Chinese wallpaper at the Baths at Badenburg, Nymphenburg Park.

Whilst on his travels my Australian penpal stopped at Nymphenburg where the park is full of fascinating follies. Built in 1722 by Joseph Effner the Baths (or sauana) was the focal point of the park.

I love that the building is set in a lawn of daisies. I hate the American preference for pristine green lawns; give me wildflowers!

 The main room right when you enter is the banqueting hall.

The ceiling frescoes were badly damaged by the bombing of Nymphenburg during WWII but have been recently restored.

 I love these mirrored niches mirroring the transoms over the french doors. Both transoms and niches hold a collection of busts.

 The baths are shockingly opulent. The balcony above was for people to observe those in the pool below.

The most amazing part of this pavilion though are the original but recently restored hand-painted Chinese wallpaper in the 4 rooms of the "Elector's apartment".

 This room featured beautiful pink tea-stained and emerald green birds and flowers.

Another room features a more scenic Chinese wallpaper.

 The details are fascinating.

 The colors also are amazingly vivid.

 The houses in this wallpaper are the main attraction.

The park is full of beautiful follies and looks like a great place to spend a day.  Thanks to my penpal for sharing his travels with us all!

Classical Invention on the Hudson River by John Murray

Architect John Murray is no stranger to most style-minded classicists after his monograph,' Classical Invention', flew off shelves and onto design bookshelves everywhere. I recently heard him speak through our local chapter of the ICAA and his intelligence and beautiful work go hand in hand.

While flipping through the most recent issue of New Old House magazine I came across a renovated country house Murray completed on the Hudson River that made me feel instantly at home. Murray enhanced the existing house in such a way that one doesn't know what is old and what is new, one only knows that it is RIGHT.

 The floorplan is a dream come true for most of us I would imagine; The only thing missing is the river view!

 French casements open completely to bring in the river views and air. The century old beams are the only decoration needed architecturally, interior designer Sam Blount provided the rest.

 The kitchen has all of the modern amenities of a new house and the charm of the old house.  Again I love the french casements!

The screened porch can be used year round. And what is a screened porch without ceiling fan and sky-blue beadboard ceiling?  This definitely ranks among my country house dreams -how about yours?

All photographs by Durston Saylor from New Old House magazine, Spring/Summer 2014

Georgetown Housetour - this weekend!

Don't miss the Georgetown house tour THIS WEEKEND - April 28. This is the longest running house tour in the country and benefits the ministries of St John's Episcopal Church.

 Nine beautiful houses of varying styles will be featured on the tour including these 4 pictured here.

Also included is a delightful tea at St John's Parish Hall. I'm most excited by seeing inside the Georgetown Stables below, long ago converted into a quirky residence. I saw them retouching some paint in preparation for the tour just a few weeks ago and it should prove to be very interesting!

Also upcoming as part of the Georgetown Housetour is a lecture given by architect Gil Schafer on May 9th. Information is at the housetour website. Hope to see you there (at both events)!!
Photos courtesy of the Georgetown Housetour.