying to forget his hopeless love. See you in the New Year!! We just watched it together as a family on Thanksgiving. Happy Christmas to you and your family. This is the sign of truly classic design. Glad your back. It’s kind of a soap opera type story . I plan on watching it again on a cold night, sitting next to a cozy fire with a cup of tea and some time to myself. Can you imagine seeing a Christmas menu like that published in a magazine today? Laura is very pretty, her sister is very intelligent but plain, but both are devoted to each other, a lonely life at Limmeridge House in Cumberland by the sea. I don’t think you see it in the exterior entry scenes. Walter and Marian are united in their determination to right her wrongs and bring justice to Sir Percival and the Count. The extremely obese, brilliant and mysterious Count Fosco, an Italian nobleman he says and good friend of Sir Percival, arrives with his wife Eleanor, she is the icy aunt of Laura and sister of Uncle Frederick, without any family affections. Right up there with White Christmas. Does she remind you of anyone (not you personally) but like a lot of bloggers she’s writing about ideal home living and decorating but we really don’t see what’s going on in their real lives – perhaps not so much glamour and family peace as many bloggers write about! Interestingly, her boyfriend is the one who has created a home, not her. I always thought about Elizabeth as being a Martha Stewart type of character, but I never knew the real celebrity of the day was Gladys Taber. The 40s movies are just the best. The game … But after his death, his reputation declined as Dickens' bloomed. The Southbury (CT) land trust has taken over the neighboring raw farmland. This year, the company responsible for childhood joy and adult foot pain the world over collaborated with Lamborghini to create a 1:8 model of the Sián hypercar, complete with the aforementioned gearbox (which is triggered by a functioning flappy paddle), an active rear spoiler, and a recreation of the Sian’s V12 powerplant. The Importance of Being Megan Thee Stallion — The rapper is at the top of her artistic game, finishing college, and defending her right to be young, Black, and free.— Megan Thee Stallion isn't hurting for stage time. Christmas Belle (2013). I’d love to read them. This is one of the greatest books I have read in my life. It is a similar house to one of the houses in Leave Her to Heaven, the one in which the lead woman falls down the stairs. This house just came on the market in Watertown, CT not far from Stillmeadow. it does make me yearn for these times when it seems pulling a con. Pamela’s brownies – A few months back, reader Pamela reached out to let me know how fabulous her famous deep dish brownies are, and she so kindly sent a few our way to taste test. Every December I watch this classic Barbara Stanwyck comedy and daydream about celebrating the holidays in it. Microwave on high power until the bananas are soft and have released liquid, about 5 minutes. The big picture windows and some of the details remind me of the Christmas in Connecticut house strongly. As I prepared Thanksgiving dinner this year, the movie kept me company. It’s a turn of the century house that must have been remodeled in the late 40’s or early 50’s. It is just as current and beautiful to me today as it must have been to audiences at the time. When he meets Laura again, after a year apart, she is literally like a child. That made me laugh out loud! DON'T READ THIS BOOK, unless you've got the patience, stamina, and requisite taste for a quintessential mid-Victorian novel. Refresh and try again. Yes, I love the houses in that one, too! I think my girls will enjoy it! We got to see quite a bit of your absolutely stunning quips in your old “funny home listings” you used to do, so we know you are absolutely hilarious. There is also a cinematic quality to his writing. [pull through to the very end, have her love, her fortune, and her unwitting revenge upon all who had assailed her. This book is an amazing teaching tool. A story unfolds, a young woman with a secret put in an insane asylum without being insane , a conspiracy to steal not only wealth but identity. After it was 15 days late, I called JTV, told them I had not received it. Thanks, Kristin! A sudden love between Walter and Laura, ensues, the teacher and the student but her older wiser sister Marian doesn't approve, Laura is engaged to Sir Percival Glyde, 25 years her senior, a gentleman of seemingly good manners and taste a baronet, who her late father insisted she marry (men could do that then). Good to have you back. I’m a little sad to know that my “Christmas fantasy” home doesn’t exist, but satisfied that if I can’t live there, no one else can either. I do feel that it doesn’t hurt getting her name out to more people: our goal is to get more people reading her books. Every year we watch this movie (though I’m the only one who wants to!) I bought the DVD after VHS went out of the style and watch it a couple times a season. This was a new/old Christmas movie for me and I just love it…the house is enchanting, the dialogue is fun, the story is a mix of WWII history with a never-gets-old love story and perhaps most of all…the magnificant1940s clothes…even in Black and White. 'Last Christmas' ends with the reveal that Kate's love interest, Tom, is actually dead. The 26-year-old rapper, just on the other side of her debut studio album … I want to say upfront that I am a fan of Victorian writing. We don’t see this style much any more, do we? Sipping hot cocoa, baking holiday treats and singing off-key to Christmas carols are great ways to kick off the holiday season. I love to watch it this time of the year. I am planning to get a few more of her books to see how it all comes out. Love this movie and house. Haven’t seen you for so long; it was a pink heart. Someone who searches real estate as well. Copyright © 2021 Hooked on Houses Hosted on WP Engine | Built on the Genesis Framework Site Design by 3200 Creative, Gilmore Girls: Revisiting the Sets from Stars Hollow, Tom Selleck’s House from “Her Alibi” For Sale, Fun Facts About “White Christmas” and Its Connection to “Holiday Inn”. I think I discovered your wonderful blog when I was looking for pictures of the Christmas in Connecticut farmhouse. I am going to order the DVD ASAP! (I.6). It is one of the greatest Christmas houses. Just something about that fieldstone & crisp white clapboard together. Cheers and have a wonderful, warm, toasty and festive Christmas! It is a hunch since the writer has never portrayed the true relationship between Sir Percival and Laura's father. because Her father is described as an honourable man etc but there must have been some dodgy circumstances for him to put his daughter in danger? Caring for Laura and plotting against their enemies throws them closely together, but does he recognize that Marian is worth one hundred of her sister? I kind of gravitate toward the farmhouses featured in the 40’s and 50’s. Thank you. I have a habit of always pairing the picture with the caption below rather than above. Barbara Stanwyck played Elizabeth Lane, a writer whose popular Smart Housekeeping magazine column describes her idyllic life as a wife, mother, and accomplished cook on her farm in Connecticut. I was delighted to see you mentioned one of my favourite authors, Gladys Taber. This is an obvious precursor to myriad crime dramas & the "sensationalist novel.". Originally published in a weekly periodical between late 1859 and 1860 as a serial story, this is believed to be the first English crime detection novel. Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links that may earn me commission. February 27th 2003 it's pretty enjoyable, just don't expect any surprises, unless you have missed the last 20 years of police procedurals on the television set. A Classic White Christmas in the Movie “Holiday Inn”, “White Christmas:” Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont, The Loverly Sets from the Audrey Hepburn Movie “My Fair Lady”. Hello Julia, Good timing! Although his prose is a little long winding, he nevertheless has well managed to keep the reader’s attention on the story by his amazing ability at storytelling. D. Is this the same set house used in “I Love Lucy” when they moved to the country? It can be determined that Sir Perciv. Gladys would have loved this! Thanks for the info and Merry Christms! It’s definitely a beautiful home. Welcome back. Have you read the Susan Branch blog in which she writes about her visit to Stillmeadow? I just bought it and have a feeling it’ll become a Christmas favorite for me Thank you! I really enjoyed it. . Ha. Truly the BEST brownies we’ve ever tasted ever, and I’m a BIIIIIIG brownie girl. Maybe an architect can create plans of it from watching the movie. I’ll be adding Gladys Taber’s work to my Christmas list. Thank you for reminding me how beautiful the house was. I love the scene where they drive up in the sleigh and the dog comes bounding out to meet them. Can You Name These 10 Christmas-Movie Houses? r/FFXV: The largest Final Fantasy XV subreddit in the world. They may be a little outdated, but they are still classic in many ways, even for today. Love that movie! Thank you, Julia. The house remains in the family and looks pretty much as it did on the covers of the books above. Backstory time! A close friend of Charles Dickens from their meeting in March 1851 until Dickens' death in June 1870, William Wilkie Collins was one of the best known, best loved, and, for a time, best paid of Victorian fiction writers. Now, this is a private asylum for wealthy people and there's no mention of abuse, but her reason is seriously affected. I would love to live in it also. “From my living room window as I write, I can look out across the broad front lawns of our farm, like a lovely picture postcard of wintry New England. I have missed you, I really love this series on old movie houses, you give so much information and detail it must take a long time to research, but its so interesting to read. Hi Julia, Oh my,Christmas in Connecticut is one of my favorites too! Thanks for your blog, I’ve been a member for about a year now. Oh, my goodness, you have made my day! Lucky you to have those books sent to you. i'm sure in its day it was chock full of surprises, but i have to shudder at the contrivance of characters talking aloud to themselves while unknown to them, people hide in cupboards or whatnot, overhearing exactly the information they are most desirous of. There is also a cinematic qual. It can be determined that Sir Percival somehow or the other managed to maintain his charm with Laura's father or he might have blackmailed her father with Anne's secret. – A white clapboard cape. I keep dreaming of reading in your back room with those beautiful windows all around. But, only a few people knew and accepted that. Julia, it's pretty enjoyable, just don't expect any surprises, unless you have missed the last 20 years of police procedurals on the television set. I want to buy it now too. WoW! I was definitely feeling burned out earlier this year. It is a hunch since the writer has never portrayed the true relationship between Sir Percival and Laura's father. Anyone hooooome?”, One of my favorite Christmas movies, and I too have always loved the house. I also love the home in the movie, Philadelphia Story… and I just watched National Velvet and love the cottage house in that movie. We’d love your help. I love this movie, the Christmas in Connecticut house is my ultimate, dream farmhouse and Gladys Taber books are my go-to comfort reads. Beyond the basic plot point, however, the similarity ends — since Gram really lived on her (very simple) CT farm, and her cookbooks, while delicious, were not exactly low-fat — so she would have envied Barbara Stanwyck’s glamorous look! From late 1937 to the end of 1957, Gladys had a column entitled “Diary of Domesticity” that ran in Ladies Home Journal. Merry Christmas! I’ve never even heard of this movie, but you’ve sold me on it! I hope that will come through in my posts! Stephanie, I love the house in the remake of Christmas in Connecticut with Dyan Cannon and Kris Kristofferson as Jefferson Jones. Merry Christmas to you….? I would love a house like that too. Thanks for posting. Hi Julia Place the bananas in a microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap and cut several steam vents in plastic with a paring knife. This movie never goes out of style. Thanks for this post. We need to bring some of those things back! Anne is creeping about in the neighborhood, the Count and the Baronet are nervous , why? We love you Julia- your anecdotes, your stories on houses in film and the images from them you share with your little thoughts are just so interesting and fun to read. Sleighs are pulled by horses and sleigh bells announce the guests. Thanks for delving deeper into one of my favorite Christmas movies. Welcome back Julia, I have missed your writing! “My hour for tea is half-past five, and my buttered toast waits for nobody.”, “Any woman who is sure of her own wits, is a match, at any time, for a man who is not sure of his own temper.”, See all 26 questions about The Woman in White…, The Woman in White Wilkie Collins - LRK VBC 2-2021, The 100 Most Popular Mysteries and Thrillers on Goodreads. I suspect the set designers were not very concerned with how a window like that might work on the exterior, though. This makes me want to reread more of my posts to see what unintended messages I might be sending, though! Julia, I cannot imagine how someone can keep up a blog for a few months, let alone ten YEARS. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Do you know if that was filmed on a set or in an actual house? Mine are naked, but I love them anyway. , Hey Julia, Christmas in Connecticut is my all-time favorite Christmas movie. Although his prose is a little long winding, he nevertheless has well managed to keep the reader’s attention on the story by his amazing ability at storytelling. It’s a wonderful home. xo. Currant Jelly At that time, Laura was officially deceased. If you don't, you'll think The Woman in White is terribly overwrought and 500 pages too long. Her column was one of the Journal’s most popular ever, and in 1945, the monthly essay was nationally well-known and at the height of its success. I’m glad for you (and your parents) it worked out, ha. The book is my first Wilkie Collins and I’m really glad to have finally come across him, for he has instantly won a place as one of my favourite classic authors. Thank you also for sharing the back story. I’m glad you think I’m “witty” (and not just goofy, which is what my kids would say, ha). DON'T READ THIS BOOK, unless you've got the patience, stamina, and requisite taste for a quintessential mid-Victorian novel. Those of us who truly loved Gladys knew of her secret white unicorn that she would see out cropping the wood violets…I am blessed by the real company of Native American White Spirit Deer. I’ll have to look into her books. This movie was on yesterday, on TCM. i'm sure in its day it was chock full of surprises, but i have to shudder at the contrivance of characters talking aloud to themselves while unknown to them, people hide in cupboards or whatnot, overhearing exactly the information they are most desirous of. I first watched it with my Dad when I was in high school and since his passing, I’ve watched it every year just before Christmas. I named her Jillian after Gladys dear companion, Jill. I need to see that movie again, it’s been way to long. But I have to correct Susan’s post a bit, since my family actually has always believed — and hoped — that the movie was indeed loosely based on my grandmother’s Ladies Home Journal column “Diary of Domesticity.”. I found Gladys Taber many years ago and she infused my life with such joy. I think that memories of this house, from childhood viewings of this film, truly shaped my love of New England and historic homes. Katherine of the Enchanted Wood. If you don't, you'll think, Walter Hartright a struggling drawing teacher, is walking at midnight back to Victorian London after visiting his widowed mother and sister at their cottage, in the suburbs to say goodbye, a quiet trip nobody around, the road empty everything's still, not even the leaves on the trees flicker in the blackness, nothing only his moving steps are heard, thinking about a lucrative job in a faraway county of England, that he reluctantly took ( he has a bad feeling about) because his friend Professor P. Walter Hartright a struggling drawing teacher, is walking at midnight back to Victorian London after visiting his widowed mother and sister at their cottage, in the suburbs to say goodbye, a quiet trip nobody around, the road empty everything's still, not even the leaves on the trees flicker in the blackness, nothing only his moving steps are heard, thinking about a lucrative job in a faraway county of England, that he reluctantly took ( he has a bad feeling about) because his friend Professor Pesca, a dwarf from Italy arranged it. I think that memories of this house, from childhood viewings of this film, truly shaped my love of New England and historic homes. I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas season, I agree, I love when the dog runs across the yard, barking at the sleigh. Elizabeth mentioned in her column that she was in search of the perfect rocking chair, and readers have been sending them to her ever since. The family says they are sure the character of Elizabeth Lane was not based on Gladys, but the rumor has gone viral on the internet. Collin’s writing is admirably rich with poetic phrases and a good flare for vocabulary. Although I could move right into the house in the movie, it does look more like 1940’s Hollywood than Colonial Connecticut. I agree, it’s a gorgeous farmhouse, which is one of the reasons I love the movie. The book is my first Wilkie Collins and I’m really glad to have finally come across him, for he has instantly won a place as one of my favourite classic authors. At 38, she still hasn’t married or had children, and she doesn’t know how to cook (or care to learn). 2 months and I’ve finally finished this. I saw an oldie this morning that you would love the interiors of. Vision Appraisal is a tax assessors service for many Connecticut towns, I looked up the Stillwater Meadow Property. I haven’t started watching my Christmas movies yet but have got to get going on them. But (lucky for me! Thanks for reminding me and for the great trip down memory lane. They have been such a joy to read. Anyone would need a break from blogging. Today I received a silver bracelet from JTV I was supped to have received Dec 12th. So pretty. Lime-Cottage Cheese Ring Thank you! Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Emilia Clarke stars in the movie as Kate, a woman in her mid-20s who underwent a traumatic hospital experience the year before "Last Christmas" takes place. Unfortunately, when Elizabeth chooses Jefferson, she has to leave John’s fabulous farmhouse behind, so I can’t say the ending is an entirely happy one! I have collected many of Taber’s books, they are very enjoyable to read. It’s a beaut! Sugar Cookies ~ Lebkuchen Too funny. ), not always! My friend Nora Ephron suggested i read this. [ But in true romantic-comedy style, all the lies, mix-ups, and misunderstandings get straightened out before the credits roll. One wonders if the props for the movie are stored somewhere on the Warner Brothers lot, since the setting is an iconic never-never land and the ultimate house with the white picket fence. Nice antique charm. this is a weighty relic of a book. Barbara is one of my favorite actresses and I watch all her movies. Elizabeth Lane has been a hero of mine since I was a little girl. Sea food, curry rice, and lime-cottage cheese ring? Anne Catherick (The Woman in White) strangely resembles Laura Fairlie, one of two young ladies Mr.Hartright has been hired by her rich, unsocial invalid uncle Fredrick Fairlie, to teach watercolor painting, never mind that she and her half-sister Marian Halcombe have no talent, they need something to pass the time. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if set designers released plans for houses they designed or actually built? [When she is dangerously ill, he fights against the doctor himself in order to save her life, even though her death would have removed a major obstacle from his path. I honestly thought no one alive loved Gladys Taber’s cookbooks, and all her other books as well, like I do. r/DeathStranding: This is a subreddit for the fans of Hideo Kojima's action video game, Death Stranding, developed by Kojima Productions. Love this movie and old movie houses! When publishing titan Alexander Yardley invites himself to Christmas dinner on the farm and wants to bring along war hero Jefferson Jones as a sort of publicity stunt, Elizabeth and her boyfriend — now fiance — have to pretend to be married. Merry Christmas to you and yours Wish there was a way for you to incorporate your biting wit into y our blog but that’s just me! We all need them. . [How was Walter Hartright able to marry Laura Faerlie/Glyde when he did? I like old movies, and the homes featured in these movies are absolutely beautiful! An epic tale of love,betrayal,deception and revenge. That’s not supposed to end with a question mark. Coffee, So fun to see the kind of meal she was putting together. It always fascinates me that so many people say that they love this house and the cozy feeling it gives them, yet no one now follows this style–everything is modern and from IKEA. One of my all-time favorite movie houses is the stone farmhouse from Christmas in Connecticut. [ two memorable aristocratic monsters, Sir Percival Glyde and his despicable companion, one of the most seductive villains in Victorian literature, the Italian Count Fosco. She brings along her uncle Felix, a chef whose recipes she uses in her columns, to do the cooking. Not because it conveys any great lessons in life or exhibits profound understanding and insight but because it so clearly delineates the beauty and differences in 19th century writing and 21st century writing. I love the kitchen and the super large fireplace and the whole house. I am especially happy that stacked stone fireplaces have come back into style – it’s a classic look that ages far better than mortar-set fieldstone. The Count loves animals but isn't fond of people, his pets are his best friends birds and white mice, he plays with, they adore him too. . When my sister lived in Connecticut we would pass Stillmeadows, such a sweet cottage. I don't object to the objectification; I just don't like the sound of it. Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him. Her uncle does the cooking. My sister, also Julia, gave me of VHS copy of it years ago for Christmas. There, as if it had that moment sprung out of the earth, stood the figure of a solitary Woman, dressed from head to foot in white'. [she endures a couple of months in an asylum and this almost destroys her sanity. I do enjoy this movie and would love to live in a gorgeous stone house like this one! If you like Victorian writing, you'll think this is a well-drawn, balanced novel with characters to root for, characters to despise, a twisting plot that rolls up … One of my favorite movies, as well. Sea food Stillmeadow Earlier this afternoon I was looking at the TMC schedule and if I’m reading it correctly, Christmas in Connecticut is on this Sunday, Dec. 11th 2 PM eastern; and again on Thursday the 15th at 10 PM eastern. I just bought myself a $5 Christmas present! Over 20 some days late. I've never liked the term "butterface." I’d take Gladys Taber’s house, too, though. In reality, Laura was still alive, and her half-sister Anne Catherick layed in the tomb with Laura's name on it. This is Victorian fiction that combines romance, mystery and Gothic horror with a psychological twist. The Woman in White, sends an anonymous letter to the miserable Miss Fairlie, the future bride warning her that Glyde is not a good person. Thank you also for the information on Gladys’s books. I feel like I was given a personalized Hooked on Houses Christmas gift :)! She speaks like a child and spends all her time drawing terrible pictures. I will have to add her to my reading list. Great house, great movie, the greatest generation, (my parents’) and my Dad was a Purple Heart recipient, following the landing on Okinawa……He was a lieutenant in the Marines and when he was sent home (after he was shot) he fulfilled one of his men’s requests to say hello to his girl (who lived on the same block as his family)…..three weeks later they were engaged, so YES: sometimes the fiancees get in the way. Of course not! I mentally named her Jenny and imagined her saying, “Helloooooo? (Spoiler alert — I’ll be talking about the plot!). Collin’s writing is admirably rich with poetic phrases and a good flare for vocabulary. Elizabeth Lane has been a hero of mine since I was a little girl. Keep up with game news, find Comrades teammates, and chat about all things FFXV/FF15! Don’t watch the trailer for Christmas Belle unless you want an absolute play-by-play of nearly every scene in the film —yes, even including a spoiler … My fiancé and I have been dating for a year and are getting married in two. About a week into dating me, I sent him the 5 Love Languages quiz. I think you could really add more detail to this house to make it even more charming. I loved this! Wow, what a story! Okay, I don't know her, but I feel like she'd be a friend. Taber’s descriptions of country life are still as fresh and compelling today as they must have been for her early readers. by Penguin Classics. Because of her, I became a magazine writer and a Cocker Spaniel owner and breeder as well as a proud Irish Setter owner of Jillian. Merry Christmas, Maureen! Thank you for sharing! Thanks, Jane! They said they were going to send me a claim form that I had to … Wordy, in the right hands, works for me. Then I woke up……. He probably thought I was a crazy person (spoiler: I am), but to his … Their uncle rarely sees them, quite fearful of his health a sick hypochondriac, ( kind of funny) not a man of feelings. As for the house, I love the house! Love those interiors! (on TCM)The Myrna Loy character was a wealthy heiress and her home was just beautiful.I couldn’t stop watching it .I wish I knew how to do screen grabs or I’d have done it. Their words unfurl like the petals of a flower, and at the heart you are presented with a gem: an exquisite observation about humanity, or a marvelous witticism. Here’s a link to Susan Branch’s blog post about Stillmeadow if anyone’s interested. Wonderful. (Amazon affiliate links.). I appreciate all the hard work you put into it. Thanks, Lisa! –Jim. Julia, you have a FABULOUS and witty sense of humor and I do wish you’d share more of that in your blog.