Hello my darling! I'm so glad you could make it to our new country home. I know we said the one we bought in June was the last one, but sometimes a house just speaks to you, you know? Now enough chit chat: let me give you the grand tour!
I'm terrible at choosing just one decorating approach, so naturally we had to have two living rooms in two different styles. Plus my stuffed peacock doesn't get along with my zebra rug, making an arrangement like this an absolute necessity.
This room is really the huz's territory. He recently splurged on a forty foot yacht, and I thought 'What better way to celebrate than to have a yacht-themed room'? It's subtle, of course--the rope-framed mirror, the portrait of a sea captain--and if the huz has been really well behaved I let him put his feet up on the coffee table.
I've been lugging these tiny French pendant lamps around with me ever since I found them years ago at the Paris flea market, and I'm so happy finally to have a kitchen worth installing them! They provide just the right amount of light when I'm baking my award-winning chocolate cake or arranging my priceless collection of antique tableware.
And speaking of priceless, come to the second kitchen and let me show you the most recent cuttings from my heirloom flower garden! The specimens I grow are one-of-a-kind, direct descendants of cultivars from Marie Antoinette's garden. You don't have to look so awestruck. That's just how I roll!
You must be hungry. Let's have some lunch! I'll tailor the menu depending on which dining room we eat in. After all, we're not animals! Perhaps you'd like waffles with whipped cream and fresh strawberries in my gray room?
Maybe a selection of rare cheeses and salumi in the black room? I'll open up that $2000 bottle of wine I've been storing for just such an occasion, and I'll have some fresh macarons flown in from Laduree.
We could keep things low key and dine al fresco. The benefit of this space is you can just reach up to the trellis and pick a bunch of perfectly ripe, juicy grapes to complete your meal.
Sometime during the weekend I'll have to take leave of you and work on my book. It's a romance novel, and I can just tell it's going to be a bestseller. As an author I'm so sensitive to my surroundings, so when I'm writing in the hero's point of view I sit at this desk...
...and when I'm writing in the heroine's point of view I move into this room. It helps me tap into the personality of each character. Also, I needed a place to display my solid gold desk.
Frankly you're looking quite haggard after your ten hour flight. Let me show you to your room so you can freshen up. This lovely space is calming and serene...
...and it offers an en suite reading room so you can catch up on all the classics. Please do be careful when you turn the pages of my first edition copy of Oliver Twist.
If you choose the pink room, I guarantee a sound night's sleep. I had this color custom blended to induce brain waves of the ideal frequency for sweet dreams.
On the off chance that you do wake up during the night, you might hear me swimming laps in the pool. I'm preparing for an Ironman triathlon and with my busy schedule I have to fit my training in sometime! After all, personal growth is a 24/7 job.
P.S. Awesome giveaways to brighten your Monday: a glam light fixture at Harmony and Home, and a fab silk jumpsuit at This is Glamorous!
All images courtesy of Elle Decor, July/August 2009.
i love the calm grey tones...so peaceful. and i love the commentary, as usual.
Posted by: erin | June 29, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Ah! Gorgeous pics! In in love with that first room!
Posted by: Daniella | June 29, 2009 at 07:13 AM
I think that this was my favorite Elle Decor yet and with you charming narration the spaces are even better:)
Posted by: blair | June 29, 2009 at 07:35 AM
I feel like I just had a little vacation!
Posted by: Alexis | June 29, 2009 at 07:45 AM
oh my! I looove your 'new country home' darling! especially that dreamy pool and garden house!
xoxo
Posted by: caroline @ patagonia gifts | June 29, 2009 at 07:52 AM
w.o.w.
LOVE!
The breezy bedroom with the pair of ottomans at the foot is my favorite. Maybe that's because I have two ottomans that I'm having slipcovers made for them!
Thanks, Anne!
Posted by: Kristin @ Contented Me | June 29, 2009 at 08:07 AM
the reading room is my favorite room in the house. thanks for the tour!
Posted by: Down and Out Chic | June 29, 2009 at 08:11 AM
How great! =)
Posted by: el3phant | June 29, 2009 at 08:52 AM
All so beautiful! And completely fun writing. Especially love the outdoor dinner party, the pink room, the pool, and of course, Aerin's place, which is still one of the loveliest rooms ever.
And you are so quick! Had just published the give-away and you already have a link -- thanks, so much, Anne!
Hope you had a lovely weekend,
xo
Posted by: {this is glamorous} | June 29, 2009 at 08:57 AM
as if the images weren't amazing enough...you had to write fabulous commentary to go right along with them!
Posted by: Shea | June 29, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Thanks for giving me a good morning laugh, Anne. :) These images are amazing, too! Hey, can I be a guest in your new home sometime? lol
Posted by: vicki | June 29, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Love the commentary! :-)
Posted by: Amy | June 29, 2009 at 09:45 AM
A gold desk! Oh my do I love how you roll.
Posted by: Heidi | June 29, 2009 at 10:08 AM
I want to jump in that pool. NOW. Lovely place you've got there. ;)
Posted by: Ginevra | June 29, 2009 at 01:37 PM
I looooove what you've done with the place! How's the month of August sound for a visit? You know, it's just the five of us, and I promise, the boys will be on their best behavior. ;0)
Posted by: nkp | June 29, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Love the pool area and all the fresh flowers, delightful commentary on the house as well!
Posted by: D.S. | June 29, 2009 at 07:52 PM
I love this collection - this month's Elle Decor was especially good - but I think you made it better!
Posted by: A Life More Fabulous | June 29, 2009 at 08:17 PM
That should be acceptable. Is there a gatehouse for my chauffeur? And a goldfish-holder for my goldfish? I intend to steal your 2 beautiful yellow chairs, but I'm sure you won't mind.
Posted by: Mise | June 30, 2009 at 05:41 AM
Hilarious commentary!
Posted by: Claire | June 30, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Oh, invite me, invite me! I want to vacation at your house! tee hee.... thanks for the mention Anne! Love how you put a story together! You are SOOOOOOOOOO talented!
Posted by: Rebecca | June 30, 2009 at 09:42 PM
Love that desk!!
Posted by: Abbey Goes Design Scouting | July 05, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Wow please tell me you were kidding with the obnoxious, snobby commentary!! Ugh, people like that make me gag. I've never known any old money who spoke so snobbishly and in my opinion, rudely. Please tell me you were joking and all these people who are ass kissing get the joke I some how missed. I will say though, the house is stunning!
Posted by: Rachel Mintz | July 11, 2010 at 11:05 PM
hello,everybody,what is your hobby in your spare time? I am fond of listening to music,different styles,it's really a kind of enjoying for me.
Posted by: Tory Burch Shoes | December 03, 2010 at 05:23 PM
why not become better make yourself.
Posted by: karen millen | December 21, 2010 at 05:40 PM
Sweet house
Posted by: karen millen coats | January 03, 2011 at 12:28 AM