Ambrosia By Aysha Hansen

Ambrosia was inspired by a memory of one hot summer's day on holiday in Blois, France.

While exploring the outskirts of town, we stumbled upon a crumbling 18th-century townhouse. Intrigued, we slipped through the front entrance and discovered something extraordinary. A forgotten home, long derelict, yet still echoing with faded grandeur and sunlit stillness. It felt like stepping into a dream - suspended in time.

The grand staircase had collapsed and the marble grand entry had trees growing up through the tiles and into the second floor. The gilt ceilings were bowing and enormous chandeliers hanging by a thread from the vast ceiling.

We crept through towards the back of the house and came upon an enormous glass dome conservatory, with trees and vines growing through broken panes of glass, hand painted mosaic tiles buckling under our feet.

A glimpse into the back courtyard revealed a once beautiful structured garden overcome with wild flowers and ivy. Sweet dried grasses swayed in the heat, rambling roses covered marble statues.

The air was heavy with hazy summer heat, sweet osmanthus and white honey. An ancient orchard of sun-ripened stone fruits lay beyond, its scent of nectar entwined with wild jasmine and ivy climbing the crumbling stone walls. In the dappled light, it felt like time was holding its breath.