Vivez Bien * Live Well

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Monday Musings - Gorgeous in Green


I would like to thank my friend, Leslie, from the wonderful blog, Segreto, The Secret to Beautiful Living, for doing such a flattering post about my blog! It is particularly special to me coming from someone of such exceptional talent and taste. Many, many thanks, Leslie!


Via Dying of Cute on Tumblr


No further words today....just a collection of pictures



Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr


Via Haus Design


Via Design Labyrinth

Via Interior Styles and Design


Via Searching for Style

Via Tumblr

via Casa Decorada

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Sunscape Homes Inc

Via Tumblr

Via Beauty and Grace

Via Daisy Pink Cupcake

Via Eclectic Revisited

Via Pinterest

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr
Via Tumblr

Via Dying of Cute

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Crimson Dunes

Via Interior Design.net

So are you keen on green?


Till next time


Sharon x


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cape Dutch in America


When I was doing some research on a previous post on Cape Dutch houses, I stumbled across this beautiful example and then to my amazement realized that it was not situated in South Africa, but in California, USA. I was intrigued as to how this style of architecture fairly unique to the Western Cape area of South Africa had made it's way across the Atlantic


0000000014


This magnificent home, called Constantia, was built in the 1930's. Named after the wine region of Cape Town, South Africa, Constantia arose from the visionary genius of architect, Ambrose Cramer, who designed the pristine estate for his father-in-law, Arthur Meeker, Executive Vice President of Chicago’s Armour meat packing company. Cramer drew inspiration from the Cape Dutch homes that populated the southernmost tip of the African continent. The Meekers believed Santa Barbara and South Africa's Cape held appealing similarities in climate, vegetation, and scenery and commissioned Cramer to recreate the same plantation style amid the beautiful terrain of Montecito. 



0000000013

The current owner purchased the property in 2006 and began the restoration that resulted in the masterpiece it is today. These small-paned sash windows are usually painted white and the half-shutters are very typical of most Cape Dutch homes.


0000000012

This home has been impeccably restored and is surrounded by meticulous gardens, broad lawns, and majestic palms. Spectacular views of Montecito Peak rise over the prominent reflecting pond and the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean appear beyond the verdant landscape. 



000000002

000000003

000000004



Massive iron gates frame the entrance to the olive-lined drive that fronts the estate, while a swimmer’s pool and spa, a dramatic reflecting pond, and a sunken garden bordered by roses complement the natural beauty that surrounds the home.


000000005


The home spans approximately 10,000 square feet of living space and has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms! 




This is the living room as it is today...



and before the restoration with it's more traditional furnishings.



The Cape Dutch style houses very often have wide front and back doors that are directly in line with each other so that one can have a view right through the house to the gardens beyond.



This is the floor plan of the original home before extensions.









The heavy beams are very typical of these homes.


Magnificent dining room.



Beautiful bedroom and what a view!


0000000011

So, my wonderful American readers, did you know that there was a little bit of my country in yours?

Till next time

Sharon x


Sources : here and here