Yearning for Yosemite

Architectural Digest editors selected a handful of hotels they consider some of the most idyllic in the United States. I must say, most didn't exactly wow me, (although it was nice to see the Ocean House at home get some adoration), but I did stop and smile when I came across the Ahwahnee. During my freshman year of high school, my Father took me on a cross-country Father-Daughter trip to Yosemite National Park, Carmel and San Francisco. Despite still having some awkward photos to reflect on, the adventure felt like a very distant memory until now. I distinctly remember my Mother's furry when it was revealed I drove the rental car across the state sans driver's license. I recall staying at the Ahwahnee with my Father and walking through every wing of the hotel soaking up every ounce of historic haven offered. I'd love to return to Yosemite one day. For now, this will do.

Sense & Sensibility: Bunny Mellon

Written by Charlotte Moss, this short piece in T Magazine reveals a rare interview in 2011 with the overwhelmingly private horticulturalist, gardener and philanthropist, Bunny Mellon. The conversation took place at Bunny's main residence, Oak Spring Farms, a 4,000-acre estate in Virginia. Although she maintained homes in Nantucket, Antigua, Paris, New York and on the Cape, this property was Bunny's main post particularly in the later years of her life before her passing this spring. Influenced by the work of many French gardeners, Bunny is perhaps most well known for her contributions to multiple landmark gardens, including the redesign of the White House's Rose Garden. She lacked any sort of formal training, however as she explained to Charlotte, she had this insatiable yearning for her own garden at a very young age.

The article reminds us of the grace and passion Bunny bestowed for her craft in gardening. Below, I leave you with photographs of her Oak Spring Farms estate. 

A Tuscan Marvel

Welcome to Monteverdi. I read about this property a little while ago and my mind keeps coming back to it. Perhaps you can understand why after looking at the photographs - the mere sight of that 18th century copper soaking tub made me swoon! Located in the heart of Tuscany, a midway point between Rome and Florence, the property offers both private villas for rent and hotel accommodations. The conceptual vision for the property, however, goes further than just offering handsome accommodations among an idyllic landscape. The idea, was to draw from the intellectual and artistic prosperity of the 15th and 16th centuries in Tuscany. As we know, scientists, poets, artists and the like were responsible for their contribution to the Italian Renaissance, and today, Monteverdi wishes to carry out that prosperity in a modern world on a smaller, intimate scale. Thus, the property is an oasis for arts and cultural events, often hosting artists and scholars to lead seminars and performances for guests. Interestingly, Castiglioncello del Trinoro, the 900-year-old village that the villa calls home, happens to be the site of the only privately sponsored archaeological dig in Tuscany. (Learn more here).

With an adequate supply of Chianti, I could camp out at Monteverdi for weeks!

One to Remember

Full disclaimer: I am not someone that usually gravitates toward quotes and inspirational affirmations. Quotes are nice and all, and can serve as motivational and enriching levers, but I don't usually make a point to keep them close to me or recite them in conversation. With the unfortunate news of the ever so eloquent Maya Angelou's passing, social media was abuzz with various tributes to the prolific woman (including Tory Burch's blog, above). I must say, this particular quote is one that really resonates with me. I've found myself coming back to it as it truly does give me pause. We are in absolute control of who we let in to our lives and I continually focus on surrounding myself with those that make me feel valued, respected, inspired and thirsty for living. Life is too short otherwise, don't you think?