A Newport Autumn at Parterre

With our wonky weather this past month–snow on October 30th, an earthquake 8 days later–fall as we knew it last year has almost been nonexistent. So I was thrilled to…

Inspiring Architectural Design: “Commodore” James’s Boathouse

Count on Newport, one of the yachting capitals of the world, to have a singular example of historic nautically-inspired architecture. A hundred plus years later, “Harbour Court” (now the New…

Gardens of the North Shore of Chicago

For you garden lovers like me, I’m betting that a gorgeous, exceptional new book on our favorite topic is cause for celebration! Just published, Gardens of the North Shore of…

Inspiring Architectural Design: Oakwood

Oakwood has led a charmed life. Built in 1854 as a wedding gift for William Backhouse Astor’s daughter, Mary Alida, (granddaughter of John Jacob Astor). It was one of the earliest…

Inspiring Architectural Design: Berkeley House

It is difficult to overstate the fame and influence of the architectural firm McKim, Mead and White–their Newport treasures include Rosecliff as well as Berkeley House, our subject for today.…

The Virtues of Autumn Clematis

Autumn is rather limited in the variety of plants that are still blooming now. But one, ‘clematis paniculata,’ or ‘Autumn Clematis,’ puts all others to shame with her fresh lime…

Inspiring Architectural Design: Edgehill

As a true Texan would say, “I love that the welcome mat is always out and friends feel free to drop over anytime. I can come home and not know…

Inspiring Architectural Design: Bois Doré

My last book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style (2014), was a response to the latest evolution in our town’s 381 year history…the ability to work remotely that was accommodated by…

An Impromptu Evening in September

This summer unofficially closed with a rare “balmy” night that prompted me to embrace the spirit of the last few months — finding a creative way to breach the stifling…

A Closing Act on the Summer Season

Like so many silver linings in this Covid summer, the ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas are proving themselves the stars of my September season. Blooming a bit later this year than usual, perhaps…