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Thursday 25 March 2010

THE DELICIOUS MISS DAHL ..... bear with me, you non-chefs, there's a lovely white house in this !!!! ..........

Tuesday evening saw the start of a new cookery programme, featuring Sophie Dahl, grand-daughter of Roald Dahl.
Is Sophie the new Nigella ?....the new sex- kitten on the butcher's block ? She confesses that she has been a yo-yo dieter and has been 'as round as Ruben's' and 'a little slip of a thing'.When you see the menu that she cooked in her first programme, entitled ' A Purely Selfish Day', I think that maybe the Ruben's look is on the cards !! Her first menu racked up several thousand calories and, used rather expensive ingredients.

Her day begins at breakfast, a good place to start, with her take on an Arnold Bennett omelette. Arnold Bennett was an English novelist and theatre critic who frequented The Savoy Hotel Grill on a regular basis in the 1920's and put his name to this smoked haddock, cheese and creme fraiche omelette. Sophie shows us how to make this adding this wide-eyed afterthought ' I can't remember the first time when I had Arnold Bennett'.......... get the picture ? She prepares Peanut Butter Fudge for a mid-day snack (have you seen the size of this woman- she is soooo slim !!).......... Next comes a Buffalo Mozzarella Bruschetta with shaved fennel and courgette salad for lunch. You can imagine the double entendres when the mozzarella makes its appearance !!
Finally, it's dirty martini's (the dirty bit is a spoonful of juice from the olive jar) and a dinner of Roasted Halibut with Spinach and Watercress Sauce followed by Rich Chocolate Pots with Brandy soaked Cherries !!
Between courses, we get to see Sophie shopping in Cheese shops and searching out antiques and little bits of shabby chic for her 'pretend' house !!
Although we could probably do without another cookery programme, I actually rather liked it. Sophie Dahl is very likeable and, as a fan of Nigella, I like her sensual presentation skills ! ......... but, I think that the main reason I liked it was for the house that they are using for the series..........


The house that was used is located in Crouch End in London, a very trendy area where many actors and musicians live and a lot of yummy mummies !! The house is currently for sale for £1.45 million !! It belongs to photographer Paul Massey.



This is the kitchen where you see Sophie cooking. It has been dressed up for the programme with shabby chic paintings and little touches of Victoriana.








Here are some other rooms in the house ..........









Isn't it gorgeous ? If I had a cool £1.45 million spare, I would be onto the estate agents in a flash.
Sophie Dahl recipes can be found on the BBC web site. I'm not sure what she will be cooking next week, but, lets hope it's slightly more healthy !!


Have a delicious weekend.




Jackie







91 comments:

  1. Mmm...peanut butter fudge sounds pretty good right about now! And yes, that house is quite yummy too!

    : )

    Julie M.

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  2. The house is beautiful, though perhaps too barely white for me, but with paintings and All My Stuff added it would be simply divine. I must get in touch and offer to cook for them so long as they let me live there when I'm not busy doubling my entendres in front of the camera. After all, what has Sophie got that I don't have other than riches, fame, courtesan good looks, and a famous grandfather?

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  3. I have seen that house before and I absolutely love it. Mind you I think white floor boards are probably the most impractical thing on the planet but still how good does it look.

    Crouch End.... that is where my husband's great grandparents lived. I bet it wasn't too posh or groovy then.

    I have that book on order. I love her, I love cheeky cooking and I love people who love their food and the experience of eating it.

    xoxoxo

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  4. I do love that Paul Massey-home and its interieur, but also several publicities Sophie Dahl did for magazines. I admit that I appreciate the Rubens-type of models... gives me some more self-confidence :D
    Good day to you, best regards,
    Marjolijn

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  5. I'm a big fan of Miss Dahl! I love her cookbook, which I bought last summer in London. In fact, I love it so much, I read it from cover to cover and practically memorized the photos before I even got it back to the States! That sounds a bit stalker-ish of me, doesn't it? I tend to do that with cookbooks I love, because I used to cook for a living, and, well, I love recipes so darn much. Plus Sophie, like her granddad, is a marvelous writer! AND, she understands what it's like to deal with weight and food issues--something I have struggled with all my life. She writes about these issues with sensitivity and a great sense of humor.

    AND, she's just gorgeous. Who could ask for more?!

    Oh, Jackie, I am so envious of you with this show. I'll just have to wait until it comes to BBC America in about a hundred years! Thanks for the peek!

    xoxo

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  6. Dearest, reading your post at this time (it's 11.45 in Italy) makes me verry hungry...

    I adore Paul Massey's home, I really qould like to see how it was furnished for the programme...

    Hugs from me!!!

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  7. J'adore ,tu as de la chance.

    Bonne journée

    manon

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  8. I watched most of the programme the other night and really liked it - altho I just knew she was going to get slated for it!!

    I think she is absolutely charming, she doesn't need to be another Nigella or anyone else for that matter - she seems perfectly comfortable in herself. She is what she is - and I think that's fine.

    I had read that the house was in north London and I guessed it was either Crouch End or Muswell Hill.....great photos Jackie, my husband loves those old fashioned rectangular tiles - they're a bit too "medical" for me!! GORGEOUS house though....wow!

    The mozzerella made my mouth water.....and that fudge....YUM!!!

    Lovely post :) xo

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  9. Jackie,
    I respect you far too much to give you my real opinion on this show.
    Lets just say that I found it nauseating for many reasons and on many levels.

    Food was good mind.

    Much love
    Lia
    xx

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  10. An awesome menu indeed. I would try it...for just one day! And the house is incredible. Ms. Dahl is on to something good. Wonder if I can get this program in the states...

    xoxo
    Jane

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  11. I am drooling. Have not seen the show, but have read some interesting articles about her. Have a great weekend!

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  12. Love the house, love the food! It all looks and sounds so delicious. Great, now I am hungry. When is the show on? We get a BBC channel here and I would like to look for it. Sounds interesting. Still love Nigella though!

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  13. Oh that was certainly a delicious treat you just gave us then Jacqueline..thank you :) x

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  14. I didn't watch this because I thought I might find her annoying being a big fan of Nigella's. I thought the producers were trying to copy her but NOW I think I will watch it! The house alone looks worth tuning in for! :o)xx

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  15. How exciting. I will be checking her out. And the kitchen is awesome! I put it on my blog one time as one of my favorites.
    Thanks for the info.
    enjoy your day

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  16. Oh grumble, moan, complain...when do you think we'll get to see that luscious little TV show in Australia? We love our cooking programs here we do! Love the look of Sophie...can just imagine her in the kitchen with her high heels on (tell me she wears good shoes while she's cooking?)...hope she gets suitably Rubenesque so we can all feel a little better. That post had it all Jackie...food, booze, a fabulous looking woman, a magnificent house...just missing Colin Firth...could you please arrange that for next time :-)

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  17. oh la la..not only she's a sensuous cook but just to present the cooking show in this house...pure bliss !
    and..thank you for introducing me to the Arnold Bennett omelette ! :-)

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  18. Love the kitchen and Mr FF loves this series, you can guess why!

    Leeann x

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  19. Totally delicious....every last morsel, xv.

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  20. It all sounds so wonderful...but girl look at that house is right, move over food!! What a beautiful space..you are so right I too would be there in a flash if only!! Thanks for sharing!

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  21. I would surely love to have the house. The hostess is cute as can be......If only I had that kind of spare (CA CHING)......XO MARY

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  22. I used to laugh when I watched Nigella and think to myself "I really need to cook more provocatively". That is way more than putting up a meal! Haven't heard of this new gal on this side of the pond, but she sounds like she could be fun. We can't low-fat ourselves every single day so I am all for the occassional real cooking. Have the best weekend XO

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  23. Well, drat! I do wish we had it here!
    I just received her delightful cookbook last week, and adore it! Her writing is almost as fun as the recipes themselves. Beautiful photography, too. Perhaps the program will air here eventually!

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  24. I know I'd like this show as well. The home is incredible down to it's kitchen with the subway tile with the dark grout. That's a kitchen I cold love for a lifetime. Thanks for posting this Jackie. I wasn't aware Sophie had her own foodie show. Hope your week has been grand..countdown to your holiday!!
    Cheers my dear xoxo

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  25. Hi Jackie,

    Such coincidence! One of my daughers told me yesterday about the programme. She said it was a programme I should definetely look at. The house by Paul Massey is stunning. I love all the whites and country atmosphere. Next tuesday I will definetely watch!!!

    Lieve groet, Madelief x

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  26. Beautiful food, beautiful kitchen, beautiful creature - what more could we want! Leigh

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  27. Beautiful. I am in love with that subway tile!

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  28. That is a fastastic house. I would gladly cook away the day in that kitchen. Thank you for sharing with us :)!

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  29. a lot of white.
    a lot of clean.
    and a lot of character.

    xx

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  30. Crazy for that eat in Kitchen, I miss mine. I have been eating lots of fennel as a snack..
    I splurge in choc. strawberries. Got to take off this weight.. great post..


    yvonne

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  31. Jackie, I just caught on to Nigella and have been buying up her cookbooks...there has been a lot of buzz around Sophie and I enjoyed reading what you had to say about her. I was disappointed to read all the references to Nigella getting on in her years now that she is 50 and that it was time for a replacement. I wonder if Nigella feels the same way? Great post and very timely!
    Jeanne:)

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  32. Jackie,

    It's all mouth watering and such eye candy! You've wrapped up my 5 senses and put a big smile on my face. :) How I'd love to sit at that huge farm table..

    xo Noel

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  33. Jackie, dear, this is such a fun post! Sophie, yes, Sophie - she's ok (we already have one Nigella and I am fine with that) but the house - it's incredible!!! I have to dig into my pockets and some purses I have not used in some time to see what I can come up, by way of change, to purchase this baby!! hehe
    thanks so much for your long post on my blog the other day, it was incredibly sweet of you to take the time..never feel bad about not posting - we do when we can and it means a lot to me whenever people pop in, when they can, not when it feels like a chore! Much love to you! OX AJ
    PS: I am hosting a vintage brooch giveaway on my blog, if you are interested

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  34. Jackie,
    I haven't seen the delicous Miss Dahl yet but will now! The house though has me crazy! It all looks fabulous from start to finish~~
    XO

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  35. Jackie the house is as yummy as the food sounds. I could live there for sure. Shall we buy it???
    hugs

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  36. I think we all deserve a Purely Selfish Day every so often ~ I call them jammie days here though. Food is one of my favorite things too ~ which is one of the reasons I am where I am!! A new recipe and something fun to cook is always a treat. Have a glorious Friday Jackie! xo

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  37. Hi Jackie
    How fantastic to get to see a tv show in Paul Massey's home each week... I think I could skip the calorie overload and just look at the house....the kitchen particularly... I'd love to be able to say food is one of my favourite things. it used to be... but now I have to avoid certain foods and it just kills me seeing all the yumminess out there.. no self control you see... Well it will be interesting to see how Sophie Dahl's progam is received over the next few weeks.. I'm sure you're going to enjoy all those yummy moments and views of that fab house. xxx Julie

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  38. Hi Jackie!
    I've been following Miss Dahl for a few months now - in magazines, youtube, etc. I really like her a lot! And mainly, I have been trying to figure out where to get that cute dress she is wearing in the first image! I WANT it so badly! She is full of charm and so lovely. Hopefully, the US will wise up and add her to one of our local listings.
    The house...well, it's just simply perfect!
    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  39. I can't wait for this show to come to Australia. Love the gorgeous home too. Thanks for the heads up!

    Best wishes for a lovely weekend,
    Natasha.

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  40. Sophie has come in for a lot of criticism but I like her and enjoyed the programme (did you see the size of her diamonds????)I didn't know about where it was filmed so enjoyed looking at these photos.

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  41. I love the styling in the kitchen - I have a cream Aga and its inspired me to explore less colours when we redecorate ours

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  42. Gorgeous kitchen! I love the brick tiles! Will have to watch this show next week, Have a sweet day!

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  43. Funnily enough, this non chef enjoys a gorgeous kitchen...and this one did not disappoint! You Brits have the best style!

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  44. I did watch the show on Tuesday and I think Sophie is gorgeous, but I will always be a staunch Nigella fan (no-one does 'flirty cooking' quite like Nigella!) However, that house was fabulous! It's amazing how different the kitchen looked with the colourful wallpaper they had added.I have to admit, through the whole show I just kept commenting on the house (much to my hubby's annoyance) I wasn't really paying attention to the cooking!
    B x

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  45. Just read an article about her in Vogue and was curious so I loved finding this post. I'm excited to watch the show and thanks for showing the house too! Cheers

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  46. I'd love me a kitchen like that. Her cookbook is very good and the banana bread is delicious.

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  47. h u g e fan of Miss Dahl. Have her cookbook. Use it often!!
    Love this post.

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  48. i love the house, but i love her ancestor more!

    such a roald dahl groupie!

    his genius is clearly apparent in her gorgeous
    sense of style.

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  49. She does look deligthful! I may have to check her out! I agree this kitchen is amazing. An all white kitchen is my dream. Have a great weekend. xo

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  50. This sounds like my kind of show....Paul Massey's house is gorgeous! Love all the white. I would watch it just to see more of the kitchen too but I am sure her food is going to be amazing. Hope you have a wonderful weekend & thank you for thinking of me and my Mum, still no good news. Ax

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  51. ...no wonder that she prepares deligthfull dishes ...if I had such a kitchen, I would cook heavenly food too...hehehe.
    Hugs
    Magdalena

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  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  53. sophie is adorable isnt she....wanted to come over and visit your blog from my kerry @ tranquil townhouse. she is my heart...
    i adore your blog. so glad she gifted you an award. i can see why
    :)

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  54. ah sweet. i love colour, but i couldnt take my eyes off that house!
    ~laura

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  55. Hi!

    I know!! Yes, it's such a beautiful home! I've
    seen it before, many times!!=))

    You leave the most kind comments every time!!
    Thank you for that!

    Many hugs Camilla

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  56. My dearest Jackie,
    i looooooove your posts and all your inspiration.........what a wonderful white kitchen!!!!!! And thank you so much for all your lovely words and your sweet comment!!!!!

    Have a wonderful weekend, Hugs Jade

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  57. Discovered you over at tranquil townhouse... great stuff. Will be following! xo Erica

    http://moth-design.blogspot.com/

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  58. The recipes sound divine! Will this air in the US? Sounds like a HOOT!

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  59. do you know this is my FAVORITE house in the whole world????????? if i buy half and you buy the other... we could live happily ever after... ok, your family and my boyfriend can come too... is there enough room? he he

    and i loved your comment on millies blog ... we are all so funny... xx

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  60. That is one of my favorite kitchens!!! I just love that kitchen! You crack me up how you posted about her show!!! I LOVE it. I would have a hard time concentrating on the actual show! Do you know how many movies I get fixated on the background! I have a real problem with that. I wonder if we will get this show?? I hope so!
    You always have the most inspirational posts!
    Thank you again for putting up a link to my giveaway! I really appreciate it! You are too kind!
    Take Care,
    Maria
    p.s. That book The Well-Dressed Home reminds me of you and your blog! You should write a book!

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  61. I just found you, and what a beautiful blog you have! I became a follower..

    Cheryl~

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  62. I'm not into cooking right now, but wow, love the great decor!
    Debra

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  63. so jealous -- wonder if we'll get this in the US?

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  64. What a gorgeous house! I hope your weekend was (it's Sunday) great! I have to go eat something now because this made me so hungry!Jennifer:)

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  65. Just dropped by looking for a new post :) Hope your weekend was fab and that your week is off to a great start!

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  66. Beautiful photos, Jackie! I have read alot about her, but sadly her show isn't on our BBC America as of yet! After reading all of these comments, I will definitely have to check out her cookbook. Loved her grandfathers books too! Have a fabulous week! xxoo :)

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  67. I hope this programme will be shown in Denmark - I'm so jealous. I love Sophie Dahl and her book which I just got this Christmas.

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  68. Gosh I can see why you love the house...what a setting.

    I love Nigella, actually she just cracks me up. She makes stirring some batter look INCREDIBLY sexy and how she speaks.....wow! So young Sophie has a lot of catching up to do.
    xoxo Deej
    ps I keep missing your posts for some reason :(

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  69. What a beautiful backdrop for a cooking show, Jackie! Have a wonderful week. xo

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  70. i have white painted floors in my room...and boy they are hard to keep clean! i can't imagine having an all white home, though it certainly looks lovely and serene.
    xoxo alison

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  71. I just picked up her cookbook on the weekend to have a browse through. It is every bit as delightful as your post describes. I did wonder though, if it was a case of style over substance and I should reserve judgement until I've seen her show.

    After reading your post, I can tell you that regardless of her recipes, I'll be tuning in just to soak in the house candy. What a truly gorgeous setting for a cooking show. Perfection! Hope you and all your lovely ones are having a great week. Meredy xo.

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  72. LOVE the big open space with lots of light!!!

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  73. Hej min kära vän, hemma, jag känner igen och har sett det i en tidning är det underbart och köket skulle jag vilja ha i köket, men jag är ändå nöjd med min fransk-inspirerade rätter hihi.
    Jag önskar er jacqueline en underbar påsk, och massor av kramar / Ingela.

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  74. hello my dear friend, the home, I recognize and have seen it in a magazine, it is wonderful and the kitchen, I would like to have but I am still happy with my French-inspired cuisine hihi.
    I wish you jacqueline a lovely Easter, and lots of hugs / Ingela.

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  75. WOW! LOVE IT TOO! SADLY NO MONEY!!! AND CAN'T LEAVE PORTUGAL!!!!
    I'LL CHECK IF IT IS ON ON BBC INTERNATIONAL! MAYBE I'M LUCKY THIS TIME! DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO "CHANGING ROOMS"? LOVED THAT PROGRAMM!
    HAPPY DAY JACKIE!
    ROSA

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  76. Yep - all that house needs are a couple of my very colourful works of art! Other than that it's perfect. As a sideline, I've never heard of Arnold Bennett - Is Gordon Bennett any relation? My Aunt used to say that all the time ahahaha! Now - I am keeping this post under my wing whenever I need to be reminded of my dream home. SIGH!!

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  77. She should be boycotted cuase she's so hypocrite: says she can't eat meat...but she does wear the animals FUR!!! shame on her!

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  78. I love that house so much. I cannot get over the butcher block and all the white. it is perfect.

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  79. Oh, I was so naive, I thought it was her own house. Lovely it is, just as she and her recipes.

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  80. LOVE this kitchen - LOVE the whole house.

    Haven't seen this show yet, but now I'm totally on the lookout -
    Thanks for the heads up

    Marsha

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  81. I have admired this house before - oh, where is the money tree when a brilliant home comes available??? I adore Nigella on so many levels, so I will keep my fingers crossed that we get this program, if only to find another "real" woman cooking~
    Thanks for sharing, lovely friend!
    xx

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  82. I saw this house yeaterday on a blog !! with a beautiful brown dog !!.........beautiful !! nice blog you have !!!

    Hugs from Ria

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  83. I love it! What a beautiful kitchen. I have this picture in my favorites but I never knew much about it.
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Health and happiness,
    Angela
    http://angelawalkerjewelry.blogspot.com/

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  84. Wow, can this kitchen get any more beautiful! Love it!
    Have a wonderful Wednesday
    Kristin

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  85. FABULOUS!! I'm in love with the white subway tile:)

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  86. oh my!!! this is one of my favorites places. I just love what Paul did to the house! And I think he has a great style! I would love to live in a place like this, so if you buy it I will come over for tea ;)
    X desiree

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  87. This kitchen makes you want to be a mom!To cook every day with all of your heart for the ones you love...to make strawberry jam and chestnut licker and all kinds of bread and soups and big Sunday breakfast and more...With love...beautiful...
    Marita.

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