Cottage Industries

Keen's Chop House - NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:43:00 +0000

The Lambs Room at Keens

I've recently reconnected with an old friend of mine via the web (wonderful thing, the web.) He is, and always has been an artist, a painter (more about that later). But for a period of time, quite a few years ago, in New York City, we were both begrudgingly employed as server and bartender, pushing Mutton Chops and Single Malt Scotch at Keen's Chop House on West 36th Street & Sixth Avenue.
The restaurant was originally a men's club founded in 1885 by Albert Keen, a notable figure in the Herald Square Theater District. It remained men only until 1905 when actress Lily Langtry, then paramour to King Edward of England, took Keen to court and won - soon enjoying a mutton chop of her own while wearing her famous feather boa. It paved the way for me of course, to be able to bartend there years later. The restaurant still remains today, and hasn't changed much in all these years. The same painted Lily who lounged behind me night after night, is reclining there still.

Keen's Chop House in the 1920s

The Bar with it's famous selection of Single Malt Scotch

The Lily Langtry Room

The Lincoln Room

The Bullmoose Room

Diners today...and yesterday...

A Keen's Banquet c.1938

Actress Lily Langtry, who looks like she hasn't had many Mutton Chops.

ANDREW WYETH (1917-2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Known today as the Master of American Realism, Andrew Wyeth was one of the most popular artist's of our time. Already a celebrity in the 1920s, with the likes of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald and silent film star Mary Pickford among his admirers, he created art and controversy for most of the 20th century.
Rejected by art critics - they said he gave realism a bad name - he went on to create some of the most compelling art of the century. To read about his life, read Michael Kimmelman's article in The New York Times.

Wyeth's Home in Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania

Christina's World (1948)

Public Sale (1943)

Trodden Weed (1951)

Braids (1979)

Lovers (1981)

The Carry (2003)

Day Dream (1980)

"I dream a lot. I do more painting when I'm not painting. It's in the subconscious." - Andrew Wyeth

Other Artists

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Being an Irish-woman with an unfortunate two beer sanity limit, I had to go looking for alternative fun this past St. Patrick's Day weekend. (It is a week-long celebration, right?) I didn't have to look far. Me and the husband and the teenager daughter (who doesn't yet hate me) headed into Hartford for the annual Max O'Hartford 5k Road Race. Everyone was decked out in green - well almost every one - and at 60 something degrees, it finally felt like spring!

There was a "Wee Mile" race for the kids...

And winners were everywhere!

Particularly challenging was the Restaurant Relay, where area restaurant employees deftly tested their skills...

It would be a shame to spill any of that Thomas Hooker Lager!

With over 2,000 runners, the streets of Hartford were a sea of green...

filled with young and old alike...

...as well as the...uh...imaginative!

Yet there were some serious contenders...

And sponsors Steve Abrams & Rich Rosenthal of Max Downtown & Trumbull Kitchen presided over the finish line.

Waving in the victor, Sean Livingston of Barrington, Rhode Island.

Duncan, Steve & Richard of Max Restaurant Group

The After Party! Max Downtown server, Lauren Holden.

Bed and Breakfast for Brunch! a.k.a. Drinking in the Afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:51:00 +0000

The Inn at Woodstock Hill, Woodstock, Connecticut

It's a winter weekend in Connecticut. And it's January. It's absolutely bone chilling outside, despite the bright sun, and I'm already longing for spring. Not ones to spend the entire weekend hanging around the house in our sweatpants, my husband and I decide to take a little road trip. We head out to the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut, which is in the Northeastern part of the state for those of you who have never ventured. It's a gorgeous drive, with rolling hills, farms, antique homes (my favorite!) and historic Inns. We decide to head to The Inn at Woodstock Hill for brunch. I've been there before, at a glorious summer wedding. For a moment I remember a warm night - champagne in my glass, relaxing after an afternoon ceremony while the sun sets over the surrounding hills...sigh! A mimosa and a warm fire will have to do. As we pull up to the Inn I remember how beautiful it is here. The Inn sits high on a hilltop and the countryside just falls away around it. The sky is incredibly blue and the snow, white. I guess January isn't so bad. After all, I'm about to have a leisurely breakfast, not drive a dog sled.

As we step into the Inn, I realize I've never really seen much of the inside. We spent much of that summer wedding on the patio and well, after that third glass of champagne...let's just say it's all a little fuzzy. I do love old houses, and this is a beautiful one. Big heavy front door, that opens up to a large foyer with a sweeping staircase.

The staff is very friendly and before you know it, we're seated at a cozy table with the sun streaming in a nearby window. Yeah, this suits me just fine. We decide to forgo the buffet, despite the fact that it looks yummy and I LOVE smoked salmon. The Chef/Owner is German, and being the snobby former ex-pat that I am, I know Europeans know good food and am looking forward to my meal. I decide on the Eggs Benedict - the hollandaise sauce is too much for me to pass up. And my husband goes with the featured dish of the day - a Seafood Stir Fry, with lobster, shrimp and scallops - I'll have to steal some of that. I do a mimosa - he a Bloody Mary. Yes, this is the life. I never do brunch anymore. I'm not sure why. I must be crazy because there is nothing like good food and alcohol in the afternoon.

Finally, while awaiting dessert, I mention to the staff that I'm writing a little piece about my excursion and would it be possible to shoot some photos of their lovely rooms. A sweet girl, who's name I forget (sorry, I'm terrible that way) hands me a fistful of room keys and with husband in tow - off we go!

There are beautiful details everywhere. All the fireplaces have hand painted ceramic tiles - just gorgeous.

The house has many rooms downstairs but I can resist that spiral staircase...

Upstairs it is bright and cheery, I think that the bride from my summer wedding must have been up here getting ready with all her friends and family. I remember her looking down on us on the patio right before the ceremony. I wonder which room she was in. There are so many of them!

Each one is so different...

And so many colors and textures - I love it!

A big, sun filled Suite.

Oriental Carpets everywhere.

And marble sinks...

Here's a coral red room with cathedral ceiling.

I think all these rooms have fireplaces!

And I LOVE the spring green with the white. Almost makes me forget the snow outside!

Private bathrooms in every room!

Heading back downstairs I meet the owner, Richard Naumann. As I mentioned before, he is from Germany, a place I've been many times - and he turns out to be an interesting guy to talk to. AND he can cook! Not sure if he's available ladies (the good one's rarely are). But I must pull myself away. Stacey (did I get it right?!) has served my Dessert Crepes with Chocolate, Banana and Walnuts.

I am so glad I got myself out of the house today. Our little trip to the Inn at Woodstock Hill was just the thing to get me out of my winter doldrums.

Next stop... another beautiful historic estate, now a museum - Roseland Cottage - just up the road!

FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE INN AT WOODSTOCK HILL...
CLICK HERE!

Antique Cottage Cape Nestled on the Edge of the Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:50:00 +0000

I just love this house - it's like a little jewel box!

The Davis-Burr House $459,000
2199 Durham Road, Madison, Connecticut

Property Details:
Circa: 1883
Style: Colonial Cape
Type: Single Family Residential
Rooms: 6
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2 full/ 1 half
Sq. Feet: 1,451
Acreage: 1.8
Est. Taxes: $5,282
Heating: BASE
MLS#: M9112626
Agent: Amy Etra
William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty
203-245-6700
aetra@wpsir.com
Description:
A Cottage Cape nestled on the edge of the woods in historic Madison, Connecticut. The Davis-Burr House has been beautifully renovated with custom built-ins, wainscoting, dutch doors, exposed beams, gleaming wood floors and updated country kitchen and baths with period fixtures. Also features first floor master bedroom with sitting room and 2nd floor guest suite. Beyond the sun porch are the perennial flower beds, an antique barn with workshop and authentically constructed garden sheds. Meticulously refurbished by a contractor, with new roof, windows, plumbing, electric and well. The craftsmanship of an Antique home without any of the work. This property is a rare find.
CLICK HERE for location with Google Maps

VISIT HISTORICAL-HOME.COM
For more lovely, Antique Homes For Sale!

Thank You Mackenzie!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:25:00 +0000

I woke up this morning and to my surprise found a mention of my humble little blog in Mackenzie Carpenter's article, "Bloggers Offer Shelter to Decor, Design, Style" in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette! As it turns out, Mackenzie and I are both working moms, have three daughters (we each have a 15 year old), and finally, try our best to take the world in stride. The latter similarity I discovered by reading her "T een Angst" column at PittsburghMom.com. I think one of the reason's the blog-o-sphere has gotten so popular is that there is a common thread of experience that weaves it's way through all of our lives, whether in Minnesota or Mumbai. It's nice to know that someone "gets" us!

So thank you Mackenzie - especially for including me in such great company. I happen to be one of Habitually Chic's 5,000 daily readers myself!

~Marie Louise~

My Latest Endeavor - Historical-Home.com

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Hello out there! How are you all?! I've been spotty at best when it comes to posting lately, but I've been busy putting together my new blog/website in an effort to make a little online $$ and mentally escape from my actual job - you know, the one that supplies me with a paycheck. I've started a Real Estate Listing site that specializes in Historic Homes and Antique Properties and is regional to New England - Connecticut in particular. I've gotten tons of traffic and interest (partially thanks to Craigslist) and as soon as I get my Pay Pal online I expect to be up and running and actually making some money for my efforts...imagine! An added bonus has been all the people who have contacted me, including a PR firm that represents the local Tourism district. They would like to accommodate me at area Bed & Breakfasts and Restaurants in return for me doing a post. Sounds like a fair trade, no? I also have a story in the works on a local firm that recently restoresd an old 1700s house, saving it from the wreaking ball. They've sent me lots of fab before and after pics! Consequently my listing site is morphing into an online magazine for Old House enthusiasts!
I do miss visiting all of you, but promise to pop in soon. Below is a sampling of some of the homes that are listing on my site. I do love an Antique!

The James Ingalls Tavern
c. 1704 Pomfret, Connecticut

The Thomas Goodrich Homestead
c. 1719 Antique Cape in Glastonbury, Connecticut

Rosebush Farm, Woodbury, Connecticut
c. 1795 Colonial

The E.D. Rockwell Housec. 1870 Italianate
on Federal Hill in Bristol, Connecticut

The Phillip Chapin House
c. 1866 Italianate Victorian, New Hartford, Connecticut

Want a to take a peek?

www.historical-home.com

My Holiday House

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:32:00 +0000

I love a big Christmas Tree! Although, I have to admit I am cheating in that this is last year's tree. It couldn't be avoided. I wanted to join Julia's Holiday House Tour and lazy me still hasn't gotten my tree up! This was our first Christmas following a new marriage and move into a brand new house. We were thrilled with our cathedral ceilings and left unsupervised, my husband and I, encouraged by our kids, went totally overboard with this 11ft. White Pine. Blue Spruce is normally my favorite but alas, we couldn't find one big enough and this monstrosity won us over. It definitely made for a memorial first Christmas.

I absolutely love Amaryllis, and always have them at the
holidays, although I can never manage to keep
them alive long enough for the following year.

So, shame on me for being so late with my Christmas preparations. Finally, just today, my husband, daughter and I
headed out to Ingalls Tree Farm in Brooklyn, Connecticut,
in search of the perfect Christmas Tree. That's right,
not New York. This Brooklyn is definitely in the sticks!
It was a cold but sunny day here in New England and we were determined to fine the perfect tree. Unfortunately, they were all a bit too wee for me at Ingalls...

...so we headed to nearby Allen Hill Tree Farm also in Brooklyn. Beautiful views and 100 acres of trees. There must be one with our name on it!

Here is the family home that sits atop the hill, where we
found the perfect tree just steps from their back lawn.

Guess who cut it down. I'll give you a hint - it wasn't me!

Mission Accomplished! My favorite - a blue spruce!

Go West!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:52:00 +0000

"Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green & golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space."
Ansel Adams, photographer

It's November. The leaves are on the ground. The snow is yet to fall. As always this time of the year, I find myself daydreaming. Where would I rather be. I'm contemplating my escape. Yosemite Valley, California. I've never been but have long known the photos and beauty captured by Ansel Adams. And I've googled the historic Ahwahnee Hotel looking for reservations. I'm as good as there!

Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Park

Ahwahnee in the snow

Thunderstorm, Yosemite Valley by Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams working in Yosemite

Moonlight at Dome Rock

The Promised Land

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:48:00 +0000

"I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

Not so long ago...

February 24 1956: Martin Luther King, then a pastor in Montgomery, Alabama, sits for a police mugshot after his arrest for directing a boycott of segregated buses. The 382-day boycott began when a black woman, Rosa Parks, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man.

"Free at last..."

Reaction to Obama's win - these photos say it all.

Martin Luther King makes his last speech...

Prophetic words...

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

Montepulciano on my Mind...

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:10:00 +0000

View from Montepulciano, Italy

It's that time of year in New England. Indian Summer days coming to an end - and still months away from the bright, white snow-scape of winter. Outside is your typical, dreary November day - drizzling rain, gray sky, damp cold. More than the chill in my bones, it affects my mood and sends my mind wandering to a possible escape. Whether immediate or in the future, I start thinking of where I'd rather be. One of the places I consider Heaven on Earth is Tuscany. Spring in Italy, or perhaps summer. I start plotting. I choose Montepulciano (more authentic than Florence or Siena) and check out the local rental properties. I must have a friend somewhere willing to split a week's rent with me! I've narrowed it down to two villas. I'm almost there!

Apartment Mariana, situated on the main Palazzo in the center of town.

And the view!

Villa Bettina, in the nearby countryside.

The view.

Where I'd be spending my time with a glass of Chianti!

And for those with a bigger budget...Villa Bertrando.

Anyone interested?

Magic In The Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:41:00 +0000

For a cool 3 million plus, you could be hunkering down for the impending winter in this enchanting estate in the country. Located in Lyme, Connecticut, it features 6 bedrooms & 3 full/2 half baths. It includes a circa 1787 reconstructed Cape & Hay Barn with Gallery & Guest House that create it's own little compound around a central boxwood garden, all on 23 acres. What's that? You've just won the lottery? You can find the realtor HERE!
* It's been on the market for 563 days...sounds negotiable!

Dining Room

Living Room

Library

Conservatory

Guest House

Gallery

FOR MORE ANTIQUE REAL ESTATE...

Indian Summer in Connecticut...

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:27:00 +0000

...when the days feel like they're standing still. The sun warm on your skin, made all the more precious knowing this particular glorious weekend could be the last until spring.
My mother is very ill at the moment. An unsuccessful cancer surgery - she is presently in ICU at a local hospital and my days are filled with work, kids, doctors & the hospital. Needing a reprieve, my husband and I head out to the Berkshires of Northwestern Connecticut. Just a simple road trip, jumping on Route 44 and heading west. Indian Summer was in all it's glory.

View of Woodbridge Lake in Goshen, Connecticut

Along route 44...

And into Collinsville, Connecticut - an old mill town.

Overlooking Collinsville from Village Cemetery
Another favorite cemetery of mine...

Like it? It's FOR SALE in New Hartford, Connecticut.

Demarchelier @ le petit palais

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:47:00 +0000

Patrick Demarchelier, at his Petit Palais Exhibition

Hanging in Paris this weekend? Can't find anything to do? No, I didn't think so. BUT! On the off chance you're soon to be visiting the City of Light, there is a once in a lifetime exhibition at Le Petit Palais. "Patrick Demarchelier: A Passionate Journey". The work of the world renowned fashion photographer is on exhibit through January 4th. Born in Paris and and raised in Normandy, Demarchelier came to New York City in 1975. He didn't speak a word of English but with camera in hand soon made a name for himself working first for Harper's Bazaar and eventually Conde Nast - the home of Vogue magazine. I had the good fortune to work with him back in the 80s. He was a charming man, always with a glint in his eye and a wry smile that made it seem he was up to something. I would love to have the opportunity to see his exhibition but alas, my private jet is in the shop. You can join me though and do the next best thing. Get yourself a pain au chocolat and a cup of cafe creme and check out his website!

Le Petit Palais, Paris, France

Linda Evangelista

Tom Cruise

Madonna

Leonardo Dicaprio

Out-takes from the Exhibition

Scarlett Johansson

If I had a body like this, I'd be swinging from a tree too!

Paul Newman

Princess Diana

Have you always dreamed of being an Innkeeper?

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:48:00 +0000

The Daniel Clap Homestead $2,950,900

8 Main Street, Salisbury, CT

Property Details:
Circa: 1810
Style: Greek Revival Mansion
Type: Single Family Residential
or Commercial Bed & Breakfast
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 6 full/1 half
Sq. Feet: 10,000
Acreage: 1
Est. Taxes: $12,606
Heating: RADNT
MLS#: L120655
Agent: Elyse Harney Real Estate
Description:
More recently known at the Ragamont Inn, this house was fully restored as a single family home in 2005 and featured in House & Garden Magazine in 2006. A bluestone walkway bordered by apple trees leads to the door of this exquisite property. State of the art kitchen with Viking appliances, six bedrooms all with en suite baths, upstairs laundry, central air, and updated systems. Located in the heart of the village, the property is still commercially zoned for possible conversion for business.
CLICK HERE FOR LOCATION MAP

(The Ragamont House as The Maple Shade Inn in 1853)

(Front Foyer)

(Living Room)

(Living Room Fireplace)

(Library)

(Kitchen)

(Kitchen eating area)

(Dining Room)

(Sitting Room)

(Master Bedroom)

(Master Bathroom)

(Blue Bedroom)

(Red Bedroom)

(Fireplace in Red Bedroom)

(Bath to Red Bedroom)

(Back Porch)
Photos by Francois Dischinger

(View of Lion's Head, Salisbury, Connecticut)

FOR MORE BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE HOMES...

Paul Newman (1925 - 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Paul Newman and Katherine Ross in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

My favorite actor of all time is Paul Newman. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke. Who can forget those performances? Father to a son and five daughters (from two marriages), he lost the first - his son Scott - to a drug overdose in 1978 and later created the Scott Newman Center for drug abuse prevention. Married to Joanne Woodward, they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this year. Known for his generosity and philanthropic works he created "Newman's Own" which has generated more than $200 million in charity contributions. A resident of Westport, Connecticut, Newman founded "The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp" for seriously ill children in nearby Ashford. It's a summer camp tucked out in the woods - just a few miles from my home. Newman was known to visit often.
I am sure he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

Paul and Joanne - 50 years of marriage

Paul with the kids from The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp

DONATE TO THE HOLE IN THE WALL GANG CAMP

On the Connecticut Wine Trail - Hopkins Vineyard

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:42:00 +0000

The last weekend of summer! And what better way to spend it than sampling a little vino on a Sunday afternoon. Nestled into the western hills of Litchfield County we found ourselves at the Hopkins Vineyard (oh - how did we get here!) where our friend and fellow blogger Bird-in-the-Hand was helping out at the Fall Harvest Wine Festival. She was working full stop and unfortunately couldn't join us as we consumed lots of lovely cheese, fruit, pate and of course, wine! We tasted a handful of varietals, decided our favorite and then bought the whole bottle - why fool around on the last day of summer? Winter is coming!
Located in New Preston, Connecticut along the banks of Lake Waramaug, the vineyard sits up on a hill overlooking the lake with The Hopkins Inn as it's neighbor. We bumped into a few friends who had the same idea, including our canine friend "Boddington" who seems to travel in the same social circles. Granted, his owners Meg & Mo from Two Ladies in Waiting were there also. It was a glorious day and ended too quickly. We are known for our "Indian Summers" here in New England, meaning an autumn with gorgeous sunny days and cool nights. Hopefully, this one will last well into October!

Lake Waramaug

Hopkin's Vineyard Gift Shop

The Vineyard and below...The Vino!

The Hopkins Inn, New Preston, Connecticut

And just down the road a piece...

A yellow Greek Revival Colonial on a hill
overlooking the lake.

For more information on the Connecticut Wine Trail...

ON THE MARKET - Connecticut Gold Coast Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:32:00 +0000

One of Southport's Finest Estates $5,995,000

134 Center Street, Southport, (Fairfield), CT

Property Details:
Circa: 1882
Style: Queen Anne Victorian
Type: Single Family Residential
Rooms: 22
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 6 full/2 half
Sq. Feet: 7,000
Acreage: 1.73 - 2.69 more available
Est. Taxes: $43,635 (ouch!)
Heating: Hot Air, Zoned, Gas/ Central Air Conditioning
MLS#: 98375682
Agent: William Pitt/Sotheby's International
Description:
An architectural masterpiece that has been impeccably restored. Includes pool, gazebos, formal gardens, greenhouse & 3 car carriage house.
CLICK HERE FOR LOCATION

What do we think? Yours for being the highest bidder. Do invite me over for a pool party! ;-)

Enjoy old houses? More New England Beauties!

BRILLIANT OR BAD TASTE? Director Roland Emmerich's Knightsbridge Townhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:15:00 +0000

Known for his blockbuster films, "Independence Day" with Will Smith, "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson and his most recent endeavor "10,000 B.C.", director Roland Emmerich told his interior designer John Teall of Flux Interiors to make his house "as non-frumpy as possible", adding "when the neighbors peek in, they might want to call the police or something." I think he's definitely achieved that look! Love it or hate, the place certainly has no shortage of "conversation pieces".

German born Emmerich was told that his Knightsbridge, London neighborhood had a reputation for being "staid". All that changes when you enter the front door.

The walls of his office are painted with chalkboard paint. The chair was formally used by a military dentist.

The master bedroom mural was inspired by Chinese propaganda posters.

The "English" bedroom include Charles and Diana sitting in the fireplace.

Here, a coffee table features a diorama of the JFK assassination.

The door in the dining room is a replica of one in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moscow. It's made of wood with a metal finish.

Artist James Gemmill painted the striking murals throughout the house.

In the library sits an American vs. Arab chess set.

And under the staircase? A statue of Pope John Paul II reading his own obituary.

A birdcage designed to look like the White House sits in the terrace hallway - along with a Rodin-style statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger as "The Thinker".

The guest bedroom features a headboard made from the wing of an airplane.

Roof-top terrace with skylights over the living room includes a chair made in Ghana out of Shell Oil drums.
Photos by Jonathan Player and Gavin Jackson for The New York Times

For more on another artist accused of bad taste....Photographer Tierney Gearon

Transported in Time...

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:01:00 +0000

I've started a new blog featuring historic homes on the market in Connecticut. It's just in it's infant stages but I decided to take advantage of this beautiful weekend to take a road trip with my husband and photograph some of the antique properties myself. Of course we had to take a few side excursions - dairy bar for an ice cream cone - a local winery (I'm much more artistic after a glass of Reisling) - and later on, Sushi (drinking makes you hungry). On our travels we stumbled across the Old Abington Burial Grounds. Through a grove of trees, down a grassy path, we came upon this historic oasis, invisible from the road, sitting on a hillside surrounded by old stone walls and peaceful countryside. Abington Village is located in Pomfret - one of the sleepy towns located in the "Quiet Corner" of northeastern Connecticut. The cemetery is the final resting place for 60 revolutionary war heroes and in it, one witnesses the harshness of life 250 years ago. Short life spans, the loss of young children and death in childbirth are evident everywhere. Despite the sorrow once experienced here, this place exudes calmness and beauty - a window to the past.

Is it possible that it's over?

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:04:00 +0000

(Essex Boat Club from Pettipaug - Summer Afternoon)
by Leif Nilsson

"And so the seasons went rolling on into summer, as one rambles into higher and higher grass" - Henry David Thoreau
I have always loved this quote. I think it captures the true essence of my favorite season - "summertime". Unfortunately, with school beginning this week for my girls, it is for all intents and purposes, over. Just a blur between my first roasted marshmallow on the 4th of July and the hot fudge sundae at the dairy bar last weekend. Replaced by 6am wake-up calls, homework and hectic schedules. Last weekend, knowing that the end was near, my husband and I took a drive down to Essex, Connecticut, to savor this old river town and share the last of our precious "summertime".

More on painter Leif Nilssen

Cottage Industry Artist - Heidi Howard

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:02:00 +0000

In the small town of Eastford, Connecticut - population 1,800 not including the cows, Heidi Howard has set up shop in the detached garage of her 1780 colonial home. There she creates 18th century Trade and Tavern Signs, using salvaged wood hundreds of years old. Working with milk paint, as they did in days past, she hand paints each and every piece, often hand-planing the wood herself to ensure an authentic canvas. Beginning her artistic career at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, Heidi set up studio in an old mill outside of Providence where she worked as a waitress and pursued her love of oil painting. Then tragically the mill was destroyed in a fire, along with her paintings, supplies, and seemingly passion. Twelves years past before she would pick up where she left off. Now a wife and mother of two boys, she came across a photograph of an old tavern sign in a magazine. The spark was ignited, the timing right.... and the beautiful results below speak for themselves.

Handpainted Antique Camera Sign created for the studio of photographer Jody Dole of Chester, Connecticut

I love the "Mermaid" theme!

Heidi works on a sign

Heidi's Studio, Eastford

(Eastford, Connecticut by Artist Tom Menard)

P.S. I am partial to Eastford in that I was married there last year. Click Here for details!

On The Market - New Canaan Architectural Gem For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:49:00 +0000

New England and Connecticut in particular is known for it's historic 17th and 18th century homes, and no one loves them more than I. But while prowling a real estate website this morning, in search of an antique sea captains house I saw advertised in the paper, I came across this gem. On the market for a mere $5,000,000 is the 1957 "Bridge House" by architect John Johansen in New Canaan, Connecticut. Johansen is well known as one of the "Harvard Five" - a group of architects who graduated from the Harvard School of Design during the World War II era. They were all highly influenced by their professor, Walter Gropius, who was the founder of the Bauhaus School of Design in Germany, eventually teaching at Harvard Universit y after escaping the Nazi regime. I love the vistas, from one end of the house to the other, with the outside pouring in through the large windows. New Canaan is known for it's hillsides and the small rivers and streams that flow through the countryside. Despite being a former antique home owner, I now live in a contemporary house filled with glass and light. I miss the charming nooks and crannies of an old house but there's something to be said about standing at one point in your home and practically having a 360 degree view of the outdoors. So take a look and let me know what you think!

View from the living room of the "Bridge House"

Another famous New Canaan, Connecticut house (now museum):
"The Glass House" by "Harvard Five" architect Philip Johnson

Architect Philip Johnson outside his Glass House

Would definitely have to upgrade my underwear if I lived here!

Hmmmm...who's this country bumpkin? ;-)

Coventry Farmer's Market Goes To The Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:14:00 +0000

It has become my Sunday ritual to head over to the Coventry Farmer's Market at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, Connecticut. It can't be beat for fresh produce, baked goods, farm grown herbs and flowers - not to mention culinary delights. On a recent gorgeous Sunday afternoon, Robin, (aka Bird-in-the-Hand) and I headed over to the market, only to find it overrun with dogs! Apparently, the market was celebrating our canine friends on this particular day and there were a multitude of doggy themed items to be had. Our favorite! - the dog collars designed and made by Heather Bruggeman of Beauty That Moves. They were so gorgeous in fact that Robin had trouble choosing which one to purchase as a gift for her neighbor's dog Boddington. She ended up choosing the third from the left - the one I liked, as I'm a pushy friend ;-) Either way, I am sure Boddington is quite pleased!

Heather at the Market

Gorgeous fabrics everywhere!

Fellow Market Artiste Winter Caplanson of Sleepy Moon Soaps

Gorgeous organic dyes used at Too...Cute Fiber Farm

There are many reasons to come to the market:
Robin comes for the flowers...

My girls love the Italian ice...

The husband has a Keifer's Kettle Korn addiction...

And me...I'll be found at the Howard Valley Fudge Company!

Another day at the Coventry Farmer's Market!

Wedding In The Country!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:53:00 +0000

One of my incarnations was that of a Wedding Planner. Unfortunately, not as glamorous as Jennifer Lopez in the film of the same name - I've never walked around with a head set in constant communication with my staff, and instead was more likely to be screaming directions from across the room. It's not an easy job, delivering a perfect day after spending gobs of money and planning every excruciating detail for a year prior. Almost tortuous, really. Needless to say I planned my own wedding last summer in three weeks flat, via email. Think about it - it's only dinner. Today I am posting about one of my favorite Connecticut Wedding facilities - The Lord Thompson Manor and it's sister property The Cottage House in Thompson, CT. I worked there years ago when I was a young mother, my first exposure to the wedding industry. It is owned by the talented husband and wife team, Andrew & Jackie Silverton, who were wonderful to me in the years I worked for them. Together they have built their business into one of the finest wedding venues in the Northeast.
So if you're looking to get hitched and planning a wedding reception - check it out! I think the photos speak for themselves...
The Lord Thompson Manor

Sister Property - The Cottage House

Need more than a weekend at the spa? Looking for a honeymoon destination? Click Here!