Sunday, March 20, 2011

Sunday showhouse.......and you're invited!

My prayers continue for the people of Japan. So much devastation and loss...hoping for recovery, restoration and rebuilding for Japan and its proud people.

Happy Sunday! The weather this weekend has been incredible...and I am convinced that we will get to enjoy a spring after all!  As I do every Sunday, I have a  house tour featuring a few different style homes in different locations. Today we go from one coast to the next, and then all the way over to my favorite country other than the U.S......France!! So sit back, relax, pour yourself another cup of java and don't be too quick to get up and run out of the house...its Sunday and a day to stop and smell the roses (and look at houses) Enjoy! Let me know if you have a favorite...



This beautiful country home modeled after an English country manor/Costwold style is brand new. Located in Falls Church, Virginia....it is situated on five sprawling acres. Careful to replicate this beauty to look old, it is purposeful restrained and understated. The interiors however were given a more modern, transitional feel. I love the bright, airy and sun lit rooms.....great space and not too formal or stuffy. What do you think?

















Then we are off to the west coast and sunny California, Belvedere to be exact. This not so humble abode belongs to someone who we should all know one way or another, the Restoration Hardwares CEO, Gary Freidman...yes you in some teeny tiny way, made him having this house possible...lol! The views of the Golden Gate bridge speak for themselves as does the laid back elegance and charm that abounds. Architect Howard Backen did a beautiful job in creating this fabulous water view getaway....








Now buckle your seatbelts as we are jetting all the way to glorious Avignon, France, I am sure I don't have to twist your arm for this one! This picture perfect French countryside home in the middle of this historic and charm to the max picturesque countryside is the kind of place I would like to escape to and would never want to go back.....I can almost smell the lavender fields and the fresh bread baking from the small village patisserie! I am ready to go.....











So...what do you think? Do you have a favorite? Would love to know..wishing you a relaxing and enchanted Sunday!

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28 comments:

  1. Susan @ Real Girl DesignsMarch 20, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    I love everything about that first house - it's gorgeous!

    Have a happy Sunday, Tina.

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  2. Renée FinbergMarch 20, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    crazy as it sounds
    i love the library.
    i love when you wrap the room-
    including around windows and doorways with book shelves.
    it is the coolest look.

    xx

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  3. designchicMarch 20, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    The first house is amazing...serene and sophisticated interior with a gorgeous yard!!

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  4. Aspiring KennedyMarch 20, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    im basically crying over how amazing these are. the view of the GG in san fran, the garden of the first, and avignon? stunning. i was there 3 weeks ago for the first time, and am ferociously working to get back!

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  5. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassMarch 20, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    I love the first house, but there is nothing here that I don't think is absolutely beautiful. Just stunning interiors, TIna.
    Hav ea wonderful Sunday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  6. The White Pear TreeMarch 20, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Definitely the French house for me. Such loveliness in the details... The house with the view of the Golden Gate bridge is not too shabby either! Oh and the wine room in the first one. I mean, a whole room dedicated to wine!

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  7. Mona ThompsonMarch 20, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    Tina, All lovely but the first house was pretty over the top. Fabulous details. Thanks for another great post. Happy Sunday. Mona

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  8. love jenny xoxoMarch 20, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Im in love with the first house... sigh... so beautiful!!

    XOXO

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  9. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeMarch 20, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Beautiful pictures...
    Love, love the Virginia home!

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  10. meenal @ maison marigoldMarch 20, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    I love the library and the kitchen in the first house...the dining and outdoor ares of Gary Freidman's house and the location of both the second and third houses!! lovely post!! xx meenal

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  11. Mary Ann PickettMarch 20, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    It is a tie for the with the Belvedere house for the views and the Avignon house for the "living the dream" quality. So much fun.

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  12. Agnes C.March 20, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    It would be a tie for me between the French house and the Va. house but the French house would win because its in Avignon. Love the outdoors of all of them, and the interiors are all so elegant but totally livable. Beautiful....

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  13. Nita StacyMarch 20, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Wow! Almost too much to comment on here. I loved the architecture of the first house. I really liked they symmetry of it. You don't see houses like that very often...very different and I loved it. But the third house I adored the inside. I saved some of these photos for future reference. Especially the drapes...those are exactly what my own home needs. Thanks for posting these inspiring homes.

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  14. Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living March 20, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    You never disappoint me! Every home was utterly outstanding! My favorite part of every home was the view outside....overlooking the gorgeous water! Everyday would be a vacation for me! and you're right Sunday's are days to sit back and smell the roses...that's exactly what our priest said today at mass. Oh and the table in the wine cellar! Now that would be a party! Beautiful post! Thanks!

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  15. Acquired ObjectsMarch 20, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    The house in Virginia is something and I’ll take those gardens please along with the wine room and looks to be back hallway with the benches and zinc tubs with boxwood, so beautiful. I’m so glad I could help Gary from RH live so comfortably…Grrr but it is a stunning home. Funny but aside from the chandelier over his dining table and the garden furniture I don’t see anything from RH. And nope I don’t have a favorite since I would be happy in all three stunning homes. Beautiful post and have a wonderful Sunday!

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  16. Barbara@HausDesignMarch 20, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    All three are beautiful homes for sure, but for me the Gary Friedman house wins by a landslide. Maybe it's because I lived in SF for so long, but I really, really love it! The design is timeless and the views are well, amazing!!! Great post.
    http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/

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  17. Desire EmpireMarch 20, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Gives 'dream home' a new name. Lovely

    Best wishes
    Carolyn

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  18. Desire EmpireMarch 20, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Your comment made me laugh.... so thanks. Recipe tomorrow and I do insist.

    Yours, in chocolate cake and dream home happiness
    Carolyn

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  19. AnonymousMarch 20, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    All beautiful homes but I will take the last one in France any day over the mansions.
    Tiffany

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  20. Brandon @ SouthgateMarch 20, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    That first house is just my style...I could move right in and wouldn't change a thing!

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  21. TessaMarch 20, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    The French home! OMG!! How charming and perfect! So fun! Thanks for the house tours!

    xo,
    Tessa

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  22. KarenMarch 20, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the home in France!!! That is me! I would take that in a heart beat!!! Now I'm going to dream of that! :)
    ~Karen~

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  23. UnknownMarch 20, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    omg the first two are GORGEOUS ...but the indoor/outdoor feel when the walls/windows are open, a dream. And that view!!! So amazing!

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  24. Glamour DropsMarch 21, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    That's a gorgeous patio setting in the French house. Reminds of me "to catch a thief" a bit. With a backdrop like that, you could have a house made of twigs and it would look elegant!

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  25. Acanthus and AcornMarch 21, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I love elements from both homes, but the space I loved the most was the hallway with the sofa facing the fireplace in the first house!

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  26. Jane Kilpatrick SchottMarch 21, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Glad to see all the goods I have purchased from Restoration are going to a good cause. Quite FAB!

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  27. Susie @ Maddie G DesignsMarch 22, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Oh, love the interiors of that first house. And Falls Church VA....just a stones throw from where I lived until December. Sigh.

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  28. Cameron (House Sale)April 17, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    I could stay all day inside the wine room.

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Would love to hear what you have to say......happy thoughts only please!!