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… Read More
The Newport Diary
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.… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
Strolling the Gardens at Bellevue House
Up the street, exactly one mile from me door to door, is a historic house renowned as one of only two homes in America both designed and decorated by Ogden… Read More
Pampered Pets of Private Newport
Traditions are important. As this wonky summer of 2020 comes to a close, I’m been very muck looking forward to penning this annual post. To add a bit more magic,… Read More
Ode to Newport
By this point in the summer, Newport would already have been a beehive of activity–from large fund raisers to music festivals to sailing regattas –and house guests galore. But this… Read More
Hydrangeas in the Newport Landscape
As of July 4th, summer is in full swing in our City by the Sea, and just like clockwork, an iconic flowering shrub, the hydrangea, comes into bloom. This presents… Read More
Private Newport, Home at Seafair
“Home” has never meant as much as it does now (as we self-quarantine) or carried as much significance as a place of refuge in troubling times. With two coffee table… Read More