Sunday Showhouse, you're invited!!

Posted by Mr Wong at 4:27 AM

Happy Sunday to you! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Finally the sun is out, after many days of rain, humidity and gloom. We have had a relaxing weekend, dinner with a group of friends last night with many laughs. It felt good, and I think laughter and friendship are akin to bread and butter for the soul. You gotta have them and they make you feel fulfilled and satisfied. We are blessed to have a very special group of friends. Even though I don't have my own garden YET, I do have a new selection of just now blooming flowers from the yard of the house we are currently in, this time some very colorful hydrangeas. I took out my little trusty blue and white vases (perfect size for a dining table or coffee table) and voila....instant arrangement! Though I am not a huge fuchsia or purple fan in general I think these actually look really pretty in the blue and white.  You are in for a real treat today.......we start off at a beautiful family compound in Sun Valley, jet over to the island of Kona, Hawaii and end our little tour in luxurious Bal Harbour, Florida. Three very different homes, but all magnificent and so amazingly well done. I always love to know which is the favorite, so please let me know! Enjoy the tour and hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Sunday.

Now here we go to our Sunday showhouse.........

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO. This is a treat and a treat with an interesting story behind how it got to be what it is. This sprawling compound actually consists of five barns that were transported from New Hampshire to Idaho! "The Barn People" the company that takes old barns, restores them and moves them were instrumental in their decision to go that route as opposed to building a new compound for themselves and their four grown children. Five barns were ultimately restored and used to create one large home. A eclectic mix of French provincial and a more contemporary feel were used which worked beautifully against the rustic nature and exposed beams found throughout the home. Love the huge spaces, and this is indeed a home where you can see why the grown children come back often!

Almost too pretty to be real.......the scenery and landscape are breathtaking

Main hallway.....loving those beams! (All original)

Love all the wood...it creates such warmth

How great is this game room? All the kids bedrooms are off of this central room!

One of the bedrooms

OK this right here is my dream...my own private artists studio/home office! How amazing is this!!!! I swear if I had this, I might never want to leave. Pinch me.

MAUI, HAWAII. Anne Howerton designed this fabulous Hawaiian style 'cottage" with Balinese influences. With a large central living pavilion that opens onto a large courtyard this home brings the outside in beautifully. It is above all else, comfortable, casual and laced with pops of color. This is a family home and I think they have succeeded in allowing it to feel like one. The views are just unreal and they were wise to keep the windows free from any heavy ornamentation or heavy draperies as to allow for maximum light and enjoyment of the vistas! Step right in.......and feel that tropical breeze. 

I can feel the breeze now.......

Don't you love how the walls of glass spill onto the center pavillion?

OK seriously....its not fair that they have not one but TWO amazing water views! 

Love the huge wall of glass in the dining room overlooking the Pacific...

The kitchen is done in monkeywood!

I would curl up in one of those cozy daybeds with a great book and be happy as a clam!

With views like that, you would find me permanently attached to this chaise lounge!

BAL HARBOUR, FLORIDA  Welcome to our last stop. This beautiful newly renovated Mediterranean home is sprawling, large but very warm. The interiors were done by Marjorie Shusan and I think reflect the owners wishes to have this feel like a family home since they have two young sons.  Bits of Indonesian decor were infused throughout the interiors, which are both dramatic but so inviting. Love the tall ceilings, the beams and of course the lush outdoors is beyond words. Come on in and see what you think!

Lush foliage welcomes you

I love the beams and mahogany cased french doors

Love the tranquil feeling master bedroom

This outdoor setting is fabulous and what a great entertaining space!

So...what do you think? Have a clear cut favorite? I am  a little torn, love the vistas and spectacular scenery of the first place, the tropical tranquility of Hawaii and the warmth of the last house. Something in each to love!! Love to know your favorite! Have a wonderful day.