The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador's Residence in Washington

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M_gZUwF2SxRUFPSTMo5K6P_dQrA1NzWwmI9lQqH0xxSVx7l72G_pWStzNInf3qpm_FMuQCvfyifMfoJAIn4kRIfcd1wCYMRj-VyIidSQsvCh_M2CxeoRND6fHDypnZ7Hb6Rz5VolJ5c/s1600/Architecture+of+Diplomacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M_gZUwF2SxRUFPSTMo5K6P_dQrA1NzWwmI9lQqH0xxSVx7l72G_pWStzNInf3qpm_FMuQCvfyifMfoJAIn4kRIfcd1wCYMRj-VyIidSQsvCh_M2CxeoRND6fHDypnZ7Hb6Rz5VolJ5c/s1600/Architecture+of+Diplomacy.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>While I prepare a series of lengthier posts I wanted to share with you an astonishing new book that has recently been released, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Architecture-Diplomacy-Ambassadors-Washington/dp/208129902X">The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador's Residence in Washington</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQapGOz4uaBeJXRe9ZrgLfRFjWc5octbkvg0DA7ID7HpH9eIyLdmHez_v5cnLxHK5a5Cz_e9TDSnHWmVjiWAqwM7d9FNGFocb1ZRc5IC0W4Nm9l9KzW7GpEICvkhrSReulLzKoyRfuUc/s1600/lutyens+british+embassy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQapGOz4uaBeJXRe9ZrgLfRFjWc5octbkvg0DA7ID7HpH9eIyLdmHez_v5cnLxHK5a5Cz_e9TDSnHWmVjiWAqwM7d9FNGFocb1ZRc5IC0W4Nm9l9KzW7GpEICvkhrSReulLzKoyRfuUc/s1600/lutyens+british+embassy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to a media preview of the book as well as a tour of the residence by the authors as well as the Ambassador, Sir Peter Westmacott, and his wife Susie.  I pass this famous structure by one of my favorite architects, <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2012/01/heathcote.html">Edwin Lutyens</a>, weekly but had never been behind the iron gates. Needless to say it was a thrill!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdCy-KvfGA9JfJ91mvXEf5_qlCjWpdvYTZ6CHqNEQEpoEIaZp-d_KAO7O5P6ISEjkQBsJOYRg0bnV8oiTRC8ZiG347iVamV4Ib0o-9DTmW5kz9sbAHaJehYlNeJQGyDfKDuEUJNHddY8/s1600/british+embassy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdCy-KvfGA9JfJ91mvXEf5_qlCjWpdvYTZ6CHqNEQEpoEIaZp-d_KAO7O5P6ISEjkQBsJOYRg0bnV8oiTRC8ZiG347iVamV4Ib0o-9DTmW5kz9sbAHaJehYlNeJQGyDfKDuEUJNHddY8/s1600/british+embassy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I wanted to wet your appetite with these gorgeous photographs from the book by photographer <a href="http://www.ericsander.com/">Eric Sander</a> before sharing with you my own detail snapshots and information about this extraordinary house in later posts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1lBkrrurQ16bugYxgNbEBD_ge37jH1VvhKtCoK25KsWobY8Df6xyWCyChpRvzfXHiZMlIw_BtiwrYV9wuZOWHlv4zxSOqHid3J3xKuYPFTrTApdncnHXSfK0xqXK7XOO6a9zcey8ILQ/s1600/main+staircase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1lBkrrurQ16bugYxgNbEBD_ge37jH1VvhKtCoK25KsWobY8Df6xyWCyChpRvzfXHiZMlIw_BtiwrYV9wuZOWHlv4zxSOqHid3J3xKuYPFTrTApdncnHXSfK0xqXK7XOO6a9zcey8ILQ/s1600/main+staircase.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The main stair-hall has a very 'on trend' gallery of stunning prints from the UK Government Art Collection. Far from a new decorating device however, these gallery walls are a contemporary interpretation of the print rooms interiors that were popular in British country houses from as early as the 1750s.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkVfrHfzKS7Gp-v8USW9r83kg_rouRGk6G8InsSu3adcH1sBxVHlSROQ94bOMNYtrmhWO0PUxhYswPVe3RvoGjGBHDVIXOXtH6IUCjQ1aOQb991LYiQGNzrb1OqPbQ3RY_QcPQvryLJQ/s1600/gallery+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkVfrHfzKS7Gp-v8USW9r83kg_rouRGk6G8InsSu3adcH1sBxVHlSROQ94bOMNYtrmhWO0PUxhYswPVe3RvoGjGBHDVIXOXtH6IUCjQ1aOQb991LYiQGNzrb1OqPbQ3RY_QcPQvryLJQ/s1600/gallery+wall.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>So much to take in; the railing, the stone stair, gallery wall. The 118 framed prints feature portraits, country houses, botanical specimens, animals, views of London, cathedrals, churches, castles, as well as images relating to the embassy itself.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYwFZlgUcKNYJcMFqbyjKuhjrLSmBmdF-s7MoYUT5LCkhwYak6SDrrYqbfASNWA99ip0GE90HmiNpBPBwA8DJUJfjvumTeaufHCR49DQI9xqu-D2pX8JEfGHuRhEFBmn1e-k1TNSWQvQ/s1600/ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYwFZlgUcKNYJcMFqbyjKuhjrLSmBmdF-s7MoYUT5LCkhwYak6SDrrYqbfASNWA99ip0GE90HmiNpBPBwA8DJUJfjvumTeaufHCR49DQI9xqu-D2pX8JEfGHuRhEFBmn1e-k1TNSWQvQ/s1600/ballroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Built as an embassy in 1930 (unlike most current embassies in this city) this is naturally the perfect party house. The main floor is 1/2 circulation space with the other public areas consisting of a grand ballroom, seen above, a drawing room and a dining room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitls-fCt6jufmc99gZ_Z0YiZk19MohgImJ9ics_UTGwhyphenhyphennR-VbX2QaeREbFKlYW-oYymLDNGppj6KxTAC32t117S6bebeBSkSZhKJ4JALhoFuF-uAmDztXcpGsVdB4NaS9V35u_cSVis/s1600/winston+churchill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitls-fCt6jufmc99gZ_Z0YiZk19MohgImJ9ics_UTGwhyphenhyphennR-VbX2QaeREbFKlYW-oYymLDNGppj6KxTAC32t117S6bebeBSkSZhKJ4JALhoFuF-uAmDztXcpGsVdB4NaS9V35u_cSVis/s1600/winston+churchill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Every room is picture perfect, even the private study of the ambassador above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerR51YZIYk-iF0MjYoHFIfg9PBVeiobNGGbWUqNE2rcxYvAjVxncf7yKhID3NbI3r9XQGPxwe7wcZMP7dl_ylZDWHYc4roqGhx4dfLJUOhC-_kborV0FAbu4Po7NBghw1p7IRKRO9ri8/s1600/terrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerR51YZIYk-iF0MjYoHFIfg9PBVeiobNGGbWUqNE2rcxYvAjVxncf7yKhID3NbI3r9XQGPxwe7wcZMP7dl_ylZDWHYc4roqGhx4dfLJUOhC-_kborV0FAbu4Po7NBghw1p7IRKRO9ri8/s1600/terrace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The last public room is of course the garden. I look forward to sharing much about this as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqIbiQRkncFz0iGRhu2cpXYy7rhg-UGWayvhniDWvkv1lUCvmiF46UsqI783QR7c0I6JLZngFTN100BG5DQ_sfiiFKkffBdX7PPoaf9FlHvOcYJSO-rqtWabI1Hkx9NAwi9eW5LKHljs/s1600/pp160-61+Architecture+of+Diplomacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqIbiQRkncFz0iGRhu2cpXYy7rhg-UGWayvhniDWvkv1lUCvmiF46UsqI783QR7c0I6JLZngFTN100BG5DQ_sfiiFKkffBdX7PPoaf9FlHvOcYJSO-rqtWabI1Hkx9NAwi9eW5LKHljs/s1600/pp160-61+Architecture+of+Diplomacy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My favorite room, and probably the most stunning stair I have ever seen, was the private stair up to the 2nd floor where the ambassador's apartment and guest rooms are housed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn_OX7gISJHkYE78Lv_H07LUI8nC7BnRwobx-5N2GLr6v-f6wpxCZw6hhl0s5MZnslqV_oaoebcnAImjPVlCn2oSnfFyW5H9j7EvzgGCXCMWES6jWD88E8pcvzwxwlHm29Y9nVJiDwhc/s1600/swimming+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn_OX7gISJHkYE78Lv_H07LUI8nC7BnRwobx-5N2GLr6v-f6wpxCZw6hhl0s5MZnslqV_oaoebcnAImjPVlCn2oSnfFyW5H9j7EvzgGCXCMWES6jWD88E8pcvzwxwlHm29Y9nVJiDwhc/s1600/swimming+pool.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>The book contains many more inspirational images that won't disappoint: definitely add this tome to your design library! Stay tuned for more details of the British Embassy.<br /><i>All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.ericsander.com/">Eric Sanders</a> from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Architecture-Diplomacy-Ambassadors-Washington/dp/208129902X">The Architecture of Diplomacy</a>.</i>

The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador's Residence in Washington

While I prepare a series of lengthier posts I wanted to share with you an astonishing new book that has recently been released, The Architec...

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Classical Invention on the Hudson River by John Murray

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxFpYj31CDj49nvDnInI_JB-44OKCQQisrI_SMLRHui916K8_RivIZErhanH7jLnyXbQKiSk66MPfbVQMlLCfm6dwMHfZeUVZ3EC2DNV4jHqeM2R3-M4KmrGCk4zZfegxyMv4u60CsL4/s1600/Living+Room+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxFpYj31CDj49nvDnInI_JB-44OKCQQisrI_SMLRHui916K8_RivIZErhanH7jLnyXbQKiSk66MPfbVQMlLCfm6dwMHfZeUVZ3EC2DNV4jHqeM2R3-M4KmrGCk4zZfegxyMv4u60CsL4/s1600/Living+Room+fireplace.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>Architect <a href="http://www.jbmarchitect.com/#/home">John Murray</a> is no stranger to most style-minded classicists after his monograph,' <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Invention-Architecture-John-Murray/dp/1580933688/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398721352&sr=8-1&keywords=john+murray+architect">Classical Invention</a>', flew off shelves and onto design bookshelves everywhere. I recently heard him speak through our local chapter of the <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/">ICAA</a> and his intelligence and beautiful work go hand in hand.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuOCOf9E4XFfvhko1FZrFqtFORP24arFhlWqbsPHTZhUdaAzUS87E1Q4OdwrfBwDVyKbbtMOyXLGCVfvttytEZxFzzHOahYPvIRQU_y7MW1W4L7QvbwCHl30nNO6ETMmTN8uVlru1lX8/s1600/living+room+bookcases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuOCOf9E4XFfvhko1FZrFqtFORP24arFhlWqbsPHTZhUdaAzUS87E1Q4OdwrfBwDVyKbbtMOyXLGCVfvttytEZxFzzHOahYPvIRQU_y7MW1W4L7QvbwCHl30nNO6ETMmTN8uVlru1lX8/s1600/living+room+bookcases.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While flipping through the most recent issue of New Old House magazine I came across a renovated country house Murray completed on the Hudson River that made me feel instantly at home. Murray enhanced the existing house in such a way that one doesn't know what is old and what is new, one only knows that it is RIGHT.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwlk7HIm8ZJX_batZuIQr43AkMFktlGPkKGaH7jy1sK7utohHFW3RlmfW-PyHtxo33B9z64GUZP8BlJcxlJkaxGrWzKwPwQZmhOr8Ga0O-B7-p5JVuALMiHR-PkqJyWt0u8h8fxcSbwk/s1600/floorplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwlk7HIm8ZJX_batZuIQr43AkMFktlGPkKGaH7jy1sK7utohHFW3RlmfW-PyHtxo33B9z64GUZP8BlJcxlJkaxGrWzKwPwQZmhOr8Ga0O-B7-p5JVuALMiHR-PkqJyWt0u8h8fxcSbwk/s1600/floorplan.jpg" width="288" /></a></div> The floorplan is a dream come true for most of us I would imagine; The only thing missing is the river view!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkj3rvpTwcv3bQQ84IzJSffvPRYmY3hW15s1droJrBpEyPB-3LBRqgAx1RuXoe1iXSgN5FaQtrDtsQc4cul3QdW3TLwPUGEF6emULudHuI6ngEt2E22XjJfgnaOt1Vjv4KoHt9W-XovM/s1600/Hudson+River+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkj3rvpTwcv3bQQ84IzJSffvPRYmY3hW15s1droJrBpEyPB-3LBRqgAx1RuXoe1iXSgN5FaQtrDtsQc4cul3QdW3TLwPUGEF6emULudHuI6ngEt2E22XjJfgnaOt1Vjv4KoHt9W-XovM/s1600/Hudson+River+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> French casements open completely to bring in the river views and air. The century old beams are the only decoration needed architecturally, interior designer <a href="http://www.samblountinc.com/#/home">Sam Blount</a> provided the rest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDlwE7IE8ikWd9JuIMo45hsHd0vix4PGT7uXPA2yrIocZrIK_qFDX99pFFKGle59nZWUJtQoJKYEXC_W0hQitSyhW57DKvK8tiJP-CAzLXSHDofgXeKGDiyjWbgEvjzm8wTurIGLD0OY/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDlwE7IE8ikWd9JuIMo45hsHd0vix4PGT7uXPA2yrIocZrIK_qFDX99pFFKGle59nZWUJtQoJKYEXC_W0hQitSyhW57DKvK8tiJP-CAzLXSHDofgXeKGDiyjWbgEvjzm8wTurIGLD0OY/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The kitchen has all of the modern amenities of a new house and the charm of the old house.  Again I love the french casements!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOrHyV5l-o22Pjp_l8PQWKWhBo71bK6YFMBBh1qXb00nEShftNVgkzNj_vTs8RQkdQcrvswxnhC4Jd2UASAYDrWvqcHPCLjSvETCs1JvVqh6Nwsgp2DC-GgAJ_auy9hjvs9o201sdKdI/s1600/screened+porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOrHyV5l-o22Pjp_l8PQWKWhBo71bK6YFMBBh1qXb00nEShftNVgkzNj_vTs8RQkdQcrvswxnhC4Jd2UASAYDrWvqcHPCLjSvETCs1JvVqh6Nwsgp2DC-GgAJ_auy9hjvs9o201sdKdI/s1600/screened+porch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The screened porch can be used year round. And what is a screened porch without ceiling fan and sky-blue beadboard ceiling?  This definitely ranks among my country house dreams -how about yours?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-Nhj5LET5xMBNvvWM9GN2-BP17PWPVSEviEppsY7fL2McvR7mz98zK67Q4xn9BsC6yqD6P_4zKwYQHc-xyTPHzcNENeYiOxRfB2hbGD9vFOrzPkvXcQOvZvlDx3yb2VzeyKKyHdFk78/s1600/pergola+with+a+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-Nhj5LET5xMBNvvWM9GN2-BP17PWPVSEviEppsY7fL2McvR7mz98zK67Q4xn9BsC6yqD6P_4zKwYQHc-xyTPHzcNENeYiOxRfB2hbGD9vFOrzPkvXcQOvZvlDx3yb2VzeyKKyHdFk78/s1600/pergola+with+a+view.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><i>All photographs by <a href="http://www.durstonsaylor.com/">Durston Saylor</a> from <a href="http://oldhousejournal.hotims.com/r5/search.asp?action=search&return_by_category=y/">New Old House magazine</a>, Spring/Summer 2014</i>

Classical Invention on the Hudson River by John Murray

Architect John Murray is no stranger to most style-minded classicists after his monograph,'  Classical Invention ', flew off shelve...

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Design is all in the details

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG4JUU4kHzlDrEetP5YqTV6a2PuhsI5Vuk5QV7DR-hD4nkB42uWxIpaiesdyDm8pob4Xek3WaWYC7ZdxuElh4ixwXry2Nfb1PN5MXjTAupO_6prv7lyt6c4YqCOP-RYi-HqBuJg_JJmY/s1600/victorian+rowhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG4JUU4kHzlDrEetP5YqTV6a2PuhsI5Vuk5QV7DR-hD4nkB42uWxIpaiesdyDm8pob4Xek3WaWYC7ZdxuElh4ixwXry2Nfb1PN5MXjTAupO_6prv7lyt6c4YqCOP-RYi-HqBuJg_JJmY/s1600/victorian+rowhouse.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>As Mies van der Rohe was fond of saying, '<i>God is in the detail</i>'; a quote often attributed to him but in fact  much older. Details have been on my mind lately as I'm currently reading Phillip James Dodd's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1864702036/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1864702036&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20">"The Art of Classical Details"</a> which I would whole-heartedly recommend to all of you.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBtBSGc6MX-g0KKj_nh4JNAPM5xSs8Qk_XyoPh68Fo8fMYs0fc84-pRbEgP9-F3h1eEwSiDVagj5dRCb6J9fnJQsPxyPdkOMlLC1igOo6gDgeBftGJXOhK0ixXCSR81RBZDaueKsdKZ4/s1600/classical+details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBtBSGc6MX-g0KKj_nh4JNAPM5xSs8Qk_XyoPh68Fo8fMYs0fc84-pRbEgP9-F3h1eEwSiDVagj5dRCb6J9fnJQsPxyPdkOMlLC1igOo6gDgeBftGJXOhK0ixXCSR81RBZDaueKsdKZ4/s1600/classical+details.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While walking around the city the other day I was looking at some of the quieter buildings that normally would be under my radar and noticed that some of them had ravishing details. This brick townhouse below is almost a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0806974524/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0806974524&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20"> pattern book </a>for a Victorian brick maker. All of that detail is of brick -such unusual shapes!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUSSBzkluwrg2qBiGT-7ogQR53M-Sfz6ITfQFJHKMdeIIE_zTti6Ley0j0Wb2v_HPBRy3Y6MYm1XPc2l5UvuIXabJTt8BkcKKQ1znaO8G-kBqvtuV_2THDVZBIkPC44UCyE3qgCzl0hs/s1600/brick+townhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUSSBzkluwrg2qBiGT-7ogQR53M-Sfz6ITfQFJHKMdeIIE_zTti6Ley0j0Wb2v_HPBRy3Y6MYm1XPc2l5UvuIXabJTt8BkcKKQ1znaO8G-kBqvtuV_2THDVZBIkPC44UCyE3qgCzl0hs/s1600/brick+townhouse.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>This iron railing seen below had amazing curvaceous brackets -simple but lovely. On buildings such as a standard row-house these details make all the difference and have stood the test of time. Have you seen anything that has caught your eye lately? What did we do before camera phones to capture our visual world?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtGm7_fFRXT9G6wiJO3vGzcsfeBcihwF-tRNnwbtRsTeYUfc3BjB1ZWcb3LG_ivGIuLKfXSQKYqnexUrpR0YRQXoMHtHjuknh1rBhmKgmsdwWArqCAIIpf4deJmR6v4mduDow9IKSD2A/s1600/iron+bracket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtGm7_fFRXT9G6wiJO3vGzcsfeBcihwF-tRNnwbtRsTeYUfc3BjB1ZWcb3LG_ivGIuLKfXSQKYqnexUrpR0YRQXoMHtHjuknh1rBhmKgmsdwWArqCAIIpf4deJmR6v4mduDow9IKSD2A/s1600/iron+bracket.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>

Design is all in the details

As Mies van der Rohe was fond of saying, ' God is in the detail '; a quote often attributed to him but in fact  much older. Details ...

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Chapin Residence floorplan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcspyEOYwnk3BanLXYO_tNy-6gzOB6tctabHeFDHu_n8aBDV0ZymOGKsRcpjYgeidUtMlR_-mdR3lIYOTdJQLGGzVnXv3EJppYI6-Ujy5-x4_Lj3TNDoIROgBFywyAFFnc1jp7P3xf_0/s1600/front+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcspyEOYwnk3BanLXYO_tNy-6gzOB6tctabHeFDHu_n8aBDV0ZymOGKsRcpjYgeidUtMlR_-mdR3lIYOTdJQLGGzVnXv3EJppYI6-Ujy5-x4_Lj3TNDoIROgBFywyAFFnc1jp7P3xf_0/s1600/front+door.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>One of my favorite books that I've mentioned before is the monograph of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0926494082/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0926494082&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20">H.T. Lindeberg's</a> residential work. Many of his smaller projects are shown including just these 3 intriguing photographs of a rather odd house in Lake Forest, Illinois in 1926 for Lowell C. Chapin, Esq. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8QMs2F41uNcwzigPH9qR1tCSR97TvIROgR3J0kTPmANAqUFfIo1pu0hAyrWYNznshO6IW-ZfV5ur3T8nAcoGva8xqCRwBfRsHeTU4edR6QfxRNQmSzxMRKRP__ns884iYkfya6n93UA/s1600/floorplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8QMs2F41uNcwzigPH9qR1tCSR97TvIROgR3J0kTPmANAqUFfIo1pu0hAyrWYNznshO6IW-ZfV5ur3T8nAcoGva8xqCRwBfRsHeTU4edR6QfxRNQmSzxMRKRP__ns884iYkfya6n93UA/s1600/floorplan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>If you study the plan you'll notice that the house consists of a rather small entry vestibule and an enormous living room. Thats all for public space! A warren of servants quarters fill the remainder of the first floor while the 2nd floor holds 4 bedrooms. Strange but ultimately practical.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3knToGxo3MjPAbzrD-EIbqqTeQnArEnvO2VQe710jA003pSjWDT7Y9bdEBfSA5aDHT6XQQU6kDoR-HUv9nVLoTrwL-w7pRAT73RzEsl6xLcOEAT6UWcx3C4i5sm1_drC55l16WGwA8qk/s1600/entrance+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3knToGxo3MjPAbzrD-EIbqqTeQnArEnvO2VQe710jA003pSjWDT7Y9bdEBfSA5aDHT6XQQU6kDoR-HUv9nVLoTrwL-w7pRAT73RzEsl6xLcOEAT6UWcx3C4i5sm1_drC55l16WGwA8qk/s1600/entrance+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And as you can see the 'simple' house packs a lot of punch with that steep French roofline.  Rather a quirky house and it leads me to wonder how it has changed over the past 90 years or is even still extant.

Chapin Residence floorplan

One of my favorite books that I've mentioned before is the monograph of H.T. Lindeberg's residential work. Many of his smaller proj...

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Classic style doesn't date

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeXrqWfLUEZ_Mw9vvNUtC9kB3MXA6tKDH1mjm7amY9N43kZYuw5-ZdQ0tXwxJrhqUVcUYApsiHSKa2slFJAt14-ZyyopCDJXO-eDzSi1Mng0Wm9ULxx2p6ZP3S8qjixOnBee5hM2hf54/s1600/classic+style+-+castles+on+the+sound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeXrqWfLUEZ_Mw9vvNUtC9kB3MXA6tKDH1mjm7amY9N43kZYuw5-ZdQ0tXwxJrhqUVcUYApsiHSKa2slFJAt14-ZyyopCDJXO-eDzSi1Mng0Wm9ULxx2p6ZP3S8qjixOnBee5hM2hf54/s1600/classic+style+-+castles+on+the+sound.jpg" width="297" /></a></div> As you well know I'm a firm believer that classic style doesn't date.  An example of this is a room by talented designers <a href="http://www.foxnahem.com/">Tom Fox and Joe Nahem</a> from the 1980s when they decorated the dining room of the Castles on the Sound showhouse (featured in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1556700385/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1556700385&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20">Interior Visions</a>).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWUjYz7yaDX0QBoDyIPbD__jxi4yMrtlEV4g-Tv16QG_TW427LCgVnbD8DZEY6DLRbLh4uDpYipQvcBJ3xdsZbE1eYHmlnw7JNe-W0OFX5fScDjEz6YDeBX0v-yzr-KrhFAbcv_mE1WM/s1600/Fox+Nahem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWUjYz7yaDX0QBoDyIPbD__jxi4yMrtlEV4g-Tv16QG_TW427LCgVnbD8DZEY6DLRbLh4uDpYipQvcBJ3xdsZbE1eYHmlnw7JNe-W0OFX5fScDjEz6YDeBX0v-yzr-KrhFAbcv_mE1WM/s1600/Fox+Nahem.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Working with the great bones of the space, mahogany paneling and a stone fireplace surround, they re-envisioned the formal dining room for everyday use TODAY (or at least 1980s today). Beautiful classic furniture, art, and objects create a space that anyone would be happy using in 1980 or 2014. How many times have you redecorated your own living or dining room since 1980 and at what cost? Do we need any more reason to shun the overtly trendy and revel in classic style

Classic style doesn't date

 As you well know I'm a firm believer that classic style doesn't date.  An example of this is a room by talented designers Tom Fox a...

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Nina Campbell at Waterworks, DC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/178249054X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=178249054X&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72VUkcT4z8KauL7EWo52THloQLZMLpP2X1xjlH1gnQ-6K7gndBkiYTttt5dveSo_6FHbP2T3ciYcDt0u1MGXAAMWvb0EsEw5D-zB3RbGB8j3yDMyOeCMmBTCnVrB-tFJWPkx7h6BNfh0/s1600/Nina+Campbell+Interiors.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>A few evenings ago I had the privilege to attend a book signing of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/178249054X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=178249054X&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20">Nina Campbell's new book</a> at the beautiful <a href="http://www.waterworks.com/">Waterworks</a> Georgetown showroom in Cady's Alley. Meeting the talented but surprisingly down-to-earth Mrs Campbell was such a treat as she really is one of the most prolific and important designers working today.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmMy855_SFPRAzx9OkbOlZs0dCkZ4sHHO0hR51ddmBd7QZrPRI3p4fwSEh5YpRPySnA6DnqKt7b1ufYoIm5VWL5eEjY7aP6HhxUycP0sDOCkl-s7k_6Z-Li_BIBuTfbUMzEXwe9MdoM0/s1600/Nina+Campbell+and+Barbara+Sallick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmMy855_SFPRAzx9OkbOlZs0dCkZ4sHHO0hR51ddmBd7QZrPRI3p4fwSEh5YpRPySnA6DnqKt7b1ufYoIm5VWL5eEjY7aP6HhxUycP0sDOCkl-s7k_6Z-Li_BIBuTfbUMzEXwe9MdoM0/s1600/Nina+Campbell+and+Barbara+Sallick.JPG" width="341" /></a></div>Introducing <a href="http://ninacampbellinteriors.com/">Nina Campbell</a> was founder of <a href="http://www.waterworks.com/">Waterworks</a>, the talented Barbara Sallick, seen to the right. Waterworks will have some exciting changes later this year but I was sworn to secrecy! Look for more news on that later. As always the showroom was inspiring -every tile or fixture you see is more beautiful than the last!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm4IIugY4zPGyqvEgjiO-uI-aQmFIv65R9H9dxE3B3ByvTWngsjsj9w7o1cIFEO5KrLYxajRE78TJdth-PJNT3TcVmg9h_eGA4cG_lXIjG8TKmAXQM8eMDqxZUy2mkla-o9bv4OzLrFE/s1600/Nina+Campbell+book+signing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm4IIugY4zPGyqvEgjiO-uI-aQmFIv65R9H9dxE3B3ByvTWngsjsj9w7o1cIFEO5KrLYxajRE78TJdth-PJNT3TcVmg9h_eGA4cG_lXIjG8TKmAXQM8eMDqxZUy2mkla-o9bv4OzLrFE/s1600/Nina+Campbell+book+signing.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Please pick up a copy of this book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/178249054X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1JKHXTPZSHF3SA48JXTX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846">Nina Campbell Interior</a>s, as you won't be disappointed. The inspiring work is comfortable and pretty (that word that terrifies architects world-wide) with a tinge of glamour captured beautifully by <a href="http://www.simonbrownphotography.com/">Simon Brown's photography</a>.<br />Sadly I missed seeing my friend Michele of <a href="http://www.mynottinghill.blogspot.com/">My Notting Hill</a> but see her writeup of the event <a href="http://www.mynottinghill.blogspot.com/2014/01/meeting-nina-campbell-at-waterworks.html">HERE</a>.

Nina Campbell at Waterworks, DC

A few evenings ago I had the privilege to attend a book signing of Nina Campbell's new book at the beautiful Waterworks  Georgetown sho...

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Le Pavillon de Madame, Verailles

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGkyg_I1Og0_ARky1Jq6ImOpasrUIM-eLypxcZhLN9jnmI0_Ykw1e4a41sU10qaik5QSX_2eOcaJoXmpTEysUedS9HcV7cqClXUYReEhrCkzrA2V0CdTRoazVInUW7In0F6lamGrqQAs/s1600/le+Pavillon+de+Madame+south+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGkyg_I1Og0_ARky1Jq6ImOpasrUIM-eLypxcZhLN9jnmI0_Ykw1e4a41sU10qaik5QSX_2eOcaJoXmpTEysUedS9HcV7cqClXUYReEhrCkzrA2V0CdTRoazVInUW7In0F6lamGrqQAs/s1600/le+Pavillon+de+Madame+south+front.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>As promised here I bring you another small mansion from the book "<a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2014/01/la-lanterne-versailles.html">The smaller houses and gardens of Versailles</a>", this one simply entitled "Le Pavillon de Madame".  While the address is stated, 63 Avenue de Paris, I can't find any information about the house and according to a googlemap search it has either been torn down since 1926 or the address has changed. If anyone has any information I would appreciate learning more!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqmQrGQHSzeCnUa46ySIQt4XytLsRCUMMjbtU2kPDAsbabpvIUco4V1UQtI-exQz1Ez0YwGSCRoecTuIzsupMEmxVdvHZUsharWbaMvDP5lfYNREPABV_l4lDqoaKAhyphenhyphen9FV-QCQqrSKQ/s1600/le+Pavillon+de+madame+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqmQrGQHSzeCnUa46ySIQt4XytLsRCUMMjbtU2kPDAsbabpvIUco4V1UQtI-exQz1Ez0YwGSCRoecTuIzsupMEmxVdvHZUsharWbaMvDP5lfYNREPABV_l4lDqoaKAhyphenhyphen9FV-QCQqrSKQ/s1600/le+Pavillon+de+madame+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The house is a delightful arrangement in the French tradition in that there is no front facade and each of the 4 facades is equally attractive.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb52FGdmL96nwXhWhLD7gFIg13d5aTgBaSvaZYxBN7r3sp7cUCaxz0pOcaK3ys0zM20OBf-wDDKzQnf_ZRDGLWxr0eGplbn1jo97bsvKkm3E9WmUL9iut9MsR1ZukdgqSMPcVGYGCiWls/s1600/le+Pavillon+de+Madame+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb52FGdmL96nwXhWhLD7gFIg13d5aTgBaSvaZYxBN7r3sp7cUCaxz0pOcaK3ys0zM20OBf-wDDKzQnf_ZRDGLWxr0eGplbn1jo97bsvKkm3E9WmUL9iut9MsR1ZukdgqSMPcVGYGCiWls/s1600/le+Pavillon+de+Madame+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The exterior is a light grey painted stucco to mimic limestone with a rusticated base and quoins (corner treatment) on the upper floor. The mansard roof is slate while the beautiful dormers are of lead.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwE1Ew4wXNuWz4pV3v6pV6HaequHE8ak-zv5MzNeAXYM-gpy-HP61eZ9RUzk15e8aYpKD4_TMMPVng9wqli-jrDI4U26Ezzt7v9l7ZBjAKL77oY2vMESRg7FpjEU-B8uzhBf4Skd3Sb8/s1600/site+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwE1Ew4wXNuWz4pV3v6pV6HaequHE8ak-zv5MzNeAXYM-gpy-HP61eZ9RUzk15e8aYpKD4_TMMPVng9wqli-jrDI4U26Ezzt7v9l7ZBjAKL77oY2vMESRg7FpjEU-B8uzhBf4Skd3Sb8/s1600/site+plan.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see in the site plan above the house is situated in an enormous garden which hides the surrounding houses. It provides a very formal French garden which is in fact a potager or kitchen garden -where flowers mingle with fruits and vegetables. At the end of a path is the orangery where more exotic fruits and plants could grow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1lJQJHcrYXniky1Qqu4XzprlhDRr5Wl2-T0n839SF0JvS8ENsEbBvF_KFumyrgW_eMg7aFzUFyUL44Hlj_zXgQl_zVqlkQintXfYFwJCnIs6j69l3_e8jTxNI9MMT6viA-miyzscvQo/s1600/potager+and+orangery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1lJQJHcrYXniky1Qqu4XzprlhDRr5Wl2-T0n839SF0JvS8ENsEbBvF_KFumyrgW_eMg7aFzUFyUL44Hlj_zXgQl_zVqlkQintXfYFwJCnIs6j69l3_e8jTxNI9MMT6viA-miyzscvQo/s1600/potager+and+orangery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The tall trees surrounding the garden not only hide the neighbors but other agricultural necessities; a chicken run, a rabbitry, and numerous outbuildings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxlJK_ODVgMiJSmtKkhBGVyRDfNPCZHdlI1vydhiC2_tXY6XUZGqR5uWEI43PlAsL7ITL608lldCP9NTUqvJjtr0Wko8p15VyF4M0fB_PSXtijZIXwTvLg6VmYlo7Ri_wYZ16KydsdRA/s1600/ground+floor+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxlJK_ODVgMiJSmtKkhBGVyRDfNPCZHdlI1vydhiC2_tXY6XUZGqR5uWEI43PlAsL7ITL608lldCP9NTUqvJjtr0Wko8p15VyF4M0fB_PSXtijZIXwTvLg6VmYlo7Ri_wYZ16KydsdRA/s1600/ground+floor+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The plan is unusual in that it is laid out as a town house. The dining room on the main floor opens to the garden and terrace with kitchens and service spaces surrounding it. Only up the staircase are the other rooms you'd expect to find on the ground level. Even in a small house such as this there is a stair for the master and another for the servants.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15bhU-BUuj9Ye1hWtDPYx9-Kc-2wQGnhCMiEs_-Qlmqq-T-b5bBwEmsdAOhs0t6V04xRnzFbRaCGozHQogbOEqo0vgVc6QE9aFLbkfITRZCdc6GA8-TJP2IvGvDlwbzPcirLvA0bHRB0/s1600/first+floor+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15bhU-BUuj9Ye1hWtDPYx9-Kc-2wQGnhCMiEs_-Qlmqq-T-b5bBwEmsdAOhs0t6V04xRnzFbRaCGozHQogbOEqo0vgVc6QE9aFLbkfITRZCdc6GA8-TJP2IvGvDlwbzPcirLvA0bHRB0/s1600/first+floor+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The house contains only one bedroom going back to what I talked about in the last post <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2014/01/la-lanterne-versailles.html">HERE</a> that these houses were private retreats from the palace of Versailles and not meant for entertaining or even families.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6dnH5GIKQMoLnBa2FGurT9yqf5gPsFJL5MaUpgSh8TaHNZVaBB4fnzLXomW7sM3QUDIP-7hVKr8XogKWHFYF3fqlNXRCUkgHW13xMoQ9nmItRjKv18_40a-L-c4lovgEWE6JbJugubQ/s1600/hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6dnH5GIKQMoLnBa2FGurT9yqf5gPsFJL5MaUpgSh8TaHNZVaBB4fnzLXomW7sM3QUDIP-7hVKr8XogKWHFYF3fqlNXRCUkgHW13xMoQ9nmItRjKv18_40a-L-c4lovgEWE6JbJugubQ/s1600/hall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The rooms are all small and cozy but feature fine detailing such as this painted boiserie in the entry hall which the article states was painted white.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19YslbKtEBhyQk3N4IlT572_DFuc7UY5eyrKGWdOAaHhyNFX9GwkOtsmTKf7OZbmMdrLapWv0z02qRzxalYcHR6Q3Ej2q31kU-gXw-KWXolFeE1j0JkPEF5uzvUwOw9pCp22JPMukPw8/s1600/staircase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19YslbKtEBhyQk3N4IlT572_DFuc7UY5eyrKGWdOAaHhyNFX9GwkOtsmTKf7OZbmMdrLapWv0z02qRzxalYcHR6Q3Ej2q31kU-gXw-KWXolFeE1j0JkPEF5uzvUwOw9pCp22JPMukPw8/s1600/staircase.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>The stair has interesting faux-marble painted boiserie and patterns that I think show the 18th century interest in the discovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Notice the beautiful chevron patterned floors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLa63QGImTb60L_39CBUQexFc2YtMl59pNVL7Jc18PyLvO6BpKteIIhm-R4aWzuWDkH933UkvcTuJ1dNxRI4qIbY18TiwSmMOxPg5drEhmWf8QdDxAWSwntahpC319Bi1k9PBVrAsG8bE/s1600/dining+room+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLa63QGImTb60L_39CBUQexFc2YtMl59pNVL7Jc18PyLvO6BpKteIIhm-R4aWzuWDkH933UkvcTuJ1dNxRI4qIbY18TiwSmMOxPg5drEhmWf8QdDxAWSwntahpC319Bi1k9PBVrAsG8bE/s1600/dining+room+1.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>Behind the front hall the dining room continues the chevron floors with pale green painted boiserie covering the walls. Notice the painted scenic overdoors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VbqXGz-9RY7bon1V8eTokvDbSR_tvuyTVN7joY1AbEop_Mjjd-olFmtY7NwMRByVMsHSOrdhyXmRufvEvpcWecw2nID3UgwnMd5WN6mMJIHlqAtiInx9aq4Sei0i4MibvF_flY4Qy2k/s1600/dining+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VbqXGz-9RY7bon1V8eTokvDbSR_tvuyTVN7joY1AbEop_Mjjd-olFmtY7NwMRByVMsHSOrdhyXmRufvEvpcWecw2nID3UgwnMd5WN6mMJIHlqAtiInx9aq4Sei0i4MibvF_flY4Qy2k/s1600/dining+room+2.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>This is probably the most charming room in the house, don't you think, with French doors opening out to the terrace?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSN0KWtIOTUAFQZaw9WYvNw5h4D5iY-oeqbeKmdXYQVxtY5xaxPPV5t5Aigh443HsF9SC9B0bDgEPGDHwdZbyyRRD6UnbiBfLZOG1CTYvwm4mhpDGvcOJBCnkRsPk2dWAniP4oVxFGEe4/s1600/dining+room+doorway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSN0KWtIOTUAFQZaw9WYvNw5h4D5iY-oeqbeKmdXYQVxtY5xaxPPV5t5Aigh443HsF9SC9B0bDgEPGDHwdZbyyRRD6UnbiBfLZOG1CTYvwm4mhpDGvcOJBCnkRsPk2dWAniP4oVxFGEe4/s1600/dining+room+doorway.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>The eclectic array of furniture is very of the 1920s and today for that matter; a very comfortable arrangement.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5wq_pi7vcfQZgcdqPhc868Q1rb1i8mepeGgCv23A2NB8s1BEMT82hgHlDILUA1EkAFjBrNxs-8Xi8DUq4NVdiafQeePnpu6LJ_IY6ssK6yOmq93hlUsebpdFWVjo4DB7FfkAuhIiznU/s1600/dining+room+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5wq_pi7vcfQZgcdqPhc868Q1rb1i8mepeGgCv23A2NB8s1BEMT82hgHlDILUA1EkAFjBrNxs-8Xi8DUq4NVdiafQeePnpu6LJ_IY6ssK6yOmq93hlUsebpdFWVjo4DB7FfkAuhIiznU/s1600/dining+room+fireplace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This seating group by the fireplace is probably where the owner spent a lot of time before and after meals.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW8N3Ow29P4Lefo0k565Su3Vpxz5b5qfwLGDT43SQmaiiuMP8Ma_Ykp5ierRyDhGZaAE_rI9lIYmzp2sxpSGxf4pJfd5yNXgt_V4oLCF7gULH8fhO67hKG4RbLuc1cZD2h0ntYc7WGVw/s1600/salon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW8N3Ow29P4Lefo0k565Su3Vpxz5b5qfwLGDT43SQmaiiuMP8Ma_Ykp5ierRyDhGZaAE_rI9lIYmzp2sxpSGxf4pJfd5yNXgt_V4oLCF7gULH8fhO67hKG4RbLuc1cZD2h0ntYc7WGVw/s1600/salon+2.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>Upstairs the boiserie is left natural and unpainted with the carved details picked out in gold leaf.  The chandelier is of course more in the French taste while the assortment of furniture almost feels English to my eye.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnfQ0ylUsnNTQc_1ws3pDf0wuvqW5c9dCb7jRPaST5-9uOldTvz8LS9JX96CjwjJ0hepIZ5PKvRkk95fgDeSYauKkTr0e8UHUnXp1RZsgpeLdVbfyEoGqtlGJ6c7kwM7HnS7coIsBWLk/s1600/salon+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnfQ0ylUsnNTQc_1ws3pDf0wuvqW5c9dCb7jRPaST5-9uOldTvz8LS9JX96CjwjJ0hepIZ5PKvRkk95fgDeSYauKkTr0e8UHUnXp1RZsgpeLdVbfyEoGqtlGJ6c7kwM7HnS7coIsBWLk/s1600/salon+3.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>No shortage of light or garden views from up here either. I love how the chandelier reflects the light even without the electricity turned on.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqjpLVqt_9fYBxBGnB4cr7ihxmEoLyNkgEoHHQqeAiyCNG4XlgsYzxmadYEYQxtw4lJcKCTsgo6g9vJG5BwNjwbcM9YdTA_CWO2SNvJFmRvYlFzdMPUHcLsuP0JbnBmKp9EOIdnZAJEw/s1600/salon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqjpLVqt_9fYBxBGnB4cr7ihxmEoLyNkgEoHHQqeAiyCNG4XlgsYzxmadYEYQxtw4lJcKCTsgo6g9vJG5BwNjwbcM9YdTA_CWO2SNvJFmRvYlFzdMPUHcLsuP0JbnBmKp9EOIdnZAJEw/s1600/salon.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>It pains me to think this may have been torn down! What do you think -could you live in a mini mansion such as this? Live stylishly in a smaller space is what this house screams to me!

Le Pavillon de Madame, Verailles

As promised here I bring you another small mansion from the book " The smaller houses and gardens of Versailles ", this one simply...

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La Lanterne, Versailles

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4680S6JwYQqbkpwQyNQDzp1Pq6A8e699Ap9T4P-7Lti4D3IEf16Wqv09bd_lDLRtfVdtB-qmJyl3w9W7uYeXg3IEaHcdsh1tA0R6FW53lP4vxd_4Qi6S97fulcYHK695cU0lLIImtcDg/s1600/La+Lanterne+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4680S6JwYQqbkpwQyNQDzp1Pq6A8e699Ap9T4P-7Lti4D3IEf16Wqv09bd_lDLRtfVdtB-qmJyl3w9W7uYeXg3IEaHcdsh1tA0R6FW53lP4vxd_4Qi6S97fulcYHK695cU0lLIImtcDg/s400/La+Lanterne+close+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Happy 2014! One of my favorite gifts I received over Christmas was an antique copy of the book "The smaller houses and gardens of Versailles 1680-1815" from 1926 which I have been lusting over for years. The first house mentioned is one of my favorite houses that I have ever studied, La Lanterne.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5AY7LP_ZkXhLkvt1FtDjPjGeoe2g_bFpTP0CPfXFey7Awg5_pGjFtrtZjubuNFoqwgT8NDFcdPyweeWmGcR1DdotocflDkEecAMof9qlJieaJTu2L60pw1Rytm_fswHtEzqHYmd9Vs8/s1600/lanterne+modern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5AY7LP_ZkXhLkvt1FtDjPjGeoe2g_bFpTP0CPfXFey7Awg5_pGjFtrtZjubuNFoqwgT8NDFcdPyweeWmGcR1DdotocflDkEecAMof9qlJieaJTu2L60pw1Rytm_fswHtEzqHYmd9Vs8/s400/lanterne+modern.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The house is well known to many as it has become the basis for manydesign ideas in the early 20th century and even more recently. A few years back (2008) I blogged about a project <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2008/12/in-december-2008-issue-of-this-old.html">HERE</a> by <a href="http://www.boriesandshearron.com/">Bories and Shearron</a> which took this lanterne construct for the design of a new house. My friend THE DOWNEAST DILETTANTE noted a number of lanterne houses <a href="http://thedowneastdilettante.blogspot.com/2010/08/intermission-will-real-la-lanterne.html">HERE</a>.  Above you see a current aerial view; since 1959 the house has served as the country house of the Prime Minister (now President)  of France.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwZlojwJXB-bu5yq5yUpz9VQ1-zEiv0mr9ZLlkmU-BUiSn1cRUxdnUs1Y4w7BK0CstQ2FO9HXEI96SfSKdmXhFQ6tcXmzrJuT0rj1TmZTZGeTTMdJK1mZtidNaRiE2edLQT97fAzbt7Y/s1600/La+lanterne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwZlojwJXB-bu5yq5yUpz9VQ1-zEiv0mr9ZLlkmU-BUiSn1cRUxdnUs1Y4w7BK0CstQ2FO9HXEI96SfSKdmXhFQ6tcXmzrJuT0rj1TmZTZGeTTMdJK1mZtidNaRiE2edLQT97fAzbt7Y/s400/La+lanterne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Blessedly, as you can see, the house hasn't changed much down to the landscaping and gravel forecourt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1o6164glqfmBI1AS6qcOo4hAWoIgblIlsUl3ZELSCM6O212EWVW0xYp2RXYqYyd6RzclBeWIev55RWEKENx4fLSYuT5DK24tTFWkLJfCsLr1q1jKG3eKI7ggDZXG7jmmdxVzkgAjXBI/s1600/corner+of+courtyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1o6164glqfmBI1AS6qcOo4hAWoIgblIlsUl3ZELSCM6O212EWVW0xYp2RXYqYyd6RzclBeWIev55RWEKENx4fLSYuT5DK24tTFWkLJfCsLr1q1jKG3eKI7ggDZXG7jmmdxVzkgAjXBI/s400/corner+of+courtyard.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>These smaller houses of Versailles, as the book explains, were mostly built as getaways from the nearby Palace of Versailles for courtiers.  They would not actually live in these grand but small houses but rather use them as hideaways to relax or keep scandalous intrigues and affairs away from the gossipy court.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfUSMS4uynXYT8mei6X7BrsFVLJZjJgrybYZRYAw3ekaTFVaIh20rho7HIugzcH-1jJcOU5PDaiouTtJKQtmiJ7zgzyQO9lXwcnC5COXA4hPq1JQ3TAXr-IeGAJYDFlRAZYeZ5iyGaNA/s1600/rear+facade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfUSMS4uynXYT8mei6X7BrsFVLJZjJgrybYZRYAw3ekaTFVaIh20rho7HIugzcH-1jJcOU5PDaiouTtJKQtmiJ7zgzyQO9lXwcnC5COXA4hPq1JQ3TAXr-IeGAJYDFlRAZYeZ5iyGaNA/s400/rear+facade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is certainly one of the largest houses featured in the book but certainly less impressive than the estates and chateaux these courtiers called home (and much larger than their apartments at the palace!). La Lanterne was built in 1787 as a hunting lodge for the comte de Noailles who became a leader throughout the Revolution and later the duc de Mouchy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfyfkG3pJ0DxiLoDmeCOP_Yh2kUradHkiH0-Wt18iU9cXVtImRIu5DkBQo7gXjwugAC5kTarlqG_SvczVRCuHQg87yZ5AG9xutnN11mHpvCnmUn2tqaDFPbq2f3M20m822jLT01p7weQ/s1600/elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfyfkG3pJ0DxiLoDmeCOP_Yh2kUradHkiH0-Wt18iU9cXVtImRIu5DkBQo7gXjwugAC5kTarlqG_SvczVRCuHQg87yZ5AG9xutnN11mHpvCnmUn2tqaDFPbq2f3M20m822jLT01p7weQ/s400/elevation.jpg" width="280" /></a></div> The house sums up the best of French design into one perfect little jewel box much like the <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2008/02/petit-trianon.html">Petit Trianon</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmeExeyjMJ1dCYIdv9tCbnmeiUUPQ52bmdCXhN0CP4aa8sS3vCliTLFEvevEzaBqUB4bE3cPg_ElmjhQmqUwlicnrFv99gXFAupaRgHIR1IUXh1PYb5I_uMrgzTY1lMMTEW0VzwdS68Y/s1600/floorplan+of+La+Lanterne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmeExeyjMJ1dCYIdv9tCbnmeiUUPQ52bmdCXhN0CP4aa8sS3vCliTLFEvevEzaBqUB4bE3cPg_ElmjhQmqUwlicnrFv99gXFAupaRgHIR1IUXh1PYb5I_uMrgzTY1lMMTEW0VzwdS68Y/s400/floorplan+of+La+Lanterne.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>From the plan you can see the derivation of the name. The main block of the house is narrow and allows for windows on both sides of all rooms; giving the house the appearance of a lantern at night when lit from within.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjP1aolFAFjJaGNaUN2wbhisOsyGVnnIp3DhVbKVK0iQJ0ESdROT1m1REXnFVGQl4iIY4maFCy4k1JZfGF9IN-ExdCOAQAFouYmJ76eN2XhsqcKLjGXuLyutwad9WBVrvuF6zyChndYQ/s1600/entry+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjP1aolFAFjJaGNaUN2wbhisOsyGVnnIp3DhVbKVK0iQJ0ESdROT1m1REXnFVGQl4iIY4maFCy4k1JZfGF9IN-ExdCOAQAFouYmJ76eN2XhsqcKLjGXuLyutwad9WBVrvuF6zyChndYQ/s400/entry+hall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These vintage 1926 images show many of the interior spaces. Simple but refined detailing is found throughout. Limestone floors match the limestone exterior. Restraint is shown which is key.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMT_ec1cyj7dMpFQvBc-gTsSZH93XhWL9LwnDG2LWlZEy__tlhi1CC4eAj472lkneFtwF4cZR0Ar1NIhyphenhyphenxDL62KlaMfPccp11LHGSXDx8VVkyVEqsJMuBpFbvwR2g0dzWAyFQeEN5HJjw/s1600/stair+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMT_ec1cyj7dMpFQvBc-gTsSZH93XhWL9LwnDG2LWlZEy__tlhi1CC4eAj472lkneFtwF4cZR0Ar1NIhyphenhyphenxDL62KlaMfPccp11LHGSXDx8VVkyVEqsJMuBpFbvwR2g0dzWAyFQeEN5HJjw/s400/stair+hall.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Remember this is a simple country palace, er, I mean house. The rooms are small and residential in feel and not palatial. These houses weren't built to impress visitors like a grand country chateaux but to be a private retreat for the owner.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXP6_SdFqhZJIyX3iBwXBWnPVcjtqlWq0pODi4izs8n8ezlsTbZj1F5-Wb5cx_ZluoDwzh0g_fIfdQPqiTWowecBcKKWlIm0heHR4QlvjtS_QKWG78I_PGetQZXNhLL73nbOAH9dsm4M/s1600/Dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXP6_SdFqhZJIyX3iBwXBWnPVcjtqlWq0pODi4izs8n8ezlsTbZj1F5-Wb5cx_ZluoDwzh0g_fIfdQPqiTWowecBcKKWlIm0heHR4QlvjtS_QKWG78I_PGetQZXNhLL73nbOAH9dsm4M/s400/Dining+room.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>I wonder what the interiors are like now? I suspect as the house is a national treasure they haven't been allowed much alteration other than perhaps some modern furnishings. If anyone knows of the house being published recently please let me know!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdNieWea-Q4IqFskd1Rxi20xqwO6g7TJkC0IH0f4hRJQcu4uftcbC820BDkHpSnXS6zVtcKDjlY2_QjzxCvKH74oZlScm_roTAWdjLNAU9eXfdy8j4pgo_x5ksahtP08f6M1nHdoHw90/s1600/Study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdNieWea-Q4IqFskd1Rxi20xqwO6g7TJkC0IH0f4hRJQcu4uftcbC820BDkHpSnXS6zVtcKDjlY2_QjzxCvKH74oZlScm_roTAWdjLNAU9eXfdy8j4pgo_x5ksahtP08f6M1nHdoHw90/s400/Study.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>I'll be sharing other small houses from the book in the next few weeks. Enjoy!

La Lanterne, Versailles

Happy 2014! One of my favorite gifts I received over Christmas was an antique copy of the book "The smaller houses and gardens of Versa...

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