Having woken up at 5 a.m., I had hoped the sun would come out soon so I could have a closer look at the gardens outside our bedroom window. Quickly passing through it yesterday, people with their strollers and kids a-tow made appreciating the beautifully-maintained greenery difficult, but since, like last night, we had the estate to ourselves this morning, a slow walk through the carefully planned nooks and pathways was effortless, easy-going, and relaxing, enough to make up for my lack of sleep. And the weather was perfect again today.

My happy place turned into a Mediterranean-inspired garden full of English blooms, care of a wealthy Anglo-American heiress by the name of Baillie. She was Leeds Castle’s last individual owner, and thanks to her we’re able to appreciate not only the tended gardens outside my window, but also the gorgeous greenery all over the estate. Well done.