Tuscan Style Magazine

I am so excited to share our big news!

Our home in the wine country has been chosen for Tuscan Style magazine!

I can't believe I just said that! But, yes, the photo shoot is scheduled for early September, and I am so thrilled!

I'm looking forward to finally meeting in person, Bonnie Broten, Regional Editor for Meredith Publications who will be styling our home, as well as John Granen, who will be the photographer.

I have a feeling this might have been the photo that "sealed the deal!"

It all started back in January when I wrote about a book my daughter gave me for Christmas here. The book is called "New Cottage Style." I fell in love with a house in the book and even took a couple of pictures of the photos in the book. Well, guess what? It was Bonnie Broten's house!

She had been "stalking" my blog for a while (her words!), so it was quite a shock for her to see her home featured! She called me and we became instant friends! As a scout, she was very interested in our home in Asti, so I sent a few photos....The rest, as they say, is history!

So, now that we know the photo shoot is a sure thing, we are trying to get everything spruced up.

Flowers are being planted and weeds are getting whacked.

Windows are being washed and just last weekend, the crushed granite path was refreshed.

Since Asti is two hours away, we are relying heavily on this man. All I can say is, thank God for Ventura, who makes everything happen and is super excited too for us. I don't know what I would do without him! He has such great ideas and I trust him explicitly.

I just bought the newest issue of Tuscan Home, and as I look through, I still can't believe our house is going to be featured! Are you kidding? Two years ago, I never would have thought that this would happen.

I look forward to sharing the details of the photo shoot with you all....

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Read More

The Historical Pratt Mansion

The historical Pratt Mansion in St. Helena, California recently went on the market for a mere $4,400,000! This amazing 5 bedroom home is surprisingly intact, representing a time over 100 years ago of grandeur in the Napa Valley.

The home was built in 1871 by William Pratt. William had arrived earlier in 1849 with his brothers on a sailing ship from Freeport, Maine, seeking fortune during the gold rush days of San Francisco.

Let's take a tour!

The house has been modernized and added on to, offering the modern conveniences of the 21st century, without destroying the original footprint.

The welcoming entry hall with black painted bannister and front door, and the vineyard just outside. Wow!

The dining room, and beyond into the living room.

The living room with 12 foot ceilings.

The kitchen has been updated.

I love the butler's pantry!

Upstairs, there are 5 bedrooms.

The upstairs landing with a vineyard view.

All 5 bedrooms enjoy vineyard views!

This bathroom has a spa-like feel.

Another bathroom with vintage appeal.

There is even a carriage house....

.... which is said to be one of the oldest structures in Napa Valley.

It has been converted to a charming guest house, complete with living room, dining and bedroom.

Then, there are the views!

Spectacular views abound on this 4.73 acre parcel.

Talk about perfection!

For more information and photos, visit the Wine Country Group by Better Homes and Gardens here.

Read More

Just Like Heaven

Yesterday, May 21st came and went without The Rapture. Still, we took no chances and headed north to Asti.

We figured that if the world was going to end, then this is where we wanted to be.

It has been a long time since we were here.

When we arrived yesterday, the sun was casting that warm afternoon glow on everything. As we walked around, taking inventory of the roses and lavender, we looked at each other and said....

"Rapture or no rapture, we're in heaven anyway!"

Read More

A Spectacular Wine Country Home

Where do you think this home is?

If you guessed Italy, you guessed wrong. This gorgeous home is in the California Wine Country.

I was fortunate to attend a wedding here several years ago, so since I know the lay of the land, let me take you on a tour.

From the crushed granite courtyard, we enter through huge double doors into the great room.

Inside the large great room with the kitchen on one end and living area on the other.

This room is entirely open to the outdoors and view beyond.

The master bedroom is off the other end of the great room.

The loggia. Notice the fireplace!

At night, under the loggia and looking toward the terraced backyard and pool.

The infinity pool, flanked by two pool houses.

The back of the house, as seen from the pool.

Below the two pool houses, the bocce ball court.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of this incredible home. I remember how I felt like I was in Italy when I attended the wedding years ago. It was truly magical day!

This home was designed by Taylor Lombardo Architects, who also designed the famous Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Silver Oak Cellars, and Nickel and Nickel Winery just to name a few.

The team of Tom Taylor and Maurice Lombardo specializes in custom homes and wineries. Their talent amazes and inspires me! Be sure to visit their website here, where you too will be inspired.

Read More

Full Moon Rising

A magnificent full moon surprised us Saturday night in the wine country.

Sneaking up over the Mayacamas Mountains, it was amazing to watch.

Good night moon!

Read More

Summer Dreaming on Such a Winter's Day

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show."

~Andrew Wyeth

Last week, I got up very early in the morning when we were in Asti.

It was so cold, there was even frost on the chaises. Yes, there is beauty in this winter landscape, but I'm missing the warm months already!

Ahhh, remembering last summer....

We drove to the Russian River at the Summer Bridge later in the day to check out the river levels. It's a fisherman's "thing" to do. The river is a raging torrent!

In fact the Summer Bridge is gone.

The river last summer...

Back at the house, I noticed the Mulberry Tree has lost all it's leaves and got it's annual haircut.

Oh, how I miss those beautiful green leaves!

It's hard to believe they will grow back like last summer.

The grapevines have all been cut back, everything is bare.

They too will grow back and look just like this.

Dreaming of summer...

Cold and gray, dead or dormant, the garden is asleep.

Dreaming of summer...

It's like everything is hibernating, waiting to come alive again.

Dreaming of summer....

I'm learning to appreciate the beauty of winter, but it's hard!

Mr. A prefers winter because he is a winter steelhead fisherman.

Me? Not so much! But I'm trying!

Because Summer is my Favorite Season, I'm joining Laurie at Bargain Hunting With Laurie for Favorite Things Saturday!

I'll also be joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays!

Read More