Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The tale of two showhouses....

Hi there! Don't forget to enter the pillow giveaway (my weekly giveaway) click here if you missed it. And of course loving all the beautiful "Hooray for the holidays" pictures I am getting and hope you will participate. All details on bottom.

Moving onto one of my favorite subjects.......designer showhouses!  I attended not one but two show houses recently and there were so many lovely things to share that it warranted its very own post:) I love show houses but have to say I have been disappointed in recent years over them and don't remember going to many that I loved, at least not the way I used to.

 I used to come home and dream of what I saw and felt so inspired to start sprucing up my own house......but that has not been the case in recent years, most have disappointed with a few winning rooms amidst a bunch of underwhelming  and lackluster ones. So these were both a treat.... even if some of these rooms were not exactly my taste they were done really well and I had a definite  appreciation for the attention to detail, the imagination and creativity used and how they went the "extra mile".  I am excited to share with you some of the beauty today! Ready to come inside?


House (if you can call it that) number one. The first house was done in the most palatial turn of the century masterpieces built for the famed Guggenheim Family in Sands Point, NY. Called Hempstead House, or the Sands Point Preserve, it sits on one of the most prime spots overlooking the Long Island sound, affording it practically a panoramic view. Built in 1917, it is really something to behold!  If you want to find out more about this architectural gem, click here.


VERY PICTURE HEAVY....SO BE SURE TO TAKE A SEAT AND GRAB ANOTHER CUP OF JAVA!

 Even if there wasn't a single piece of furniture it would be worth it to visit just to take in the majesty and grandeur...oh if only those walls could talk! Today it is owned by the county and serves as a museum and is a registered landmark. It was a positively regal home to have a showhouse in! Come inside.....

 Pretty breathtaking...don't you think?
 Upon entering there is a massive sunken Palm court (foyer to most of us little people)
 The dining room....interesting how they made it all white and so modern, it was a great twist, very Phillipe Starck!

 This massive sunroom with the most amazing stonework became a billiards room...a very big one! (done by Keith Baltimore) I could see some serious parties in this space!

 Of course my eye went straight to the magnificent Provence planter...really love this one!





Upon entering the magnificent and very palatial living room done beautifully by Safavieh Home which took the award for best room





 This one picture has me rethinking my own breakfast room with a much smaller bay of windows but its the same idea....LOVE the window seat and all the pillows!


 It was a very dramatic space.....with 16 foot ceilings!







 The windows were amazing at every turn!




Onto the family room which is piggybacked to the living room...so has a similar style architecturally, same windows,etc.....






 You don't see fireplaces like this anymore!
 Or ceilings like this one!

 Or how about this absolutely incredible limestone stair tower...at one time looks like an organ lived up there!



Upon entering what I thought was the prettiest bedroom of the house...and what a way to be greeted!

 This was the "bridal room" done by Liz Cordeiro, it was quite beautiful and overlooks the sound!


 The faux fur throws gave it a very Hollywood retro vibe...super glamorous!
 In another room which didn't excite me, I was impressed with the creative approach to filling the fireplace.....so interesting!

 This bedroom was like a throwback, it was done really well and authentically. I almost felt swept away to another era.


And check out these killer views.....they were beyond words!






 The back of the house, unfortunately the sun was so bright, it made taking pictures from the back challenging


 Ahh...here we go, a little better!

 That is yet another mansion built on the same property, rumor has it for the wife and her "boyfriend"
 A side view of the magnificent porte cochere.....amazing!

 It looks more like a university than a home....but it was such a treat to visit! I love being taken back to earlier times and it was easy to imagine the living large, the parties, the holidays, that all took place here...magical!



Moving along to the second house, a  much more manageable and "human sized" abode  but nevertheless a very  stately home, the kind of house you walk in and can actually imagine living in. I thought this was really well done.  It is a home built in around 1920 but it was lovingly restored an felt fresh and new. Very very charming. Come on inside.....

Darling and charming bathroom.....love the Scalamandre paper!

Very cozy den/library...love the more transitional take in a very traditional room


Now entering the living room, done in very pale powdery blues and creams.....


Loved the sunroom done by Rinfret group! Recognize the lantern from the custom tole line I carry!








Moving along outside to the patio....I wouldn't do orange myself but it really worked here and was so "fall like"....





Charming herb garden

How perfectly round are those mums!
Love the old brick walkway around the garden

Fell in love with these uber charming topiaries!!


Beautiful dining room courtesy of Barbara of Hampton Hostess fame....so well done!






Cozy sitting area off the kitchen

Interesting tile mosaic backsplash...always fun to see the new trends!

This was a small study off the kitchen but sooo cozy and so well done complete with tiny wet bar



Eat in breakfast space......
Breakfast room looking into the kitchen




Gotta love this laundry room...this could anyone excited to do laundry! Such a feel good room.......




Welcome to a guest room or a great teenage girls room....nicely done!


You know I loved the bathroom that went with it....I spy blue and white!



Up on the third floor was a bonafide mancave, my sons would LOVE this space..pics were dark though.


Back to the living room.....







And that glorious sunroom.....








And that great bathroom on our way out had to take one last pic!

This beautiful chinoisereie was found in a small vestibule off the foyer



Gorgeous painted ceiling



Outside the foliage was fully ablaze in a rhapsody of color......






Loved this charming little vignette right off the main foyer..........


I haven't seen this before, but how beautiful! Mirror around the fireplace.....very very pretty!


Back to the dining room...told you there is no rhyme or reason to the sequence of these pictures!



Living room.....



Heading upstairs.....(again)!


Small but charming master bath and bedroom.....






So there you have it! Which house do you like more? Obviously one is like a museum and though it was incredible to visit..it would be hard to imagine living there. However with a staff as they used to have it....maybe I would reconsider:) They were a treat to attend and it restored my faith in one of my favorite pastimes, going to designer showhouses! Hope you enjoyed...did you have a favorite room?


Three things before I go! Today is the last day to be eligible for the gorgeous pillow giveaway from Studio Trullia. Don't miss out...its a beauty! Click here for details and find out how to enter!




If you missed my latest batch of steals and deals....(last one until after Thanksgiving) click here, there are a few things left but most are sold. I will have my final steal and deals first week of December, so stay tuned!



Third, I am so enjoying receiving all of your "Hooray for the holiday" pictures, details below-



The new theme is "Hooray for the Holidays". I am accepting pictures for anything having to do with the holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas) up until Dec. 4th. I will run the contest through Dec. 8th and announce a winner on Monday, Dec.9th. I have already gotten some beauties so send yours in!

No rules...however you interpret "Hooray for the Holidays". Could be a favorite meal, your home all decked out, your Thanksgiving table, a pretty table setting from a holiday past, a pet or child showing their spirit, etc.....I know I am in for a treat, your talents and inspirations always blow me away. Same rules, two pictures per entrant, you must put Hooray for the Holidays in the subject line of your email (I get a ton of email and don't  want it lost in the shuffle).

A reminder that these must be your pictures (not necessarily of your home but pictures that belong to you, not taken off internet)

Email me your pictures to theenchantedhome@gmail.com. Thank in advance for entering, you have a little over 2 weeks to send them in! I will also hold a Christmas themed contest in early Jan so get those cameras ready! Some ideas.....



25 comments:

  1. Hi Tina,
    I just love going to any type of open house. Whether it is for a designer showcase parade of rooms, house tour for the holidays or even an open house for selling. I love them all. So fun to 'peek inside'.
    By far the second house is much more inviting as a home and the first is more suited for functions, corporate retreats, etc.... There is absolutely no denying the exquisite craftsmanship that has gone into each of these homes. Unfortunately I think all of the modern design twists compete with the beauty of the structure and are so distracting. A few of the rooms maintained some sense of cohesiveness and nod to the past. I'm by no means a purist however the first home frustrated me a bit because it was so hard to see the beauty with all the modern/contemporary elements.
    What is wonderful is to see these beauties being preserved and so lovingly cared for. Our buildings and homes pale in comparison to other areas of the world in terms of age, we need to do our best to keep what we have so our children's children and so on can appreciate how us 'old folks' used to live.
    As always Tina, thanks for your wonderful fun posts!!!
    Fondly-Lisa

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  2. Beautiful! The first home made me think that's what Downton Abby would look like decorated in today's design...lol. Can't imagine living there! The second home was amazing and I especially loved the blue and white chevron bath and the dancing zebras bath. I love visiting designer show homes and going on home tours...thanks for sharing!
    xo/Christine

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  3. Hi Tina- what fun. I love showhouses too and the last one I went to was a beautiful home but way too modern. I think these are both well done. The living room was my favorite in the first (and the incredible views) and the sunroom was my favorite in the second. Great pictures and I almost felt like I was there. Thank you.

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  4. Tina,
    I do love a show house…so what a treat to visit 2 this morning! I agree…the breakfast nook (can we even call it a nook?!) is incredible. Love the views….very Gatsby! I would be more comfortable in the 2nd home. Love that Scalamandre wallpaper…never tire of those zebras. Especially love the dining room by Hampton Hostess! Thank you for taking the tour and sharing it with us!

    Bundle up today….it's freezing!!! :)
    xoxo Elizabeth

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  5. I think it would be a little difficult to go to a "show house" and then go home to your gorgeous abode. The second one is lovely. I spent the day at Boston Design Center yesterday and half of it was in Scalamandre. They have lots of zebras all over the showroom. If I could choose which house I liked the best it would still be yours!!!

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  6. I am with above poster...you live in a showhouse as far as I am concerned. These both have some lovely rooms though I would like to see more traditional approach especially in the first house. That dining room was so inappropriate given the amazing bones of the room. I am not a big fan of the new transitional look. I prefer timeless interiors that can stand the test of time. Both lovely homes and the views on the first one are incredible. I do enjoy going but have to agree, they do not seem to put as much into them as they used to. Thanks for the tour Tina.

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  7. Good morning, Tina...you must be a mind reader - I went to the smaller show house yesterday. It was lovely - I especially loved the living room and my friend, Denise Rinfret's, sun porch. I didn't take a single photo so I was thrilled to see yours this morning!

    Have a lovely day!! xoxo

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  8. Funny I attended both and both left me a bit disappointed. Your home on the other hand is stunning!

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  9. What fun, I feel like I almost there. Love the living room, family room and bridal room from first house and those views!

    The second house didn't feel very cohesive but overall think its very pretty. I love the smaller rooms, they feel more intimate and cozy. The living room and outside areas are beautiful.

    Great fun to take the tour with you Tina. Got my order yesterday and went nuts over everything. That was fast! Thanks for offering such great finds.

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  10. These are very pretty, but yours is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I prefer your home over the show houses. You are most talented, and I enjoy your blog!!! I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  11. I just loved taking these virtual tours! Both homes are amazing, but I think I could move right in to the second one... That Scalamandre Zebra bathroom is divine, and I love the Chinoiserie wallpaper the sunroom. Thank you taking us with you on your tours!

    XOXO,
    The Glam Pad

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  12. What a perfect post to read while in carpool line! I recognized the guest bedroom from the second house; I saw a picture on pinterest and used it as a headboard inspiration in my posay last weekend! I love both houses. The architecture of the first house is incredible, and making those large rooms comfortable is quite an achievement.

    Thank you for entering my pillow giveaway! It was nice to see your name pop up.

    Holly

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  13. Tina, I don't want to sound like a broken record but I must join in with the others. Your home is by far more beautiful that either one of the show homes. House #1 didn't look livable and house #2, although pretty, just didn't have the "it" factor that flows through every room of your home. I totally understand you being disappointed by the show homes. How could they ever compete with what you are blessed to have on a daily basis. Can we have a complete Christmas tour of your home this year? Patty Ann

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  14. Wow the first castle was amazing in itself, I didn't care for some of the modern elements. I agree with the others yours is stunning!
    Happy Thanksgiving I you stay home and enjoy your home!
    xo,
    Gail
    casualloveselegance

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  15. oops look Like I erased some words... I meant to say, I hope you get to entertain in your home for the holidays!
    xo

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  16. Wow, Tina - you are a busy woman - how do you fit everything into a week! Love seeing these two homes and how different yet uniquely beautiful they are. Barbara's dining room is lovely and we're excited to see our orchid in Liz's bedroom. Do you have a better picture of it so we can post it on Facebook?
    xxoo
    C + C

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  17. HI Tina, So many gorgeous rooms! I do agree that your home would draw so many for a Showhouse Tour!
    I love to attend and get ideas as well as support a charitable philanthropic cause.

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  18. In homes with the MOST stunning architecture, landscaping & views the decor totally missed the mark. In an attempt to be 'edgy' a magnificent opportunity was missed. The most complementary detail is the chinoisere wall paper in the second home. When did the lumpy outline of a rug layered beneath another angled rug become the 'go to' design detail. This was unfortunately repeated in both homes. The bold striped 'lampshade style' chandeliers in the billard room ? The site of them took my breath away - for all the wrong reasons... I have NO doubt, if given the opportunity, you would have presented a design befitting the beauty of the architecture.

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  19. The first house: those windows! The view! Wow!! It's incredibly impressive.

    The second house had my heart with the Scalamandre zebras wallpaper. I've often thought if my children's bathroom wasn't already done in Brunschwig's frog treillage, I would most definitely install that zebra wallpaper. It's exquisite in the most fun way.

    Keri

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  20. Do you have any information on where the boxwood toparies came from featured at the second house?

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  21. I do love the dreaming that goes along with visiting a grand mansion, of course it crossed my mind that the heating bills are probably insane! Well I love the idea of living anywhere beautiful and both houses are certainly that. Thank you for the lovely tours!
    xo Mary Jo
    http://MagicalMined.blogspot.com

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  22. i like the 1920s beauty, though the views of that mansion are killer! what a treat to tour these, tina.

    happy wednesday to you.

    michele

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  23. WOW! I almost got lost in the many rooms in these wonderful abodes! But here I am! Oh Tina, those vaulted ceilings, limestone fireplaces and leaded windows...TAKE ME NOW! Fabulous, just wonderful.

    Well my dear, you've done it again; you have inspired me to go off to work and dream and smile about the most beautiful homes....the enchanted homes. Anita

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  24. Tina these are both amazing in such different ways. The mansion is incredible, so huge and with those views it is really beautiful but cannot imagine living in a house that big! The second one is very nice too looks much cozier. I still would choose your house above all of them though!

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  25. Thank you for taking us along to these amazing houses. The 'Press for Champagne' bell is 'da bomb'!

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