Design Post Update

It is only in part an example only . If you want more , please browse to the internet . There is available a thousand kinds of photographs are also interesting.

 As I mentioned the grounds and gardens are immaculate and stunningly beautiful. One thing we didn't need was an umbrella -not even these amazing Senz Automatic Passion Umbrellas- which you can find at thestore.com. My preference is for Passion Red!
 Views of the mountains are found throughout the resort.
I mentioned that Frank Capra was a long time resident of the resort; he lived in the above bungalow with his wife each summer. A plaque and garden bench commemorate them.
This fun courtyard shown above surrounded by a few casitas is available for events; notice the strings of lights hanging over the space.
While most of the resort is lush and green this interesting desert garden above reminds one that we are in the desert after all!
I love how the fruit trees feature white painted bark about 30" high. While this has practical advantages against pests and also keeping the barks from splitting through the temperature differentials, it creates a beautiful contrast against the grass.
 Almost every tree was a citrus tree. It was citrus season during my visit and wonderful fresh fruit was available everywhere!
The newer structures feature great details just as in the older casitas. Notice the Spanish tiled steps and roofs.
 The turquoise shutters pair so well with the blue sky.
 The main clubhouse features a lot of common spaces and restaurants.
This fire in the main lobby is kept constantly burning with fragrant mesquite wood; a great place to spend a chilly evening with a glass of wine.
Even though they were past their prime ENORMOUS fragrant roses were to still be found throughout the resort.
 For those not interested in swimming pools or golf, the spa is a great way to spend a day.
The primary garden features numerous tiled water features so that you're never far away from the music they provide.
 Did I mention mountain views?
 This pool, one of 41, was where I spent most of my time as it was literally out my front door.
 Details wait around each corner.
I loved that some of the tiles featured paw-prints -just driving home the fact that they are handmade.
Ever thoughtful, wifi and cellphone repeaters are to be found dotted around the resort so that one can stay connected. Notice the palm tree above? It took me a few days but I finally realized these fake palm trees hide amongst the real ones providing the data to which we are all addicted!

I've recently been enjoying my copy of designer Timothy Corrigan's "An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Luce" and was thrilled to hear he'll be speaking at Hillwood next week, Tuesday, February 3 2015 at 7pm! Information on the lecture available HERE.
While the pictures of the restored Chateau are the obvious reason to peruse the book, Corrigan's conversational writing is approachable and enjoyable. Not knowing much about the designer I assumed it would all sound rather pretentious; you know what I mean by 'my chateau in France'.
Corrigan's approach to the restoration and decoration of the chateau is one of ease and a true country house; taking the best of French design and translating it to modern life in a very Californian sense while respecting the history of the structure.
As the book is amazing you've probably already read and seen quite a lot about the book and the chateau itself online if you haven't purchased your own copy. If not Architectural Digest (where I found these images) is a host of information about the chateau.  THIS main article will give you an overview of the book and estate, THIS video will have Corrigan charming the pants off of you, and THIS great slideshow has great 'before' and 'after' shots.
The most beautiful room in the chateau is probably the Salon Chinois, seen in the image above, with restored wall murals by the great 18th century artist Jean-Baptiste Pillement.
My favorite room though is probably the kitchen, seen in the image above.  You just know this is where everyone hangs out! The cabinetry could not be attached to the walls in a typical manner, as the building is a historic landmark and the original boiseries could not be damaged or altered.  The kitchen was  designed with free-standing pieces of furniture which would not have to be attached to the walls. I'm sure this sunny corner room sees a lot of action!
The one thing missing from this entertaining and beautiful book is a floorplan! One can imagine the plan based on the simple nature of the classical French Chateau with enfilade seen above, but the interstitial spaces are harder to guess at. I'm always asking for this though, no surprise.
The book is organized as if one were spending the weekend at the chateau as Corrigan's guest (can you even IMAGINE!) and walks you through the spaces and activities one would discover.  Stacey Bewkes and Susanna Salk had this privilege and you can read their reactions and watch their fun videos over on her blog Quintessence HERE.
If I were ever a lucky guest out of the 14 guest rooms pictured in the book I would without a doubt select the Chambre de Bonheur (or Room of Happiness) seen above on the cozy 3rd floor. The beautiful color scheme, comfortable but stylish furniture, and cozy nature of the attic level all appeal to me.  One can't read the book without choosing their own favorite!  I hope to see you at the lecture next week and if you can't attend I hope you pick up your own copy of this beautiful book!
Images in this post are from Architectural Digest or from the book by photographer Eric Piasecki.

While in Paris this past fall I visited the famous department store Printemps on the Boulevard Haussmann. Not for the reasons you think (shopping) but to check out the amazing 365 degree views of Paris from the rooftop restaurant!
Lunch was pretty good by American standards, sub-standard by Parisian, but no one could pay attention to their meals with all of Paris at their feet.
 Above you can make out the Eiffel Tower through the haze just beyond the Grand Palais.
 Above is La Madeleine which I blogged about HERE.
 There are just no bad views, a picture postcard in every frame.
Above is the roof of the Palais Garner, more commonly known as the Paris Opera House. I blogged about this magnificent building after one of my previous trips HERE and HERE.
The views of the Printemp's rooftop minarets are stunning in their own right. That shiny gilding must be recently applied!
Above you can barely see the hidden business district of Paris -leave those nasty tall, modern buildings out of sight!
 I love the multilayered roof of the apartment building across the street.
 Nor the Eglise Saint-Augustin seen above.
 Paris, not only the city of lights but the city with no bad views!