Pride and Prejudice: A Local Pemberley

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"Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter. . . . They gradually ascended for half-a-mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something"

~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Chapter 43

I've often wondered what draws me most to Pemberley House (aside from Mr. Darcy, that is).  Is it the stone exterior?  The expensive furniture?  The glorious gardens?  The melodious pianoforte or historic portraits? 

Nope.

What I love most about Pemberley House is the housekeeper.  

Really, who wouldn't want a small-bodied, well-mannered, crazy-efficient woman who has nothing but good to say about you even though she spends her life cleaning up your messes and keeping the home fires burning when you are off on a hunting party or in London on business. 

I'm telling you.  Elizabeth Bennet had no idea what she was missing out on when she first refused Darcy's proposal.

When I saw this house on a home tour, it reminded me of a smallish Pemberley House with its handsome exterior, manicured gardens, and verdant setting.

I love the details on this house, from its scrolled iron work and rustic bricks, to its elegant lanterns and stone quoins.

My heart feels all melty inside when I see boxwood hedges . . .

especially when they frame white rose bushes.

I love any homeowner who uses a rustic brick wall as a backdrop for a vibrant flower bed.

And what garden is complete without the refreshing sound of trickling water?

The water feature in the back yard is even more impressive.  An actual river winds its way through the property.

It's hard not to fall in love with beautiful houses and grounds like Pemberley and this lovely house above.

But somewhere beneath all the initial "oohs" and "ahhs", there is a special place in my heart for the talented hands that keep it looking that way.

So if you are a housekeeper (or gardener), my hat is off to you.  

And now, I have two questions for you:

1.  What would the Pembereleys of the world be without you?

and

2.  Why can't you come to my house?

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