Chateau Miromesnil

Chateau Miromesnil is known for it's architectural beauty but also the wooded country in which it sits and its vegetable gardens (seen below). It has also been home to some famous characters. The famous author Guy de Maupassant was born in the chateau in 1850 while his parents rented it for 3 years.
Earlier the chateau had been home to Armand-Thomas Hue de Miromesnil. Armand was made a Knight of the Holy Spirit Order by King Louis XVI and later tried to defend the King at his trial during the revolution. He also abolished the use of torture for those who were imprisoned for supposed crimes. He died here in 1792 and left his fortune to the peasants of his estate.Of course the chateau has its own private chapel, as most ancient estates do. Solid and square -don't you think?
The chateau also acts as a bed and breakfast with very reasonable rates! Can you even imagine staying here? Heaven!
Visit the official website HERE
see information about renting rooms and photos HERE.

Paris Opera House

One of the things I hope to see while in Paris next week is the Paris opera house by Charles Garnier -especially the ceiling by Chagall (one of my favorite artists!). This sketch by Raoul Dufy depicts the opera house in 1924, long before Chagall started the ceiling - can't you see the similarities? How did he know what was coming?!The Dufy sketch is part of the Phillips Collection here in DC.

The apartment

"The Apartment" theme song (Jealous Lover)- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

The theme song from the great 1960 film starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine is "Jealous Lover" - a song I love dearly and played about 100x on the piano while home this past weekend. The film won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Enjoy!

All in one kitchen

I recently came across this amazing all in one kitchen system. Made in Italy by Meneghini, the mini-kitchen fits into a wood or lacuqered cabinet that looks like a piece of furniture. However, it opens up to reveal 2 electric rings, a sink and faucet, a fridge and 2 storage compartments - magic!I think a cabinet like this would be great for a mountain or beach cottage - or maybe a city studio apartment in NYC where one doesn't cook at home. I immediately thought of the beach huts that Meg at Pigtown talked about last week as a perfect place for one of these contraptions.I especially love this image of the item in wood with a mirrored top. What do you think? Good or bad?

Vaux le Vicomte

Unfortunately I don't think we'll be able to make it to Vaux le Vicomte this trip to Paris (next time!) but it's still an awe inspiring site, don't you agree?
The history is fascinating - built by the superintendent of finances to King Louis XIV, he aroused suspicion of stealing funds for this magnificent palace. Plus, you never wanted to outshine the King! He was thrown into prison after a huge estate-warming party, but not before inspiring the king to turn Versailles into the place we know it as today.
Enjoy your own weekend and don't worry about outshining anybody!

Trellis work at Versailles

The thing that spurred our trip to Paris in the first place, for both Heather and I, was a passion to visit Versailles. The gardens are especially spectacular and have had many evolutions over the history of the chateau. Probably my favorite thing I've seen in pictures so far is the trelliswork that surrounds the Fountain of Enceladus, seen here. It won't be long now!

The view!

Only 2 weeks till our trip to Paris, time has flown! When Heather and I were first talking about doing the trip it felt like ages off but now it's practically here! A friend sent me these pictures she took of the city from the top floor of Printemps. These fabulous views just echo my excitement! Best view in paris from a great store? I'm there!I want to thank all of you who have been kind enough to send me your recommendations! They have formed the basis of our trip and I'm so touched that you all took the time to send them!

John Derian

While on Cape Cod last week, I was able to finally stop in the John Derian store in Provincetown.I had looked for it last year on my annual beach pilgrimage but couldn't find it! The saleswoman told me they only put up the sign this year -good thing! Still not the easiest place to find, down a small street behind some bushes, but the store did not disappoint with so much to see (in such a small space!). Stage right from the doorway were what we come to expect from John Derian, the decoupage! I love the poufs under the table too!And more decoupage -I loved this collection of sea-botanicals.

These charming little tumblers were towards the rear of the store -perfect for a tablesetting at the beach!I was so tempted to get one of these ostrich feather dusters and live out my french maid fantasies ( just kidding!!!)There was a selection of Cire Trudon candles hiding in the back of the store. I just LOVED the 'trianon' scent - maybe i'll pick one up in Paris next month when Heather and I pay a visit.I've always loved these busts that they make, I just wish they came in the muliple scents (like trianon!).The bedding was all so cozy, I could have taken a nap right then and there!The store was so adorable I could have happily bought everything inside. I had to be content with a decoupage tray of antique stamps and a small notebook to use while in Paris for sketching. I also picked up a nice tote bag with Derian's logo on it for my groceries. If you are in Ptown, it's worth a visit and of course so are the New York stores. Tell them ArchitectDesign sent you (and ignore the looks of utter confusion!).

Seaside cottages

Since I'm away at the beach, I figured it was a good time to show some seaside cottages. Not the Newport variety, but actual cottages. The book 'Cottages by the Sea' by Linda Leigh Paul features a number of amazing cottages in Carmel, California. I had 2 favorites that I want to share with you.

The house seen at the top images of the post is called 'Hansel' -aptly named, don't you think? The street side is a quiet, almost fairy-tale cottage. The handmade quality of the finishes just adds to the charm. The designer, Hugh Comstock, designed the place in a folk tudor style to showcase his wive's 'Otsy-Totsy' dolls in 1924 to show to potential buyers as they had overflowed their own home. The interior is small at 300 SF but adorable. Efficient little beach cottage perfect for 1 or 2! I love the soaring ceiling. Thats a guest loft up the ladder from the living room.

Less of a cottage than a small house, the second project is more my speed to actually live in. I love this house!

The Hasenyager House was built in 1931 by MJ Murphy in a French Tudor style and was restored in 1987.The house, typical of the time period, features forest-green painted steel windows. You know I love those! I especially love this large rounded bay window in the living room seen above and below.

The garden is divided into 'rooms' and features a treasure trove of plants - roses, lupine, forget-me-nots, wisteria, iris, rhododendrons, lilacs, lavendar and rare trees. A perfect cottage garden!
The interiors are still cozy but not as tiny as the hansel house. I love the wood floors and beams.

The kitchen is obviously from the 1987 remodel but I don't mind it -the white cabinets and appliances are very beachy and I love the addition of the beautiful rugs and blue cabinet.

This is a book that is definitely worth checking out!

Le Bois des Moutiers

Le Bois des Moutiers is an arts & crafts house in Varengeville-Sur-Mer, France by the well known english architect Edwin Lutyens. The house sits in a remarkable garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Because of the dry rocky soil, the garden lacks the lushness of its' British counterparts and has a distinct look to it.

Visit the website

St Marys, Wellingborough

Wellingborough is a town in Northamptonshire, England, which houses a spectacular cathedral, St. Marys.

Designed by Sir Ninian Comper starting at the turn of the 20th century (1906), the church was finally completed in the late 1930s. He designed the building, furnishings and beautiful windows.
Comper was a Scottish architect, known as one of the last Gothic Revival practitioners. He was knighted in 1950 by king George VI before his death in 1960 at the age of 96. Comper's greatest achievement many say, was this church of St. Marys: his masterpiece.The work was paid for by 3 unmarried sisters who lived nearby. Can you imagine how proud they must have been?

Church website

Unpublished article about Comper written by his great-nephew

Photos courtesy of my Australian friend who visited last month.

Hediard

I can't believe our trip to Paris is in a few short weeks! There are so many places I'm dying to visit but one of them is definitely Hediard, the gourmet grocer and restaurant near the Ritz. Little gossipy tidbit - Princess Di had her last meal just around the corner at the ritz and passed here on her infamous way home to london. Obviously not why I want to visit though, the pictures provide the reason! Anyone hungry?
Pictures courtesy of a friend via her 2007 trip.

Monet at Giverny

Monet created over 250 paintings of the Water lilies or Nympheas at his gardens in Giverny (in Northern France). These paintings always remind me of calm summers, just in time for my yearly pilgrimage to the beach next week!

The gardens of the house he first rented then owned have been open to the public since 1980. I would love to visit while in Paris but I think time is not on our side -next time!

R.I.P. Charles Gwathmey

Charles Gwathmey died today at the young age of 71, leaving the architectural community bereft of one of the pure modernists left. As a young architect in school, Gwathmey Siegel was one of the firms we studied and saw referenced constantly. He practiced a severe Corbusian modernism that while it has many detractors, still is an important style being used today.

Soho Mews, a recent project in NYC

Learn more about Mr. Gwathmey at the NYtimes.

Image at top of Gwathmey in front of the home he designed for his parents in East Hampton in 1967 which made his career. He owned the house after their passing and recently had been busy renovating and upgrading the finishes.