Since we are having a bit of Indian Summer here in Kansas City, let's stay outside. As you know, I don't really like outside. I think it's a character flaw, truly, but I don't. But, in order to get inside you have to be outside at some point, so I do have a file for that as well.
East Hampton, NY facade redesign by Brian Sawyer; AD.
Most of the houses in the folder are Georgian. I have a thing for symmetry inside and out.
Virginia Estate, Architects Johnson, Craven & Gibson, AD.
This Jeffersonian dream contains an octagonal dining room that would knock your socks off. The entire house is actually quite large, but I'd be happy in just this little front section.
An 80-year-old home in North Dallas.
The stone and ivy on this home are enchanting. Mr. Blandings and I looked at a house one time - it wasn't that large, but it was imposing. I told him I didn't think it was a good fit because it would be so intimidating for the poor girls who would be coming to meet us someday. The oldest was 3 and the middle was 6 months. I'm not sure he took my point, but he humored me.
While these homes are large, I don't think they are scary; they're still homey.
Town house, Washington D.C., AD.
She's a little formal, but so pretty.
House Beautiful, May 1999.
Ok, so let's go around back. (Well, you can see it from the living room.) Someday, when the swing set/play gym monstrosity is gone, how about a garden folly? My garden is folly right now, but I'll eventually have more time. Right?
South Carolina patio, landscape architect Robert Chestnut.
This is just lovely, just the kind of place I'd like to sit outside when the boys are gone and have a glass of wine and talk to Mr. Blandings.
Maybe we can hold hands in the swing. Outside might not be so bad after all.