Like any amateur photographer I can’t escape the sunset cliché. The draw of sunsets at Lescure is undeniable, amazing light and colour filling the sky. I love how the orangery and the orchard are most often painted a rich magenta. A combination of red and violet, magenta contains the uncontrolled passion and energy of red, restrained by the introspection of violet. In colour psychology magenta helps to create harmony and balance in all aspects of life.

A bit of research taught me that the sky’s colours at sunrise and sunset are determined by a physical phenomenon called scattering. Molecules and small particles in the atmosphere change the direction of light rays, causing them to scatter. This affects the colour of light coming from the sky. But I also learned that in mystery school teachings, magenta is the colour of the eighth chakra, just outside the physical body, above the head. Supposedly the seat of our soul where we leave ego completely behind. So, time for science versus spirituality? I feel no need to choose sides. I’d just love for Lescure’s sunsets to have a healing effect on people who come to stay, slowing down their perception of time, helping them reflect on their lives and inspiring them with new ideas. The touch of magenta is a beautiful bonus.