January has been a month of contrasts for us — full hearts, dramatic landscapes, extreme weather, and finally, the deep comfort of being home again at A Deer Cottage . Our handmade sign indicating the gateway to A Deer Cottage We returned to New Zealand on January 10th after a wonderful trip through Australia and Japan, where the greatest joy was spending time with our children and their families. Time together is always precious, and this trip reminded us just how much those

Hello, dear friends As the year winds down, life at A Deer Cottage has been anything but quiet. It’s been a month filled with cherished traditions, creative projects, and heartfelt preparations—each one bringing its own special joy and meaning. One of my favourite traditions is baking my Christmas cake, using my late grandmother’s beloved fruit cake and wedding cake recipe. The smell of rich spices and fruits fills the air, wrapping me in fond memories of hers and my Mum's ki