Featured Post: English Country House

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Last Week, I had the honor of being featured on LDV with this post. Here is the post in case you missed it...English country houses have always held a great place in my heart. They feel grand, yet still manage to feel like a home. English country houses were often owned by individuals who also owned a home in London. Until the agricultural depressions of the 1870s, tending to these homes was the prime employment for many rural communities. Generally, those who owned an English country house, owned a large part of land around the home and used some of the land as a means of rental income, this was quite popular until World War I. English country houses have a wide range in architectural styles from Baroque, Palladian, Gothic, etc., these homes were designed to make a statement. (ABOVE) This English country house is located in St. George's Hill Weybridge. It has some influences from Palladian architecture. I like the mansard roof, and clean landscape design. (BELOW 1) Large outdoor spaces are added perks to owning an English country house. I just can't image how long it must take to mow all that grass! (BELOW 2) This English Country house is located in Honeybourne. It has a much less grand feel and more of a quaint charm, it feels more like a farm house. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
1

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2

(1) Herve Leger Laser Cut Bandage Dress, (2) Dannijo Adalyn Necklace, (3) Marc by Marc Jacobs Thunderdome Travel Doctor Bag, (4) Dannijo Cecile Earrings, (5) Burberry London Felted Peplum Jacket, (6) Overture Judith Leiber Ombre Concave Side Rectangle Clutch, (7) Jil Sander Music Heavyweight Satin Skirt, (8) Stella McCartney Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses, (9) Made Her Think Spike Rhinestone Ring, (10) B Brian Atwood Fontanne Iridescent Pumps

The Fashion: For the looks above, I was inspired by how those who would come from London to their English country houses would dress. The looks have both of a "city" feel and "English country" feel, and still manage to look and feel current. Fall 2012 is all about making a splash with "wine colored" pieces. The Marc Jacobs doctor bag, is a wonderful wine color and has that "city", "English country" feel. The Burberry peplum jacket feels more "English country" to me. I see it paired with a long flowing skirt or a shorter pencil skirt for a more "city" feel. It's definitely current as the peplum is still making a splash this fall 2012. The Brian Atwood pumps are all "city" to me. Every city girl needs a little shine when at her English country house! Which piece is your favorite? 

(BELOW 3) Lastly, this classic country estate located in Bromyard dates back over 700 years. It's a wonderful English country house that has many acres of land. Architecturally the house feels both like a classic and farm house. What do you think of all the English country houses featured? 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3

Moving In: Estate Nestled In The Park

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

This gorgeous stone country estate is located in Greenwich, Connecticut. The 9,600 square foot residence is situated on over 10 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. The home truly feels like it's nestled in a park. (ABOVE) From the street all you can see is a gorgeous iron gate and behind it, a park like setting. The property is exactly what a country estate should feel like, secluded! (BELOW 1) Once you've made your way through the gate and park, you are greeted by a fantastic residence. The home is designed like a ranch, a single level home that allows it to blend into its surroundings. Though I'm not a huge fan of this architectural style, I see it's purpose. (BELOW 2) A central courtyard. I really like the ivy growing along the exterior. The slate floors are wonderful. (BELOW 3) An aerial view of the pool, and tennis court. I can definitely see myself waking up to a game of tennis and taking a dip in the pool. (BELOW 4) An aerial view of the home. Here you can really see how well the property is actually maintained. Every square inch of the property is utilized and serves a purpose. What do you think of the estate? Would you move in? 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
1

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
4

The Dining Room: (1) Sputnik Lamp Attr. Stilnovo Italy 50s from Liebe Mobel Haben, (2) Quatour Table By Carlo Scarpa from Zeitlos-Berlin, (3) Vintage Persian Gabbeh from Asiaoccidentale, (4) Tube Chairs from Cain Modern, The Kitchen:  (5) Pair of Peill & Putzler Hanging Lights from Gallery L7, (6) Fine and Rare Pair of Tall Stools by Pierre Chareau from Maison Gerard, (7) Early 1930's Bidjar Vintage Rug from Art Oriental GmbH, (8) Copper Skin Series Celadon Green Cabinet from Johnson Trading Gallery

The Casual Look: (1) Thakoon Printed Scuba Jersey, (2) T by Alexander Wang Crepe Shorts, (3) Karen Walker Deep Freeze Sunglasses, (4) Frye Cameron Bag, (5) Sam Edelman Gigi Thong Sandals, The Formal Look: (5) Mary Katrantzou Jigsaw Printed Dress, (6) Stella McCartney Oversized Round Sunglasses, (7) Pamela Love Grizzly Ring, (8) Clare Vivier Flat Clutch, (9) Gianvito Rossi PVC Pumps,

Featured Post: Connecticut Classic

http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0064465#
1

Yesterday I had the honor of being featured on LDV with this post. Here it is in case you missed it...

I'm so excited to share with you some of my favorite traditional styled homes and elegant looks... Greenwich, Connecticut has some of the most magnificent homes in the world. I love homes in Greenwich, Connecticut because, each home has its own unique style and look. Home I: This wonderful Normandy style estate in Greenwich, Connecticut is surrounded by colorful grounds and greenery making it perfect for a spring getaway. Applying Ivy onto the front facade is a great way to soften brick or stone. In addition, Ivy gives a home an old-glamorous feel. A great way to give the entrance of your home some sprucing up for the spring is by adding flowers. I always love yellow flowers in front of my home as they are very inviting. What do you love about this estate?

http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065641#
2

Home II: This wonderful estate is set on eleven acres of well landscaped grounds. The estate looks as if it is set in the European Country side. What fascinates me about this home is the large windows. I love home's with much natural light. The home is very stately and speaks volumes on its own, therefore, I like how simple the landscaping is. What do you love about this estate?

http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065761#
3

Home III: This 1930s Georgian colonial is set on over eight acres of land. Whenever I think of estates in the Northeast I always think of home's that look like this, classic, with beautiful detailing. The estate has a very warm and inviting look, despite being so large. To achieve this, the landscape architect applied much greenery both on and around the home. This estate also features a wonderful pool and tennis court, I wish I knew the owners so I could invite myself over! What do you love about this estate?

http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065727#
4

Home IV: This home is another example of Georgian architecture. The home was built in 1927, by the acclaimed Twachtman brothers. The estate features many impeccably landscaped gardens in the English park style. I can just picture myself laying on the grass, reading a book here. It feels like such a magical place. What do you love about this estate?

(1) Halston Heritage Pleated Fly Away Dress, (2) Diane von Furstenberg Kimeena Dress, (3) Juliet & Company Mirage Necklace, (4) Elizabeth and James Wooster Sunglasses, (5) WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel CC Clutch, (6) Alejandro Ingelmo Grace Platform Pumps

The Fashion: For the above looks I was inspired by classic pieces with a modern edge. Whenever I think of classic pieces with a modern edge I always go Halston Heritage. The Halston dress features a wonderful stripe pattern. It's the perfect dress for an evening on the town. The Alejandro pumps are very elegant, but do not go overboard. The color works great with both dresses, the Juliet & Company necklace, Elizabeth and James sunglasses and vintage Chanel clutch. Which piece is your favorite?

http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065641#
5

http://www.sothebyshomes.com/San-Francisco-Real-Estate/sales/0085650#
6

Home V & VI: Home five has wonderful views of the water. I can just image how beautiful the property must look during the fall. Home six was designed for the heiress of Hibernia Bank in 1930 by noted architect, David Adler. Unlike the home's above, this home was built in California. The pool deck is my favorite part of this home. It's wonderfully landscaped and has sweeping views. Which estate do you want to live in? 

(1) Thread Eleanor Halter Gown with Grosgrain Belt, (2) Dallin Chase Sal Beaded Striped Dress, (3) Juliet & Company New Pearl Wrap Necklace, (4) Balenciaga Twisted Temple Sunglasses, (5) Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Metallic Clutch, (6) Loeffler Randall Tamsin Stamped Lizard Pumps

The Fashion: For the above looks I was inspired by purely classic elegance. The Thread Eleanor gown is absolutely amazing and captures the whole feel of classic elegance. It's the perfect dress for a formal event at any one of the above homes. The second dress has the most wonderful beading. It's simple and can be dressed up or down. Pair the dresses with a Diane von Furstenberg clutch to add a little flare. Which piece is your favorite?  

Click Here To Follow (BAD) Blog About Design on Pinterest

Historic French Country Estate

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Located in Perigord, France on over 150 acres of land, this estate is stunning. Each building set on the large property has so much character and architectural significance. The French Cottage design is very fitting. (ABOVE) This aerial view of the home and the property shows the wonderful landscaping and position of the structures. I love the look of the hedge garden to the left. (BELOW 1) The front facade of the house has so much details. I love the look of the old slate roof and stone. The ivy growing on the side of the wall softens the structure. (BELOW 2) The estate features a large swimming pool. How gorgeous is the pool deck tiling? You can tell that the structure around the pool was built at a different time, as it has a different colored roof and darker front stone. (BELOW 3) This little alcove located on the grounds features old stone walls and ceilings. The beautiful wall carve outs and arched doorways add so much character. What a great space architecturally. What do you think about the estate?

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
1

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3

NY Country Estate

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

I was mesmerized by this grand Chappaqua, NY estate when I came across it. It's spread on over 80 acres of land and features a tennis court, basketball court, pool, and much more. The home has over 20,000 square feet of living space, it was build in 2004 and has many different architectural influences. My first thought when I learned of its 20,000 square feet--who needs so much room? It's definitely not the home for a couple! (ABOVE) I really like the center motorcourt. It's not obnoxiously large, like some new constructed homes like to make them. The boxwoods and shrubbery soften the facade and add much curb appeal. I like the breezeway to the left and symmetrical Bow windows. (BELOW 1) The large infinite pool is to the left of the main house. The separate pool house makes changing and showering very convenient. The pool deck is a wonderfully designed relaxing escape. (BELOW 2) Nestled within the large oak and spruce trees is this fantastic tennis court. What a great place to exercise and get your A-game on! (BELOW 3) Directly behind the home is this gorgeous large yard. The different levels with flowers and rock wall really make the space feel right. It's such a great place to play with the kids or dogs! (BELOW 4) The back of the home is stunning. I love the center dome. The back of the home has a very Colonial Revival-Neoclassical architectural style. What do you think of this estate? 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
1

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
4

Moving In: Hidden Valley Estate

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

I've got a good one for you today folks! Located in Connecticut (surprised me too!) is this amazing 1920s historic estate designed by architect Edward C. Dean. The home was designed for a renown NY surgeon and NY socialite, oh la la! The architecture of the home is reflective of the original families love of travel and collecting artifacts. With over 275 acres of land, and over 8,000 sq ft of living space, you're sure to be comfortable here! (ABOVE) The front of this home is brilliant. How great are those towers! It's a mixture between castle and chateau--castle chateau chic! I love the stone wall and green hedges growing along it. The hedges soften the wall and home. To the far right, you'll notice a bridge that crosses over a stream and leads to the main house.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
1
(1) A mile long private driveway leads to the main house. Two ivy towers flank the entry to the main house. Not having a gate, allows the original architecture of the home to speak. A gate would distract from the stone walls. I get a very English vibe from this photograph.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2
(2) The property is equally impeccable. With over 275 acres of land, this estate would make for the perfect getaway. A long walk, or a little fishing in the pond. It's a home to relax in from the hustle and bustle of city living. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3
(3) I love the back of the home. I find it to have a different vibe from the front of the house. While the front of the home felt more like a castle, the back of the home feels more like a country, farm-type house.  

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
4
(4) This seating area has got a very laid back, outdoors thing going for it. The wood furnishings look great against the stone facade. As much as I like the rustic vibe of the patio, I'd rather it be fully done in blue slate, and for the two sections to be connected. I'm guessing the owners decided to leave it in its original condition? 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
5
(5) The pool deck has a farmhouse vibe. A one bedroom guesthouse is adjacent the pool. With a property this gorgeous you're sure to get a lot of visitors! I wonder if the pool is original to the home? It sure looks it!

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
6
(6) Whenever I see such open spaces I just dream of running! It probably has to do with city living for me. The property is definitely a dream playground for the kids. I remember loving to adventure through the woods growing up. What do you think of the home? Would you move in? 
 

Follow (BAD) on Pinterest Follow (BAD) on Twitter Follow (BAD) on Facebook