escapist pictures – findingtimetowrite

Friday Fun: Location Hunting

I’ve been immersing myself in the world of my novel – and very much enjoying it. It does help that a lot of the locations in the novel (which takes place predominantly in Romania) are so picturesque.

The fatal accident that leads to everything that happens in the novel takes place on this road over the mountains, the Transfăgărășan crossing the Carpathians. From Romania Visitor Center.

Some crucial scenes take place at the Chalet on Lake Balea at the top of the mountain.

Our two main protagonists meet up with former classmates to try and find out more about the deceased here, on top of the National Theatre, at Enache’s Milk Bar. From bucurestiulmeudrag.ro

They make an important ally and friend in Curtea de Arges, not far from the site of the accident, and spend a short while in the grounds of this beautiful monastery. From TouristinRomania.wordpress.com

Eli does some research in the archives at the Central State Library in Bucharest, from Agerpres.ro

Clues lead them to the beautiful Transylvanian city of Sibiu, and they have lunch in the Big Square in the centre, from RomaniaExplore.com

Friday Fun: Library Lockdown

I wouldn’t mind getting locked down in any of these home libraries. Of course, some of them are fictional, but no need to limit yourselves to reality!

Under the eaves yet not dark at all, from deavita.fr

Another attic library, with a more realistic cluttered look, from mediabookbub.com

If you’ve seen the film Knives Out, I’m sure your pulses raced faster at the thought of having a study/library like this.

Another fictional library, from the TV series Gotham, as shown in Architectural Digest.

Slightly more rustic, but still incredibly inviting, from zillow. com

And if you have a few bob to spare, Bilotta.com creates custom-made libraries, wine-cellars, walk-in wardrobes and the like.

Friday Fun: Fireplaces and Christmas

There is something a bit samey about Christmas decorations especially in the English-speaking world in the northern hemisphere. But I might allow myself to be converted if there is a fireplace. I can imagine myself sitting in front of it and reading all the lovely new books I have bought for myself for Christmas (and the rest of the year).

Plenty of warmth and reading by candlelight in this Ideal Home picture.

American Christmas ideas, from Good Housekeeping.

That bench in front of the fire would be ideal for dividing up the books into piles, don’t you think? From Grandin Road.

A move away from the traditional colour scheme, the wood panelling adds some cosiness despite the lack of a rug. From Veranda.

Finally a household that understands a good reading chair is a must in front of a roaring fire. From Christmas.365greetings.com

Friday Fun: Cosy Backgrounds

Now that the nights are drawing in and I’m hibernating in the house with no chance of going skiing (I am not overly fond of going running in the rain), I’ve noticed that all my Teams and Zoom meeting backgrounds are starting to look remarkably chalet-like. So here are some cosy rooms with fireplaces that my colleagues almost started envying…

The white tulips make you think of spring, but the open fireplace says Christmas stockings to me. From OneKinDesign.com

Isn’t that leather chaiselongue just made for reading? From cabinlife.com

In summer I like it bright and airy, but there’s nothing like some glowing fire and candlelight in the dark in winter. From BrotherTedd.com

This rustic one is for rent on location-france.fr, with or without guitars.

The grandest and least cosy, but I’m sure there is a fireplace in there somewhere – and the view! From OneKinDesign.com

Friday Fun: Industrial Look Can Be Beautiful

When I was investigating tiny houses, I came across shipping container homes, which I thought sounded dreadful, but which in fact can be transformed into highly imaginative and attractive residences. So here are some shipping container and other industrial-look homes (and all still quite small).

Perfect little abode in the forest, rubushome.ru

A guesthouse from shipping containers to add to your pile of old stones, from Studio Architecture Rennes.

Utterly dreamy black pavillion, although I can imagine it might become a bit too hot in summer. from mariakillam.com

Danish summer house, from adventure-journal.com

Writer’s retreat at False Bay, Washington State, designed by Olson Kundig. From Small House Bliss.

And when you leave, you can just close up your cabin like a box – isn’t that perfect? Same credits as above.

Friday Fun: More Living in Miniature

The temptation to live off-grid somewhere in a tiny (but well-insulated) house is becoming well-nigh overwhelming. No, this is not a comment on current politics or fears; this is a worry-free, escapist zone.

Small but mighty, this creation by BF Architects.

Palatial ambitions for this little house, from Buzzfeed.

Very different style, a beach hut feel to this one, from Instagram.

This one is actually a miniature model, but I can’t wait for someone to build me one to my human proportions. From iseeblue.typepad.com.

I may claim to be a simple girl at heart, but I rather like the more grandiose structures! From myincrediblewebsite.com

If in doubt, stick to a well-appointed garden shed – and what a garden! From owecraft.com

For the ultimate fantasy escape, this fairytale lodge from thisoldhouse.com

Friday Fun: You Don’t Need a Palace…

I’ve often said I don’t need much more than a little cabin or hut to house myself once the boys leave home. Although I might need another cabin or two just to house the books…

All you need in one small parcel, from tinyliving.com

A rather classy, high-end vision of the cabin, with amazing windows. From dorisleslieblau.com

It clearly doesn’t work for a couple (actually, for a single person with an occasional guest), but everything is neat and has its place. From TinyHouseMarketplace.com

An old barn feel to this tiny, but practical cabin – it even has a fire extinguisher! From tinyhomesbuilder.com

Finally one that satisfies my book cravings… from decoholic.com

Friday Fun: Life at the Top

What would life be like if you had high enough ceilings to fit in a mezzanine? Here are some suggestions of how to go about planning and decorating.

Industrial loft decor, room enough for a bike without tripping over it, from DesignMilk.com

A 1950s vibe to this decor, dog not included though! From Yatzer.com

This one seems to stretch over several floors – and we have books at last! From Wit and Whistle.

This feels more down to earth – and of course we have books and clutter too. From DorisLeslieBlau.com

As long as everyone keeps really quiet around the house, I could live with a mezzanine study. From pinimg.com

But my Prize of the Week goes to this cabin in the woods in Poland, which is a reader’s paradise. From LivinginaShoebox.com

Friday Fun: More Houses with Views

Only three more years before I can start thinking about moving, although I doubt that I’ll be able to afford a house with such heavenly views as the ones below…

Brazilian house, from casadevalentina.com.br

What about watching the sunset from this balcony in Kenya, from CN Traveler.

You too can have this Swiss view on AirBnB, in the Bernese Oberland.

If you’re already looking forward to ski season, this Colorado cabin looks perfect, from wedluxe.com

Just in case you think I am biased about mountain views, here is a sea view, from skyryedesign.com

Friday Fun: ‘Twas a light…

… that made darkness itself appear a thing of comfort. (Robert Southey)

I dislike and fear the dark winter months, but luckily, working from home means I can go out for a brisk walk at lunchtime and actually see some light outdoors. For my escapist images, I chose the wonderful play of light and shadow inside houses.