Architecture and Colors of Bermuda

 <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R5PXosU__68/UDI_80eDC1I/AAAAAAAALiY/HIYCPRPOis8/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="524" id="blogsy-1345474262918.7083" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R5PXosU__68/UDI_80eDC1I/AAAAAAAALiY/HIYCPRPOis8/s699/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="699"></a></div> I'm back from my trip to paradise, and Bermuda is just that - a gorgeous feast for the eyes and all the senses. Well, I could honestly do without the beastly heat and humidity but the winds are lovely and there is lots of air conditioning available. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tX0iSqHC7M0/UDJABrlFhiI/AAAAAAAALig/xzcqmtkOsC4/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="542" id="blogsy-1345474262908.0283" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tX0iSqHC7M0/UDJABrlFhiI/AAAAAAAALig/xzcqmtkOsC4/s724/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="724"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">The island is exactly as it appears in postcards - lush with amazing blue green water and pastel houses. Although, the colors aren't truly pastel, they are brighter and more saturated than the average pastel. Being a British colony, Bermuda is filled with old homes in traditional British styles, in particular Georgian and Adam style. But of course they have been modified for the location and climate. Also, there is no natural source of fresh water on the island with the exception of rain water. All the roofs are made from indigenous limestone which purifies the rainwater as it directs it to a cistern for collection. Here's a description of the roof systems from <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,636457,00.html" target="_self" title="">This Old House</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">"To build a traditional Bermudian roof, masons mortar rectangular slabs, or "slates," of local limestone to each other over a hip-roof frame. Then they apply more mortar over the top and edges of the slates, filling the joints and giving the roof its traditional stepped shape. Along the lower edges of the roof, they sculpt a long concrete trough for a gutter, which directs rainwater to a pipe that filters it and funnels it into a cistern buried alongside the house. Then they give the whole roof structure a thin wash of cement. Finally, to keep rainwater as clean as possible on its way to the cistern, they paint the roofs with special nontoxic paint (a modern replacement for traditional lime wash), which must be reapplied every two to three years. <br><br>The result is a strong, nearly self-supporting structure that holds its own against the weather while sending clean water into the tank. It's the best and cheapest way to supply fresh water — up to 30 gallons per person are needed per day — to the 60,000-plus residents of this tiny island nation. It's also what accounts for Bermuda's signature white rooftops, perfectly placed amid the palms and set off by the pastel houses for which the island is famous."<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j-uyud8cJXU/UDI_3iQTwuI/AAAAAAAALiQ/3j-eq2C9cnw/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="544" id="blogsy-1345474262894.3982" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j-uyud8cJXU/UDI_3iQTwuI/AAAAAAAALiQ/3j-eq2C9cnw/s727/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" width="727"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Here are some of my many pics taken last week. Some are from the moving cabs and ferry boats (no, I did NOT ride a moped - way too scary!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cUT5VRmTFmQ/UDJAISq3iVI/AAAAAAAALio/7SpzVZBYbq0/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="537" id="blogsy-1345474262903.5806" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cUT5VRmTFmQ/UDJAISq3iVI/AAAAAAAALio/7SpzVZBYbq0/s717/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="717"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j07raeUkjUc/UDJANLFjtQI/AAAAAAAALiw/CtF743RbtQ4/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="545" id="blogsy-1345474262899.7813" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j07raeUkjUc/UDJANLFjtQI/AAAAAAAALiw/CtF743RbtQ4/s728/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="728"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ddqPZkqdI_0/UDJATNJj4nI/AAAAAAAALi4/70Z8kBvMo2w/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="573" id="blogsy-1345474262936.6133" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ddqPZkqdI_0/UDJATNJj4nI/AAAAAAAALi4/70Z8kBvMo2w/s765/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="765"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sDUC2pH9VcA/UDJAX02l3ZI/AAAAAAAALjA/7stH5xOpRkY/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="576" id="blogsy-1345474262894.3496" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sDUC2pH9VcA/UDJAX02l3ZI/AAAAAAAALjA/7stH5xOpRkY/s771/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="771"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CqEJ_oNG9x4/UDJAdvyEK2I/AAAAAAAALjI/W3WZVZR1ids/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="581" id="blogsy-1345474262948.572" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CqEJ_oNG9x4/UDJAdvyEK2I/AAAAAAAALjI/W3WZVZR1ids/s776/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="776"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FzK2IKvtBCo/UDJAjRhBusI/AAAAAAAALjQ/SD4CyYH7AZY/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="579" id="blogsy-1345474262908.7986" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FzK2IKvtBCo/UDJAjRhBusI/AAAAAAAALjQ/SD4CyYH7AZY/s774/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" width="774"></a></div> Below is St. George's Parish, the old town on Bermuda. The building below is Town Hall and the town Square which includes the original stocks to punish transgressors. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P3cBBre51A8/UDJApTckyEI/AAAAAAAALjY/Vv_uBG97x3Y/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="517" id="blogsy-1345474262912.3892" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P3cBBre51A8/UDJApTckyEI/AAAAAAAALjY/Vv_uBG97x3Y/s691/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" width="691"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-78faK_-HV34/UDJAw26kf8I/AAAAAAAALjg/Pzibh9mPnf0/s1200/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="945" id="blogsy-1345474262891.3667" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-78faK_-HV34/UDJAw26kf8I/AAAAAAAALjg/Pzibh9mPnf0/s708/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" width="708"></a></div> A cute little entryway. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y95OL6dknD4/UDJA4gFmhXI/AAAAAAAALjo/_rbPoA1ohPw/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="535" id="blogsy-1345474262935.2754" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y95OL6dknD4/UDJA4gFmhXI/AAAAAAAALjo/_rbPoA1ohPw/s714/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" width="714"></a></div> An old cemetery by the church. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ob3nI6mwWx0/UDJA9kzcevI/AAAAAAAALjw/yx1dwFZ7vSc/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="540" id="blogsy-1345474262935.022" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ob3nI6mwWx0/UDJA9kzcevI/AAAAAAAALjw/yx1dwFZ7vSc/s720/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" width="720"></a></div> Very classic architecture. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mFfeDy2riw0/UDJBGjigIHI/AAAAAAAALj4/JalETQ4ECQs/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="538" id="blogsy-1345474262915.9163" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mFfeDy2riw0/UDJBGjigIHI/AAAAAAAALj4/JalETQ4ECQs/s718/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" width="718"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hxc2BFV20vY/UDJBMboP0WI/AAAAAAAALkA/X1OB4eiJKj4/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="538" id="blogsy-1345474262957.4165" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hxc2BFV20vY/UDJBMboP0WI/AAAAAAAALkA/X1OB4eiJKj4/s718/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" width="718"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G54QP7ATz5E/UDJBQ7SXZZI/AAAAAAAALkI/O6QuO5EpcWw/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="534" id="blogsy-1345474262947.1487" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G54QP7ATz5E/UDJBQ7SXZZI/AAAAAAAALkI/O6QuO5EpcWw/s713/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" width="713"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y6J74-7ry-M/UDJBWIyq4YI/AAAAAAAALkQ/xg2uVF8TORM/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="531" id="blogsy-1345474262909.5327" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y6J74-7ry-M/UDJBWIyq4YI/AAAAAAAALkQ/xg2uVF8TORM/s709/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" width="709"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6VWWTcrOlu4/UDJBsKse_VI/AAAAAAAALkY/P982MBhDbm4/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="527" id="blogsy-1345474262990.7683" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6VWWTcrOlu4/UDJBsKse_VI/AAAAAAAALkY/P982MBhDbm4/s704/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" width="704"></a></div> We never made it to the Swizzle Inn, which is quite famous, apparently. Next time. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">The pic below shows the complexity of the roof work. Don't you just love the color of this house?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YGuncuJwJGM/UDJBxbJm03I/AAAAAAAALkg/rcjYQ6O74tU/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="526" id="blogsy-1345474262993.5967" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YGuncuJwJGM/UDJBxbJm03I/AAAAAAAALkg/rcjYQ6O74tU/s703/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" width="703"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQOp_JwJOwM/UDJB6JNk23I/AAAAAAAALkw/gx363D7UU2o/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="530" id="blogsy-1345474262927.1626" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQOp_JwJOwM/UDJB6JNk23I/AAAAAAAALkw/gx363D7UU2o/s708/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" width="708"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z9UHD8DD8DQ/UDJB-DCBXDI/AAAAAAAALk4/z41_skF73DA/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="546" id="blogsy-1345474262949.8547" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z9UHD8DD8DQ/UDJB-DCBXDI/AAAAAAAALk4/z41_skF73DA/s729/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" width="729"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-smjLy-0OrBo/UDJCC0UopfI/AAAAAAAALlA/Xbz6mn95ViE/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="544" id="blogsy-1345474262920.509" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-smjLy-0OrBo/UDJCC0UopfI/AAAAAAAALlA/Xbz6mn95ViE/s726/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" width="726"></a></div> And this is Hamilton, the "big city" on Bermuda. Sadly, there were several shuttered stores, including the famous Trimingham's department store. There were lots of open gift shops, of course, but several high end stores, including a gorgeous looking linen shop, was closed the evening we were there. Probably best for my wallet! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9GbSf-ON8H4/UDJCIKOtNZI/AAAAAAAALlI/QkfHdWr8b8A/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="535" id="blogsy-1345474262979.744" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9GbSf-ON8H4/UDJCIKOtNZI/AAAAAAAALlI/QkfHdWr8b8A/s714/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" width="714"></a></div> And an above ground cemetery with limestone washed mausoleums. It reminded me of New Orleans.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ITs4f6QqpMc/UDJCOPsQDkI/AAAAAAAALlQ/KFF_-fugQo8/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="535" id="blogsy-1345474262955.9011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ITs4f6QqpMc/UDJCOPsQDkI/AAAAAAAALlQ/KFF_-fugQo8/s715/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" width="715"></a></div> More to come, including a review of the hotel I stayed at and a trip to a perfume factory. <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Architecture and Colors of Bermuda

  I'm back from my trip to paradise, and Bermuda is just that - a gorgeous feast for the eyes and all the senses. Well, I could honestl...

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Elite Repeat: Edith Wharton's Berkshire Estate "The Mount"

<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3719122054_e05153cdae.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3719122054_e05153cdae.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 368px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>Continuing <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/edith%20wharton">our tour </a>of The Mount, Edith Wharton's home in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, we are now stepping inside to the ground floor entrance hall and main stair. One might expect that this magnificent, classically inspired home would have a grand staircase. However, EW believed that the transition from outside to inside should be as smooth and easy as possible.<br /><br />This is the forcourt space - a walled outdoor space that feels indoors when one passes through the main gate.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3699084900_6e1e1a5ede.jpg?v=1246999039" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3699084900_6e1e1a5ede.jpg?v=1246999039" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>In through the front door...<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3706201720_6ea7b53387.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3706201720_6ea7b53387.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 621px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 466px;" /></a><br />And into the grotto-like Entrance Hall with stylized plaster work that emulated mossy walls and dripping water. The terracotta tile floor brings a definative Italianate feel to this space. The arched ceiling is simple and elegant, as is the softly glowing color palette.<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3706200848_a6edd2da57.jpg?v=1247194544" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3706200848_a6edd2da57.jpg?v=1247194544" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 628px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 472px;" /></a><br />Straight in front of the door is a statue of Pan by the sculptor Frederick MacMonnies. This bronze sits on the original fountain in the Entrance Hall. There's an excellent article <a href="http://antiquesandfineart.com/articles/article.cfm?request=362">here</a> on this sculpture and other works at The Mount.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3705394495_731d1cc160.jpg?v=1247194409" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3705394495_731d1cc160.jpg?v=1247194409" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 629px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 473px;" /></a><br />Through the double French doors to the right is the main staircase of the home.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3706200390_983a5d2064.jpg?v=1247194670" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3706200390_983a5d2064.jpg?v=1247194670" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 634px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 475px;" /></a><br />The lantern lighting continues the outdoor feel...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyobJGK1wR1-FOv15Ci_5dBYepXJWLoxz1VfJocGT0so_8khLXNyFInGCP2eGkdKt6759SqpxNxSmtE8CVr0vK7H63UMoWuzkDspqEYvdBdF9et2I3D5yBWkGffaiXcCr4BBglirnq5b6x/s1600-h/3705390601_a14068294f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358144539469581042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyobJGK1wR1-FOv15Ci_5dBYepXJWLoxz1VfJocGT0so_8khLXNyFInGCP2eGkdKt6759SqpxNxSmtE8CVr0vK7H63UMoWuzkDspqEYvdBdF9et2I3D5yBWkGffaiXcCr4BBglirnq5b6x/s400/3705390601_a14068294f.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>The Main Staircase begins quite simply and becomes more elegant as one ascends. During the restoration and decorating of some of the public spaces, designer <a href="http://www.libbycameron.com/">Libby Cameron</a> was selected to do the Main Staircase. Note that the ground floor landing and first level of the stair is relatively simple, with horizontal panels painted a sunny yellow. However, the sassy leopard print carpeting on the stair hints at the extravagance to come!<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3706199946_4fac9874e4.jpg?v=1247194782" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3706199946_4fac9874e4.jpg?v=1247194782" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 648px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 486px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3719122126_cbcd211d94.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3719122126_cbcd211d94.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />We are now on the Main Floor Staircase landing and you will see that the wall moldings, the lighting and other details are now significantly more formal. <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3705392623_cdebe6f451.jpg?v=1247194912" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3705392623_cdebe6f451.jpg?v=1247194912" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 626px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 470px;" /></a>Here is a view through the arched door that separates the working areas of the Main Floor (Butler's Pantry, service stair case that is adjacent to the Main Stair, etc.) You can see through the Main Stair landing into the formal Main Gallery.<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3706293316_bb953e33f6.jpg?v=1247196897" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3706293316_bb953e33f6.jpg?v=1247196897" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 618px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 464px;" /></a>And the glorious main Gallery, designed recently by <a href="http://www.geoffreybradfield.com/">Geoffrey Bradfield</a>. Also based on Gallery spaces EW had seen in Italy, this is a space that allows access to all the main rooms on the Main Floor as well as provides excellent cross ventilation from front to rear of the house.<br /><br />The terrazo and marble floor were polished to a high shine. The room straight ahead was Teddy Wharton's Den and beyond that is the terrace on the side of the house.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3705392119_f460be8ab1.jpg?v=1247195047" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3705392119_f460be8ab1.jpg?v=1247195047" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 613px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 460px;" /></a><br />How glorious is this light fixture?<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3705391557_a22092fcae.jpg?v=1247195146" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3705391557_a22092fcae.jpg?v=1247195146" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 608px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 456px;" /></a>A genteel place to rest.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3706197842_0a896e3916.jpg?v=1247195262" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3706197842_0a896e3916.jpg?v=1247195262" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 604px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 453px;" /></a>And an image of the Gallery from EW's day. Continuing in the Italian style, EW used this space as a display for her art and objets collected from her world travels. Note the crystal chandelier. This view is looking back towards the Main Staircase.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3705390189_36c5131d75.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3705390189_36c5131d75.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 613px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/edith%20wharton">Click here</a> to view all my Edith Wharton posts. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Elite Repeat: Edith Wharton's Berkshire Estate "The Mount"

Continuing our tour of The Mount, Edith Wharton's home in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, we are now stepping inside to the gro...

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Greetings from Bermuda!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod6JZLx8wynsRnmxC0_pVzN0k2v8v9CXD0qLmBboCMJqLecrwFp3QQfGjZcQeojUNWHIXnGo0Fid_HVpLL5ZaY2QkrXbogJYhEo8VEV6bBYuLWz1NjzjLqwKc8BBXfaQHS_1jfUkTGHYg/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod6JZLx8wynsRnmxC0_pVzN0k2v8v9CXD0qLmBboCMJqLecrwFp3QQfGjZcQeojUNWHIXnGo0Fid_HVpLL5ZaY2QkrXbogJYhEo8VEV6bBYuLWz1NjzjLqwKc8BBXfaQHS_1jfUkTGHYg/s640/photo-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Today is my birthday and there's no where I'd rather be than with my four besties at a spa on this beautiful island. It may be raining, but our spirits are sunny! I can't begin to say how much I appreciate this amazing birthday retreat. And when I return, I begin a fabulous new project designing the addition of an antique farmhouse in New Hampshire. An new year, and a new project. Works for me!<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Greetings from Bermuda!

Today is my birthday and there's no where I'd rather be than with my four besties at a spa on this beautiful island. It may be raini...

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