Finding Inspiration in Your Surroundings on the La Peetch Property

Sometimes, life feels a little bit overwhelming. We get it, we’ve been there.

But we are also lucky enough to have the haven of La Peetch to go back to and draw inspiration from. In fact, there are places on the property that can really lift your spirits if you’re having a bad day. And if you need to disconnect from the human element of it all a little bit, there are so many gorgeous aspects to the property to bask in considerably and, for lack of a better term, re-fill your cup a bit.

Says Chef Kendall Lane, “I do enjoy sitting up on the part of the counter next to the stove and looking at the island with all of my products on it. I love taking a break and drinking a coffee and thinking about it.” Having her work directly in front of her–especially in such a storied prep area–can really help her clear her mind and move through her ingredients expertly.

When you feel like you’re lacking inspiration, or need a new perspective on something? The outdoor areas at La Peetch are some of the most remarkably beautiful we’ve ever found contemplative sanctuary in. Wisteria grows on the property, leaving it looking like it came straight out of a painting, basked in a fragrance that is a bit like enjoying heaven on earth.

“My favorite part of the La Peetch property is the garden and the terraces,” admits Kendall. “I like to go out when I’m kind of stuck on a dish or I need more inspiration or I need a breath of fresh air. I go into the garden and we have this beautiful bench that Ian built and a swing a couple of terraces up. I have really been going out there and making myself take 20 minutes, 15 minutes, or 10, 5 minutes just to sit, drink some water, think about what I’m doing and what I need, and how to create something if I’m missing something.”

The fact that outdoor spaces are among some of the most popular here on the property comes as no particular surprise. Incorporating outdoor activities into your routine can optimize your body’s function with access to fresh air, sunshine, plants, animals, and other environmental factors.

“Definitely the terraces are my favorite spot,” expands Kendall. “They bring calm and happiness to me. Swinging on the swing, deep in thought, works really well for contemplating all the craziness going on and all the changes. Mainly I use the space when I’m stuck on a vegetable or I’m missing an element to a dish. I love to go in the garden and just kind of think. Even a color will inspire me, maybe it’s not even something that’s growing in the garden. Being near the vegetables–being out in the sun–really helps me. I encourage the guests to do that a lot as well.”

Whether you are thinking through an otherwise difficult ingredient, coming to terms with some aspect of your personal or professional life, or just need a little breathing room, taking time out to enjoy the view is very much necessary during your time here. Consider a couple of silent mornings, sipping coffee or water with your feet in the pool to connect with the water element. Listen to the rustle of the leaves in the trees during a breezy day.

Slowing down and connecting with the earth may be just what you need, and we have plenty of opportunity for that.