all I want to do: is buy Sheryl Crow's house

Today's imaginary real estate purchase is Sheryl Crow's home in the Hollywood Hills. It boasts 3 houses set on 11 acres and has hiking trails, a gorgeous pool and endless views. The main 4 bedroom house is Spanish Revival (my all time favorite) built in 1924 with original Spanish tiles and beamed ceilings. Also on the property is a 3 bedroom Craftsman home built in 1909, and a 2 bedroom cottage built in 1885.

In my imagination, a family started in 1885 with the cottage and as their wealth increased they built the Craftsman and finally the main house in 1924. I am slightly obsessed with this property and would love to know more of its history.

A quick tour of the grounds and each of the 3 houses:

The main house

The cottage

The Craftsman

the view from the pool doesn't disappoint

Now step inside the main house...

Fantasy:  Buy this house site unseen, pack up and move to the Hollywood Hills, 

jump in the pool and take a long deep breath.  

Ahhhhh.  

I highly encourage you to look at the MLS listing and listen to the music as the slideshow plays. I just did it twice. There are many more images to see including the inside of the Craftsman and Cottage. Clearly Sheryl has an eye for history and has been to a few flea markets.  

Girl after my own heart. Maybe she'd cut me a deal?  

Incase you are wondering, Ms. Crow is asking: $15,950,000

images from AD and MLS listing 

Dear Lisa: can I come over?

While finally catching up on my Lonny mag fix (Mr. XS otherwise known as youngest child went back to preschool today!)  I saw this.  The beach getaway of a girl named Lisa.  And I wanted Lisa to be my friend so I could drink wine with her right here:

This is my kind of beach house.  The tone on tone creamy palette is so inviting and casual. And the sink-in-and stay awhile message is loud and clear when you add the fur pillows, fuzzy hide and cozy throw. The sea grass, jute and light wood makes the room glow with a sandy warmth.  

One of the first homes built on Bald Head Island in the early 70's, this gem was ready for a renovation.  Starting with white paint, Lisa's reno plan is thoughtful and stikes a perfect beach house balance. I often talk in terms of 'beachy yet not too kitchy".  I have been known to use the words "sophisticated yet not too precious".  I like the word 'yet' when describing a look. It connotes that a look is not one-note, not straight out of a textbook.  If you read the Lonny article, this is exactly how she describes her goals for the renovation. Her signature is 'casual luxe' and it totally resonates with me. 

My favorite interiors are ones that show both balance and tension.  Balance of scale, tone and texture.  Tension between fancy and flea market, rustic and sleek.  This place has it down.  

As each page unfolds I think "yes, yes that's perfect!".  I love her taste, but more importantly her style. It takes a certain something to put a look together that is eclectic yet seamless (see more of Lisa Sherry's work here).  And as always, Patrick Cline does a superb job of capturing the essence of the home in his images. 

These images are going on my old-school bulletin board.  

This home is too inspiring to live only in virtual land.

Must get more printer ink stat.

beach style

They started with 7.  Architects that is, of varying styles.  Then narrowed the field down to 3 and put out an RFP to the final list.   A process widely used in the business world but not so much in the world of residential design.  This family knew what they wanted and approached the design process with a wide open mind as to who could achieve their vision.

I'd say their vision is pretty much perfect.  The architecture exudes the history and texture of Southern California combined with the exotic resorts of Mexico and the Mediterranean.  

When you add to it the brilliance of Atelier AM (I'm slightly obsessed as I've blogged about here) it becomes a beautiful retreat. The interior design is a soulful, simple mix that soothes the eye straight outside.

images: AD

THE TEAM:

KAA Design and Atelier AM

beach dream home

After tropical cyclone Luis claimed her little St. Barts beach house in 1995, Alisa Thiry, former fashion editor of Elle UK set out to build her dream home on the site.  Symmetry was the foundation for the architectural process. Another wish was immediate visual access to the water.  

Step inside to see how she achieved her goals.  

arrive to a blue horizon line

clean lines front and back with a dash of whimsical pink

symmetry

spare yet inviting

white and wood make good partners

a kitchen that doesn't scream kitchen with seating for many 

write a letter, grab a cold drink

take a nap 

lounge here

get fresh here after a day in the sun

or step outside to a volcanic rock wall shower

tuck in with the doors open and breezes putting you to sleep

Using raw materials like stone and wood combined with clean lines makes for a warm combination.

Spare interiors and wide open spaces leave room for the beautiful blue outside.

It looks like perfection to me.  

images found: here