The Paine, part one

First things first - Happy Easter! So, I've been thinking about sharing this house for quite some time. Last summer I was visiting family and we drove up to Oshkosh from Chicago to see a Chihuly exhibit featuring his Venetians at this historic house in Oshkosh, WI. I like to share lesser known historic houses here on the blog and this one is just lovely. The interior was very nice but what was truly striking was the gardens. So today I'll start with the house and then in celebration of Spring, I'll be sharing all my garden photos in a following post. Photos were not allowed inside so these are all from the Paine Center's website, unless exceptions are noted. Enjoy!

source 

The house belonged to Nathan Paine, of the Paine Lumber Company, and his beloved wife Jessie. In 1925 the Paines hired Ithaca, NY based architect Bryant Fleming to build their Tudor Revival house. Construction commenced in 1927 and finished just three years later.

The couple had no children and built the house with the intent that it should be a museum and place for the citizens of Oshkosh to enjoy both art and music. So let's go inside.

The Stair Hall, above, was hand-carved in the Michigan workshop of Alois Lang, a Bavarian-born master craftsman using the acorn and oak leaf motif. This hall leads to the Great Hall, above, which is remarkably spacious and influenced by the Tudor and Elizabethan styles of the 16th Century, below.

My favorite spaces in this house are the dining areas. To be sure, the Georgian Dining Room is one I would gladly take any day! The walls feature paneled walnut with carved boxwood and pine adornments purchased from England. The plasterwork ceiling is also very beautiful.

But this room is just my favorite. It is the Breakfast Room and the indoor-outdoor feeling of the enclosed porch feels very current.

Another favorite space is the impressive Library. Showcasing Jacobean influence, the rose motif can be seen throughout. The wood paneling is walnut, unvarnished so the grain is so beautiful! It pays to be in the lumber business! The house has some stunning examples of very fine woods, beautifully finished which is fascinating to see.

The gallery is where the Chihuly exhibition was held. It is such an amazing, bright space. Very airy and peaceful. You can really sense that the Paines intended this space to be enjoyed be all from the very conception of this estate.

While this room was intended to be their master bedroom, it was never occupied. Still, it is a beautiful room with the dentil molding, ionic columns and beautiful proportions.

And just a sneak peek at the garden...

 Folks, this is a tool shed. I first thought it a folly, but nope - how practical and beautiful!

And the Carriage House.

As a reminder, all the photos are shared from the Paine's site. I hope if you're ever in the area you'll stop in even if just to luxuriate in the beautiful gardens!

Poveglia

In the market for a haunted retreat? This is a unique building with a slightly horrifying past but beautiful all the same.

"Poveglia served as a checkpoint for ships going to Venice. After a pair of ships carrying plague victims arrived in 1793, the island was sealed off and turned into a quarantine zone for people with infectious diseases, a role it served for over a century. It goes without saying that many of these people died on the island during this time, leading to the widespread belief that Poveglia is haunted. It didn't help when the place was converted into a hospital for the mentally ill in 1922. "

More here.

doris duke's shangri la, part two

I am absolutely in love with this room at Doris Duke's Shangri La in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is just so feminine and lavish - the Mughal Suite

 

She was inspired by a honeymoon to the Middle East.  She continued to collect and commission artifacts in keeping with the house's style for the next several decades leaving an impressive archival legacy:  

Let's go outside:

Mughal Garden

Pool with the Playhouse:

    

I'll be honest, I was beyond excited to tour this house... but then realized it was also a no-go with baby. I'm not sure what their official policy on children is but just so you know, should you fly all the way to Hawaii to see this house, be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to it. From what I understand, and why it wouldn't have worked out, is owned by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art in cooperation with the Honolulu Museum of Art. Only allows a few people to visit each day. You have to buy your ticket (and like I said, there's not many spots!), wait for a bus, take the museum's bus to the house, tour and then shuttle back. All said and done it was a few hours too many for a little one. We're planning to make another trip back when our daughter is old enough so I can get my house fix! And you can always order the book.

 sources: mostly here, some here, here, here, here

doris duke's shangri la, part one

I know this "polar vortex" has a lot of friends Stateside on ice. Think warm thoughts! And to help you do that, let's tour another Hawaii house! This house is amazing, and famous - I'm talking about Shangri La. The house Islamic-style mansion built in 1937 designed by Marion Sims Wyeth. It was owned by heiress Doris Duke, who spent her winters here. The house is on the outskirts of Honolulu, near Diamond Head. Look at this loggia on the "playhouse"

The house
 

 

The Entry:

Central Courtyard:

Going inside:

Damascus Room

Syrian Room

 

Mihrab Room:

   

The Dining Room:

Going into the Living Room:

Lastly for today, the private hall which leads to my favorite space:

 sources: mostly here, some here, here, here, here

miniature grand house

Do you ever come across something so remarkable on the web and think to yourself, "this person is amazing!" That's exactly how I felt when I found the Merriman Park blog. This blog is the story of a man who set out, as a novice, to create a something of his very own inspired by historic miniatures. Look at his fantastic handiwork:

Photos by and from Merriman Park