I do love a Residential Cooking School & La Mirande Hotel in Avignon, Provence has a wonderful curriculum! I think a group booking for interested Hedgies would be very much in order.
Originally a 12th century palace for the Cardinal of Pellegrue, the current owners the Stein family will welcome us to their beautiful boutique hotel.
A sympathetic blending of 18th & 19th century styles, let's explore a little before heading off for our first class.
The entrance foyer welcomes us into the warmth & congeniality of the Hotel.
A discrete welcome & the warmth & attentiveness of the staff indicate that this is going to be a marvellous weekend.
A little peak into one of the Salon's reveal the perfect place to take tea.
Or a welcoming glass of champagne while we plan the next few day's activities.
Then off to the kitchens to meet our Instructors & begin our classes.
The classes take place in the ancient 18th century kitchens & are usually bilingual. Aprons, utensils & technical instructions are provided at the start of the classes, which close with a tasting meal.
We can also choose to do a class & then visit the Les Halles de Avignon market to shop with our Instructor. Or a pastry class to learn the secrets behind delicious brioche & croissants.
A Table Presentation class is also on offer featuring seasonal flower arranging & tips on presenting food & wine in the most stylish & elegant manner.
Here's the convivial Chef's table ready to sit around & enjoy the results of our day in the kitchen.
Then time for a little after dinner cocktail.
Perhaps taken in the Red Salon.
Or outside in the warm night air on the Terrace.
With the warm glow of hanging lanterns creating a gentle ambiance to debrief after our busy day.
Then up the stairs to our bedrooms.
With gentle wall lighting leading our way.
Step inside to a beautiful wood-panelled room.
Perhaps yours has an ancient tapestry, an exuberant chintz or toile de jouy.
With silk panels & matching curtains falling to the floor.
Comfortable soft furnishings & relaxing bathrooms.
Wonderfully comfortable beds complete with fine, crisp linens make lounging around a must.
All the fine details in the chambres reflect the care & hospitality offered throughout La Mirande.
A glimpse of the ancient Pope's palace is seen through the antique glass bathroom windows.
Stunning wallpaper reproduced from ancient woodcuts in the bedroom & creamy carrara marble in the bathroom.
The finest of passementerie are used as finishes on cushions & sofas. Sleep tight!
Breakfast in the morning is taken in a light-filled sunny Salon overlooking the lush, rose-filled garden.
So another fabulous day awaits us at La Mirande. Today Chef Jon Chiri takes us on a culinary adventure of Fresh Morels in Puff Pastry, Parmesan Cream & Arugula Greens. Followed by Roasted Wild Sea Bream & Roman Style Artichokes served with a Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette. Sauteed Cherries over an Almond Crumble & a Fromage Blanc Mousse complete the meal. Will I see you there? 
A blazing fire (thanks MOTH darling!) & a pair of warm socks to keep the toes toasty. Couldn't want for more really on a freezing cold, grey Hills day. Tomorrow is Blog catch-up time, looking forward to seeing what you've all been up to this week.
It's a pretty well-known fact that I love the period homes down the Freeway in Adelaide. Such a mix of different architectural styles, with some interesting ultra-modern twists. Here's some current sale offerings. A lovely Edwardian cottage in Rose Park.
This 1930's Art Deco apartment in a small group of 4 in North Adelaide has been given the big Zhush.
A sweet Edwardian villa in Malvern.
This late Victorian (1900) double fronted cottage in Goodwood has great street appeal.
A much grander return verandah Villa in Unley Park.
Life in the little village of Stirling in the hills above Adelaide in South Australia is just about as good as it gets! Enjoying a cool climate and 'hill-station' feel, Stirling is well-known for its 19th-century stone villas set on large grounds dense with roses, camellias, rhododendrons and huge old Oaks. With 3 sons, 3 grandchildren & my work in a scientific business dominated by yes, more men, The Laurel Hedge was born out of my sheer desperation for something the boys just don't get & never will!
