A Spring Visit to Bella Terra for Friendship and Inspiration
Have you ever visited a place where you felt so at home and inspired that you had to tell your friends about it? Today I’m sharing my early spring trip to Bella Terra to visit my friend Mary.
I went on a trip last month to see my friend Mary of Life at Bella Terra.
Mary lives in the most beautiful historical estate, which was built in 1910 in Phoenix, Arizona. You can read more fun facts about her fabulous house on her blog HERE.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links as well for your convenience. Click here to read my privacy policy.
I can’t wait to show you around. I’m pretty sure you will fall in love with Bella Terra as well.
There are so many incredible details throughout the grounds of the estate, but unfortunately, I can only share a weekend’s worth.
Life at Bella Terra
Inside Mary’s Home
THE LIVING ROOM
The first two things I noticed when walking into the living room were the gorgeous coffered ceilings and the big windows letting all the sunlight in.
The coffered ceilings and the beautifully detailed fireplace add elegance to the space. Rare Batchelder tiles around the surround, original Canadian beech hardwood flooring, and French doors are just a few of the special details in this elegant room.
THE DINING ROOM
This room is equally impressive with wainscoting to match the fireplace mantel and an antique crystal chandelier.
If you look closely you will see the gorgeous plaster cove ceilings.
THE KITCHEN
I only wish I would have taken some more pictures of Mary’s kitchen. In my opinion, it’s the heart of her home.
You can see her amazing garden view through the kitchen windows.
CLICK HERE to see 10 things Mary loves in her kitchen.
THE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
This was one of my favorite places to hang out while I was here. It stays so nice and cool here.
The Grounds of Bella Terra
I can’t tell you how much fun it was for me to go exploring the grounds of Bella Terra. There was so much to see.
The property is on 2+ acres with an orchard, pool, henhouse, barn, pool house, guest cottage, and white picket fence garden.
PICKET FENCE GARDEN
Here you can see the white picket fence garden where Mary grows both vegetables and flowers.
THE HENHOUSE
The henhouse is just the cutest, isn’t it?
THE RESTORED BARN
Mary and her husband restored the barn.
Flowers Throughout the Property
I love the fact that Mary had flowers blooming throughout her garden at the end of March. It was such a treat for me.
I especially enjoyed the hollyhocks. I’ve never grown them in my garden but I am now inspired to try.
This is the most stunning bloom I have never seen before. I believe it is Vigna Speciosa or commonly known as Wondering Cowpea.
Mary grows the most beautiful roses too.
I love the color of these petunias that were growing in one of the flower containers on the grounds.
And this lantana color combination is stunning!
Here’s a special treat. Check out this Chinese Lantern plant growing in the gardens.
The Bella Terra Orchard
You can find lemons, grapefruit, and oranges in Mary’s orchard.
I’ve always wanted to grow citrus but apparently, it’s not a thing in the Pacific Northwest. So I will just live through Mary.
Mary, being the most amazing hostess, went out every morning and picked oranges.
There’s nothing like fresh-squeezed orange juice in the morning.
I also tried Mary’s MEYER LEMON MARMALADE.
The Bella Terra Guest Cottage
The lovely guest cottage, which is tucked away in the northwest corner of the property, was moved from an adjacent property sometime in the 1940s. It has a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bath.
Mary added antique French shutters, an overhang, and a sweet screen door.
The Swimming Pool & Pool House
Isn’t this the most beautiful setting?
Bella Terra also has a charming pool house.
Mary just had her pool house renovated. Look at that gleaming floor!
The kitchenette was completely redone. I’m loving the color she chose for the cabinets. You can see more about the renovation HERE.
Here is the bedroom with a view of the pool from the windows.
Can’t you see yourself sitting here enjoying a cup of coffee and enjoying this gorgeous outdoor space?
This is the sweet living room space in the pool house.
The Most Amazing Hostess
One of the things I loved most about my visit to Bella Terra was that Mary made the most perfect latte using her own almond milk that she made. CLICK HERE to see how she made it.
The Last Evening View of the Bella Terra Grounds
Isn’t this evening view of the grounds stunning? I love how the palm trees are all lit up.
Here’s the well tower on the property. CLICK HERE to see more about how it was restored.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual visit to Bella Terra as much as I loved my visit last month.
Be sure to visit Mary’s blog HERE. You will fall in love and be inspired.
Until next time,
Let’s Connect on Social Media
- Follow me @shiplapandshells on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook
- Join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks Group.
So sorry I missed this trip to Mary’s beautiful home, but your gorgeous photos made me feel like I was there with you! Thanks for sharing, and happy weekend!
I wish I could have finally met you in person Barbara. One of these days for sure.
What a great time you had and Mary’s home is gorgeous! Her gardens are incredible too!
Wow your photos turned out so great. You should teach photography! Hope your trip is amazing.
Kim, you took some amazing pictures! Thank you so much for coming to visit! I loved having everyone here and hope to do it again in November, where the property will look very different. You are so kind to share this with your followers!
It was so fun to be here with you!