Beachfront Retreat in Los Angeles

Today, dear readers, I have a most singular house to show you. Designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro built this Malibu beachfront retreat and decorated it in a rustic yet elegant style with unique period pieces. If you'd like to read the whole story just go right here.



Richard Shapiro, antiques dealer and head of Studiolo home furnishings, at the Malibu beach house he designed with architect Douglas Burdge. The Dutch wicker chair is from the 1960s.

Steel windows fabricated by Pierre Quinton open to a view of the Pacific Ocean.


The living room walls are sheathed in frescoed plaster; a 17th-century Italian gilt-wood mirror is displayed above an antique Cypriot fireplace. Shapiro designed the chairs, the wood stools are 19th-century Ghanaian, and the white-painted cast-bronze floor lamp, by Patricia Roach.

The open kitchen occupying one end of the living space is anchored by an island made of basalt. The same volcanic stone is used for the backsplash and counters; the cabinets are black lacquer. A vintage glass waterfall table by Pace is paired with a linen-covered sofa custom fitted to the alcove.

The dining area is centered beneath a pair of 18th-century inlaid Cosmatesque panels. Rattan chairs and a bench designed by Shapiro.

A sculptural staircase with a steel balustrade winds up to the master bedroom and bath. At its base is a 19th-century replica of an ancient Greek statue; the nail-studded walnut front door is 17th-century Italian.

In the living room, a painted-steel pedestal displays a fourth-century Roman torso.

The timber staircase leading to the beach was designed to resemble the weathered ramparts of a Moroccan fort.

The stone terrace is furnished with rattan and wicker chairs and an early-20th-century octagonal table painted deep red; the large ceramic jar is 16th-century Thai.

The front door is framed by a French 18th-century stone surround and lush greenery.

A daybed covered in mismatched stripes is tucked into a corner of the library; the table is 15th-century Italian, and the painting is by Shapiro.

The library walls feature tadelakt, a traditional Arabic polished plaster. An 18th-century French chair is paired with a Spanish desk of the same period; the ottoman and sofa are Shapiro designs.


A 19th-century Uzbek suzani covers Shapiro’s bed; the 17th-century Italian Savonarola chair stands alongside an antique Burgundian roof corbel.

Shapiro conceived the master bath so that the minimalist tub has views of the garden and the Malibu hills.

Photographed and produced by Miguel Flores-Vianna

All images and information from Architectural Digest.

To-Die-For Rockwall Estate on 12.5 Acres - 5297 South FM Road 549

Oh my goodness, I have died and gone to heaven.  Here is 5297 South FM Road 549 in Rockwall, Texas.  Situated on a bare 12.5 acres, the magnificent 7,150 sq. foot home features a stone exterior with 2 eye catching turrets.  The front facade is very homey and inviting.  A landscaped circle driveway leads straight up to the front door and continues through a double porte cochere onto the motor court.  The home includes several balconies, front and back, that overlook the stunning Texas property.  More notable amenities include a 5 car garage, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, private lake, no pool but plenty of room to build one, exercise room, media room, library, game room, and tons more.  The whole estate, constructed in 2007, is simply second to none - what a gracious and tranquil place to live.  It can become your paradise for a very generous $1,625,000.

Here's The Listing

Thanks for reading,

John

ANDREA JOHNSON DESIGN

My new website is now up and running!  You can check it out at andreajohnsondesign.com.

Community Showcase - Somerset Estates, a Hidden Paradise in Fort Worth, Texas

Somerset Estates in far far east Fort Worth is located near Cooks Lane and Division Street.  The hidden paradise is gated with large white iron doors and top-notch security - if you try getting in there, you won't be successful.  But, of course, it is meant to be that way.  The gated neighborhood includes two streets: Chartwell Lane and Blenheim Place.  Currently, only 11 homes are situated within the gates of Somerset, but I guarantee you, more new constructions will begin to take place as we slowly creep out of the recession.  Some notable residents include Arlington Dermatologist (mine actually) Dr. Mullanax, the chief medical examiner for Tarrant County Dr. Nizam Peerwani, real estate mogul Richmond S. McCoy, lawyer Steve Laird, and others.

Mediterranean Mansion in Construction - 2850 W. Shadow Drive in Arlington, Texas

John Askew Custom Homes is an extravagant and professional home building company in north Texas.  The company has built several homes and mansions in some of the most prestigious communities in the area, including Montserrat, Mira Vista, and Somerset Estates.  Since 1983, they have built amazing new constructions - including this one, 2850 W. Shadow Drive in north Arlington, Texas.  Started last year, this 7,700 sq. foot Mediterranean/Tuscan inspired home is just months, if not weeks, away from completion.  And, it is right next door to the mega modern estate that just fell under foreclosure.  Another fabulous new-build to add to the Shadow Drive collection!

Thanks for reading,

John

Renovated French Country House

Today I'm taking you to have a look at this beautifully restored house, furnished in a casual French country style. This home is so inviting I feel I'm walking through the rooms as I go from one pic to the next. Come and see them with me!




Hexagonal and square terra cotta tiles in most of the rooms for a rustic look.


One of the doors in the entrance hall has been decorated with a stenciled design. It also appears on the walls leading upstairs.


One side of the living room. The original beams were preserved.


On the other side of the living room, a collection of framed old photographs are displayed on the wall.




A conservatory style addition allows lots of natural light into the kitchen.




For a softer look, wood herringbone floor was used in the bedrooms.


A very feminine master bedroom.

All images from here.

A Fashionable Wednesday - Helena Christensen

Oh how I've missed my Fashionable Wednesdays! To get myself back into the swing of it, I'm posting about someone who to me is one of THE Supermodels. No matter what she wears - boho chic, sleek red carpet or mum running around, Helena Christensen looks great.

 

 

Dallas Real Estate Event - The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society Opens the Doors to Six "Important and Architecturally Interesting Homes" in Highland and University Parks

As Candy Evans from SecondShelters posted and reminded me, the much talked about Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society will host this year's official 2011 Home Tour.  Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend because I will be in College Station.  But, I do encourage all my readers to attend this very interesting and fun-filled event.

This year's Home Tour features six "important and architecturally interesting homes" of the Park Cities.  All funds amassed through ticket sales and donations will aid to the historic legacy of the Park Cities.  For more on the event itself, including the very cheap and affordable ticket prices, visit the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society's main website here.

As I said above, the home tour will feature 6 well regarded and talked about residences in the Park Cities.  Here's a bit on each house that will be featured on the tour:

1. 4236 Armstrong Parkway 

A classic example of a Park Cities residence, this 1929 built 3 story Highland Park home includes 6,296 sq. feet of living space.  The interior is elaborately dressed in Louis XVI Normandy architecture and design.  It's currently for sale, listed at $5,600,000.

Here's The Listing

2. 4308 Stanhope Avenue

This residence was built in 1940.  It includes 3,258 sq. feet of living space and 4 bedrooms.  

3. 7715 Turtle Creek Blvd.

This 1937 built residence combines different designs to form a well planned estate.  The 2,510 sq. foot home includes 3 bedrooms.

4. 4809 Drexel Drive

As the oldest home on the tour, 4809 Drexel reinstates the type of architecture and design that thrived through America in the early 1900s.  Built in 1914, the 6,000 sq. foot "mega mansion" back then undoubtedly serves as a blast from the past - what a historic home!

5. 4200 Shenandoah Street

This 1941 built residence includes 3,326 sq. feet of living space and a 2010 appraisal of just over $1.1 million.

6. 3830 Windsor Lane

The last, and most expensive, home on the tour is 3830 Windsor Lane recently put on the market for $11,950,000.  The 8,343 sq. foot mansion was built in 1955 and enjoys a comfortable 1.5 acres.  

Here's The Listing

Notice how I only gave a limited blurb on the home - it's because I want you all to go and enjoy yourselves this weekend to see these amazing homes in person!  If you do go, let me know how it goes.

Thanks for reading,

John