Kitchen Trends To Watch In 2015

Tis The Season!

Tis The Season!

I want to thank you for your continued support all these past years – it means so much to me, it’s hard to put my gratitude into words. ...

10:51 PM

Kitchen Chronicles: A blank slate (+ more house updates)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our contractor and electrician have been working all day every day this past week on the house, and I'm happy to report that their job duties are nearing the home stretch.</div> Here's how the kitchen looks as of an hour ago: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN0Hpxks97uzXQOognEL_u07YJX9JeXarAt2a0r4s-SoQntmMTQ0nvrvagcZW14Yw-btIdnQ50Sgl8kjSgEZNYIK3ZMNp7sUcfp89mgV_4lshrpizyGy3DMCeQIElSMgt_T1yCpEMTRwk/s1600/IMG_1313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN0Hpxks97uzXQOognEL_u07YJX9JeXarAt2a0r4s-SoQntmMTQ0nvrvagcZW14Yw-btIdnQ50Sgl8kjSgEZNYIK3ZMNp7sUcfp89mgV_4lshrpizyGy3DMCeQIElSMgt_T1yCpEMTRwk/s1600/IMG_1313.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRUWFanAZg4rVPrQmQLzl_JwxOv4YPHg0R6Lvxd2oYncbX_TO4MiIS1RBoWWwH1T4TVOkszjs23gkEG-IvI7ww9hakXJkr3n4r3AoMq3T7_cbVn1q_bhWImo3ARgBYzLzoUd0XzoTTspA/s1600/IMG_1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRUWFanAZg4rVPrQmQLzl_JwxOv4YPHg0R6Lvxd2oYncbX_TO4MiIS1RBoWWwH1T4TVOkszjs23gkEG-IvI7ww9hakXJkr3n4r3AoMq3T7_cbVn1q_bhWImo3ARgBYzLzoUd0XzoTTspA/s1600/IMG_1314.jpg" /></a></div> Yes, our house is a full on construction zone. It's not just the kitchen, either. The hardwood guys came yesterday to rip out all of the old carpet/parkay in preparation of the wood installation. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUc7ViHpNj65iYX6eb_vj5DWn007CMJ9ph3lxMuRVcObg75BJwkWx04NIbTCZbu38-_q-cvPdG8v3n8VOkx5xKcgbCPvVzJx6IuKGV_hs_8yBtHl0VuMgErNL5vY3YC31B4Kwmch2EEgW/s1600/IMG_1306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUc7ViHpNj65iYX6eb_vj5DWn007CMJ9ph3lxMuRVcObg75BJwkWx04NIbTCZbu38-_q-cvPdG8v3n8VOkx5xKcgbCPvVzJx6IuKGV_hs_8yBtHl0VuMgErNL5vY3YC31B4Kwmch2EEgW/s1600/IMG_1306.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4uLT3kWxM0znXusTTehnQ5Iwif1gXU5PUL9ft8qQHxOjpjkMTG8BD20H1snHM1tzv6CiKNGYCP-57JItKj07xYAFBPRhyn0-TR5SCon5e1HCODbHoVIFSLSYcjsNNj7mLD96MAJqU_9_/s1600/IMG_1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4uLT3kWxM0znXusTTehnQ5Iwif1gXU5PUL9ft8qQHxOjpjkMTG8BD20H1snHM1tzv6CiKNGYCP-57JItKj07xYAFBPRhyn0-TR5SCon5e1HCODbHoVIFSLSYcjsNNj7mLD96MAJqU_9_/s1600/IMG_1320.jpg" /></a></div> Everywhere except downstairs is currently rocking the subfloor. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqwHQRQ7XgmnntahqEfJQCxLuvDjj57sr96dz-u13mS5DW6OT9yrUHRb1S2MxEi2q2mlUto9HmK4YL8OH59Uxho5XVIYdcyd36ye4tCBuXwHtIh-QUeq316as1RY74E0PsZpNnt6-UAEg/s1600/IMG_1312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqwHQRQ7XgmnntahqEfJQCxLuvDjj57sr96dz-u13mS5DW6OT9yrUHRb1S2MxEi2q2mlUto9HmK4YL8OH59Uxho5XVIYdcyd36ye4tCBuXwHtIh-QUeq316as1RY74E0PsZpNnt6-UAEg/s1600/IMG_1312.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyAXA3voIPo1RfAMTSXUY2wHHfBGCUknXTpS4VY-ZGEVrLGYv41Ovf6Y0gHJAPa6IRYQuy-P9meCXvebVLjRTPJvAAxPcD6OzgAgX65IbSmY3-ES_shd2R_P5fyD8HRkZXmFLCeYH6L61/s1600/IMG_1315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyAXA3voIPo1RfAMTSXUY2wHHfBGCUknXTpS4VY-ZGEVrLGYv41Ovf6Y0gHJAPa6IRYQuy-P9meCXvebVLjRTPJvAAxPcD6OzgAgX65IbSmY3-ES_shd2R_P5fyD8HRkZXmFLCeYH6L61/s1600/IMG_1315.jpg" /></a></div> They actually have to redo the top steps because there is some wonkiness and wobbliness of the railing. A while back they did the same thing to the lower flight: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy6JpnmYOiCtqMoZGcy7PvITrJi3pglhBaXGJSBAlKOagyZwdCrd_j_qX8WpQTB75r4Pzk3gPShX2PHAG-dBGGmZ2Y-HF_f-_8ZsOGBlTwGKvrRlVDeotGS7892sOi30IWbaAWeIxbqiS/s1600/IMG_1316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy6JpnmYOiCtqMoZGcy7PvITrJi3pglhBaXGJSBAlKOagyZwdCrd_j_qX8WpQTB75r4Pzk3gPShX2PHAG-dBGGmZ2Y-HF_f-_8ZsOGBlTwGKvrRlVDeotGS7892sOi30IWbaAWeIxbqiS/s1600/IMG_1316.jpg" /></a></div> So while we're on the topic of flooring and stairs, this is the floor we bought: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU1F-XzMpF0oyZdG6g2hifPlqqWiTj2ZHYMCy2DEts220VoxUcFCeXPZipVB_hsQjZuGRpBd3idKiAt1ILaZ-lTGD48ap0sfxUl8TFD6U5rN5SMgrWtWhl7JbET3CZ-d39Rb1GCXxW3Qm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.12.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU1F-XzMpF0oyZdG6g2hifPlqqWiTj2ZHYMCy2DEts220VoxUcFCeXPZipVB_hsQjZuGRpBd3idKiAt1ILaZ-lTGD48ap0sfxUl8TFD6U5rN5SMgrWtWhl7JbET3CZ-d39Rb1GCXxW3Qm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.12.38+PM.png" /></a></div> It's Armstrong Shell White Walnut engineered hardwood, and I lo-o-ove them. I was looking for a lighter whitewashed warm gray wood this time around (after two houses with super dark floors) and these fit the bill. Here's a shot I instagrammed after we had received the wood (ignore the purple cast): <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGATh4Gd7ZS97L1KLfdPAW9xSSNqq0Ge-u3w5YF7uQ0nxVSFHkRHs2XcsOCNe3uW9NtCLCkBgNqtP8yWLJNXSilpJc5h7QTxv4DZmyXA3glC02ntx0fIPiA_P1Cw1pH05ZBSw_d-5xVVb/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGATh4Gd7ZS97L1KLfdPAW9xSSNqq0Ge-u3w5YF7uQ0nxVSFHkRHs2XcsOCNe3uW9NtCLCkBgNqtP8yWLJNXSilpJc5h7QTxv4DZmyXA3glC02ntx0fIPiA_P1Cw1pH05ZBSw_d-5xVVb/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" /></a></div> And you'll never guess how much we paid. MSRP is $6.99 (most retailers stayed in this range) but after a ton of googling, I was able to find it for $1.99 <a href="https://www.floorstoyourhome.com/products/armstrong-lock-and-fold-hardwood-5-plank-timberland-collection-shell-white-walnut.html">here.</a> It was part of their Timberland Collection which is a value grade, so the pieces are selected due to "natural character markings in the wood, which may include knots, mineral streaks, and natural grain variation." Since this wood is meant to look a little more rustic, I was down with that. When we checked the website again before Thanksgiving, we saw that the price had been marked down to $1.89 shipped during a Black Friday sale! They told us that once the wood was gone it was gone forever and they probably wouldn't get anymore in stock, we jumped on that right away (this was before the house even closed—that's how bad I wanted that wood). The total cost for the entire upstairs (almost 1600 sf) came to $2,952 shipped. Total bargain. But just when we thought we hit the jackpot... our installer told us we needed to buy stair nose to finish off the edges of our steps: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/816366/816366272858lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/816366/816366272858lg.jpg" /></a></div> Holy crap—have you guys ever shopped for pre-finished stair nose?! It's a 2" wide by 6.5' piece of wood. And it was SEVENTY DOLLARS FOR ONE PIECE (that's $70, not $7) And I needed 13. I tried every solution possible in my head and but none of them seemed to work. I consulted with our installer who said they were pretty much necessary to do the job right. After procrastinating for a couple weeks, I finally, reluctantly made the purchase today. I was able to find them slightly cheaper on efloors.com, but seeing that number at checkout still made me nauseous: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn5hihuFQf-8ORIkj6dAIzE62tfEoQDSza1ByBJv1wfuSW26TJ2rskBQvAq0vqmRpSWLwXWwY306wedjE1ZG1zKw7aHLq0MMYTtVXun-IMRwbu4Zz0lDm_2RoJ4oSVvywVR_vbSRWmZin/s1600/Screen-Shot-2013-12-18-at-8.39.22-AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn5hihuFQf-8ORIkj6dAIzE62tfEoQDSza1ByBJv1wfuSW26TJ2rskBQvAq0vqmRpSWLwXWwY306wedjE1ZG1zKw7aHLq0MMYTtVXun-IMRwbu4Zz0lDm_2RoJ4oSVvywVR_vbSRWmZin/s1600/Screen-Shot-2013-12-18-at-8.39.22-AM.jpg" /></a></div> So these 2" strips of wood cost almost 1/3 of what the whole house cost. Absurd. Anyway, those should be here in two weeks at which point the installers can begin laying down the wood. They won't be able to start on the kitchen until the cabinets are in (4-5 more weeks) so they'll install everything except the kitchen for now. And back to the kitchen progress. Here's how we left off last week: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHs-oNZKsbf4gOv2gitjnBCIl4Lrp8KmwEcMTpQnyPl5HWATk_2_8NWEcA4kjW66DjgK_4vZba_p2ZJsHYxfVgEIrezrixYxOEyo2vwGkzCSzF04PJRdIufSX3ocknPikja9yqtS9nQ5a/s1600/20131210_171945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHs-oNZKsbf4gOv2gitjnBCIl4Lrp8KmwEcMTpQnyPl5HWATk_2_8NWEcA4kjW66DjgK_4vZba_p2ZJsHYxfVgEIrezrixYxOEyo2vwGkzCSzF04PJRdIufSX3ocknPikja9yqtS9nQ5a/s1600/20131210_171945.jpg" /></a></div> Doug had just started taking down the drywall so they could work on the plumbing and electrical. Here's the new wiring and piping in progress: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TCUXUH2iCKdPmBSpTpuVY3eJD6QGVyukpIGrTngL_I5FQDd4S2WH7X3gH2mLQx6PMex0CXJOWOOT0tA-LV_S0LguflNJFO1yrY329XGh3D1jj_xpAvYvnfzru3HSzAp3Kqv3kXo8m40Z/s1600/20131213_144006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TCUXUH2iCKdPmBSpTpuVY3eJD6QGVyukpIGrTngL_I5FQDd4S2WH7X3gH2mLQx6PMex0CXJOWOOT0tA-LV_S0LguflNJFO1yrY329XGh3D1jj_xpAvYvnfzru3HSzAp3Kqv3kXo8m40Z/s1600/20131213_144006.jpg" /></a></div> He also framed in a 14" wall where the new built in pantry will sit: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sfDQzdWWgGsaBfJGk4671envbTY8eGbBm6taTzepZV2iuZAspO2h4ZL_sQbaW4QX8JDqS0VWveOTDRjeVjEMEgfygvZhXdPjWhLnfp4mJlNcdAhz6CGejIZhlP7F3YcnK5oTBZYc7qo_/s1600/20131211_160116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sfDQzdWWgGsaBfJGk4671envbTY8eGbBm6taTzepZV2iuZAspO2h4ZL_sQbaW4QX8JDqS0VWveOTDRjeVjEMEgfygvZhXdPjWhLnfp4mJlNcdAhz6CGejIZhlP7F3YcnK5oTBZYc7qo_/s1600/20131211_160116.jpg" /></a></div> And filled in the cutout to the living room as well: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43sNrVXBI4-repV_SY7EZ5EmOAj61BD71eTCJe-lDQFuoQneOtBt-qJn_S6KtpoClN6v445miFvR51Od9zt8-7IK4Bxr3Z8IQ-IpXKPzpdurRn3Lb10BB98n61MRaMQcWJrBWrG1iE8jE/s1600/20131213_150107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43sNrVXBI4-repV_SY7EZ5EmOAj61BD71eTCJe-lDQFuoQneOtBt-qJn_S6KtpoClN6v445miFvR51Od9zt8-7IK4Bxr3Z8IQ-IpXKPzpdurRn3Lb10BB98n61MRaMQcWJrBWrG1iE8jE/s1600/20131213_150107.jpg" /></a></div> While the ceiling was cut open, we thought it'd be the perfect time to start on the recessed lights. Brad and I spent a few hours Sunday planning and wiring. There's 13 ceiling lights total which we split into three circuits. Excuse the rough sketch. I used what I had on hand. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStQ7R1ztdnPa1OT4nlo1pP3_NFMWTGWsAfnV9go-ejiJBooQ2iCnTtznLvhJZZE8CL6i3JLaz45C9iiO2ykEgqsmlJOiYvKAX7ChqbzyCPobQaoJNFKo7CsQONu7cKYft9LgfK_fQl055/s1600/IMG_3200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStQ7R1ztdnPa1OT4nlo1pP3_NFMWTGWsAfnV9go-ejiJBooQ2iCnTtznLvhJZZE8CL6i3JLaz45C9iiO2ykEgqsmlJOiYvKAX7ChqbzyCPobQaoJNFKo7CsQONu7cKYft9LgfK_fQl055/s1600/IMG_3200.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Circles: Light locations  Dashed lines: Wood beams</td></tr></tbody></table> In the top left (above the sink/main cabinet work area) there will be four lights on one switch. In the top right in the dining room there will be another four lights on one. And for the bottom row, that actually changed a bit after we realized that the switch over the bar area was connected to what will become pendant lights over our dining table, so the light over the bar is now connected to the four linear lights at the bottom. We had to split the lights up because more than four could be too much for one circuit to handle. Make sense? Brad picked up a chalk line at Lowe's which we used to mark all of the studs (which will come in handy later on when we're installing our wood planks and beams!) But it was also necessary so we knew where to drill the holes for the ceiling lights. Here's a shot of it after they patched up the drywall: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRUWFanAZg4rVPrQmQLzl_JwxOv4YPHg0R6Lvxd2oYncbX_TO4MiIS1RBoWWwH1T4TVOkszjs23gkEG-IvI7ww9hakXJkr3n4r3AoMq3T7_cbVn1q_bhWImo3ARgBYzLzoUd0XzoTTspA/s1600/IMG_1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRUWFanAZg4rVPrQmQLzl_JwxOv4YPHg0R6Lvxd2oYncbX_TO4MiIS1RBoWWwH1T4TVOkszjs23gkEG-IvI7ww9hakXJkr3n4r3AoMq3T7_cbVn1q_bhWImo3ARgBYzLzoUd0XzoTTspA/s1600/IMG_1314.jpg" /></a></div> And a shot of the drywall going in: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VstaZw_IESBw6XokHvSBUSeDTPwjs3aYKPZUCjuPgqxfZ4nHwCcH_y_SIgVVuVLKB_Ks9UcPWWVkGdDC8G9lD0X-HbNc23VnETxZDMmD3FBnERSiN1EeEc39Gtycc2pqzksQPqVd78C8/s1600/20131217_154135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VstaZw_IESBw6XokHvSBUSeDTPwjs3aYKPZUCjuPgqxfZ4nHwCcH_y_SIgVVuVLKB_Ks9UcPWWVkGdDC8G9lD0X-HbNc23VnETxZDMmD3FBnERSiN1EeEc39Gtycc2pqzksQPqVd78C8/s1600/20131217_154135.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNnmbEE70l1yLmI7_0YTziyhAg9zOO5TW3IiMi9IQPlhMux7HA87y0PfLxadXBW4P0M4f_FYlyZBk-7xRfZbYSkm4YXB8apGmajjIlWIwgnv4NeuoVG2kmlYv6KjyMQMy7273GvkgnJiU/s1600/20131217_172403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNnmbEE70l1yLmI7_0YTziyhAg9zOO5TW3IiMi9IQPlhMux7HA87y0PfLxadXBW4P0M4f_FYlyZBk-7xRfZbYSkm4YXB8apGmajjIlWIwgnv4NeuoVG2kmlYv6KjyMQMy7273GvkgnJiU/s1600/20131217_172403.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our new pantry wall!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jJBcgq3NvSvZAj3rY5p1m_vIQWRHxdWJoO3xHE8V3tDa-IG-TY6LXpqZ1ieI82FGMl1mAyuJf3PHBp5WQkwfHJMSFJVd0HVIPb7aS6-oy4OFMVXnHY2IHaXnAkB_MahCrKbNOt4CaLOa/s1600/20131217_154216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jJBcgq3NvSvZAj3rY5p1m_vIQWRHxdWJoO3xHE8V3tDa-IG-TY6LXpqZ1ieI82FGMl1mAyuJf3PHBp5WQkwfHJMSFJVd0HVIPb7aS6-oy4OFMVXnHY2IHaXnAkB_MahCrKbNOt4CaLOa/s1600/20131217_154216.jpg" /></a></div> The mud is still drying so they will begin sanding tomorrow. Okay, now for the fun part... we bought our cabinets! Here was the sketch we started with at Lowe's: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh12prJZyxMHlR_Cby_m3HHvMkB9lgqRAmArSwstZTrtD1Qpdbe1_AKPrd2OCR3ZA4XeVP_Z49PB8LG6cNyNKtefoBP02mFTq_9a2YPWFVDnUpC3DbQa51wDoHzk77QNBXWl9C8LTv6-Oh/s1600/diermann1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh12prJZyxMHlR_Cby_m3HHvMkB9lgqRAmArSwstZTrtD1Qpdbe1_AKPrd2OCR3ZA4XeVP_Z49PB8LG6cNyNKtefoBP02mFTq_9a2YPWFVDnUpC3DbQa51wDoHzk77QNBXWl9C8LTv6-Oh/s1600/diermann1.jpg" /></a></div> There have been a few changes but the overall layout is still the same—an L wall with gray cabinets and a island with white cabinets. Here's a real shot of the gray cabinets, in a very similar style to ours (from Kraftmaid's website): <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedS443x_ypPW627_uALHEm2Mb5MsEVxCcPLFyeFHW4wxA6A-g1aR6CcxqObd6cBFwI6GPwYaj2oW15GtHrI_krW92JYGU7bHUzKcJ0suoXyitvRafgRflSEq0jBG8ugZuBT_kerq-O5mv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.14.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedS443x_ypPW627_uALHEm2Mb5MsEVxCcPLFyeFHW4wxA6A-g1aR6CcxqObd6cBFwI6GPwYaj2oW15GtHrI_krW92JYGU7bHUzKcJ0suoXyitvRafgRflSEq0jBG8ugZuBT_kerq-O5mv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.14.55+PM.png" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsu4TmUCKNR6lBqT_ful4D8to6bfYAP9tlRXixqpyM1lIbNYMe44-M6hdTkbIlgyQE_iuDno09pl3Xj4b3C_38-XPXP7MneixspOlrH13k_SmYlXan4hYaUcwHUBLd3PXOEOwVxplJQ6L/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.15.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsu4TmUCKNR6lBqT_ful4D8to6bfYAP9tlRXixqpyM1lIbNYMe44-M6hdTkbIlgyQE_iuDno09pl3Xj4b3C_38-XPXP7MneixspOlrH13k_SmYlXan4hYaUcwHUBLd3PXOEOwVxplJQ6L/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.15.04+PM.png" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwoI48Ot3_cGd3jEPd_Sm4mIFomYftzDqEwmspRBewJCbnx3iVC5ZYl7A0HbUqaMjpI2R0wTygYCenLgxMhIsKqNJ878ATvYHfo3-cR59i430vzo03SM1chvslqeEscBnODxra4qyWcnZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.15.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwoI48Ot3_cGd3jEPd_Sm4mIFomYftzDqEwmspRBewJCbnx3iVC5ZYl7A0HbUqaMjpI2R0wTygYCenLgxMhIsKqNJ878ATvYHfo3-cR59i430vzo03SM1chvslqeEscBnODxra4qyWcnZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-18+at+5.15.43+PM.png" /></a></div> The style is called Durham Maple Square and the color is Greyloft. I originally chose a lighter gray, but after holding it up next to our backsplash (90% sure we're going with this one), I felt it needed more contrast and the darker gray won out: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRNjH-Y8T7wwJp8CtF_Z-b45SD-lcQTDefuGSB30FNzaNEQKG6uxDUBzDGMm3PBtYuGPLcc_FmCVIq107jS_J1qg5j7803WbRGW_tuX8bIhRQewAZ-ZOJtUKh961_PYtN56Z4drI-ZHmI/s1600/IMG_3196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRNjH-Y8T7wwJp8CtF_Z-b45SD-lcQTDefuGSB30FNzaNEQKG6uxDUBzDGMm3PBtYuGPLcc_FmCVIq107jS_J1qg5j7803WbRGW_tuX8bIhRQewAZ-ZOJtUKh961_PYtN56Z4drI-ZHmI/s1600/IMG_3196.jpg" /></a></div> Ignore the cabinet styles, we're just using those colors. I brought in a sample of our floor to make sure everything meshed well together. The counter swatches are not final at all, we just pulled them out for ideas. But I think we will go with a white counter on the gray cabinets and a dark gray counter on the white island (probably quartz). I realize this is a whole lotta white and gray, but once all of the wood pieces and accessories are brought in I think it will be really nice. And now for the price breakdown. We knew Kraftmaid was running a promo for $1000 off if you upgraded to all plywood cabinets, so we took advantage of it. The day before ordering in we also found out that for just that weekend they were offering a 10% gift card. AND they were offering $1200 off if you spent 10k or more. Here's how it broke down... Subtotal: $11,322 -$1000 promo: $10,322 -$1200 promo: $9,122 And we'll be getting a $912 Lowe's gift card in the mail so essentially we got $11,322 worth of cabinets for $8,210. Because we are using their installers, we also don't have to pay any sales tax on the cabinets or installation. All in all I think we got a good deal and we feel confident about our decision—especially because we can just let the pros do the work and not have to worry about it (we really have enough on our plates!) I have a couple more things I was going to cover in this post (like a major update downstairs) but it's getting late and I have to meet the electrician at 8am to talk wall sconces in the new studio and living room (yay!). This weekend I plan to frame out the windows in the kitchen and studio, so there should be a lot to share next time. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday break! I'll be here next week with an update :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

Kitchen Chronicles: A blank slate (+ more house updates)

Our contractor and electrician have been working all day every day this past week on the house, and I'm happy to report that their job d...

10:22 PM

Two Compounds in the Desert!

<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DA0WFjcbDz0/UrGBp_8yvHI/AAAAAAACFlA/apkuwYBF9M0/s1600-h/image%25255B149%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="799" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XUBZbRoX_j8/UrGBtxkECDI/AAAAAAACFlI/zogj0iFzljc/image_thumb%25255B53%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills pose with the Mayor of Palm Springs. Where’s Kim?   OK, I confess.  I watch Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  Blame my daughter Elisabeth for this gem, she got me hooked on it last season.   The show actually revolves around these rich ladies’ beautiful and not so beautiful houses and the fancy trips they take every few weeks for the camera.   I enjoy the eye candy – especially Lisa and Yolanda’s gorgeous homes.  And then there is the drama.   Each week there is a dinner party where, without fail,  the ladies all start yelling and screaming and crying and that’s the funny part.   Last week the girls went to nearby Palm Springs for the weekend.  They stayed at a guest house compound called Colony 29 – a beautiful vacation spot built right into the side of the San Jacinto Mountains. Sound familiar?   It did to me – I kept thinking of blonde actress and that very well preserved Suzanne Somers’ house, Les Baux de Palm Springs, that is also built into the mountain side.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0ZQ85r-HHDs/UrGBwoSROzI/AAAAAAACFlQ/Hi77C-snVWo/s1600-h/image%25255B151%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="804" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FrvIK4YX1pvxLR6PvvEjRMM4q9uS5CNoMkeQkmj8LeRvuWI08vFVvA-2hqljzCbCW_i6i21bqaSlExMrah1hWAqHd_ohFIYFUoVuSAmreZf8J8oukL5Czi5JJ3Jp9UGmjonEHFq5M3c/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> While most properties in Palm Springs are contemporary and mid century modern such as this house above, these two properties – Colony 29 and Les Baux de Palm Springs - are anything but slick, and they both seem more like a European village than something Frank Sinatra might have lived in.  In fact, Suzanne Somers’ estate was modeled and named after the Provencal village, Les Baux.      <a> <img alt="" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7b36de_94095334d0a459326b3425784f84bfa8.jpg_srz_p_980_305_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz"> </a> Colony 29   The place where the Beverly Hills Housewives stayed, Colony 29, is set on seven acres and it consists of six separate houses that were built from 1929 to 1937.   The houses were recently restored and modernized and are now available for vacation rentals and weddings and parties.   The compound is located where Palm Springs began when it was more a European artist commune than a modern, hip place that is today. <a> </a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZX1TgrQNZ6A/UrGB15NwGPI/AAAAAAACFlg/MV74F49zPmc/s1600-h/image%25255B152%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L-LwkytBI_A/UrGB4wsIRUI/AAAAAAACFlo/F9ReGL3g3vU/image_thumb%25255B56%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="724"></a> The famous interior designer Nate Berkus recently visited Colony 29.  I can only assume he didn’t get drunk and scream and yell at the other guests like the Beverly Hills Housewives did!   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ngtyUd7M258/UrGB8dbYVXI/AAAAAAACFlw/oT2638AxcXE/s1600-h/image%25255B153%25255D.png"></a>    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-trsYnYDR3D8/UrGB--6KRLI/AAAAAAACFl4/NsrnYTMBGEU/s1600-h/image%25255B154%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="636" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zLbNJngNfUI/UrGCBmmoSLI/AAAAAAACFmA/M80O3j74RaE/image_thumb%25255B58%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1015"></a> Aerial view of Colony 29 shows the main house at the very left.  Surrounding it are the other cottages.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ngtyUd7M258/UrGB8dbYVXI/AAAAAAACFlw/oT2638AxcXE/s1600-h/image%25255B153%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="852" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uKzjPDZjJuQ/UrGCEtZ3kwI/AAAAAAACFmI/WggIhwBlSVk/image_thumb%25255B57%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="957"></a> And here, a bigger view shows the green lawns used for weddings and parties.  The main house is seen at the upper left.  The other houses are along the street that leads to the main house.  Combined, there are 13 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, 6 kitchens, 7 spas,  and 2 pools between the various houses.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGiH1VgfIw42W0Dws6hMouoJ1B9lHT4K1iHI1t4TJuGwy3S0YU24nE_MAuZChTh3ASPPf8-nY6FNhh8soNxIVANrT_IlArR-qP5THhuXHhfLAGoZ9DzTC1jrizgOQBYVAxOD976pR82wF/s1600-h/image%25255B155%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="795" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DtriDGpOSmQ/UrGCLSJlxwI/AAAAAAACFmY/nU1uAOfqzLw/image_thumb%25255B59%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1189"></a> The main house – where the terrace is over the garage.  This house has fabulous views through the large windows.      <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O98UETOr9CE/UrGCNtqUriI/AAAAAAACFmg/XQDGpmokgz8/s1600-h/image%25255B158%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="799" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yhzw6vGqem4/UrGCQgpWfgI/AAAAAAACFmo/S_CMJYx9ne8/image_thumb%25255B62%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> The night view at the main house.  The lower terrace is where the pool is.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kc2itwTAR4U/UrGCSwI2vmI/AAAAAAACFmw/3NFZ9GyT3a0/s1600-h/image%25255B62%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5hpinx_JVqw/UrGCVI7VzhI/AAAAAAACFm4/aoWg8727xLw/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> The Main House – on the middle terrace – set for a party.  Notice the original flagstone on the floor.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2k0IC6AqJO0/UrGCXbNk3tI/AAAAAAACFnA/AkRqM68__00/s1600-h/image%25255B170%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="852" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wwd92Xl78rs/UrGCaCQ3BFI/AAAAAAACFnI/lv4AKrDnYxQ/image_thumb%25255B74%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1088"></a> Notice the original tile murals of parrots set into the brick walls.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYn0W9F47xcNBzPwvCjKnL7ziMlNzuDl_OglY9JGlaZXmrFjhwHYGq86B9RCxX4K6FnU34wLNPZ-ov2C9y8xMY5YGP-DudX8o0bG73z8zC_ZKJz-Iw1htUgYH4cDsIetkSj0llbvtBwgB/s1600-h/image%25255B159%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="850" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a8jKLX4lFBs/UrGCfrsnEWI/AAAAAAACFnY/wu2CPcBMewI/image_thumb%25255B63%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> Surrounding the main house are stairs and balconies and terraces.  It’s all very lush and green, not at all like being in the middle of the desert.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_7NO-YunMHw/UrGCh6Gl27I/AAAAAAACFng/4bf-RwyoMCA/s1600-h/image%25255B160%25255D.png"></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9jRSBXc1MPM/UrGCjhWDW7I/AAAAAAACFno/HTPZSGRt1m4/s1600-h/image%25255B162%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="524" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o_nnN9poHKU/UrGClPHFJ3I/AAAAAAACFnw/JV5myUrVTK4/image_thumb%25255B66%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="792"></a> Inside the main house – with the large windows that overlook the property.  Unfortunately – the house is decorated in a mass of light oak furniture (my least favorite of all) based on a combination of Stickley and western styles.  It’s awful and such a shame.  Someone needs to redecorate this house!!  The room could be so stunning with this fabulous wood ceiling and wonderful windows.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-si_1FYoONJQ/UrGCmGzI8eI/AAAAAAACFn4/uX4RdKE0Tm0/s1600-h/image%25255B179%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WrPiNnZ7h2A/UrGCndiaqaI/AAAAAAACFoA/hLPfd9Xmfcs/image_thumb%25255B79%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="642"></a> The main living room was the scene of the fateful dinner party for the housewives.  Don’t ask!     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KFQ5YpJc8BA/UrGCowQKxtI/AAAAAAACFoI/v6jwvBGW9cA/s1600-h/image%25255B236%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="538" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nmWt68x3Tio/UrGCqkOta4I/AAAAAAACFoQ/Xe2n2CGchKI/image_thumb%25255B109%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="804"></a> The breakfast room – looks a lot better.   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QeQ9tuDP70w/UrGCsFDRQDI/AAAAAAACFoY/eg96A5HCNPU/s1600-h/image%25255B163%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="524" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JiHzILyDbYk/UrGCtqvoGAI/AAAAAAACFog/D77k5toYGdw/image_thumb%25255B67%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="794"></a> This bedroom is cute with the wood balcony doors.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNfv3BPThkpZe7VLXnQysl8WtlYGpHnQm1lUGfENYgihUEqFfE8nE5Rq76Zdi-XhR69BOuiGwAoMA5d4SyjHifJYDD-QBZkbt3WLz73LX9LkdFEnZ5bmNWMwV91DRQ5EEJFjc06uWsY0/s1600-h/image%25255B232%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_qDtuE9JthU/UrGCwfn8NBI/AAAAAAACFow/oQGrUTpZOWE/image_thumb%25255B107%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="804"></a> The original tile, preserved.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkx8rlhyyFxPhuHFiiwTtLX5ojTGH39WZ8zVqhLSPMJLjBAKVreqbp7TXCfD_QdB_985SybOlDbgFN6x7yfDrCrHrEKFVzjYYfGWLibVv7-L0YoaHUh5GnsfvjVOfoEMTZOwhVCcipBtB/s1600-h/image%25255B164%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLaGIaJP1b5lLBJHxWJWFIJodXjYQhTnxK31JaTJkpXyuxdTzpk8kVdqOb8Lh_P6c8GSljn0c_B0xnCCb-qjGdIc0yzfXqWivxZWOmefe_4Bz6lvOrvdwRnTXsF9gqGCEWuNcz8pdXcZL/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="790"></a> And this is even better.  Love the French doors and the corner fireplace.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lFgjBUkhYu8/UrGC00JS9gI/AAAAAAACFpI/mf7ASr2WzOs/s1600-h/image%25255B216%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="531" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KT3m8zHONXc/UrGC2mLQu4I/AAAAAAACFpQ/cAnqi01Roik/image_thumb%25255B99%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="801"></a> This bedroom was built right into the rock which is seen through the plaster walls.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0BLZOd63U9eH8CmiC_8PUw-LFqolQn48pYg3aP4z5CCrDeyhGVayorTWWAgeyQW9AFkHlqa3auh8OLoUOs9eAwDtX-iCQL6q4KjsGqY3GHxKYo7gthzbOxl2Z665lanBcLrk2Otw988a/s1600-h/image%25255B228%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RPhyIT3M-4s/UrGC5ro5HII/AAAAAAACFpg/gmlaSu_JOOw/image_thumb%25255B105%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="804"></a> Beautiful fireplace and ceiling. The details in house are wonderful.  A little extra care in decorating would help immensely to bring out these details.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wovDjH_FJQk/UrGC652kYVI/AAAAAAACFpo/0bv09I6Fy7E/s1600-h/image%25255B220%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="525" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Sgm3JZxn18/UrGC8CnbiPI/AAAAAAACFpw/Ck-0jwureYI/image_thumb%25255B101%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="797"></a> The bathroom has original fixtures.  Notice the ceiling tiles and chandelier.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AU8oTSPbm3I/UrGC-NPH6iI/AAAAAAACFp4/YSllmjFZUkM/s1600-h/image%25255B161%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxlm0-8l2ej_SDzYQkv8jFnqIPrH4E1aaUa6TtudK-mVHoMl9WpQpHPjWITZMxoRaAol7veDoxMxU1RXUxF9mb3U64L3JfEvaAI-f1HXSrtvoHVECxuvnFfegxXRvoWNc2Ca6ppbw0xs/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> House #143 has a salt water pool.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_7NO-YunMHw/UrGCh6Gl27I/AAAAAAACFng/4bf-RwyoMCA/s1600-h/image%25255B160%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsdjdQ8VScX9cyNVqaAB5BiJTgkkcb35rjf9soRWEoaBbAGRP9EMPnpTmsZfzSaiQfEVTQG9U6yt3HPTJXni0zF-gkSzw5sZ1M-dBEJ_QEoFzTevF549wWHdRPl8g0VMqMDUa7-GO2P4N/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> And House #143 during the day. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iKeoriSkOPvQ3oOBvuVisNGI9QKjvOSBTR4X4yTcUSLk2cgPwrEAgyuwioeld43ZKT2oW0ogv-1NtMTeea1OwhXur3BeFXaCXHhw5G8u0Nj-v6FVpztWNsNJ9ewLSz_etCbPFrj-zzqL/s1600-h/image%25255B38%25255D.png"></a>    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0g8_5Qp0LxmMbxpOgU6OJHEB3eNTzjlR_5dYpOSaIQ-TfZ8neLbrzY3B3G_D1TG8w91-rsByhebo9E5mWrfAB6uE3F_AdAqXo7bEU8p5OHKToJDEEUMG2Huof5baj0P26tkT5NQJixeu/s1600-h/image%25255B169%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="724" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6ulMID04Ls9p8FHK_fwUMWSzSi5tpZvkSgOZiIWwIhgXNXhcYm6kKkthFDmXJnU6XddEHYhsHBydhTHX11Qm0LAL45oSpbWH51ycFcSzYjLtq9S58oLxdR6DVP1R0AWvmyVEe07qHoS-/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="964"></a> Architectural writer and actress Diane Keaton stopped by Colony 29 to visit.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RQCgJwSKGmE/UrGDO_ETwbI/AAAAAAACFqo/bhNEfllWGE0/s1600-h/image%25255B47%25255D.png"></a>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M49UaMRNk-g/UrGDQmu91vI/AAAAAAACFqw/kWWJ4qxxi_s/s1600-h/image%25255B119%25255D.png"></a>      <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a3BPiltHyp0/UrGDSfmBVhI/AAAAAAACFq4/U6_LBU5x2LU/s1600-h/image%25255B191%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AwUobZ4Pk-Y/UrGDUWVKvmI/AAAAAAACFrA/MWoDZe3X9TQ/image_thumb%25255B87%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="644"></a> Love the cactus and love the green and pink houses next to each other.  This is really reminiscent of the artist colony this once was in the 1920s. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Kb7sbKDZlI/UrGDWOgK-kI/AAAAAAACFrI/zNwn4zj961A/s1600-h/image%25255B65%25255D.png"></a>        <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XkZ1xmCLiOw/UrGDXy8P55I/AAAAAAACFrQ/1P4gfybpvNQ/s1600-h/image%25255B168%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="721" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I8JMpUh_uyw/UrGDZ92iGdI/AAAAAAACFrY/_XkWMd_L-Co/image_thumb%25255B72%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="964"></a> The three houses are on the street that leads to the Main House.  To the right is House #137.  Just so charming.  And also, the San Jacinto Mountains loom in the background.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eEDnE0_hYxM/UrGDcxCwAXI/AAAAAAACFrg/EHCqwADyzE4/s1600-h/image%25255B196%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1o8k6UCNc24/UrGDgCxvIfI/AAAAAAACFro/EZrVv7g9JPs/image_thumb%25255B90%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> Bougainvillea climbs up the sign for House #137.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ffldfc7V7aY/UrGDhxv3h5I/AAAAAAACFrw/filyS_wCVBo/s1600-h/image%25255B165%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwk533Vou8MPLTO6GXFGmiPTPNpliK4uGWOxl7lq9HeLAs29S-OSbdKXH1UYQVLAkIz_hdZ5r19IH1tLRLeqYDvtQg6v6zy0TVX4y9riKnQljRIhNrnlAyv0rUO91YGIw9px3hiWBlEg/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="790"></a> House #137 is a one bedroom cottage with its own spa on the porch.   <img alt="Outdoor Spa at Colony 29" src="http://psfilmfriendly.com/image_library/Spas/images/Outdoor%20Spa%20at%20Colony%2029.jpg"> The outdoor spa – against the mountain rocks.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Kb7sbKDZlI/UrGDWOgK-kI/AAAAAAACFsA/Jr0m_umYTEA/s1600-h/image%25255B166%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="531" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7YbL7M94REc/UrGDm3mqE9I/AAAAAAACFsI/HGO4PqX5B84/image_thumb%25255B70%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="787"></a> Inside #137 –with its carved wood staircase and whimsical furnishings.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vH2ZioVFpr8/UrGDoUYGxZI/AAAAAAACFsQ/VSTt2-zZWQA/s1600-h/image%25255B167%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="523" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Iil238BJ5fU/UrGDpy4RE_I/AAAAAAACFsY/YWIfTa0nQ9k/image_thumb%25255B71%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="790"></a> The lone bedroom in House 137.   The porch with the spa is right out the door.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vVlDoz9a5PA/UrGDrgifBGI/AAAAAAACFsg/VDMGaeu0S-M/s1600-h/image%25255B180%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="721" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1wN7XeXAsZ0/UrGDtpfoTqI/AAAAAAACFso/Ko03X81raz8/image_thumb%25255B80%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="964"></a> The entrance to #141 – the pink house.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ic_S4agQF98/UrGDvgH9iBI/AAAAAAACFsw/JO9X3sZETaU/s1600-h/image%25255B181%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="721" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pqKtXjDdKao/UrGDxkaMliI/AAAAAAACFs4/iVcctu0gJPU/image_thumb%25255B81%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="964"></a> Love the outside stairs and Juliet balconies.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M49UaMRNk-g/UrGDQmu91vI/AAAAAAACFtA/upnmQoHdEUg/s1600-h/image%25255B182%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="524" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WhuEH4gUCzs/UrGD1wh1J_I/AAAAAAACFtI/jo1_hJgtW6M/image_thumb%25255B82%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="793"></a> Another view of the pink 141.  I think this is my favorite one.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mCQ_8ElzeQc/UrGD3ZbxgBI/AAAAAAACFtQ/B9Sckap5HjM/s1600-h/image%25255B224%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-abyIw__35bM/UrGD42GxLII/AAAAAAACFtY/V6NGLX-L88c/image_thumb%25255B103%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="804"></a> Inside the pink house – notice the original fireplace !!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2FMel2PQiJY/UrGD5_pPZSI/AAAAAAACFtg/hubPRNk792c/s1600-h/image%25255B211%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P2h_usFS_xg/UrGD62Uv1wI/AAAAAAACFto/dHo_e6OOSwo/image_thumb%25255B96%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="580"></a> One of the housewives stayed in this room.  I’m not seeing it on the web site – but it looks nice and less kitchy than the other bedrooms.    The owners have missed a huge opportunity with the décor of the houses.   I can’t understand why they went with this decoration – western and Stickley?  The interiors could and should be stunners, but instead they seem all wrong.   Still the property is charming and the landscaping and architecture more than make up for the choice of furniture.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MtluuJQE3Dw/UrGD9txHs3I/AAAAAAACFtw/SB9t5ufZ7-c/s1600-h/image%25255B212%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="778" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p0g03_j3kVY/UrGEAVtTpXI/AAAAAAACFt4/Hfw661bBgIg/image_thumb%25255B97%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1156"></a> For more information on planning a vacation at Colony 29, go to their web site <a href="http://www.colony29palmsprings.com/">HERE</a>.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwSV1fWbgNiC1ab6iJvDojgIcak6QK-7UGU_k-X7roqZF73bus85H0WbenYnMITsODNqw37T8GpIzdO9enCdrjiELNsLLw6U_Dkyi7bXCD99G5XJnJa-VQwYQm-eAVXa7Rd5aLnAQOFsL/s1600-h/image%25255B250%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="862" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5aMBV_TgiGY/UrGEGCwq_iI/AAAAAAACFuI/yDghc7_Zuz4/image_thumb%25255B117%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> Both estates, Colony 29 and Suzanne Somer’s house are located in the area where Palm Springs began – right at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains.  Through the years, Palm Springs grew and now covers the entire valley.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DmvfSqf_0ko/UrGEIfoQg9I/AAAAAAACFuQ/1cJmQxxWlJs/s1600-h/image%25255B240%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="769" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y7MRLBttZvk/UrGEK1dYaSI/AAAAAAACFuY/quutDS8i2VQ/image_thumb%25255B111%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1095"></a> While I was watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, I kept thinking that they were staying at actress Suzanne Somer’s estate also located in Palm Springs.   The two places seemed to similar that for a while I was convinced they were the same place.  And no wonder I thought that – as you can see above, the two estates, Colony 29 and  Les Baux de Palm Springs are just two miles from each other and both are at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains – and both are actually carved out of the rock.  Both were built in the 1920s when Palm Springs was still a hideout for movie stars.  Suzanne’s estate is quite a bit higher up the mountain than Colony 29 and it is reached by a funicular, or a tram, not a car!      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfMt3_gZIjuyt3NxZ4eFjdJXvM3vnVJON1bHmhCdHD1cbnwySZphqnKdMUg_oh3o3ZrChcEOIwoTHfEf_FdIPDpVJa2nuRSb222Lmhq6BHV0rp3b_TQXWuxVMnQoqsD03P55CPdeLQGmy/s1600-h/image%25255B245%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="741" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gfg7q4tgavg/UrGEQbim3vI/AAAAAAACFuo/YQehlVQdJfU/image_thumb%25255B114%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> Les Baux has been for sale for years now and it was recently reduced by half, $14.5 million down from $35 million – the original asking price.  I love the estate, the setting, the interiors and the exteriors – it is charming and cozy and fun.   The estate is 73 acres – and is quite a spread.  It is truly an oasis of greenery and flowers in the middle of the desert.    The bright yellow spot at the very top is actually a small carousel for Suzanne’s grandchildren! There are five structures here – with a total of 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and over 10,000 sq ft of living space.  There is a house for the kitchen and living room and another house for the master bedroom and two guest rooms below.  One house holds the dining room and a guest room.   One other structure is the guest house.  Original to the property, the guest house was built in 1920 – the same time period of Colony 29 – and it is made up entirely of rocks from the estate.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OsipmxLa5IY/UrGERSMnHWI/AAAAAAACFuw/46aDMG0akhU/s1600-h/image%25255B693%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t8tzP4JoOeA/UrGESTCovpI/AAAAAAACFu4/C5kd0ZxI_rQ/image_thumb%25255B317%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="493"></a> Suzanne on the funicular – going up the mountain to Les Baux.   To reach Les Baux- you have your choice of the funicular, a golf cart, or the 75 step stone staircase.  There is a two room kitchen with a wine cellar and there is an amphitheater with room to seat 50 people.  There is a pool, a hot tub, a waterfall, hiking trails and a dance floor – you would never need to leave once you arrive! When Suzanne and her husband Alan Hamel first bought the place, it had only 4 acres – the additional 69 were added over the years.   There are conflicting accounts of why they are selling.   One story says, they are building another house in Palm Springs on 500 acres while another says they are downsizing to a place with much less acreage.   Even though she looks incredible well, Suzanne is still nearly 70 years old and all that desert acreage may be just a bit much too handle.   Still,  the estate seems like paradise – a bit of Provence and the Biblical desert all rolled into one.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uTv3Q7M9_ZU/UrGEUZUg5fI/AAAAAAACFvA/b4TlkZ7_3z8/s1600-h/image%25255B254%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="1204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghz5yfT2QVwegvXoxMb9iO2KbuxfNEaqVOLnXhDzl5bgzHc6g_z2_Ws6cJghASb6N0b78rKiH9L68pl_ZJ-4DcPT7l5I9-jK-GixkJcx_FTxwwpE22zzvtbwMZNfimR9BytGZet5FRyHU/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="804"></a> Here is a look at the Master Bedroom House above and the Dining Room house below.  At the very bottom is the garage.  From there – you take the funicular – the open air cable car seen at the right of the photograph.   Here Suzanne talks about the first time she saw the house:   “The late designer, Steve Chase, told us about an old 1920s house on the hill just put on the market.  He warned us that we would either love it or hate it. By the time we got to the property and rode up the slope in a funicular railway carriage to the house, I could not contain my excitement. ‘Oh my god, it’s like being in France. Oh my god, it is so romantic.’”   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PMXvASwRcsc/UrGEZAeJpAI/AAAAAAACFvQ/oQPsDuHiLok/s1600-h/image%25255B20%25255D.png"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PMXvASwRcsc/UrGEZAeJpAI/AAAAAAACFvY/0OtDWft6h1w/s1600-h/image%25255B256%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZWF5KmzZHQI/UrGEeiZMU-I/AAAAAAACFvg/g7tRnQ8619c/image_thumb%25255B121%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a></a> A view of Palm Springs from Les Baux. The estate has quite a history. In the 1920, Wright Ludington,a wealthy artist and art collector, bought the estate where he began to build a European styled village – similar to the artist’s compound at Colony 29.   In order to build the small village, burros were used to haul materials up the steep mountain trail.  Ludington lived on the property for over 20 years before he moved to Santa Barbara where he founded the Santa  Barbara Museum of Art.   The owners of Almaden Vineyards in the Napa Valley bought the estate, which they held onto until Suzanne and Hamel bought it the year they married in 1977. The Hamels lived for 10 years in the two original houses, but later added on the kitchen and wine cellar to the main house.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WRacZr09hxo/UrGEgb8lF-I/AAAAAAACFvo/4DiHq1XPmAo/s1600-h/image%25255B689%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="593" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VqaZty_6rOA/UrGEiOi7CxI/AAAAAAACFvw/RVDLLyVBv4o/image_thumb%25255B315%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> Les Baux in Provence.  The town that Suzanne and her husband love to travel to and what they named their estate after because the terrain seemed so similar.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HLOlg1BsyFA/UrGEkq3-XXI/AAAAAAACFv4/RkHi8dgwylQ/s1600-h/image%25255B394%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="753" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b2yOIPuwpok/UrGEmwvIk7I/AAAAAAACFwA/-DlMM_klb2I/image_thumb%25255B177%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1057"></a> The houses look like they are hanging off the rocks, which they really are.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4g3JMHuLG5c/UrGEocw8OcI/AAAAAAACFwI/RgOIiNPVySg/s1600-h/image%25255B137%25255D.png"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4g3JMHuLG5c/UrGEocw8OcI/AAAAAAACFwQ/_EKLycDXsPc/s1600-h/image%25255B257%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="877" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZSbIp89T3cQ/UrGEsGAI31I/AAAAAAACFwY/ZyB4MMZ3MN0/image_thumb%25255B122%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="576"></a></a> Through a stone archway is a spa, set inside the rocks at the original stone guest house.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp4wxri7hFP2F7nbn8Xw9BNlybcKGQZW1PNUJqCE2wvGBc86IzqrNi6_xahY003H1IaHvFccneuvfxrWyZGcXc9kTEhhQ-LCeen6oMD91T7IxUZ7Wu1JscaWoo2UsmAzKdYBSkFwaB5M/s1600-h/image%25255B285%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="686" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t4bxoNT-Hr0/UrGEwlnnLSI/AAAAAAACFwo/SSZYzTrACyI/image_thumb%25255B136%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> And here is a waterfall created in the mountain.  Yellow wildflowers line the falls.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-46KxAdFjVZU/UrGEy-orpMI/AAAAAAACFww/Zt9tVLyQllk/s1600-h/image%25255B604%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pW-xgWD9ThQ/UrGE0_Hn6wI/AAAAAAACFw4/YxeKE3Fc2pw/image_thumb%25255B262%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="880"></a> Outdoor dining near the amphitheatre.  The colors in the house are white, brown and lime green – which Suzanne has continued outside.       <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3GOwel2grd0wsZ-F5amgHTO-NPKlptGuSfLOgFoNKlgYm3JJf3IuU40GNG38DdZHTn_EhGxMoyS8eeiTetXPlCBmqkNeBo9l0eewhGf_by8h5rrlwDQxg-0CGDce36RTDTviG7w6jlC7/s1600-h/image%25255B607%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="813" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--HXDBHN4qKc/UrGE6N0ghZI/AAAAAAACFxI/TrOth2ElT7I/image_thumb%25255B263%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1106"></a> Another eating area under a pergola overlooks the valley of Palm Springs.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wo3sozaOc2k/UrGE8mKi05I/AAAAAAACFxQ/QSeiGjQVsAU/s1600-h/image%25255B502%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="770" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_zEq5eAHEbk/UrGE_E-QnpI/AAAAAAACFxY/TuDqRann8Kw/image_thumb%25255B213%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1071"></a> The lap pool – love the large clam shells.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uTlAZHplc6Q/UrGFAfPzXkI/AAAAAAACFxg/wLGJ7cSsB8s/s1600-h/image%25255B300%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="423" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TaxGuINb-os/UrGFBWDqa0I/AAAAAAACFxo/yoo0fNVUBHA/image_thumb%25255B143%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="639"></a> The family room opens up to the pool.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMOF_c-eXKFbDBu-MSQ9U1FFeBZ4iWb3s92N-7fb1oup8gMmdHrIIR27L47fH4Vx3P_AjlSzeUGrAyfmkYJ623WE6Pz-yCXVYHrDBVNaUZCyZH_Wmq3PAJsxYND4S3MuV0WyT00kOOtY/s1600-h/image%25255B267%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="466" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HTti57FG93g/UrGFDoVFevI/AAAAAAACFx4/emjvgSkY5nU/image_thumb%25255B128%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="638"></a> Throughout the property are antique and vintage iron gates which add so much French charm.    Most of the gates were salvaged from Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous stripper, whose house the Hamels once owned.   They used to have houses in  Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Malibu, and Palm Springs.  Eventually they downsized to Malibu and Palm Springs.  Recently the Malibu house burned down in a wildfire and the Hamels have decided that desert living is all they want.      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UnEfBvbc_MU/UrGFFiyxMpI/AAAAAAACFyA/GBh88pC71zI/s1600-h/image%25255B474%25255D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--dvXCsU3zGo/UrGFHKq3N0I/AAAAAAACFyI/stVSe_wnWIo/s1600-h/image%25255B601%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="494" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_FKDiKw1aQY/UrGFIdKnJuI/AAAAAAACFyQ/rQATAUJ6iM4/image_thumb%25255B261%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="740"></a></a> Dried flowers on the terrace off the Family Room house.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UnEfBvbc_MU/UrGFFiyxMpI/AAAAAAACFyY/Iztsm4OfV_A/s1600-h/image%25255B542%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhpuM19k8UJ6gtUOBJUyQ3s90j5LQCeYuBqazWrP0ZpvB06HApyNaPL548LrnMFkXwrrkv5mM3Er57tHthtiDPlM3C8x_cIiqXYPCmTuOvWdnQXBG5mDvbDG2hI5kyJuf_9VJJR33UKHa/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1012"></a> The living room as it is designed today.  Suzanne moved some of the furniture from the dining room into this room and vice versa.  Through the curtains is a porch and the lap pool.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l67ssFhnE1wo44q4-5eS_Rb7BGXCTNv5qemN4AMsEXU8zjHPb3XBKWW4aS22fvkih_vVakyrtz0It50tfGRfg49k2BkGAICSqw_nGab0yMbgmOB5g1a73yc2KQURUWOSF5hf0LfJ1hc3/s1600-h/image%25255B541%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="774" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZZFxFodCVrMWNUVjCqSDdws4E-EeXoola83LD0vzK3vrmbS_wKKNFGAjU38seHrLp49g-YpeGarVTwzUWJ-Ovreqz9ZgZBNb5j-4fOq4uOXQpjvF-u3J-_gvPj94Edmm2s4A_sGNZrOY/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1060"></a> Before the room redecorated, it was more masculine with all leather furniture.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lvZU-vI7iHU/UrGFUxnEHhI/AAAAAAACFy4/Fm3p2p-9lhw/s1600-h/image%25255B305%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XoVdXDZ2Stg/UrGFXl5PaLI/AAAAAAACFzA/rKYHSg5LXfQ/image_thumb%25255B146%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> The dining room is Suzanne’s favorite room.  She can seat 30 around the table when it fully opened.  The floor is the flagstone found throughout and the walls are stucco.  Notice the mantel and the tiny antique door.  This room is so gorgeous.  The bar is at the left with the bright lime green wall.  Here, the couple meet for dates a few times a week and share Patron shots.    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4NsixncDhmF2yibYqKuAk19YzUZ4Z-cSR17k6D4PNgJC80usdzE8yOZLbs5wyqJasM59KrKLQdgDa41uYSOS09iz7qP4U6p6d5I4nN0Z8kP_nBnVZTJ0i0sfU-lp8dd3H7Sn2Cefb4s/s1600-h/image%25255B539%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="769" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG0COTfPIqlHpeDhZ_A1bgjXH__7rgyWEOj00XGHK-tRlYfKNBm4t6zDqT1FApNZ8Y9Tt-E5GxGZD-zDfQt56DGwZ924jrZZPzxiX_FnNx6llIYMiUsRIw78ivVjNpQlCY5hI2ispbocV/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1054"></a> The other side of the dining room is used as a sitting area – photograph before when this furniture was moved to the living room.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P5ub2olzwn0/UrGFeaHvlJI/AAAAAAACFzY/WJq5dF8tcgs/s1600-h/image%25255B553%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="626" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nAv-7W_Bo8Y/UrGFh_hAwCI/AAAAAAACFzg/LNt_Cn_QfZI/image_thumb%25255B236%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="948"></a> And today – with the leather furniture in the sitting area.     <dt> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7S72aUPwMwk/UrGFkXf6VNI/AAAAAAACFzo/ijODJ71se10/s1600-h/image%25255B554%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="769" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UWn2dRKIits/UrGFm0wBIjI/AAAAAAACFzw/CVRTQu2nVpg/image_thumb%25255B237%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1065"></a></div> <dt> <div align="center"> </div></dt> On the floor below the dining room is this guest room, with white bedding and lime green silk curtains.  Notice the stone fireplace mantel.  I love the flag floors and the beams.    <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R-BQW6LMJ_A/UrGFpHEgjZI/AAAAAAACFz4/Rx8xJDXz-O0/s1600-h/image%25255B576%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="725" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dSKdpdHgeao/UrGFrahTCQI/AAAAAAACF0A/WlNCT5YPE-k/image_thumb%25255B246%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1107"></a> The view out towards the porch off the guest room in the dining room house.    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AsZTx2Hj4CA/UrGFtTrqWeI/AAAAAAACF0I/uI_M_Qas32g/s1600-h/image%25255B662%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="1038" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4aWc_xUi6mg/UrGFvd-OSJI/AAAAAAACF0Q/PuY4llKOx7Y/image_thumb%25255B294%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="740"></a> A vignette with antique table and silk curtains.  Suzanne lined the green silk with blue fabric.       <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e50zuzpLwrQ/UrGFxmzdcTI/AAAAAAACF0Y/dDNIwsBGU3w/s1600-h/image%25255B584%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="731" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXJCbKJGPUv5JtBn9NBUFUvQCSVjcDBnyzx-EKllPzQljpGqpLn4_0zc0UZeiKlc9Cjar5K-PSpCJu-hqx-DeVIg1yus6ZpwF50PJnWOL9wFggZtx5dQY9pjfrNmICd9zccKXVdJRbH9S/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1108"></a> And there is this fabulous bath – with a claw foot tub, tile counters, chandelier, and the lime green silk curtains.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA3JC4hL9fOt_tdaugx6h0JnnxRBaoYoFzNLUZf0Kp3igwlwVn9MSVzF5D14ZIHGApxJ4bcU431aKsueRaBHg4cwpLxrTfeFiBw7a2ToMkAtQCJSeNEk5mIxUD5o3QpLSWCX1d-GPjrYL/s1600-h/image%25255B657%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="812" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wh-L2RhBrms/UrGF3cZ6xoI/AAAAAAACF0w/MxQobk-H54g/image_thumb%25255B292%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="525"></a> And a look from the opposite side.         <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9enNZHtlEFw/UrGF5pvskgI/AAAAAAACF04/wecbqhbs8ko/s1600-h/image%25255B596%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="757" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GM_ur44PYx8/UrGF8LtivUI/AAAAAAACF1A/conWXjPLCss/image_thumb%25255B259%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1051"></a> The powder room – with a sink made out of the mountain stone.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IWUPG5b3zV8/UrGF9sV2DRI/AAAAAAACF1I/J-Y64bWOhz0/s1600-h/image%25255B583%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="784" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EnQR24Uz_bs/UrGF-_FFNeI/AAAAAAACF1Q/HiKgfUHfXtM/image_thumb%25255B249%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="521"></a> Outside the Dining Room house – is this patio off the guest room.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O6YooKlxknM/UrGGBNnscBI/AAAAAAACF1Y/hsB1sHGRLjY/s1600-h/image%25255B585%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="763" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGVaasNVCF5lTxQ7nqcMyAnEX9ca-rspRAHOQGp8CJmyj4o4pQ-_XdxdmQdiLvmuhD-Lm_6EzezEyyPUy-5OdINphKkDpEKezlZqT8j_l7T1PR4M07Y1CTBgf0MUsS46QxmClOq8oYE4/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1069"></a> And another view from the Dining Room patio with views of the mountain.      <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e3RNpOPkhg8/UrGGFy1z4rI/AAAAAAACF1o/rpvmLWd7TsI/s1600-h/image%25255B586%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i_1RC_9z-vE/UrGGIRdgnVI/AAAAAAACF1w/2VwaOqTenOs/image_thumb%25255B252%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1072"></a> The kitchen is in main house and was built after the Hamels had lived here for over ten  years.        <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bDdEWwGQPnA/UrGGKfsPhEI/AAAAAAACF14/HQCzpzYm-D8/s1600-h/image%25255B589%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DSnwCtGTQvA/UrGGMxqfRZI/AAAAAAACF2A/YP1CwgFAcqM/image_thumb%25255B255%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1003"></a> A butlers pantry filled with appliances and plates.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y4unR9yuWIk/UrGGO8QNrwI/AAAAAAACF2I/JPCbMz6eLCk/s1600-h/image%25255B590%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OHT2mYO5JGXfjEToO2FxojoGVj3YoY6XhhoAuwtItTYBnhwCGJCKtoIu3wQDnojLattzCFFnGOHhENgXTFbrj77TC0racM1qemWyWstZy93hHaJ77IprjDzrjC0qCahtiKwo7cWUHt3T/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="984"></a> Alan designed this wine room off the kitchen.        <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9qxYcuHXxLAH9GlDu3IlKji3nh9HWNQz2cNdZnBu3L6yCqx5PugysceTnon5tGCt84NnH36zLgEFQCyXGMDBT_va41y_HQ9eonuPSEROVaB3GmYYkktlDRLkC5E9ETfWlJelhH8V8_I/s1600-h/image%25255B429%25255D.png"></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RjQLZEUX3S3t1QIbTBk5ahwpHZktyO02jCE3kcy6rppnRmrENVf8Y2C7Wr2boJqEkQ8OebLKI-HNPpVTiYBNuZDvfy8r6ry_5729aa05XYpgThyphenhyphen8Nbbtd7KptDIE-nW5lutOI1QNUwgm/s1600-h/image%25255B513%25255D.png"></a>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9ouDvM4bn28/UrGGXFzvibI/AAAAAAACF2o/FQQccfCl9ks/s1600-h/image%25255B600%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="658" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hdadkCiMmxI/UrGGZEraPNI/AAAAAAACF2w/58_iGxpHpB8/image_thumb%25255B260%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="984"></a> The Master Bedroom House – with his and hers studies and two guest rooms.        <dl> <dt> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rwb4fBv_Gis/UrGGbMYhq_I/AAAAAAACF24/j3lrXdjZEgU/s1600-h/image%25255B609%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="1004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRmL-O_hFIZh6uIvYmyveVOMZcZfYqPU2JtnHtlUcSl8nqu9ZmZTbGz1vLYvlM2DZJ2EfN-HRq5EbVp0wWZry99uvum3dA9ayALBpHwRfbt2rRh3kGXq77f3UjLO2wlfz4SeSW_LH9tw/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="670"></a></div></dt></dl> The front hall in the Master Bedroom house with its barrel stone ceiling and built in shelves.  There is more flagstone floor in this building.  Porteries hang across the front door.      1<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RYziz_z12hU/UrGGfhAAVoI/AAAAAAACF3I/1oeg4lZgCq8/s1600-h/image%25255B615%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="1108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIjjM83ULhOb8gBjybewE1b3SSA5WmUANkGsZsW6J4V9svOHcraTFIcH7fx_o6hUFqSIwFKAK__5x2igGNDFbPoCn19nC4w8F52alC6gr7QZdEOFubYofRz2ZaKZ80Gb6fAgT-QpGMb8/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="740"></a> And looking the other way toward the master bedroom.     <dl> <dt> <div align="center"> </div> <dt> <div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aRdNJqlgbXeccPB2xiXhAome0YsPuGL5JwjcPHDbFTVyiQFK33JYq0eMzxHsStrgOxT6u8L1yQihrWUsMwPiKTkE9Vbb36qsjxw-HdwymLIb3Y4D0bDgmptoEgi1FPLIC-NIdLBCafc/s1600-h/image%25255B552%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="984" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1GN3boq-jcg/UrGGlgY_G9I/AAAAAAACF3g/HWjM28OAvKM/image_thumb%25255B235%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="695"></a></div></dt></dl> The master bedroom has a large canopy bed in with zebra rugs, stone walls and flagstone floors.  Sue Balmforth from <a href="http://www.bountifulhome.com/">Bountiful Home</a> in Venice helped Suzanne with the interiors.        <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tAMOKxZ9yYY/UrGGVOCqXdI/AAAAAAACF3o/vLDA3ltffE8/s1600-h/image%25255B610%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rAVii9Em7NE/UrGGtIBNeII/AAAAAAACF3w/yogUTp83Jq0/image_thumb%25255B266%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a> And past the bed are the windows that look out toward the mountains.       <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJZd9zI8BBuQaMHaZCh7fB5013Tbyi-EiPGoaaCZemkBFB45CfjlLxmXnA-EmWNIe9g0pqa9ooL7vhHlvzsYS3PHsuU0cwIlEXeccSRijB0Cj7EgzPWSN7cyhGq_B8jrpAKrsij0CnWXF/s1600-h/image%25255B616%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="522" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iQ6G2oQoat8/UrGGwMYGtoI/AAAAAAACF4A/nnj5CcVDSjo/image_thumb%25255B269%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="740"></a> Suzanne’s closet is incredible.  Love the curtains over the arch again and the closet doors.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cGSzXfsQkTA/UrGGyNUm3lI/AAAAAAACF4I/pjW_FEwuvmA/s1600-h/image%25255B618%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="984" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hAZk4UMRglI/UrGG0ZPHtLI/AAAAAAACF4Q/0pPcPw_Pjt8/image_thumb%25255B271%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="703"></a>   Through gorgeous French wood doors is Suzanne’s bathroom.  There is a marble tub in the middle of the room and a fireplace is built into the stone wall.       <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG12adxWlJGnZOQjXWCU9T6uEoXcYZfw3yIB5h_pBYXZ9APYXx84SPJoL4VvGuPIxcWUFz8SgCk10an5C22bIubElaxu6N-uITsY3KAJCwqOK-odHu5iZXkFbDkCaxb2XSBJe_sGnGhs/s1600-h/image%25255B619%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="707" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZL4Ns5bVFGc/UrGG4cI-AwI/AAAAAAACF4g/BDLedQgP_vw/image_thumb%25255B272%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="935"></a> Night view out the French view of the mountains.       <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bL-fSP0Tvrs/UrGG6RLzAgI/AAAAAAACF4o/bSmo1H-GQd0/s1600-h/image%25255B621%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="666" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kVFpTaFVxXE/UrGG8lwSzTI/AAAAAAACF4w/GsElpnnlX4U/image_thumb%25255B274%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1005"></a> Another view of the fireplace and beautiful steel doors.  Notice the stone sink.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6YEI1r9Ss74/UrGGSVjSbUI/AAAAAAACF44/CmmmbGRNetg/s1600-h/image%25255B623%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="520" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MWbmOP5cjK4/UrGHABJzZJI/AAAAAAACF5A/XRUq0h-TWao/image_thumb%25255B276%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="740"></a> The guest room has pink stone walls and wood ceiling.         <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K8ECHRhBeZ8/UrGHCbfvfII/AAAAAAACF5I/b2C92ZWiM9U/s1600-h/image%25255B636%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="723" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GH4_ER_j-Zc/UrGHE3fiA_I/AAAAAAACF5Q/IscX8d-l94o/image_thumb%25255B283%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1106"></a> And looking at the other direction.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KrMvxWsBISE/UrGHGzwTLHI/AAAAAAACF5Y/i-2TUQK7FYw/s1600-h/image%25255B569%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="984" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y8X9SKZM_pw/UrGHJImQ5cI/AAAAAAACF5g/B8jbr3Mzx-I/image_thumb%25255B243%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="740"></a> And this bathroom – with the pink walls.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bijcNusvpcE/UrGHLY9SHpI/AAAAAAACF5o/y9UAu2rB0SI/s1600-h/image%25255B651%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="692" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_M19ET5yg-M/UrGHNWMNwuI/AAAAAAACF5w/Loa1gUiTV_0/image_thumb%25255B289%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1008"></a> And a huge surprise - a bed on the other side of the bathroom.  Wow!  So cool!     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zBTO5cobZHs/UrGHO_UOcII/AAAAAAACF54/DWqDaNxmods/s1600-h/image%25255B625%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="802" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z2SlmuhpMVQ/UrGHQsVdhqI/AAAAAAACF6A/aJc96FFvnYc/image_thumb%25255B278%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="539"></a> And another bathroom with a stone sink, antique mirror and sconces.    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mNBlRRJilKM/UrGHSy-i4RI/AAAAAAACF6I/W-3yb8JGmcU/s1600-h/image%25255B453%25255D.png"></a>  <a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ezDV8eyg3s4/UrGHVHJ32wI/AAAAAAACF6Q/RmIs9Wpp0JE/s1600-h/image%25255B663%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="1004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eLW8L4CJnMU/UrGHXCeBNhI/AAAAAAACF6Y/zrTUx6ejCPw/image_thumb%25255B295%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="670"></a></a> Or you can take a bath outside!!       <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MOYLGwYpSVQ/UrGHY98Hh7I/AAAAAAACF6g/BRI1DuYxVAY/s1600-h/image%25255B357%25255D.png"></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l0BP7MUdbac/UrGHalDTN-I/AAAAAAACF6o/E8UbYs6WW80/s1600-h/image%25255B664%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="1108" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QiBx-Yg3s0o/UrGHch1gAcI/AAAAAAACF6w/1q2U5fBgsmA/image_thumb%25255B296%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="740"></a> Another guest room – here the floor is tiled.  This must be in an older building.  Cute green door!       <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BTQxutgXtag/UrGHeGEyLxI/AAAAAAACF64/IZsYPJx01-c/s1600-h/image%25255B666%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="734" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vNNUPU88M_0/UrGHfuQ8JHI/AAAAAAACF7A/jVmbDtXT540/image_thumb%25255B298%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="521"></a> And another bathroom (remember there are 11!) – with a claw foot tub.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D0gfoIQab6c/UrGHh2qOrpI/AAAAAAACF7I/d_9tZM8fEJI/s1600-h/image%25255B667%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="759" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_WVdqFE7qQ4yyxztiol86lbRXZ1rSEsjxX51bYDD-aA4Th6Nf4GmFoep_I_nK2AVk9PtPjBFGipZ3UzWecI0HtJ620HT1G8ZBY9O5upOQ5Fa1XnVZY4RXin4WyZdd6pDsmU-xFNX9X90/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1068"></a> On the property is the original stone house – built in the early 1920s.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JnHCKIUjYBI/UrGHmA-hLLI/AAAAAAACF7Y/4l1Dq31p4X4/s1600-h/image%25255B668%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="753" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5764n9SAbBs/UrGHnZCRVlI/AAAAAAACF7g/s4--cjIupAk/image_thumb%25255B300%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="524"></a> Stairs led up to the building.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HIIdcKJVOQM/UrGHp9oQRoI/AAAAAAACF7o/ir0J6fY1Zp4/s1600-h/image%25255B669%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="774" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KswGI-lxQzo/UrGHsVN1qFI/AAAAAAACF7w/doWnYag6CIk/image_thumb%25255B301%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1070"></a> The house was built with stone found on the estate.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_QDpGA-5254/UrGHu4orp8I/AAAAAAACF74/J7D_OU3n3ms/s1600-h/image%25255B671%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="771" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiImiER3OXL-gUwCebFIED-NaL5f0ZgvymlmZNCitXveKauSSfA3zbVmeRLqdOa-IVzabms3LWo-Bkjr8tQ9WU13hLovCuSllN5b4sNGwXmwReU6u2rTC_96SLnoCUU2L_-iWOATY79js/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1071"></a> There is a spa at the stone house.     <a><a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l0ErPYGOG-A/UrGHzwtlsPI/AAAAAAACF8I/4TQcFYLYNAw/s1600-h/image%25255B675%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hWJ4dHgdTwE/UrGH2RRDwfI/AAAAAAACF8Q/kE2BB4QJ_k0/image_thumb%25255B307%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1204"></a></a></a> Inside there is a bedroom with a claw foot bathtub and a fireplace.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXlbZMrLs8DbjFYwaGVJIFkT_z_atiVCEhbnjc4Mm_YShrbF6UVthVaEOUywW4NX-1QB0A992UD7lDQfMQaMA_SaD1MzXVr0sQGTCryiMMG6qTLSnFb35CIO3vB_dXD-F5gh9W7JjAyU/s1600-h/image%25255B681%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="684" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qv1wd2Es3Vw/UrGH7NOlpAI/AAAAAAACF8g/178V8kP5ygw/image_thumb%25255B311%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1095"></a> And looking out the windows.  Just so pretty!!!     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SNf8GI70qaY/UrGH9I2ID_I/AAAAAAACF8o/s3Ez_7IQock/s1600-h/image%25255B677%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="671" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nrHwzVJ0raw/UrGH_f0GXXI/AAAAAAACF8w/cOaohJ9hOIE/image_thumb%25255B309%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" title="image" width="1002"></a> One of the bathrooms with stone sinks and concrete counters.  Most interesting is the stone house was hit by lightning and burned.  Their neighbor, Sonny Bono who of course was still alive back then – rushed to their house and put the fire out with water from their swimming pool.   Singer Barry Manilow lives right next door. Somers says that they spend most of their time outside on the terraces and gardens and courtyards since going from the kitchen to the bedroom to the dining room are all in different houses.  She says sometimes she doesn’t go inside all day long! It will be interesting to see their new house when it is built and what directions she goes with the interiors. To visit the real estate site, go <a href="http://www.joycerey.com/beverly-hills-properties/la-mesa-palm-springs/">HERE</a>.     I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season !! Can’t wait for the new year – I have a really fabulous giveaway planned.

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