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Sunday, December 5

When in Roehm




It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon in San Francisco. I love the sound of rain on the windows. The rain provides an excuse to stay in. It’s a wonderful chance to catch up on projects around the house. For me it has been an afternoon of sorting my travel photos from the last few months.


One of the highlights was the privilege to meet and have tea with the charming, beautiful style icon- Carolyne Roehm at her home Weatherstone. It was built by a relative of Cotton Mather's in the mid-18th century, and rebuilt after an electrical fire ravaged the original built. It is set on 59 acres in Sharon, Connecticut. The grounds include formal and cutting gardens, a greenhouse, tennis courts, ponds, streams and waterfalls, acres and acres of horse paddocks.





Spending the afternoon enjoying my photos have transported me back, triggering memories and every detail. I can taste the champagne, see the freshly picked autumn apples (picked from her trees, naturally) decorated so beautifully in bowls, smell the Diptyque candles, hear the beautiful classical music wafting, feel the fall air coming in the French doors and hear Carolyne’s stories of her life and her passion and love of her home.














"Once I had the fire, I wanted to have less stuff. I just wanted to have less," Carolyne told me.


"The things that bring life into a room – music, candles, flowers, dogs – that's what makes a room memorable."




I couldn’t agree with her more. I of course loved the fact that she has a Westie (as well as many other dogs). I love the fact that she doesn’t have a formal dining room. She told me that she much prefers being able to set up tables in various rooms of her house.









I am loving my cozy day here today. I wonder what Carolyn is up to today? I can picture her right now in her beautiful double-story living room - with its crisp and fresh white paint, filled with her exquisite collection of antiques. Carolyne was just off to Turkey and Egypt when I visited with her. I'm sure she's back home now.



I have to wonder if she is sitting and looking at her recent trip with the same joy that I have when I look back at my memory of my afternoon with her.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

My favorite post of yours! What a lovely lady.

Mrs. Blandings said...

She's in the Wall Street Journal magazine! Just waiting for you. This is a beautiful home and while it is not something to which I could ever aspire, it is an amazing inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Oh so jealous of you, again! Her new book is my favorite this fall. Those detail shots are swoon-inducing!

John J Tackett said...

I have admired Weatherstone from the road for years. I am glad Ms Roehm was able to restore it, as well as make so many other improvements to the property.

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

What a wonderful, transporting experience this must've been and what a beautiful post. And what an elegant world Carolyne has created for all those who bask in her presence.
I just did a post on her recent interview at the WSJ over at Nero:
http://www.nerochronicles.com/2010/12/carolyne-comes-clean.html

kayce hughes said...

What a beautiful home. Thanks so much for sharing.

La Dolfina said...

I love everything Carolyne Roehm but I'm especially loving her new edited style. Thanks for bringing us such beautiful images and memories from your visit to Weatherstone!!!

mary said...

This is a super post-thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Love it!

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing another amazing post on real people and real design. Carolyne Roehm's home is entirely inspiring and lovely....and your writing is as superb as always... maureen

Anonymous said...

Hi grant, I LOVE carolyns home and thanks so much for sharing!!!   Lv Miss martha

GRAYSONFAVOUR said...

Not only is she beautiful, her house and garden divine and her dog sweet, she also loves blue and white! Could it get any better???

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Grant- Thanks for sharing!

"Once I had the fire, I wanted to have less stuff. I just wanted to have less,"

Editing life. My favorite quote from your post.

Loretta

Anonymous said...

Wonderful!

Marcus Thomson

Vickie H. said...

I can think of few things more enviable than spending a day in the company and home of this amazing woman. What an incredible opportunity for you! Thank you for sharing!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post! How fortunate to have the opportunity to visit her beautiful home. Her new book is a feast for the eyes & a good read too!

Karen T.

lindaraxa said...

That Westie is the reason I got my Westie! She had pictures of her dogs in one of her old books and that was it for me. No one can entertain or set a table like that lady...no one!

Unknown said...

Beautiful! Lucky Grant, you have the most stylish friends! I think if I lived here I would never want to leave. Any hotel would be a disappointment. Can't wait to get her book.

Laura Casey Interiors said...

Absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to get her book.

Windlost said...

I am in deep love with those green sofas. Do you know where they are from?
I saw Weatherstone in her new book, which I simply adore. How lucky of you to get a visit! Thanks for sharing.
Terri

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Thank you...I felt like I was visiting Carolyne with you.
Mary Ann

Pretty Inspirational said...

What a gorgeous home. I love all the blue porcelain. Thanks for sharing!

Margaret said...

ITA: Westies make your house their home.

 

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