A Book Review: Country House Living By Nora Murphy & Antique Shopping at Robert Kime in London

noramurphycountryhouse.com
"Following her success with Nora Murphy’s Country House Style, Murphy celebrates a selection of homes and their homeowners, each exemplifying a different style.
For Nora Murphy, a country house isn’t so much a place as it is a state of mind. A country house is warm, welcoming-at once down to earth, yet elegant. A country house has genuine character, tells a story, and is truly, wonderfully lived in. Here Murphy explores the tenets of country house style, as illustrated by her own “new” country house, and the many other striking homes she has curated for the book. Each one of these homeowners has embraced country house style-but each implements it in their own unique way. There is a pastoral 1732 center-chimney colonial in Connecticut nestled in spectacular gardens, a cozy cottage on the coast of Maine rich with local details, and an 1840s Greek Revival in the Hudson Valley filled with romantic Victorian ephemera. Common threads weave through the stories: the thrill of the antiques hunt, the role of history, and the priority of comfort.
Filled with practical ways to celebrate American country style, beautifully designed with a ribbon bookmark, and written in the author’s warm and effusive voice, this book will inspire readers to create a country house lifestyle wherever they live."
Shops visited in video
The Ivy Cottage www.threecottages.com/
Hunt and Gather huntandgathernc.com/
Robert Kime www.robertkime.com/
Music by EpidemicSound

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

Thanks Mary for putting so much time in your videos,always interesting and well done .🌿🍃

[@thetartantopiary]

I so appreciate that!

[@psin0373]

Mary, I'm talking to the screen, saying, out loud, I want that lamp! (In the Robert Kime shoppe.) OMG, I'll be watching this video post over and over. Adore Nora Murphy, the trip on the way to your favorite antique shop, seeing the picturesque community you live in & the trip to London all in one video makes you THE BEST THING on KZbin. Thank you so much for spoiling us viewers with such rich & inspiring content. Mary, you make Fridays FUN! TGIF!

[@thetartantopiary]

I loved all the lamps in that shop and the George II mirror! Thank you for all the kind things you left in the comment, and have a great week!

[@FuchsiaFire444]

Really beautiful. People like you hold space for beauty in this world.

[@gwenewing6837]

Mary this was a winner for me! I love Nora Murphy! You have the best KZbin channel, it is so delightful! How clever of you to make this channel and bring this to all of us! What a delight to go along with you to Robert Kime's fabulous store❤ Look forward to next week!

[@thetartantopiary]

I love Nora also! Thanks for watching.

[@barbaradzitko1826]

Thanks for the shopping trip, Mary. I relocated to Rhode Island after having lived in Newtown, CT for thirty years.

[@thetartantopiary]

Both are beautiful places. Do you have a favorite?

[@elizabethlara4070]

Happy Friday Mary! Great book review, drive along and shopping trips! The trip to Robert Kime's shop was simply a dream come true! I hope to visit one day soon but in the meantime I feel like I was there. 😊 Thank you so much for your delightful videos and for taking us along with you! ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm glad, thanks for coming along with me!

[@buickinvicta288]

Love the book, my neck of the woods. ❤ Thanks for the lovely tours, beautiful.

[@user-hi7ov9tf8b]

We enjoyed Nora Murphy's book and buying it today. Thank you for taking us for shopping at Robert Kime's Antique in London!

[@thetartantopiary]

It is a nice book and I was very happy with it. She has a decor flair and a sensibility all at the same time!

[@suzieq2493]

Love your videos! This book is very tempting. And that first antique store...I would have made quite a few purchases. The drive there was beautiful too. Looking forward to next weeks' video--I love Bunny Williams

[@thetartantopiary]

I was watching the budget, but I saw a few things I really liked also! Thanks for your comment and I'll see you next week.

[@vikkiwebb1424]

I really enjoy your videos. The book reviews and your exquisite taste and travels are the best. Thank you. I hope you will continue for a long time.

[@thetartantopiary]

I hope I can, thanks for the encouragement.

[@mouriefeeney1903]

Thank you Mary for the interesting tour. I loved the colorful lamp in the first tour and think I would have purchased. Like you...those pound dollars are a bit rich for my budget. Book review was good and many pages of delight/I enjoyed. you have a wonderful life filled with so many interesting stories like the lounge you restored. It turned out beautiful. Always look forward to your Friday videos. Love Bunny Williams and looking forward to next week. Have a nice weekend ~

[@thetartantopiary]

I agree- it was a bit pricey, although I did get some fabric to make a few cushions. Thanks again for your comment and for watching!

[@guldenaydin9918]

Visual and auditory feast.🎀 Thank you very much. 💝

[@lianeabeyta4515]

Oh , that book is going on my Christmas wish list this year! My problem is ,I have a little suburban home, lacking all the charm of those windows and moldings and charm of yesteryear, in most of the rooms and homes. But, I can dream. I have added crown molding in all the rooms, and board and batten in the guest room. Can't wait for the Bunny Williams book review, as gardening is my passion. Also love the look of the wreath. I shall start gathering my supplies this week.

[@juliecarns]

Oh do you have an Instagram account? I’d love to see your home!

[@lianeabeyta4515]

@@juliecarns I am a 73 year old grandma who just watches utube ... haha

[@linp1268]

Oh Mary, the time passes too quickly when watching your videos. I enjoy so much all the books you review but this one, I especially like. I have added it to my wish list as the price where I live is 75.00$ plus tax, so I will be putting my "pennies" aside to save up. Your shopping tours are always so special as you also wear the hat of a historical guide. I appreciate how you give us the background history of the items. They had some absolutely beautiful pieces. I also loved the drive there giving us a chance to see the spectacular homes. Thank you Mary!! 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

I understand how things add up. Amazon does offer this book new and used, even though it is newly released. I saw one for $37.00 (free shipping) last week. This was in the U.S.

[@elizabethzapac3203]

Enjoyed this episode so very much, well, I enjoy all your episodes, lol! But this tour through the antiques shop was just such a treat… and the featured book well, perfection! Really looking forward to your review next week of Bunny Williams’ Life in the Garden😊

[@thetartantopiary]

If you like anything about gardening, you will LOVE Bunny's new book! She also shows us how to bring the garden inside- to add to the decor.

[@Gardeninggirl4316]

Loved the music while you were flipping through the book!

[@raffaellarabizzi129]

I like pieces of furniture which are not perfect, with a patina that gives them much more value in terms of fascination and elegance ♥️

[@thetartantopiary]

I totally agree!

[@sharonchilds3871]

I so enjoyed the tour. I saw many things I would love to have. The book was great also! Have a great weekend 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks, and I hope you have a great week ahead!

[@annettehowell9392]

Absolutely loved this week's video. The book was very good. A country house doesn't necessarily mean the farmhouse style with primitive decor but a classic beautiful house with traditional interiors. Loved it. Enjoyed your visits to the antique stores on both sides of the Atlantic, I have a beautiful tall boy in my formal living room which I've had for many years. Company usually ask about it. Looking forward to next week, I have followed Bunny Williams for quite a while and also purchased some of her pieces from Ballard's design. Take good care until the next time.

[@thetartantopiary]

Bunny Williams' garden pieces from Ballard Design are delightful. I'm glad you enjoyed this weeks video. Thanks for watching!

[@sdmsdm7926]

Very enjoyable tour, so many beautiful things!

[@jeaninewalsh5120]

Hi Mary, such a lovely book. I enjoyed this very much! Thank you so much for sharing! Your home is very lovely. Thank you for taking us along to the shops.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming along with me.

[@claudinedenys5237]

One of my favourite tartan topiary video. Thank you so much

[@BarbHayes-zn7fi]

Fantastic as usual, Mary!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you!

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Your home is absolutely beautiful!. Seems like an affluent neighborhood too.

[@patriciaflores2776]

Loved the review thanks for the shopping trip & lesson wish i had that chanel p.bottle😊so pretty. the wreath.

[@rinskeraphael8755]

Ad 2.30 m I thought a painting ofyour husband was hanging on the wall🙈. As always such a joy to watch your channel. I always pick a moment in my day when I have realy the time to watch and absorb the new video. So it can nurisch my creativity. By the way, love the violin music, reminds me of the days I played the violin myself. Thanx Mary for posting🥰

[@helenkane8594]

Thanks, Mary! This was great, loved the book and the tours. Robert Kime 😍

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@dorotheelozi3225]

The antique shop you visited is full of amazing pieces! The collection of crystal is beautiful.

[@thetartantopiary]

It really was. It almost made me want to collect perfume bottles. I have a few that belonged to my grandmother.

[@laurabyrd9903]

Ms Mary you so awesome to take us shopping with you. I enjoy the adventures. Oh don’t get me wrong. I love the book review. It’s wonderful thank you for making us feel so needed. You’re so special.

[@thetartantopiary]

I really do need you and I'm glad to have you! Thanks for you thoughtful comment.

[@janicekeisler9225]

Hi Mary! Beautiful and enjoyable segment! Nora Murphy’s style is so appealing and lovely; I am definitely drawn to it. Thank you for the trip to the antique stores-if I lived near the local one, I would have to visit over and over! Robert Kime’s antique shop is filled with beauty and the outside garden area-loved it. You are such a delight and I learn something every week. Like so many others, I watch when quiet time is available so that I can absorb all of your content!

[@thetartantopiary]

That is a lovely comment to read. I appreciate your kind words and thoughtful encouragement.

[@user-hh6fp1gi1x]

I waited to watch your lovely video until early this Saturday morning. I wanted to watch it last evening but our grandsons had a little league game and I wanted to have a peaceful,quiet moment so I could throughly enjoy it as I always do. Such a lovely book.I love Nora’s comfortable style. Thank you for taking us along to your favorite antique places. You made us feel like we were right there with you. I’m looking to next week!!Have a lovely weekend.

[@thetartantopiary]

That is funny and very sweet. I appreciate your thoughtfulness as always! You have a great week.

[@alexandra2jerry]

Loved the book review Mary and even spotted a picture of a drum table of which I I have two. (It let me know I’m on the right track decorating wise) The Ivy Cottage is a magic shop and you’d never get me out of there. The small mirror with the black detail down the side and painting above…. I just fell in love with it. (And half the other items you looked at) I’m afraid the prices in Britain are so ridiculous it’s imposible to shop there. I’m an expatriate who make Marks and Spencer’s their only destination shopping nowadays. Nice to look though. Your dumpster find is indeed a miracle treasure.

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary! I very much enjoyed this review as I have followed Nora Murphy for a few years. I just love to get lost in the pages of all these beautiful homes! I love to shop with you as my interest are so similar to yours. Have a wonderful week and I will see you next time! Hugs! :)

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for sharing that. I think I was late to the Nora Murphy fan club. For some reason she was not on my radar until 2 years ago, but I do love her style. You have a great week also, and hugs in return!

[@vickeypierce293]

I love the book!! I have a country home...not as big as the ones you drove by but my house is comfortable, loved and welcoming ❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I often wonder if those homes are loved, welcoming and comfortable. That is more important than size...any day!

[@carolynratliff1380]

Mary…you did it AGAIN….great video…Thankyou for the shopping trip too….loved the music. Hugs carolyn

[@thetartantopiary]

You are too sweet! Hugs back!

[@jamesmay8434]

Fostoria Glass was in business for many years in WV. It's glassware was always higher end.

[@JackiSalinas-kh3ue]

I think this book is a little more “refined” than her first one? Regardless, it was great. Thank you for taking us shopping with you, especially to Robert Kime! I always appreciate the time and effort you take to make these wonderful videos for us. I look forward to it all week!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you have a great week and I'll see you on Friday!

[@piecesofjoy8681]

So enjoyed this video and appreciate the work you put into this channel. Robert Kime has been an inspiration for many years. I do love the country house style very much.

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that!

[@dulcerush735]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 Loved the book and specially when we go antiquity, we seem to gravitate to the same things, and when we do go, I never spend any money ;) See you next week ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

That's pretty funny. I didn't spend any until I went to Robert Kime, and I was very sensible and purchased only a few yards of fabric! 💗😁

[@silvergirl7810]

Wow- what a beautiful video Mary! I’m trying to decorate my house right now so this was very inspiring ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad!

[@user-tp3om5jo8v]

Hi Mary ~~ I will be heading to the book store !LOL ! I really enjoyed viewing this book with you, I don't know how you do it? It just seems we are walking into rooms, not scanning through a book. You don't need a country house , Your home is beautiful ! The antique shop was that for bidding on items ? a lot of beautiful decor.The shop in London oh my goodness and $$$$. Have a wonderful weekend, and I like Bunny Williams style can't wait!! Joyful weekend to you ! Paula p.s will Daniel be telling us the story behind the bird in your home ?

[@thetartantopiary]

The Tartan Topiary will be 2 years old the first week of June, and I will have Daniel on then to share that story and others! Thank you for your thoughtful comments!

[@user-tp3om5jo8v]

@@thetartantopiary Mary, two years that is wonderful, and I love that you are !! That will be fun , Im looking forward that in June!! Have a joyful week !! Paula

[@pamelabrown8798]

I love the storm door on you front door. Where can I find one like it?

[@ellekewilms6891]

Isn't Robert Kime's stuff (all of it!) to die for? Unfortunately, so are his prices. 😌

[@carolpipher4839]

🪴 Well Mary, it's rainy in PA this morning but after coffee & your beautiful video(so much inspiration) I will probably be off exploring a favorite shop or two (since I can't work in my garden). 😅 ......TY!👍💯☕

[@thetartantopiary]

Have fun and let me know what you find!

[@carolpipher4839]

~Landscape timbers, cement blocks, & 2 beautiful Boxwoods! (All of my treasurers were found at the Home de "Pot"😄💯👍🤣...😅...😂🌱

[@thetartantopiary]

@@carolpipher4839 What would we do without de pot?!