| |
Brambleberry is beautiful and comfortable in all seasons. Sunlight is abundant but changeful, and always interesting, year round. At times after a rain the sun suddenly bursts through to highlight the varied grounds with an arresting, heightened vividness. Just after sunset, by contrast, watch the soft alpenglow settle across the valley on Sugarloaf.
In winter, the day starts with spectacular early morning sunlight flooding the rear of the house. Frost paints the vivid green fields a pale white. The cool morning air is perfect for a brisk walk or an amble down nearby paths or Lawndale Road. Ducks gather in the seasonal pond ringed by willow trees. Often the only sound is the babble of the rushing seasonal creek. Enjoy the views of Sugarloaf from the spa in the mild afternoon or luxuriate there in the bracingly cool evening in conversation and spectacular stargazing. Enjoy a crackling wood fire at night in the living room. The well insulated house is warm and cozy on even the coldest nights.
By springtime, clusters of daffodils are in bloom. Early blooming trees brighten the landscape. As the days grow longer and warmer the rains peter out. Later in spring the trees burst into leaf, the wisteria along the veranda explodes in purple blossoms and the pool offers an inviting warmth.
Summer days are warm to hot, always dry (but sometimes cooled by early morning fog). The fields beyond the lawns turn a sere brown; the pond dries up, the ground hardens. The creek slows to a trickle. Kids thrill to the freedom to romp about the property. They play on the tree swings, ride bicycles, play ball and find their own “secret” places. Adults can pass a languorous day relaxing on the beautiful grounds. Nap in the two-person hammock. Swing on the tree swings. Frolic in the pool or seek shade on the veranda or under a tree for respite from the afternoon heat. Picnic on the patio or by the pool. Inside, the ground floor remains cool. The ceiling fan draws refreshing cooler air upstairs. On the hottest days, the air conditioning easily breaks the heat upstairs and makes for comfortable sleeping. Outside, evenings are always pleasantly cool. Succulent blackberries are plentiful, especially in late summer.
September and October are many visitors’ favorite months. Summer crowds have dissipated. The pool’s solar heat keeps it comfortable until about the middle of October. The distinctive scent of the annual grape harvest tinges the air. Apples, persimmons and pears ripen on the trees. Groves of liquid ambers explode in riots of vivid fall color.
 Wildlife
Local wildlife is abundant and visible year-round from the house and grounds. Sit on the rear veranda and watch deer tiptoe across the corral at dusk. At dawn see hares bound across the fields. You’ll see ducks, geese, hawks, rabbits and other animals as well. Small footprints on the veranda in the morning betray the occasional passing of the nocturnal fox.
 Weather Updates
|
|
