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John Russell Pope tour and an upcoming ICAA event

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsAZ87N4cQoo7xdPNQSW9cR87Ilg7X8_IATI-9ts9u9gphWs3SSFMMCLZAQntNwcjLYPCG-0isU-cdkXvSeV5D_NBtdeUw107DaA0_3Jswt6xhejKCc6hzlk4M9UwaPrtMNXz6gQC0mU/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsAZ87N4cQoo7xdPNQSW9cR87Ilg7X8_IATI-9ts9u9gphWs3SSFMMCLZAQntNwcjLYPCG-0isU-cdkXvSeV5D_NBtdeUw107DaA0_3Jswt6xhejKCc6hzlk4M9UwaPrtMNXz6gQC0mU/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+statue.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>I recently had the honor to host a lunch time tour of the John Russell Pope designed <a href="http://www.nga.gov/">National Gallery of Art</a> for the <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/">Mid-Atlantic branch of the ICAA</a> of which I sit on the board.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRtlBtxnzat9iEWTtMvWBLVSx9BNf-NBUAAlKrlUGm1W7QQtIdCdqiCJrfSAEalClZOL51AAC9U_ESAuc103Q1W_joXN4B2N3G3TBQTjPUeLLmxbWOiOyjcRDMVUPjN3C6ymD3qhUaSc/s1600/national+Gallery+of+art.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRtlBtxnzat9iEWTtMvWBLVSx9BNf-NBUAAlKrlUGm1W7QQtIdCdqiCJrfSAEalClZOL51AAC9U_ESAuc103Q1W_joXN4B2N3G3TBQTjPUeLLmxbWOiOyjcRDMVUPjN3C6ymD3qhUaSc/s1600/national+Gallery+of+art.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Probably my favorite public building in a city of favorites, this classical gem was designed by architect John Russell Pope for Andrew W. Mellon. Mellon (basically and in short) gifted the building and the basis of its collection to the nation. In an odd twist of fate both Mellon and Pope passed away in August,1937 before the Galleries' dedication in 1941.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuW26lNDkWHWsDjT5-wx9c3tQBe8NJ-vkKsPWoxvXRDb77j3UQPy6CUKYyMz0cIt5B2RY-WMLCz7oU_qnp1DA43VeERfXOyNPlXmCQ68YHbiI-myY3kk3mCE3cYG4DHqK9VKEGWS7QuQ/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuW26lNDkWHWsDjT5-wx9c3tQBe8NJ-vkKsPWoxvXRDb77j3UQPy6CUKYyMz0cIt5B2RY-WMLCz7oU_qnp1DA43VeERfXOyNPlXmCQ68YHbiI-myY3kk3mCE3cYG4DHqK9VKEGWS7QuQ/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+sign.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Clad in Tennessee pink marble the Neoclassical structure harkens the growing trend towards modernism while still looking to the past, as does much of its' collection.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8VLXHpKJxj5zO1UJ6MEkyxM88g5haEcVmDCVFkV63m3HkBZ9jqExbOCJdpPakvFL8_fi75_KvKu8uaCX2h9wTJmJTQ_V7adeoLFDhxLLTDQNjsvfq7WCBh4pngF3JG1ACwt4FVXmJJc/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8VLXHpKJxj5zO1UJ6MEkyxM88g5haEcVmDCVFkV63m3HkBZ9jqExbOCJdpPakvFL8_fi75_KvKu8uaCX2h9wTJmJTQ_V7adeoLFDhxLLTDQNjsvfq7WCBh4pngF3JG1ACwt4FVXmJJc/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+side.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Below you can see some early sketches by Pope which show the partee or basic plan as well as the massing of the building.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHyzTUF9ykszmGjCm_UhSbA5sUnOCV3sc2aDsibBq7Hj-dKE_ps2BLpwyPcO0u63aQgfMxMBmoAbDdvxn6JKwiMbOfc61UYNL9oqXItQkkOXaLb5Md1Z4aMbwEw4xK8ZeXNacdWxCDM/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+floorplan+by+JRP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHyzTUF9ykszmGjCm_UhSbA5sUnOCV3sc2aDsibBq7Hj-dKE_ps2BLpwyPcO0u63aQgfMxMBmoAbDdvxn6JKwiMbOfc61UYNL9oqXItQkkOXaLb5Md1Z4aMbwEw4xK8ZeXNacdWxCDM/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+floorplan+by+JRP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Largely based on Rome's Pantheon with wings housing the galleries, the structure incorporated the latest technology of the time which has held up remarkably well considering the wear and tear the building receives on a daily basis (including a recent earthquake)!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0XM80puR-mArdw-7N2sTSX3c29EnT_HkAlsl2nNVU-pb2rHwYbF05f7PCobF1737ZlDZW5_plMu2aV5NNIo8ptHvabWGmFVwZAmU0_JmcO7FjQmK1QTnEGTbq31656XEVTIdV9GKCy0/s1600/National+gallery+of+art+rotunda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0XM80puR-mArdw-7N2sTSX3c29EnT_HkAlsl2nNVU-pb2rHwYbF05f7PCobF1737ZlDZW5_plMu2aV5NNIo8ptHvabWGmFVwZAmU0_JmcO7FjQmK1QTnEGTbq31656XEVTIdV9GKCy0/s1600/National+gallery+of+art+rotunda.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The central rotunda is my favorite space in the museum and possibly the city. The columns surrounding the central fountain are solid marble (quite the engineering feat getting those into place) which visually support a large coffered dome. While appearing to be the same stone as the rest of the interior, the dome is actually composed of plaster with a steel frame.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUVmtfGa_O1IY6Eh5Hkw4cpIOE75gQsoXtpC0AdFrJpZ9E-mpULSpAIGSNQ1pmH7C9piybJXC5UTvlylS-igX4DV7bzxJllf5By-SQi9CeEZlLmsAYjjGMUUAPSnb-mG2wZnM4yqvmdk/s1600/Plaster+dome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUVmtfGa_O1IY6Eh5Hkw4cpIOE75gQsoXtpC0AdFrJpZ9E-mpULSpAIGSNQ1pmH7C9piybJXC5UTvlylS-igX4DV7bzxJllf5By-SQi9CeEZlLmsAYjjGMUUAPSnb-mG2wZnM4yqvmdk/s1600/Plaster+dome.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Indeed the entire structure is concrete and steel based with a very (modern) veneer of marble. It hides his secret well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc4lpySlPfKc0bBbooooBHtQd30kQVX-zpWxTcchQH7K29sHYDqeaXEGHXWy7oNjSYaEbeuaKtLFvy3ePPt5-WTYh1rAsouByu6Uin2NqXJ1VgFTPgaYePmPlMw0y66ynEkdJS76BAOs/s1600/sculpture+courts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc4lpySlPfKc0bBbooooBHtQd30kQVX-zpWxTcchQH7K29sHYDqeaXEGHXWy7oNjSYaEbeuaKtLFvy3ePPt5-WTYh1rAsouByu6Uin2NqXJ1VgFTPgaYePmPlMw0y66ynEkdJS76BAOs/s1600/sculpture+courts.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>On either side of the rotunda are 2 skylit sculpture courts. As throughout the museum most spaces on the piano nobile are daylit by large skylights.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDBBmaIDCWVoGBiXm1rodKCYWns7nDu8J1VKHK5bClzxxTASsbFkiaYWTT7OZHoCy3tK8jfGYPGqEcAK0_HN-qVHEK3_KGitCovJh-co078GM7frHoWFlo2zGQaEeOhmrrNymySnMrMY/s1600/overdoor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDBBmaIDCWVoGBiXm1rodKCYWns7nDu8J1VKHK5bClzxxTASsbFkiaYWTT7OZHoCy3tK8jfGYPGqEcAK0_HN-qVHEK3_KGitCovJh-co078GM7frHoWFlo2zGQaEeOhmrrNymySnMrMY/s1600/overdoor.JPG" width="286" /></a></div> The building itself is an encyclopedia on classical detailing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6D1vzQv-mO1isIUE18u2uOPLqFn67Jxws9ieKcYcQa-jgVsYg7TZlhrtC59oaT8BG6yuBMQbvu5aLyrBUGyqb7eA8eqc1psG9Kkbx4e78OkdZPMKcKpycUWnBfrgA76lbyVbL9jtv3E/s1600/brass+lantern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6D1vzQv-mO1isIUE18u2uOPLqFn67Jxws9ieKcYcQa-jgVsYg7TZlhrtC59oaT8BG6yuBMQbvu5aLyrBUGyqb7eA8eqc1psG9Kkbx4e78OkdZPMKcKpycUWnBfrgA76lbyVbL9jtv3E/s1600/brass+lantern.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I love this bronze lantern in one of the vestibules -notice the Greek key and architectural motifs.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UCDpHXOQwDa9vnr6jVVbO2cVmF3w8g6ikVH6vDbFRYtvN1qNn9BgMljyANr5o1GFnlfFPoQQwxNeef3OzJarFosGKP5zuy1bXx9CgXDdYVEn-BrlvTYCwZHbGGCEmxCds5mtVLWjTl0/s1600/stone+casing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UCDpHXOQwDa9vnr6jVVbO2cVmF3w8g6ikVH6vDbFRYtvN1qNn9BgMljyANr5o1GFnlfFPoQQwxNeef3OzJarFosGKP5zuy1bXx9CgXDdYVEn-BrlvTYCwZHbGGCEmxCds5mtVLWjTl0/s1600/stone+casing.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The openings in the galleries themselves are clad in different materials -here in Italian travertine with silk damask walls (dating to the 1980s)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1BXk9eGFtbPhEF8y8pQnX_ZzB-nJSJExNADI8H66p_vQQmX55P_Q-J9Y395klqRQFcFefNpidzqLb1AFvLA_ekR3LscsTRjQCIjZ6YKATH8YBG8VfI6nIAEkfe2Can1AZ7uHhW7RBSI/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+tour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1BXk9eGFtbPhEF8y8pQnX_ZzB-nJSJExNADI8H66p_vQQmX55P_Q-J9Y395klqRQFcFefNpidzqLb1AFvLA_ekR3LscsTRjQCIjZ6YKATH8YBG8VfI6nIAEkfe2Can1AZ7uHhW7RBSI/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+tour.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Seen above the current chief architect for the museum, Susan Wertheim, talks to the group about the Pantheon influence in front of Panini's painting, <a href="http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/Collection/art-object-page.165.html">Interior of the Pantheon</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3So-nv30gmxdefdjgXNiBc9ZvauqVOswMExyXwFfjnbJ09hvPhXyw_Re1jhv7ErbHh2MDkKCNXJMTrRlJ7OL5r8KQ1flw4OUL4TZd_9-6DLLGl1hfXVSumSjRfLVthyunvTs_M_JJDg/s1600/column+capital+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3So-nv30gmxdefdjgXNiBc9ZvauqVOswMExyXwFfjnbJ09hvPhXyw_Re1jhv7ErbHh2MDkKCNXJMTrRlJ7OL5r8KQ1flw4OUL4TZd_9-6DLLGl1hfXVSumSjRfLVthyunvTs_M_JJDg/s1600/column+capital+detail.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Speaking of classical detailing the ICAA has an upcoming lecture by <a href="http://theartofclassicaldetails.com/author.php">Phillip James Dodd</a> centered on his new book <a href="http://theartofclassicaldetails.com/">The Art of Classical Details</a> on Thursday, May 22nd - a fascinating lecture not to be missed!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYMgmaYx_qmgaYR4D4fRp3-SjsO8QWSbio_8tf__sOt8hzEShrM26pbCegsGdv4Pk4-TLtQOuuskEVMG7aBkwicr-bZDAPf3h2Y1d-2AAv9t5vdeALhkPX2IxpQJJNVtJvkIP-qz1WIY/s1600/The+art+of+Classical+Detailing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYMgmaYx_qmgaYR4D4fRp3-SjsO8QWSbio_8tf__sOt8hzEShrM26pbCegsGdv4Pk4-TLtQOuuskEVMG7aBkwicr-bZDAPf3h2Y1d-2AAv9t5vdeALhkPX2IxpQJJNVtJvkIP-qz1WIY/s1600/The+art+of+Classical+Detailing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Information and tickets to the lecture can be purchased from the website; look towards the bottom of the events page linked <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/chapter_events">HERE</a>. Hope to see you there!

John Russell Pope tour and an upcoming ICAA event

I recently had the honor to host a lunch time tour of the John Russell Pope designed National Gallery of Art for the Mid-Atlantic branch of...

4:30 AM

2 notable houses of stucco

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC2oRemithplzvXxJmbh5j938yDHh9C1qq1n2yNCvVRbhMYW3DboMRRz0bRT6zNBqu0-v81PDjDkSAluPjkJYQR_lO7QtgtFOPAvhpa6iPLUiAtN8p421x8yvcx-xPplTnTwVO6P4Lijs/s1600/formal+trees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC2oRemithplzvXxJmbh5j938yDHh9C1qq1n2yNCvVRbhMYW3DboMRRz0bRT6zNBqu0-v81PDjDkSAluPjkJYQR_lO7QtgtFOPAvhpa6iPLUiAtN8p421x8yvcx-xPplTnTwVO6P4Lijs/s400/formal+trees.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This weekend while walking around Georgetown I noticed 2 unusual stucco houses. Now just in passing (or from a car window) they might not strike you as anything but ordinary but lets look closer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8eLwdENKteglWywk6oHK0VTl4BAZy_KMhzW-q3YtopAiBTanfGX48tgQxY92jXTsxVfaOuwF2YaSh-_vw7W1RwTDpAsdKzndLKQw0W-uwQBd1rldMlGwxyw0M5rBrkVGpq7NgPWW295R/s1600/Rosemary's+beach+in+georgetown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8eLwdENKteglWywk6oHK0VTl4BAZy_KMhzW-q3YtopAiBTanfGX48tgQxY92jXTsxVfaOuwF2YaSh-_vw7W1RwTDpAsdKzndLKQw0W-uwQBd1rldMlGwxyw0M5rBrkVGpq7NgPWW295R/s400/Rosemary's+beach+in+georgetown.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>This stucco house which appears to have been put together from at least 2 or 3 brick houses at some point reminds me of something from <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2012/03/rosemary-beach.html">Rosemary's Beach</a> in Florida, especially the side elevation. See what I mean?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvGzyKbWOwTS5ycBhUgIkYj7BsmoF1YEZkb-I0kpVchgigcaBiAs0BJmIZ7Hv5-yEp0hdy7VVntS64dzBTzFWnO_pTFHrwY7WcNYX8UeTprfKROdo3vzRG-bvniVUyOqvXUkOmSsFHDRt/s1600/georgetown+townhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvGzyKbWOwTS5ycBhUgIkYj7BsmoF1YEZkb-I0kpVchgigcaBiAs0BJmIZ7Hv5-yEp0hdy7VVntS64dzBTzFWnO_pTFHrwY7WcNYX8UeTprfKROdo3vzRG-bvniVUyOqvXUkOmSsFHDRt/s400/georgetown+townhouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Don't you love how the tall planted trees make it look like Greek Revival columns on the front facade?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSZBdzjBXgda2fGS_-kCPafZJFI5J2cqXNHW0QCmw3qsHTXpCt4VKM4U_zGYi1Aeul8qyPfO5SJDuhNV155vWbovga0saZRGOwA2s06qbCPgA9c1dgxHHgouo41VwZQAx_G4327bCG7kj/s1600/whole+blue+trim+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSZBdzjBXgda2fGS_-kCPafZJFI5J2cqXNHW0QCmw3qsHTXpCt4VKM4U_zGYi1Aeul8qyPfO5SJDuhNV155vWbovga0saZRGOwA2s06qbCPgA9c1dgxHHgouo41VwZQAx_G4327bCG7kj/s320/whole+blue+trim+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The second house appears to be another white painted stucco house until you look closer.  Do you see it?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0f5qzPxR8Imd5cdcbD2SDfsOrUa2zEsEF1uaim1uMeztYSTPEua_IfTaKOkWSFkrjo-ecfp7pTOS30A653RxOm9vTHBgAmA0QhwM2Y7LEc_v93jf1b_zkL3KVsF-HpF_o3xCB6psWv6y/s1600/blue+trim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0f5qzPxR8Imd5cdcbD2SDfsOrUa2zEsEF1uaim1uMeztYSTPEua_IfTaKOkWSFkrjo-ecfp7pTOS30A653RxOm9vTHBgAmA0QhwM2Y7LEc_v93jf1b_zkL3KVsF-HpF_o3xCB6psWv6y/s320/blue+trim.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Look beyond the lovely details such as double porches, symmetrical brick stairs, (a vintage Porsche under wraps), and the Chippendale rail.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKnJNplE1e-ihmn_uIlb_Cxm8lcd8HMmMgjk80A2-NC6fO5isQIW_DENUTe7GehRZsWPntyKi3b8KxMqtcCzEirK6BNtVErlsRe_uRRA0EvvVkbuFubv9KlPlLSDRRYw0VtjDiQ053mCr/s1600/garage+trim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKnJNplE1e-ihmn_uIlb_Cxm8lcd8HMmMgjk80A2-NC6fO5isQIW_DENUTe7GehRZsWPntyKi3b8KxMqtcCzEirK6BNtVErlsRe_uRRA0EvvVkbuFubv9KlPlLSDRRYw0VtjDiQ053mCr/s320/garage+trim.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>All of the trim is painted the same white as the facade but with a navy blue highlighted line of trim.  Lovely, fresh, and so 'French' somehow.<br /><i>I took all of these images with a new app I discovered somewhere called "Dynamic Light" - a sort of instant photoshop for your smartphone! Hope you can tell a difference in the picture quality.</i>

2 notable houses of stucco

This weekend while walking around Georgetown I noticed 2 unusual stucco houses. Now just in passing (or from a car window) they might not st...

5:55 AM

Modern Gothic: Astley Castle

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCUu15BsERwFIacb6P7qPOP4N6PFkMAFZe-nd8oYat-1XwTuoutCWrVnlu1IKkMZ4HZ_9-WB5XcSpynhGZJ8QOvuUHNaGKhNmf1imTQsbIXNMuy_Qin9a9HdbhzTRvft_qym-L8MXDOOv/s1600/stone+and+brick+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCUu15BsERwFIacb6P7qPOP4N6PFkMAFZe-nd8oYat-1XwTuoutCWrVnlu1IKkMZ4HZ_9-WB5XcSpynhGZJ8QOvuUHNaGKhNmf1imTQsbIXNMuy_Qin9a9HdbhzTRvft_qym-L8MXDOOv/s400/stone+and+brick+wall.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>Ever wondered what it would be like to stay overnight in a castle? The <a href="http://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/newlandmarks/astleycastle">Landmark Trust</a> in Britain allows you just that pleasure. One of many properties they offer was recently the center of much debate and an ingenius renovation: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astley_Castle">Astley Castle</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTaiLVDOtajBmcke4erp4jTcBqT4zd7FUr2TH6Mn2zhDzliy_HIpDtQS1C94kzxtQiZXefKXr9DZ4twS4YiYMKAV5_1mJ_Jy9v1RzjAIz-t6JiMm1cdxyUOR-FmfbnNsUn2fspXOyoDv8/s1600/Astley+Castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTaiLVDOtajBmcke4erp4jTcBqT4zd7FUr2TH6Mn2zhDzliy_HIpDtQS1C94kzxtQiZXefKXr9DZ4twS4YiYMKAV5_1mJ_Jy9v1RzjAIz-t6JiMm1cdxyUOR-FmfbnNsUn2fspXOyoDv8/s400/Astley+Castle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Featured in the January 2013 issue of <a href="http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/">House and Garden</a> magazine, the castle was a ruined shell since 1978 when the hotel it housed burned to the ground. However it held a storied past dating to the 12th century despite its rather forlorn existence throughout the 20th century.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1j366-m6LVPlPELgyKmVuKM1FcpMDnMDoSKeAtKa97BFxRvVfOS3WL62xfznxvKPWF4DUCXZZF5EnhTtgY4w85G2KuFMQSDD8exAlb-fddwzHyJP49OiQZlGy1MbDA8lqew5av1MeKzp/s1600/castle+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1j366-m6LVPlPELgyKmVuKM1FcpMDnMDoSKeAtKa97BFxRvVfOS3WL62xfznxvKPWF4DUCXZZF5EnhTtgY4w85G2KuFMQSDD8exAlb-fddwzHyJP49OiQZlGy1MbDA8lqew5av1MeKzp/s400/castle+view.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>Finally in 2005 a competition was held on how best to utilize the ruined castle.  Architects <a href="http://www.wwmarchitects.co.uk/">Witherford Watson Mann</a> were chosen who preserved the damaged shell and ingeniusly inserted a modern house - utilizing the ruins to their best advantage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_ArUAUUI2oXtL6U6VmChbck9Q_O-b_CHevFdCKJELxoUJ8uoOpu2qPoSJUgex6xdT8bFut7CUpF5RbV2KFshmYoCblxjXVLemk6YKtgJwrdZVM7iPNhWMqwtSE_VJZqfqQL1kSDyUCQz/s1600/living+room+with+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_ArUAUUI2oXtL6U6VmChbck9Q_O-b_CHevFdCKJELxoUJ8uoOpu2qPoSJUgex6xdT8bFut7CUpF5RbV2KFshmYoCblxjXVLemk6YKtgJwrdZVM7iPNhWMqwtSE_VJZqfqQL1kSDyUCQz/s400/living+room+with+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Those of you who read this blog and/or know me realize I am not a modernist (duh!). However, I love the respectful nature of the new work within the charmingly derelict shell. The texture of the carefully chosen new brick within the original stone walls is beautiful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4_d193yaFE6TgOTYYQBpSpZcRaraOM1WB-3ZZLVZ0M_8NvTaiQYPvkwwgo3FVexRYW0p20tPGYqnwOwu4pqNMk-z4fOgXAxwVoGIt5sFoy1Dos9_qeh8UvYTaO_JvBklEsFDa7Ko42k5/s1600/modern+castle+interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4_d193yaFE6TgOTYYQBpSpZcRaraOM1WB-3ZZLVZ0M_8NvTaiQYPvkwwgo3FVexRYW0p20tPGYqnwOwu4pqNMk-z4fOgXAxwVoGIt5sFoy1Dos9_qeh8UvYTaO_JvBklEsFDa7Ko42k5/s400/modern+castle+interior.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>The best feature was actually created from the most damaged part of the castle: the al fresco dining room which retains the original fireplace. Imagine dining under the stars fireside, at once inside and outside of the castle!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhoa86P-Wey_rjFvac-mcjmmxja3PNwoT6ewhCzlHL14-Czjoqn8pZlyh1_14SiXnUUD-_iX009ZgrkYiUXnxLV3i9FimahiQYtWb26kbHFt2MH2ZokNf7tqecuAjuE2SuOE6vzha64LR/s1600/modern+gothic+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhoa86P-Wey_rjFvac-mcjmmxja3PNwoT6ewhCzlHL14-Czjoqn8pZlyh1_14SiXnUUD-_iX009ZgrkYiUXnxLV3i9FimahiQYtWb26kbHFt2MH2ZokNf7tqecuAjuE2SuOE6vzha64LR/s400/modern+gothic+dining+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The emphasis here is of course on the architecture and not the interiors but I love the whimsy of the Gothic dining chairs seen above and the beautiful green curtains.  Would you stay here over a vacation?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwz2cVgWisafULpDyaQL45CTRPyBUTmHly3Q-WPkmHI3zyKIzOWKBYUeKmS1P0uvc54y_GRMFpVI6qmhn7dLPlgbZwPvjJN1r4DrerzdYWvqJbSiIQSwQVlUQxUGoqbpqG5sj-s6CpK9T/s1600/ancient+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwz2cVgWisafULpDyaQL45CTRPyBUTmHly3Q-WPkmHI3zyKIzOWKBYUeKmS1P0uvc54y_GRMFpVI6qmhn7dLPlgbZwPvjJN1r4DrerzdYWvqJbSiIQSwQVlUQxUGoqbpqG5sj-s6CpK9T/s400/ancient+castle.jpg" width="337" /></a></div> All photos by <a href="http://www.jeffersonsmith.co.uk/">Jefferson Smith</a> for House and Garden magazine.

Modern Gothic: Astley Castle

Ever wondered what it would be like to stay overnight in a castle? The Landmark Trust in Britain allows you just that pleasure. One of many...

3:00 AM

Virginia House, Richmond

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGK8XKsrezbH9KJ4ewsTsg5cY3X1b28zxNPWld-6R0Jy7OFj71siE8gEob1Ynhv0dLbImXewP5O3Xnwrw3lpPQX9EsFBdqvA8t_yyFdoALAqTm_uDUgjQz5rONXljgJFh1ByUPqDcOrUh9/s1600/Virginia+House+rear+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGK8XKsrezbH9KJ4ewsTsg5cY3X1b28zxNPWld-6R0Jy7OFj71siE8gEob1Ynhv0dLbImXewP5O3Xnwrw3lpPQX9EsFBdqvA8t_yyFdoALAqTm_uDUgjQz5rONXljgJFh1ByUPqDcOrUh9/s400/Virginia+House+rear+6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After my trip to Richmond I had one regret; I didn't schedule an appointment to tour <a href="http://www.vahistorical.org/vh/virginia_house01.htm">Virginia House</a>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMdiblYi-DiDckiFwTEsdlF1KilFrExE5MgNDHcZQiY5uduFwl6TRLT1g3T3hQ_TSZXPw4mWZa4QZEvNFaAv3gSnKHHnT5sy2y4wQHgF6Hg5HDqU1acJhcL9feWGCsa-E4cZ8jTh4j3D2/s1600/Virginia+house+front+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMdiblYi-DiDckiFwTEsdlF1KilFrExE5MgNDHcZQiY5uduFwl6TRLT1g3T3hQ_TSZXPw4mWZa4QZEvNFaAv3gSnKHHnT5sy2y4wQHgF6Hg5HDqU1acJhcL9feWGCsa-E4cZ8jTh4j3D2/s400/Virginia+house+front+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Located next door, literally, to <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2012/12/agecroft-hall-richmond.html">Agecroft Hall</a>, the house was also built of ancient materials imported from an old house in England as part of Thomas William's original plan to build an authentic Tudor Village in Richmond. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iOtinugk3LBO6BEmt6XDdSbdxvgfv2JYxI6Meplll_TbAve3as76FpELpLvlNhfXmzHFDgYnB4CKKJDJbK_3Ny34CejUJSnYv7Rt3fKC6h42yeMZr9VGF6_gF6sx8CWoT4E6gEgpmaV2/s1600/Virginia+house+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iOtinugk3LBO6BEmt6XDdSbdxvgfv2JYxI6Meplll_TbAve3as76FpELpLvlNhfXmzHFDgYnB4CKKJDJbK_3Ny34CejUJSnYv7Rt3fKC6h42yeMZr9VGF6_gF6sx8CWoT4E6gEgpmaV2/s400/Virginia+house+front.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Virginia House was built by Alexander and Virginia (hence the name) Weddells but began life as a priory in 1109 built by Earl Warwick which was later remodeled in the 17th century.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6aBZZgknJrLffE7xD6iFWM-dk5V6SzyfERrzxXP6TnU6pGiK332aQdS2jatuEMTNqWl71KN9ALY8jXZRZauIb3uiinIxrJoXWz7ZejrPNhAw5lQ_X3uHk7bjg6Bx_pTi7wSgNKBClaS9/s1600/Virginia+house+front+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6aBZZgknJrLffE7xD6iFWM-dk5V6SzyfERrzxXP6TnU6pGiK332aQdS2jatuEMTNqWl71KN9ALY8jXZRZauIb3uiinIxrJoXWz7ZejrPNhAw5lQ_X3uHk7bjg6Bx_pTi7wSgNKBClaS9/s400/Virginia+house+front+detail.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Much like their neighbor, Agecroft Hall, the house was purchased at a demolition sale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-JOyKHIS0qbWtDMX9kiIZyIitzoEH-Km3DoDT5pxaWEUdzvb-1UFtBZMoqfEoImFBMYTQD7dEJh0lTbJx250qZf-l7QzJBBj25P-zH7zshwxIW-eJjO_zRqW1PdcHIDQvAO5sSGR8VJV/s1600/Virgina+House+front+kitchen+entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-JOyKHIS0qbWtDMX9kiIZyIitzoEH-Km3DoDT5pxaWEUdzvb-1UFtBZMoqfEoImFBMYTQD7dEJh0lTbJx250qZf-l7QzJBBj25P-zH7zshwxIW-eJjO_zRqW1PdcHIDQvAO5sSGR8VJV/s400/Virgina+House+front+kitchen+entrance.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The Weddells built their new old house in anticipation of it eventually becoming the headquarters and museum for the Virginia Historical Society.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVxzNeuMQtBhwCz5Do3Nh02Om_UvV65s8gGIddApXVjESAbbBQqiuvB5eBep2d1WiXe8e3rTfq68oCNYaENsEa5-Mti8vvtFemxJa1jwHCh9EaOpfsp2f5uJ0ZvdC7BIUhcE3D1gOI5Sl/s1600/Virgina+House+rear+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVxzNeuMQtBhwCz5Do3Nh02Om_UvV65s8gGIddApXVjESAbbBQqiuvB5eBep2d1WiXe8e3rTfq68oCNYaENsEa5-Mti8vvtFemxJa1jwHCh9EaOpfsp2f5uJ0ZvdC7BIUhcE3D1gOI5Sl/s400/Virgina+House+rear+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Despite that plan, the house was built as a modern home albeit one of historical materials and importance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-WVqSJM4q87LTQBMDLmbJ6mdGBvU5E2js4G07eHpKhruIjRM8INUVvAiQ59yVWwPdaPo7wFq2jeMlXCuvtISOEyG1Q9qpPvh2B5tVLwLV_ocd28c4jpE9JylG7-kjfajXzgDDlkmWU1t/s1600/Virgina+House+rear+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-WVqSJM4q87LTQBMDLmbJ6mdGBvU5E2js4G07eHpKhruIjRM8INUVvAiQ59yVWwPdaPo7wFq2jeMlXCuvtISOEyG1Q9qpPvh2B5tVLwLV_ocd28c4jpE9JylG7-kjfajXzgDDlkmWU1t/s400/Virgina+House+rear+5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the materials began to arrive in 1926 via ship they were so waterlogged that they had to sit to dry out for 6 months before building could procede. The Weddells finally moved into their new old house in 1929.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmKcluRaDMLid4cQxouqdvy7FePDZuo1R6Y0HwbYR4RFdUxvldcicULGi6ceEYoRilSFdby-jAfu5FaiXzdnznitkebkDQ0fz28gymE46QRC40LuK_D0ocIr3W7eua84Gi9-4-JFvKbBw/s1600/Virgina+House+front+bay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmKcluRaDMLid4cQxouqdvy7FePDZuo1R6Y0HwbYR4RFdUxvldcicULGi6ceEYoRilSFdby-jAfu5FaiXzdnznitkebkDQ0fz28gymE46QRC40LuK_D0ocIr3W7eua84Gi9-4-JFvKbBw/s400/Virgina+House+front+bay.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>If you didn't know this modern history of the structure you'd assume it was a 17th century house that had been well preserved for hundreds of years. Of course, nothing this grand was constructed in the New World at this time, particularly in Richmond!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEov2JJYeXx0A-fhcrTWgQtkgU7rFzDGom0TaK4QkvbheM5DSBqn6zGEuxOroLZADbnUphkPXfguPFVMstL4vSFTskmmp9vVOPIgMOR_9-kQf98AFfek1Nkoe749ficFRzoQXO-Hzum_7B/s1600/virginia+house+rear+garage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEov2JJYeXx0A-fhcrTWgQtkgU7rFzDGom0TaK4QkvbheM5DSBqn6zGEuxOroLZADbnUphkPXfguPFVMstL4vSFTskmmp9vVOPIgMOR_9-kQf98AFfek1Nkoe749ficFRzoQXO-Hzum_7B/s400/virginia+house+rear+garage.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Through the drive and to the back of the house you see the modern house emerge. A 3 car garage currently operates as the shed and workroom for the extensive gardens.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_1ZS89XEkAaIObkRi49qGDHq3EN0Us0bTsruBZ_fkwESfhycpGxvpmY1LlQ3VyFMU-lk_vF9_qbZo_kVn8cwkyeftqCwE9amca3fohaR7wOmzKMGTD3oENJe3PgduYDZKN1Xk_hTGcp2/s1600/Virginia+House+rear+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_1ZS89XEkAaIObkRi49qGDHq3EN0Us0bTsruBZ_fkwESfhycpGxvpmY1LlQ3VyFMU-lk_vF9_qbZo_kVn8cwkyeftqCwE9amca3fohaR7wOmzKMGTD3oENJe3PgduYDZKN1Xk_hTGcp2/s400/Virginia+House+rear+wall.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Henry Grant Morse was again the architect responsible for the reconstruction of the structure which was based on many different houses found throughout England.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xQVuD0ZddwVzqCJGwD3SBzurRRmUwPsgr7cU8NQ_gshy8dAfUGZO2DQRO2O3CaASYfaf0lwLrER6Faw4wUWQb2U2x0z1rEzDVwQSLqeaQk5Mk6Lc1QKmH4XMepDfKB1R34-ZlzpRVZqv/s1600/Virginia+House+rear+loggia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xQVuD0ZddwVzqCJGwD3SBzurRRmUwPsgr7cU8NQ_gshy8dAfUGZO2DQRO2O3CaASYfaf0lwLrER6Faw4wUWQb2U2x0z1rEzDVwQSLqeaQk5Mk6Lc1QKmH4XMepDfKB1R34-ZlzpRVZqv/s400/Virginia+House+rear+loggia.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Noted landscape architect Charles Gillette designed the gardens which are to this day spectacular, even in the middle of winter!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTSAkvZTUH6ZQSW3W4M3gMa6hkcVo77cXaJfn58SJltMnC4jZAJCfiBfcKLvCOEhVWBKMV9lDHBEh43vG1xdbEuQLA3VHDeZ5V1tza_2N5-Tok74VPHds2wXRrM065uBjIT0CYofIGJ11/s1600/Virginia+House+rear+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTSAkvZTUH6ZQSW3W4M3gMa6hkcVo77cXaJfn58SJltMnC4jZAJCfiBfcKLvCOEhVWBKMV9lDHBEh43vG1xdbEuQLA3VHDeZ5V1tza_2N5-Tok74VPHds2wXRrM065uBjIT0CYofIGJ11/s400/Virginia+House+rear+8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The land slopes steeply down to the James River so the gardens are terraced with the house rising high above the many garden rooms.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_LvBUVsmFQMSp0QE0-b2ELhZEE3irJTxJHenAUCPGTKOgoFSUdv5QS1ufF1th9IJQoqw3mBqjUxhMG1lp2b-MHq5Eo42s9Agmiv5y-JwemGkaMIjmn-3AUURze4JCdqXrTEzev2rmLue/s1600/Virginia+House+rear+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_LvBUVsmFQMSp0QE0-b2ELhZEE3irJTxJHenAUCPGTKOgoFSUdv5QS1ufF1th9IJQoqw3mBqjUxhMG1lp2b-MHq5Eo42s9Agmiv5y-JwemGkaMIjmn-3AUURze4JCdqXrTEzev2rmLue/s400/Virginia+House+rear+9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>William Lawrence Bottomley was brought on by Mrs. Wenddells to design an outdoor garden loggia connected to the house from some more building remnants. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEz0MvdXbDeEmep5UyN2fFfxeQWfKtV7njVaqmeUCdiBMZiKy7q-b7g8JbToPnw4xe2gVt-I_JFBDuJ27PQrl2jD9wBZa7OV8Cz2-dzfjHGqwoddnBqFG5-0lry_MJGLwOg_VEZS67uLq/s1600/Loggia+spanish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEz0MvdXbDeEmep5UyN2fFfxeQWfKtV7njVaqmeUCdiBMZiKy7q-b7g8JbToPnw4xe2gVt-I_JFBDuJ27PQrl2jD9wBZa7OV8Cz2-dzfjHGqwoddnBqFG5-0lry_MJGLwOg_VEZS67uLq/s400/Loggia+spanish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is probably my favorite part of the house.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglthyanPWXBP9wfvFGrtJCvhUlKKCnQUu4f6oou5lFFrmPBi0A-JPKVjMkADfB6gE1QxGZj-W1kk5qnXvP_EX00jMHHQRH1ZeRwk0gMIUFvAn3N1oKslMGkh44wf3kZ5i6YrcQmdUTmsaC/s1600/Loggia+bottomley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglthyanPWXBP9wfvFGrtJCvhUlKKCnQUu4f6oou5lFFrmPBi0A-JPKVjMkADfB6gE1QxGZj-W1kk5qnXvP_EX00jMHHQRH1ZeRwk0gMIUFvAn3N1oKslMGkh44wf3kZ5i6YrcQmdUTmsaC/s320/Loggia+bottomley.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The ceiling of the Loggia came from a house on the grounds of Knole in England while the columns were salvaged from Spain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6kgnvyIl-N7L36zcv6CSr0AMsIhwdFD3pw0I_6HtXEWLq3whmq0rghyfAD5ZyVEQPnAt0b5rUqwtKHRhoh_M8_PW8BttcRN8bmSL6MCrZZeNFDfECRIqSuPMzQFJe6O6hgc2L2nSfsAZ/s1600/Loggia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6kgnvyIl-N7L36zcv6CSr0AMsIhwdFD3pw0I_6HtXEWLq3whmq0rghyfAD5ZyVEQPnAt0b5rUqwtKHRhoh_M8_PW8BttcRN8bmSL6MCrZZeNFDfECRIqSuPMzQFJe6O6hgc2L2nSfsAZ/s320/Loggia.JPG" width="246" /></a></div>The roof of the loggia is a patio to view the gardens and river from above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvKY4TZ86Vvw9w4-ocGRxJyuX1XgWNOZc27kRnIcHm9nk_Jrq4o3-dc2RsZO_IejWDvV42MsoLP8ak2AhKWpnWFLTHotV-ZIOIcCATS24WEzYNj7QqeG1_fteuGQhXiYZD2KJMJFlx5no/s1600/Loggia+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvKY4TZ86Vvw9w4-ocGRxJyuX1XgWNOZc27kRnIcHm9nk_Jrq4o3-dc2RsZO_IejWDvV42MsoLP8ak2AhKWpnWFLTHotV-ZIOIcCATS24WEzYNj7QqeG1_fteuGQhXiYZD2KJMJFlx5no/s400/Loggia+detail.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The loggia shelters this private water garden from the rear gardens.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn8k4FnYKywWoAB5-bsJCjgvXz7J3jLr6dW15SMUbnBv9DghEoz7dRMFgxhpxFSnG_hUpWZXJ8dJE4s_15nXLa91Tftb6_WKGVtv84KLqeEwERuV5fzmT8ft1WAwnBpve3wM8FsTxuXtj/s1600/Garden+water+feature+with+statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn8k4FnYKywWoAB5-bsJCjgvXz7J3jLr6dW15SMUbnBv9DghEoz7dRMFgxhpxFSnG_hUpWZXJ8dJE4s_15nXLa91Tftb6_WKGVtv84KLqeEwERuV5fzmT8ft1WAwnBpve3wM8FsTxuXtj/s400/Garden+water+feature+with+statue.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>From the rear terrace one looks down upon the formal gardens as art and towards the James River beyond.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMTWyyi475SH13k_-u23k1QqonJgzXI-9ETZqoW7oxQAag6aw0avmqVfo3HK9adboau-nrut2-WJclElkPaqlJ58NQ2EOichQbhZqzxVVCfanN3UncqTJHHZciFAxPr_HSmnKQXPvSi5j/s1600/View+of+gardens+and+river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMTWyyi475SH13k_-u23k1QqonJgzXI-9ETZqoW7oxQAag6aw0avmqVfo3HK9adboau-nrut2-WJclElkPaqlJ58NQ2EOichQbhZqzxVVCfanN3UncqTJHHZciFAxPr_HSmnKQXPvSi5j/s400/View+of+gardens+and+river.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The structure of the gardens shows more clearly in their dormant period.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lNth_rWNlih5TE_dHVWzK_Ca_V0RjKp70sGs78pAo1jNeW57xSrmRuciCpYcz8wZi6aQ2oItLW5nEL1ozhTWYtNFU6ArDdiEbxVowf-NqATU4lJQP780W1jUvaKDcYtf3YsCuuVBov_3/s1600/Virginia+house+rear+gardens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lNth_rWNlih5TE_dHVWzK_Ca_V0RjKp70sGs78pAo1jNeW57xSrmRuciCpYcz8wZi6aQ2oItLW5nEL1ozhTWYtNFU6ArDdiEbxVowf-NqATU4lJQP780W1jUvaKDcYtf3YsCuuVBov_3/s400/Virginia+house+rear+gardens.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The springtime shows the gardens to their best advantage I'm told.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U-is0DkVdidsLXwEoLRHxoQXHj1KnLyFJILKHJwunjiwCSb9qYUZDgcp1wNL5Gm143JCVWhbBdihone4xNAIS_jjWasUHQLjz-yS7VPIEw_RJ1AE6CO6jUP765NVlm3A7p2TTit86v4q/s1600/Virginia+House+rear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U-is0DkVdidsLXwEoLRHxoQXHj1KnLyFJILKHJwunjiwCSb9qYUZDgcp1wNL5Gm143JCVWhbBdihone4xNAIS_jjWasUHQLjz-yS7VPIEw_RJ1AE6CO6jUP765NVlm3A7p2TTit86v4q/s400/Virginia+House+rear.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The grounds are dotted with lots of interesting sculpture such as this Egyptian frieze fragment found within a garden wall.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBac7AIcVxjyQVMLn9_Joca-xDLGNnHCAOPUiKAGA-dj8kZ-QQERMbZyagybKuUpKY9MmXsiYkFYquS6lIzJ7qYhKCSZTt8IdmdXZTFcHVE4VTl-4ESiMQQIJ3IR4wfMn-NCOIlQjYeJa/s1600/Egyptian+plaque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBac7AIcVxjyQVMLn9_Joca-xDLGNnHCAOPUiKAGA-dj8kZ-QQERMbZyagybKuUpKY9MmXsiYkFYquS6lIzJ7qYhKCSZTt8IdmdXZTFcHVE4VTl-4ESiMQQIJ3IR4wfMn-NCOIlQjYeJa/s400/Egyptian+plaque.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Weddells used Gillette over a period of many years to design these extensive gardens which appear to have taken generations to compose.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWdXFRgx5qmtryCkz9zJrsEfKQ5U7ucWXl_21Jt5uE9XPC7kFjF16KCRs2g2AhRh2VZvmG1oT3SY3_3lfhvl4Vo6mDQ0sxqJwPVPXMmM3Cj7ut0HP1237P63Dlh1mGHUlI5nWVG2enkjJ/s1600/Garden+statue+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWdXFRgx5qmtryCkz9zJrsEfKQ5U7ucWXl_21Jt5uE9XPC7kFjF16KCRs2g2AhRh2VZvmG1oT3SY3_3lfhvl4Vo6mDQ0sxqJwPVPXMmM3Cj7ut0HP1237P63Dlh1mGHUlI5nWVG2enkjJ/s400/Garden+statue+3.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>My favorite sculptures however are these 2 funny little men standing about 5'-0" tall. Does anyone know anything about them?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3jBrkxLpLe-i_F68GcZB_XAOVMUVWX7Odz5fcxR6EDGtbwC0VBoGHRmpoHDB0wydqMRIDCMPiUYw5si5lrbEETJPIyOvZ83CyD7J4CijZswBptKgI8MkPCM3qxn6_pg8KYS3TV4O72pg/s1600/garden+statue+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3jBrkxLpLe-i_F68GcZB_XAOVMUVWX7Odz5fcxR6EDGtbwC0VBoGHRmpoHDB0wydqMRIDCMPiUYw5si5lrbEETJPIyOvZ83CyD7J4CijZswBptKgI8MkPCM3qxn6_pg8KYS3TV4O72pg/s400/garden+statue+2.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't forget to book a tour before your visit to Richmond. I'll just have to go back to Richmond to tour Virginia House!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMFDgfUAd7UOBHT9GCxaOXLKMBx2Eh8kMTUL8-cSemLTWRfKXw0IYYVmut6j0A6RJeElCxnlmloXP0C8OA0Gn60J2icI_w4yDvWR_1rySptb-a_igVIjD7lkfI3Sg91d8n9P25tvLsFom/s1600/Garden+ballard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMFDgfUAd7UOBHT9GCxaOXLKMBx2Eh8kMTUL8-cSemLTWRfKXw0IYYVmut6j0A6RJeElCxnlmloXP0C8OA0Gn60J2icI_w4yDvWR_1rySptb-a_igVIjD7lkfI3Sg91d8n9P25tvLsFom/s400/Garden+ballard.JPG" width="276" /></a></div>

Virginia House, Richmond

After my trip to Richmond I had one regret; I didn't schedule an appointment to tour Virginia House ! Located next door, literally, to A...

11:24 AM

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