It is one of the most beautiful
places in London and I always recommend visiting it on a trip to the city since
tourists do not usually think of the area. Hampstead is a gem of a
neighbourhood, not only for its famous Hampstead Heath Park that has a lot to it
in itself, but for everything that this rather picturesque place has to offer.
If you like to dream of owning million-dollar mansions or simply admire them
from the outside, I recommend that you get lost in the streets; you will surely
find more than one house and store that will take your breath away. On many
facades you will find the famous blue plaques of London that indicate the link
of a specific place with a figure and/or a historical event. Hampstead is known
for its plenty blue plaques, especially related to artists, writers, poets,
among other historical figures. I personally love walking through this
neighbourhood aimlessly, since it gives you the feeling of having left the
city.
One of the many treasures
hidden in this neighbourhood is the Hampstead Pergola. Little known to the
public, perhaps due to its difficult access, the Pergola is one of those unique
and incredible places that is worth visiting. In short, it is an elevated
walkway, covered with vines and flowers, located in the Hill Gardens, perfectly
maintained and with a unique charm.
The history of the Pergola
dates to 1904 when Lord Leverhulme, a wealthy philanthropist and lover of
gardening and landscaping, bought a house on Hampstead Heath called “The Hill”.
It was there that he decided to build a legacy, the Pergola, which was to be a
place where extravagant parties could be held, as well as where summer evenings
could be spent with family and friends enjoying the spectacular gardens. The
work was finished in 1906 but by 1911 already there was a first extension
underway which had to be stopped because World War I, and another in 1925,
shortly before Leverhulme died. After her death the property was purchased by
Baron Inverforth, who renamed it to Inverforth House, where he lived until his
death in 1955. Although the house underwent various uses (including as a
hospital) over the next few years, the pergola and gardens had been largely
neglected since the end of World War II, and so in 1960 the London County
Council stepped in and purchased the gardens. In 1963 it was opened to the
public as Hill Gardens, although it is still undergoing restoration today.
Onto the outfit, for this beautiful summer
day, I am wearing a short sleeve pastel blue shirt tucked in vintage ivory
shorts and paired with a blue leather belt. The matching white/blue stripy
socks go nicely with my unusual, transparent shoes. Amazing footwear that allow
you to go wild and creative with your sock selection. They are super funky, great
choice for rainy days and very chameleonic as you could wear them transforming
your look each time depending on the mood. The navy blazer with its prominent
white stitching all over the garment is the perfect choice for warm temperatures
as it is made of very thin fabric and slightly oversized so you’d barely ever
notice you are wearing anything, but it definitely elevates your look. The blue
cap follows the colour palette of the day and in contrast I am carrying a green
handbag of recycled material. It is just the right size to carry basic things
like keys, wallet, sunglasses and this oddly rectangular A5 water bottle that whoever
lies eyes on it gets confused and then compliments. Very unusual piece perfect
to carry anywhere also when you often carry a briefcase as I do.
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