Home Interior: Filoli

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Container Gardening

Container Gardening

For a side door at Filoli which is rarely used, I loved this idea of lining the staircase with overflowing terracotta containers. Maybe thi...

3:00 AM

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDttxG3E6qSS45h_0MbeaiMskNaQByijdvczycIPucw0fB6R72PSjigEBYxqDNwWi-EIEnetzIsIbv90HO5W_ZkQiI6RQQU6MpYVpFreWaTUvD-4P-eRuXfWuchoTNc3Us8BnOuAFzrt8/s1600/Garden+Entry.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489132584490272674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDttxG3E6qSS45h_0MbeaiMskNaQByijdvczycIPucw0fB6R72PSjigEBYxqDNwWi-EIEnetzIsIbv90HO5W_ZkQiI6RQQU6MpYVpFreWaTUvD-4P-eRuXfWuchoTNc3Us8BnOuAFzrt8/s400/Garden+Entry.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Are you tired of Filoli yet? I don't think I could ever be, but maybe I've devoted a little too much time to this magnificent estate. I'll wrap up the gardens in this post and we'll start fresh next week! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489131872056997810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpzTrgxhhTvmESpNWaa0CXN4fmOu9Vo355TM16JCRDYo3Lt6hxUEhw1MabIJHQyC31REN10hyzrEKac7d0wx6FB7NiSz2vNpkN6lrSw1HTu3b85UDtEg4AJoqeb0SfVjYeR5qmUUKq20/s400/little+house.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Beyond the formal gardens lie an oasis of more informal plantings; Acres of amazing little outdoor rooms, each one more amazing than the last. If the structure for the grounds was laid by the Bourns, the Roths added the finishing touches (Mrs. Roth was an avid gardener) .<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489132065542705906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6ysaq5Ae5Y2Vy9MpZDImcrNI8nPhgYS6iw2bn8bp4eG3zOyC8PMt7Y2w26PkvYcOR9ShP9dZRYpdzwXAsjP_0Ht0yovcHiZFf9XG7jP6iPnsJsviMUSLV2x4H8iTM23qq4o6TkKjCaY/s400/Roth+Garden.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/filoli-summer-house.html">Summer house</a> is incorporated into the side of the walled garden which contains the most sheltered area. Remember nothing is safe out here from all of the hungry animals!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82sTmRvipBdvH-Y4X2i4FdD0DLBmhPmjouRRrBSnfNv97rpzouLlgoo3wdBaoAGVs_utPzDh_6cF9PAAkabWkZmlWCL6UhGUNMUnFm5rZrv54My-007IRDFqTOsVDeqARaqRK1oP0kLg/s1600/walled+garden.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489132091078607362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82sTmRvipBdvH-Y4X2i4FdD0DLBmhPmjouRRrBSnfNv97rpzouLlgoo3wdBaoAGVs_utPzDh_6cF9PAAkabWkZmlWCL6UhGUNMUnFm5rZrv54My-007IRDFqTOsVDeqARaqRK1oP0kLg/s400/walled+garden.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em>The wedding place</em> within the walled garden was where the only wedding at Filoli was held. It was built for Berenice Roth and I think it's such a shame they don't open it up to others. Don't you want to get married here?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTmVcFcoEOk5b_saMttVD8d7FlJe4BDcTdMtCvyGJXT0g8pgyVUgbpgqMAeJdHs6MCULLFHRtPh1EMP9jNPBbd_FnsQTKP04_1frUN-uMFexLmcA7pJqnMKtCijXoU16Ksal2gi8kWa0/s1600/the+wedding+place.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489132085951351570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTmVcFcoEOk5b_saMttVD8d7FlJe4BDcTdMtCvyGJXT0g8pgyVUgbpgqMAeJdHs6MCULLFHRtPh1EMP9jNPBbd_FnsQTKP04_1frUN-uMFexLmcA7pJqnMKtCijXoU16Ksal2gi8kWa0/s400/the+wedding+place.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The following pictures barely begin to explain how breathtaking the rose garden is. After stepping through the last arch of the walled garden, every person on the tour gasped.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QTZjNZl5iWie5faLAxs9g1OZHRB9UQ8LFUNtMT2BdYJ7zmO6a3qi_Eh29Znlg9u6P8hUASdRqBnQjg56mk7Z8QF9bpudY4PNKUDSQpITUS5XVQw9y2Mqma2O_wQeMxopOZNBY7lYRnc/s1600/gardens.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489131859442157010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QTZjNZl5iWie5faLAxs9g1OZHRB9UQ8LFUNtMT2BdYJ7zmO6a3qi_Eh29Znlg9u6P8hUASdRqBnQjg56mk7Z8QF9bpudY4PNKUDSQpITUS5XVQw9y2Mqma2O_wQeMxopOZNBY7lYRnc/s400/gardens.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A profusion of color and textures...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBgV9-77QFpD1p9byoh2GoIo5jZoV8xFbSR3nkvUl_CLqnhDRF_YWk4IZSEGeqq6D03FrM1tDTU0AWZCaG6uGpsi0xjgo_9Fa4GgAsZt8mKtNoyyIov0_56o-_U7_FcuRaWv3BdDReco/s1600/filoli+gardens.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489131847963299762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBgV9-77QFpD1p9byoh2GoIo5jZoV8xFbSR3nkvUl_CLqnhDRF_YWk4IZSEGeqq6D03FrM1tDTU0AWZCaG6uGpsi0xjgo_9Fa4GgAsZt8mKtNoyyIov0_56o-_U7_FcuRaWv3BdDReco/s400/filoli+gardens.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Where are you even supposed to look or smell! Roses, lavender and other herbs overwhelm the senses.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiuP3y6Bs_OXG5pFVPUsZny7l5SgWl6jL4KzLp2uFoXBSPbI_HKfGRFTu7t8MzuC0WZvum5HHySimnUtjKj_Dk2hymQX-zxJmO44YAdS9PFMnvTTFMwTWGG_UtyfFVgJ6GbeneYeiuf0/s1600/crazy+garden.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489131839607331650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiuP3y6Bs_OXG5pFVPUsZny7l5SgWl6jL4KzLp2uFoXBSPbI_HKfGRFTu7t8MzuC0WZvum5HHySimnUtjKj_Dk2hymQX-zxJmO44YAdS9PFMnvTTFMwTWGG_UtyfFVgJ6GbeneYeiuf0/s400/crazy+garden.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I really think this is what heaven looks like. Not shown in the pictures are the gorgeous mountain views beyond.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489131873997382258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZeX7DyTHs-I7E8HSZ4Fr61X57iE7SqvR7z920VzDGdeU-IaWWrTLy58mrMzKD6j8CDCAkn8uKwVIBkAnJfSKy3paXdIM9pju_aD4xLoZek5q4ZduoEEJ3X5JzJ3GWrG5k7YXotJrvkA/s400/rose+bush.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I love these wild jumbled rose bushes the best.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489132072137881954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW3KMGGfO7Is09KOmhehPXWPdqGkyijyHJ4shklxGSGMGI6e8auqP8lgXdPPdjtVAudXrbae5_42UCuQMOAWno30f6e64cuGR9Q9D-W2uhg3M1AZda_aLLaXREHo1Kn0jPy8WOe1hwBM/s400/striped+roses.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Does anyone know what these striped roses are; Sandra? They had a heavenly scent.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489132572015945506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8GdbfQd1BiuGhNXOoI8Pq34BsewIrrmPpk7e1ItwnbelmQWCY_fQZVMExrJxVTjVQl81WAJs43V35snKpR5fmKGilOA7ClOhv-ENsI_YNkD7w0R2_Q0sQSxPlxUUZQBYIw1VuDbFU8Q/s400/wildflowers.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>The gardens get progressively informal the further you are from the house. These wild flowers were the last part of the gardens before entering the nature preserve. Notice all of the fencing. I hope you enjoyed these glimpses of Filoli through my eyes (and camera)!</div><div><em>Thanks to ChipSF for the drawings of the gardens from the time of the Roths.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Filoli Gardens

Are you tired of Filoli yet? I don't think I could ever be, but maybe I've devoted a little too much time to this magnificent estate...

3:00 AM

Filoli Summer House

<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WUwA4RjvPYPh7s3hg-3KPetJUOTAE-O06YjD3nz5B6hG69CgwzGSubUWwI3fG8N8qJxZ7gXGPM9-Tsw7nh1XQbWFgAryV0nbjwRuocMi3jOWv6kJqF0EZ00u7e21vemKlR_M3GAyzqg/s1600/summer+house.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740548320233906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WUwA4RjvPYPh7s3hg-3KPetJUOTAE-O06YjD3nz5B6hG69CgwzGSubUWwI3fG8N8qJxZ7gXGPM9-Tsw7nh1XQbWFgAryV0nbjwRuocMi3jOWv6kJqF0EZ00u7e21vemKlR_M3GAyzqg/s400/summer+house.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The most magical spot at Filoli is probably the Summe House, also known as the tea house or more commonly known as a garden pavilion. Little accessory structures like this area always the jewel of any estate;  Just think of the follies of English Country Homes.<br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU0HgsxHAjIFbYUtW2gqqRhYQCurhpFL69iM_DTwYnMthRdQ1tGCEIYT2lGuU0_stl_pOQX8-jdiOYTXTjHPm-4Zaaa7WfhPC9sBTPR1xFYOY-gYX8Yhhc2vVjX16tHYnuB-UCJgxv2g/s1600/entry+door.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740272356046226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU0HgsxHAjIFbYUtW2gqqRhYQCurhpFL69iM_DTwYnMthRdQ1tGCEIYT2lGuU0_stl_pOQX8-jdiOYTXTjHPm-4Zaaa7WfhPC9sBTPR1xFYOY-gYX8Yhhc2vVjX16tHYnuB-UCJgxv2g/s400/entry+door.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Sitting between the walled garden and the formal garden adjoining the house which I showed the other day <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/early-gardens-at-filoli.html">HERE</a>, the small structure has views from its one room of all areas of the estate: the house, the formal gardens, the pool area, the walled garden  and last but not least the gorgeous mountain view.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740284770172066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_AYDrffrVf83a62KEFjUojV6wzWVd_PZY4iy1gy7cF-gjpwwKavEwQypieom2Eor_k962TZdmCDOcLp4p1k5OgryaqSkCiSfNch0wXUhfrJ0ClBNTEV7T7wpyvjkRrK-l4ovJ4XIJ9A/s400/marble+floors.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The room is floored with 3 types of marble in a graphic grid pattern and paneled with ornate boiseries. Designed by Arthur Brown Jr.,  this is the same formality seen at his well known SF City Hall (which I'll post about next week) but on a MUCH smaller scale. He made elegant grandeur cozy; Just who wouldn't want to have tea here?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740292134997234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5McEPRpnzOl-U1RC28_PfGTYzfDS5OBwXmWrTCDd67VbfiWfipzaN03IKXgGPvfYRREWDH2RHh9JkmbMZWIglEno2gx2xF5SxtPDjdUJxihjFkYVoq_ibjdnytXaYCeNimHo9ECdy5c/s400/sconce.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />These lovely sconces were originally intended for the stair well in the house, but fit in nicely here too adding to the formality of the space.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740539219024226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUKISYrwm_tlu0f2Hmo7FeFlF7T5GKvIk_CtWAFEczN8_9IgBfTKWhf1lQuj4351gSjM793ECTa_z4YVejeYzX7I7fTGeDA9DwhrNQx7XPxIzUFoMlxfWZPlwGzTW-F2o5sFC6pAV1XA/s400/plant+stand.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This column above is a copy of the Satyr plant stand found in Pompeii and was originally in the Bourn's SF house, as was the marble table in the center of the room.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BfV5f1KAlH8PONAnPdSLqeHL49GQkajjwFCk1CMTUArpBNemwwDFBnxVkiXL6xNqpRAU9jCvUgMIU2V7ZI-aEW9dchOVL-PsD_OfpaoCj_F_PItBajLtmolwnFvW30MIfvlADbg5rRo/s1600/conservatory.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740237049977218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BfV5f1KAlH8PONAnPdSLqeHL49GQkajjwFCk1CMTUArpBNemwwDFBnxVkiXL6xNqpRAU9jCvUgMIU2V7ZI-aEW9dchOVL-PsD_OfpaoCj_F_PItBajLtmolwnFvW30MIfvlADbg5rRo/s400/conservatory.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The comfortable wicker chairs and profusion of plants bring life to the space. I can imagine it being a lovely cool spot on a hot day because of all the marble. Had it been seen empty, it might appear to be a very sunny mausoleum!<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740249071357650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMbr2g3t0FOhbgsnT0Ic7H1tb8I5Hmff99uHhLAsVqnG0YSIv6044ZLm10fXKgmYecK0fyHXhuJMf-Ymbk4u9R6xKS6lsMFY2XyzRKQ8QGTlrqPxOKOqvHE9yRP7mQ0dNbMdhNyYR4Is/s400/dentil+molding.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Some closeups of the very elegant woodwork. Someone worked very hard getting everything to meet JUST SO.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740564808980962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmCrnW88Rt-CHZSjv2_SlN_vdiHYkOzUrCV39nvHrW08vkMoaDuIHSSBT6N-wYE8SRuDpPyF7JpviDBfKRZnAWQpbb42UxQlybJmB0_BMzGkheslhKA9mcIxOhEUTTzXz5MIFdtLz2wE/s400/woodwork+detail.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />You can't miss the summer house in the gardens and before our guide took us in, I think every person in the group managed to ask if we would see inside! Tomorrow -more of the gardens.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488740557505203714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYTsrlmhSHpReIA2vBqy4JdqIoGpQJqC_YnCBeBZjjnLda11ZDmsnms0_p7fVA0OYuP7ZoBOFRXShkdftio578N56Z0tXNDAAt0xuBso2qw0v8nBjzT1ztpgUGw1BFqOL1WQkaOxShHQ/s400/tea+house.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Filoli Summer House

The most magical spot at Filoli is probably the Summe House, also known as the tea house or more commonly known as a garden pavilion. Little...

6:01 PM

Early gardens at Filoli

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009008484423474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_OU_7t4B1jwYtfffmxXQSYUor9AohuNlKOP21XwdEOnB8pWUgp5QAABJ4dnVuezUTt1MlEAOSUcRQvFZFH7gkHbuPayrJZEqwj6_olQ3BA0P0yVdzTT-Mtr7jG51x-oVDaW5AAzv8HQ/s400/gate.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The gardens at Filoli, while they have evolved over the years, have aged so wonderfully primarily because of the thought that went into their planning at the first construction of the house.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009177131379970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE5VHx4K-Yk7d9JPgUGvI3-FY8XHd_pOpYvhs8SEJgRa28O0oG7ki5_J72eTqiz-so94ShQBRMo-WC6Lf9aga8NS-DGoQspShyRcaxuI93Z_2sgnfDMF5SAsR8SBtIpt4ifxH85jrwOo/s400/the+approach.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The setting is amazing and was why the house was sited here; to take it all in. The gardens  adjacent to the house are Georgian in design to fit in with the design of the house and bring the focus to the Santa Cruz Mountains.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488008628657940754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bQcOSMGs9_NkslReNm4Y2HrehUYLBUYfmKWVlY9QVsUlmyV6KYBId_ItaCGLytr0q8APVNT7Gw6xJbgDVqvb8OXwJuC1JE8HTIC9zBaMaBoILk_T5ceiRgezkkxbuGn8Npm4sgdJlaM/s400/Bourns+garden.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The planning of the gardens was actually done as a partnership between the Bourns and the artist, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Porter">Bruce Porter</a> and not with a landscape architect. Above you see a diagram showing the house (the grey U shape in the lower right hand corner) and the gardens. <em>Thanks to ChipSF for the drawing which I took the liberty of coloring in to read clearly</em>.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009017436081058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QTTWOkD8MEW_mjvk5ftEGJW0970Y1NtVZmyYIGm_v4tO-kw-OYmFgqHiK4zidEJN7YSTpNAwdinZvH2osi1X1zOAbcCu43TbzW0trmjDcgm8md08B_EY8ewZ4GUcudVJfWQuwae179E/s400/olive+grove.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The house was sited so that the rear would have views of the mountains to the East while the entry was put on the west side which lacked a strong view.  An olive grove was planted across from the house's entry court to hide a visible water tower in the distance, seen above.<br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mFzkDCvwbeIgb3B1GjBR8bWn-AWC71EhtNaBbsicMfjW5njSEZ94auqlNEUzwk1nRMjNjmPybrZJ4gJNY_8hYr9k3PWdie6JJovKjdg6u7sfYUQ2ha4A7ZfO-PpsL0wfA7i6ejtWHKw/s1600/rear+facade.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009034039945362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mFzkDCvwbeIgb3B1GjBR8bWn-AWC71EhtNaBbsicMfjW5njSEZ94auqlNEUzwk1nRMjNjmPybrZJ4gJNY_8hYr9k3PWdie6JJovKjdg6u7sfYUQ2ha4A7ZfO-PpsL0wfA7i6ejtWHKw/s400/rear+facade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The rear facade was filled with large french doors which open up onto a flat lawn. This rear garden was kept simple to keep the focus on the mountain views.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009155015878354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLb2MSZK4gnRAPkD49CTEaPpFuJigMhAlGlkqIZfEpSnuFq4kIDjXV1_qiGMdZblSWW75bQQ6h2d4MvdNCEX8yl5fZfZd_zfsv2BM7afBZS9GCTOQq8tUYnpd8tELDBp1lM38ydfIGa4/s400/Santa+Cruz+Mountains.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />You can see why: wow! I especially love the fog which you can see creeping through the valley.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBGjwAGa5QwiRr7nWIZwsJhCYeULYwB9cGWOCy-ufo08XUsP2C6E_A_fhIliclnHDBgtaVWOMYxmuwGIbtG0XrHeFnex4aGhpNUHgTuqmOj-iLvulev7e_FhcecRZkFIvm2uOaKxux7Y/s1600/potted+plant.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009025123570274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBGjwAGa5QwiRr7nWIZwsJhCYeULYwB9cGWOCy-ufo08XUsP2C6E_A_fhIliclnHDBgtaVWOMYxmuwGIbtG0XrHeFnex4aGhpNUHgTuqmOj-iLvulev7e_FhcecRZkFIvm2uOaKxux7Y/s400/potted+plant.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Simple as it may be, small touches reside throughout this lawn which bring the vast space down to human scale.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488008615026559474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVM1BeSn5NqhrRg6shJeXUGE2iJAE-jJ4p66SJdbgMUHSMbLVzMMGhsQb9M9fLCEd9gjgG0yzBRImNMbKizrzsI0EPFWFZxHFCjqbkfueApHrvtMT16p1xIqyOiaCw82Oj34J4uptLV0/s400/balustrade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The elegant balastrade hides a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha-ha">ha-ha </a>which protects the garden from a lot of the wild-life which prey on all of the greenery. Deer are a big problem.  Even on our drive up to the estate in the early afternoon we passed many just waiting to sneak into the gardens!<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488008606985182242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ1ajvZFk2DfwX3anwJyXjDDMmCU53Ny92Qyd1Y_A-ezCtVdidgKSwvEHRTGHlU59ogwHx4AbNOsufIz7KVkYxsIaU4PYhhJ2ADftExLrR3d63jZtTpeJ1UocbljGyM8ItxdbawmI_ZI/s400/axis.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This dining room door which connects to an enfilade through the hallways of the house lands on a patio where the family could have breakfast. The wall to the right hides the motor court and is the perfect backdrop for a collection of bonsai.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488008638866666066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVG7MyqTht4Q5n8FXz5pX-ojRoKWfSUgVN5X1p07YkjzxdU4EYrIWo4TimWE0E3XEpRB5BtAjlSksTkjouUvV9lJEIWM4Z-BpG59gxSdSoHDaMukizfyqB8dLqgk3AFaCPzLUaSNnHGQ/s400/climbing+vines.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div><div><div><div><div>Creeping vines grow over the rear of the house shading the rooms and breaking up the vast expanse of brick.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488008644223435346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaS3SPDdEilbWctmFeHRxnv3zHw2Cqg5ryRbSQiSf09b0_SoLqNLpAvaW9olRBw4DGgP1WGUrB0ZqaTwWdRIBixwJSApZCgtfIsnkRANvHRJfFgvAB3NyK2MmrVrMXiKRONSSV1rggJvk/s400/clocktower.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The garage has a clock tower modeled on one by the famous English architect,  Christopher Wren. Much of the garden is considered a complete and rare English Renaissance garden.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009174141821826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAta8qRvf0poHp8hSua3_avLpnoZbw3sxlEEZ2-Ro0lPmsuK8dPKnpP1uMz3Y09wt-jPuusHIY-eUfI_RMr9ADOh7Vkpr7LJtXlXcoTlm7ASEJIoHu53sEXCunNgLI1_1rKInqUNJPW4s/s400/summer+house.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />My favorite spot lies just south of the house. A formal garden is centered upon a reflecting pond and rose garden. A summer house, which I'll share with you later this week, is the perfect place to take tea and enjoy the garden.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488008997817425586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoopcPXXxFKKupiLSLXJ4STudUNpR9RD3dhBy_7ZsvYZlhuPWsjfx18F4ZSqTOhfqGqujRgkpPDxUE55pA9LOVfWNNzMAyk3qbr2kyehpVgPGQh6h9TENsioAYHBou_G-0q_BzPNRPtQ/s400/formal+garden.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The focus of this more elaborate garden still remains the view of the mountains.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488009162180204690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUSPygCI3YTn_dzzJnSRNxtBxwMxJp2xN20p4LCisLw4ZARxlCg7SATI1B6gnnwhgETrdq-vWvPGJa-HROy1M1wKwYMxpK1EyPdN7TcSB68GMFYjKHVwf_w0_jC4c_9GM8SvUi2VR_B0/s400/splayed+trees.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div><div>I loved this splayed row of trees which line the walled garden which also creates a shaded path from the summer house to the pool's changing rooms. The best of the gardens is yet to come: stay tuned!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Early gardens at Filoli

The gardens at Filoli, while they have evolved over the years, have aged so wonderfully primarily because of the thought that went into thei...

3:00 AM

Filoli Floorplan

Filoli Floorplan

I just realized a floor plan of Filoli would make all of the pictures easier to locate. Many thanks to ChipSF for sending it to me! Click o...

8:01 AM

The study at Filoli

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE5R8GPdinUPtpDG9U7elOHPwU9UOttU6YbLSKGtY6Cs1bGXCP9xi6mh4cc_7JxrN4dChR016BsHF9tDhY9d_JfyPIvvVbHlGp2FXysJJgzXW5JLKspMX5-MloSBfH-nxI80AA1p34V8/s1600/study.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486172471779622658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE5R8GPdinUPtpDG9U7elOHPwU9UOttU6YbLSKGtY6Cs1bGXCP9xi6mh4cc_7JxrN4dChR016BsHF9tDhY9d_JfyPIvvVbHlGp2FXysJJgzXW5JLKspMX5-MloSBfH-nxI80AA1p34V8/s400/study.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The study at Filoli is one of the smallest rooms on the ground floor and was the favorite of the 2nd family who owned the house, the Roths. Originally, this was the home office of Mr. Bourn but the Roths quickly convereted it into the family sitting room; complete with radio and later the requisite tv. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E9dtcx6fQq9FRffejv2T2ctwCBLzzECMUZgoRsMp1TW_-6_2NztsFLtJVXkVI_gdXWLh5rbf7QJjLBdWW-8QyDnKG1jIp_QvAP2DEa0Uv7444XP-8sc8EuqWaTzA81pRyzOFKU6n0JI/s1600/wine+cellar.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486172454212154434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E9dtcx6fQq9FRffejv2T2ctwCBLzzECMUZgoRsMp1TW_-6_2NztsFLtJVXkVI_gdXWLh5rbf7QJjLBdWW-8QyDnKG1jIp_QvAP2DEa0Uv7444XP-8sc8EuqWaTzA81pRyzOFKU6n0JI/s400/wine+cellar.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Hidden in the oak paneling on either side of the Carrara marble fireplace were a closet and a safe which the Roths converted to a more practical bar and wine cellar. Those were some SAFE wines!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiJ1T4FnRXlPt0B5GqcvpjQgggz6ldFkYfmgp2lYqP8lHOwjsN2Wxd8naMZCFRg0wZ3usN2kj-jk3vAYi3EfY_KWUPua2Na7cPDMzVLGvYY_GoC_Pqj0IW2F-HqnD01OWTiOEhuDvEwk/s1600/library+shelves.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486172436312827394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiJ1T4FnRXlPt0B5GqcvpjQgggz6ldFkYfmgp2lYqP8lHOwjsN2Wxd8naMZCFRg0wZ3usN2kj-jk3vAYi3EfY_KWUPua2Na7cPDMzVLGvYY_GoC_Pqj0IW2F-HqnD01OWTiOEhuDvEwk/s400/library+shelves.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The furnishings all belonged to the Roths but the built-ins were original as well as the unusual distressed finish on the floors.  I love these bookcases and the neat-nick in me loves the glass to keep dust off all of the collections held within!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DBsGwncIYkUcnewJeU2ESm9o5y5xc9pEPNwMPmUKjJg4_YkF3RBcgIZ9f7saK7nKeQOaXxFaoLbXHCVfLB6GkvwUfwcJ89poveHYp0ykjtfipqFPu9hhnoPIe45EiW4SB3WVGEGbrqo/s1600/library+flowers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486172421094611778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DBsGwncIYkUcnewJeU2ESm9o5y5xc9pEPNwMPmUKjJg4_YkF3RBcgIZ9f7saK7nKeQOaXxFaoLbXHCVfLB6GkvwUfwcJ89poveHYp0ykjtfipqFPu9hhnoPIe45EiW4SB3WVGEGbrqo/s400/library+flowers.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> This was yet another room with flowers - these took the place of where the tv once stood: not very pretty for house tours and therefore removed.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujSlTB0z4OxVZeGZjNnxHE6o-QEY5jPtU8meeoJXVMOzUyoMjRINMQIT9uCi59631Lhh5YTXWIig6D8OUB502XOCL3oo-ahr4B-9OaudTcjGBsXEB7HTy9v8K9SwmM9KuLmuNBmllCT8/s1600/goyard+trunks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486172408616122530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujSlTB0z4OxVZeGZjNnxHE6o-QEY5jPtU8meeoJXVMOzUyoMjRINMQIT9uCi59631Lhh5YTXWIig6D8OUB502XOCL3oo-ahr4B-9OaudTcjGBsXEB7HTy9v8K9SwmM9KuLmuNBmllCT8/s400/goyard+trunks.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 332px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> As the last of the interior pictures, I wanted to share these gorgeous <a href="http://www.goyard.com/goyard.html">Goyard</a> trunks & suitcases that belonged to the Roths. They reside in the breakfast room, now called the 'ship room' which holds the Roth's maritime collections. Now <em>thats</em> traveling in style if you HAD to leave beautiful Filoli.</div></div></div></div>

The study at Filoli

The study at Filoli is one of the smallest rooms on the ground floor and was the favorite of the 2nd family who owned the house, the Roths....

3:00 AM

Filoli Drawing Room

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6-HPaTEny7IO7m1mTpcwIAhuwa6HN5R1K2gvFWYIyXdaIvM5QLyPSPvBqQeXeil8rflyXKBDw6f6hKbHv95euXbaIXIVZN8eaLO9KaWjAGrledLBlh1yjONoyhyeJi2nlWLLHGlUsn8/s1600/overdoor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486168234309511426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6-HPaTEny7IO7m1mTpcwIAhuwa6HN5R1K2gvFWYIyXdaIvM5QLyPSPvBqQeXeil8rflyXKBDw6f6hKbHv95euXbaIXIVZN8eaLO9KaWjAGrledLBlh1yjONoyhyeJi2nlWLLHGlUsn8/s400/overdoor.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The drawing (or WITHdrawing) room at Filoli is, after the reception room, the most grand room in the house. Meant for entertaining guests (ladies) after dinner, this is a formal space. The overdoors of broken pediments, seen above, hark this formality.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGF__FMhKnxtfnYhPikk8KnMuhb-uN7ICLASqSDAJrzqgWJQ1PUonNfTN16U3I_cJ2yMHLG3-EPFgtdIJDSP5flwxv02tFUtXu2lTlchS6LcbE_0sNdRgpwCcDTmyVNLwxX-Oj7W0jho/s1600/enfilade.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486168225272711554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGF__FMhKnxtfnYhPikk8KnMuhb-uN7ICLASqSDAJrzqgWJQ1PUonNfTN16U3I_cJ2yMHLG3-EPFgtdIJDSP5flwxv02tFUtXu2lTlchS6LcbE_0sNdRgpwCcDTmyVNLwxX-Oj7W0jho/s400/enfilade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The drawing room lies between the reception room and the dining room with the library, seen above in the distance) at the end of an enfilade created by this suite of rooms. Formal architecture like this makes my heart sing! I love the matching overdoors through the rooms.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dHgdVz1FtfEUj2BUWYvAC4TeASgyPepoSHy-BNCoqooYWCTdD6ae2rOFrpZatptivhtmqtZKmzqeym3IYMWxGCg3ZLa1J8u-ei-m7UlbJBOLEmquDCoL6K7ZI8L1wIXhG6MyTTlcTbM/s1600/living+room+fireplace.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486168221604808162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dHgdVz1FtfEUj2BUWYvAC4TeASgyPepoSHy-BNCoqooYWCTdD6ae2rOFrpZatptivhtmqtZKmzqeym3IYMWxGCg3ZLa1J8u-ei-m7UlbJBOLEmquDCoL6K7ZI8L1wIXhG6MyTTlcTbM/s400/living+room+fireplace.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The carrara marble fireplace is unusually underscaled for the large room. It creates a feeling of intimacy in this seating group but the room lacks a strong focus. This may have been purposeful as it forces one to look at the view of the gardens through french doors. I love the texture of the linen covered walls. To one side of the seating group is a card table while the other side holds a piano. Mrs. Bourn originally used this space as her music room. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486168213327132418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Mw8T6JEpkVU6682fd1xec1yv8VvjjVo5v6xAJAJ__xzmFfc_G9bKEq_4cMUJFZJzxI84aKq4Pui-Oh4bDVFF-aiy8rPASbmkTXZ4gv_VucwWrg9WTCLSHe1PiepQMqEWlJ6g6_gxRAE/s400/card+table.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The stunning Parquet de Versailles floor is of quarter sawn white oak. Each room has a different floor which generally would feel discordant but because of the scale and varied nature of each space, works at <a href="http://www.filoli.org/">Filoli</a>. One last room with some hidden surprises to share tomorrow before we explore the gardens. I can't wait to share them with you!</div></div>

Filoli Drawing Room

The drawing (or WITHdrawing) room at Filoli is, after the reception room, the most grand room in the house. Meant for entertaining guests (...

3:00 AM

Filoli Library

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485788992121857906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUef4jYji39AtSnbsOx5I361kTTBx3SFqDdoiXX7OiD2I09YhoErBU0xRh6_jQX5xn4PRSC4UUDZ9QMSG7AKLL9VxRpeNM73FDcD65pIrT1qMcsIIvLMoQclsLYs9nQR0fliwtALoUC_E/s400/bookshelf.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The walnut paneled library at Filoli was the favorite of everyone on the tour, including our guide! The room is a copy of the library at Denham Place, England and was purchased before the house was even built by Mr Bourn. The intricate carvings depict roses, tulips, and daisies intertwined with leaves.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485788996478494306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbPfN3SroAn9NCYhiomGCCw-ofWCAEJ325b9Mlc4FSKOXs1UXNtS6t3IzZA-N5ENV6VKvSinevV3f7avQXnwSkkRf10nFAa8GCt1ctVmVo2UKRe-JUAUEpXpfEMMGqE8SRoZv-Wx3SoQ/s400/lamp.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I think the reason it remains so popular is it feels the most like a home; it's personal. The room is littered with family portraits including this sketch by Sargent on the wall, above. Also, there is just something about a room filled with books, don't you think? I believe the saying "never trust anyone who doesn't have books in their house". <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485789017504065618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRbumE3g7rmv70yUPRhe9GX35PjxqFt3exxum36McWJRHgpsy_5iQWODH7eJPMfBU-Q3QcunNjpK7IYgrrRGUi4_ApKd1hl3TQxQN-i8V4RR7xkkeobe5ujIbgUzW9n0aOKYQaQsXWJw/s400/paneling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The Isfahan patterned carpet in the room has a vivid history. It formerly lived at Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, after having been woven in Agra, India especially for Queen Victoria. It is one of the items original to the house, having been purchased by the Bourns.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0GSIW7xe5Wr5xOEK69GSAL7FKMbgek21AJoPNw9u6st9muZGeSUuoqcEB0K1cecnaRRXIdrEaoBhQiWtKtGo9l2PNuyRt_GcoSAD0pZw4fY7qExA_21avxmQYOCvZykpn8xr_V0_rTA/s1600/library.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485789001414716882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0GSIW7xe5Wr5xOEK69GSAL7FKMbgek21AJoPNw9u6st9muZGeSUuoqcEB0K1cecnaRRXIdrEaoBhQiWtKtGo9l2PNuyRt_GcoSAD0pZw4fY7qExA_21avxmQYOCvZykpn8xr_V0_rTA/s400/library.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I imagine many happy hours were spent on this sofa in front of the fireplace, curled up with a teatray and a stack of books. Thats where I'd be!</div></div>

Filoli Library

The walnut paneled library at Filoli was the favorite of everyone on the tour, including our guide! The room is a copy of the library at Den...

3:00 AM

Filoli dining room

<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484313451425106610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObnYsNcBh144eN1Joz4BI_unPGu9IPCEC4pJpj2FHLY2SifgmeyIg8BWZIumlA6NDUi7aG9zwl79Hi0BPQCO12lb2w5_T-z6RpRnQHqBdaWMUCHsvZd0R-oJ9xjnNT7K35PXHLnoSKHft/s400/embroidered+screen.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This short post is in honor of the lovely <a href="http://janetblyberg.blogspot.com/">Janet</a> for whom I took the above photo. The dining room at Filoli is beautiful but relatively unremarkable. However, this embroidered screen done by the tuesday stitchers group of the Assistance League of San Mateo County is really breathtaking. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484315635031211474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExEjO8X7LYo6HWBfPokHMC-3c-eOf_fNJo8hc_iPaEFz1cegJsb5ydZuLesqB_sLQZYoSjrahtLMEZE0wq7f6i_-7tmxzJjfFxJ4gQ8SUZift43jU-ZlF1NgZcuLbtgjccY3skchysv8/s400/embroidered+house.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Depicting the house and gardens as well as a crop of outbuildings, I took this picture expressly for Janet.  It really captures the heart of the estate.  The embroidery replaces an old french tapestry from the screen which hid access to the dining room from the butler's pantry.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484313435977049426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4gPDF3AeerLbvFVD-Bhpmsij2jnR4gfcr5CCNajpNri2ndjgmSIDLat3DuIjaGhyR56U-ueQ1lsk72v2zgtGwN5tyrhd1JCUM1OYUo13jI2RAGjXC_CMh6LXYOZt_lzAU6InCeJt0y6-/s400/dining+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The room is paneled in oak and contains many pieces original to the house such as the Bourn's dining table. The painting over the bolection style fireplace is one of the treasures of the collection and is a still life by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Weenix">Jan Weenix</a>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484313466798644850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZBLZXBE6T0rnLLOQZMFkXtXXJ50zgA0doH73a__1GpqorvTwf2OEcpb4EGCrOytnYBqsTTHpELLIEVzCvg390Qvvo74oqy8cFyg8-vvYkaJXI1D53mCVaX_7mMLmqSLq1ZTdyfs-dcHv/s400/kitchen+built-in.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Whats a post on the dining room without some information on the kitchens? Pictured above and below is the incredibly spacious butler's pantry with 17' tall ceilings. This is larger than most city apartments and it's not even the kitchen, folks!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484313419586584946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcXtFZCGthVY-IKNtsO47BZu0P7PktTQf1prqif3dbBTYl6yCiR3p50sDvlaA2ms7p-ZizrSa1gzpRbHFx607tQwkVwZiUpRIaT7CPTs8N3kevJ1EMcQf1ikQ7MnHq4cR6jDAyySaCJC5/s400/butler's+pantry.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />As in most other rooms of the house, fresh flowers are introduced, connecting the indoors to the gardens. I really loved these pretty purple flowers in the green ceramic vase. You can never go wrong with white subway tile: clean and timeless, then and now.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6MmwkaUUdDAtkhmGMEOjcXhbpe4CtyIXHJthERKKoeMubzkP5AioE8eshMsiD-OLaKGWb_x5MTn22thcMkjNFNcIw3JjGAkUCAbC4vmWNJ8xOF4EO8RXe9e_2dNlreUBLun7O39xKHEa/s1600/purple+flowers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484313479838204114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6MmwkaUUdDAtkhmGMEOjcXhbpe4CtyIXHJthERKKoeMubzkP5AioE8eshMsiD-OLaKGWb_x5MTn22thcMkjNFNcIw3JjGAkUCAbC4vmWNJ8xOF4EO8RXe9e_2dNlreUBLun7O39xKHEa/s400/purple+flowers.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Have a great weekend!</div>

Filoli dining room

This short post is in honor of the lovely Janet for whom I took the above photo. The dining room at Filoli is beautiful but relatively unre...

11:00 PM