The Salon...

Last month the leather couches for the salon arrived. We chose some traditional deeply buttoned Chesterfield styled couches, with two matching chairs. After a few iterations, we settled upon a configuration which splits the long salon into two smaller spaces suitable for conversation...

The area is split in two by a Boulle cabinet with a lovely Lalique lamp on it, which we leave on most of the day for effect, and at night it makes a lovely 'night light'.

At the moment the space is still a little less cosy than desired, so we plan to add area rugs under the two coffee tables, which will help to absorb some of the echo, and some parlour palms.

Examples of area rugs and parlour palms used to good effect...

We also have our French Boulle clock in the corner nearest the music room...

I am sure this won't be the last time we rearrange the furniture in the salon, but I think need to live with it as it is for a little while before we change it again. Maybe we will try the couches at either end with the chairs and tables in between...

What do you think?

The Stairs and Galleries Unveiled...

This little post was missed out of the March unveiling. So for completeness here are some photos of the finished staircase and galleries...

I am so glad we had solid slabs of marble laid for the steps, as the join lines in tiles would have done my head in. I am also fond of the non-slip tread which was laser-cut into the top of each of the risers.

The hand rail is not as obtrusive as I had imagined it, which is good.

Now we just need to wait for the art to arrive. In the meantime the upstairs landing and long gallery are rather spartan...

Above: The reflection of the light in the polished marble.

Below: A quiet corner to sit awhile, with flowers and our guest book.

Above: The long gallery, with 2 bronze busts and a large Italian painting. I would like to place a long line of busts down it like this...

And in time swap the painting for a mirror...

Progress Report...

Spring has burst forth at Willowbrook, with daylight savings time starting last weekend. Building progress is springing forth too. After the wet and dark winter months we are so looking forward to the sun and light (a metaphor for the long journey with this project in general I think). Here are some photos of where things are up to so far...

Above: The tulip "Princess Irene".

Above: View of the front of manor from the site of the future courtyard fountain.

Below: View of the foyer and front door.

 Above and Below: Photos of the front door and the vestibule under the long gallery. 

The marble has arrived for the staircase (below) and will be fitted this coming month. In the photo below you can see the salon on the left, the hallway to the dining room to the right of the staircase, the China room to the right of that and the foyer to the right of that.

The Music Room...

Above: View towards the piano corner, with ballroom to the right and salon to the left. 

Below: The view towards the salon with terrace on left and doors to hallway and billiard room on right.

Below: Close up of the cornice, column and decorative plaster motif of a lyre, trumpet and garlands.

Below: View through to the ballroom.

Below: View of The Ballroom out to terrace.

Above: View of ballroom towards the mirrored wall (currently in black render), with the music room and terrace to left.

Below: Detail of cornicing and columns and arched French windows.

Above: View from mirrored wall.

Below: View through the Music Room to the Salon.

Below: View of The Salon towards Music Room with loggia and terrace through French windows on right.

Above and Below: The China Room in vivid Jasperware blue ("Jasper" by Resene paints).

Above: The billiard room, looking towards fireplace.

Below: The wooden paneling starting to be placed around the walls. The door architraves and skirting boards have yet to be stained to match.

Above and Below: The Gold Drawing Room, showing plaster details on ceiling.

Below: The Kitchen.

Above: View north towards terrace with panoramic window.

Below: View from window towards  (left to right) Scullery, Dining Room Hallway, and Pantry.

Above and Below: The Dining Room. 

Moving upstairs now, here is a view across the landing towards the long gallery, with dome visible above foyer atrium.

Below: View from long gallery down into atrium and foyer.

Above: Long Gallery.

Below: View to lift and staircase.

Below: View down corridor towards Brideshead Suite, Studies and Private Quarters.

Below: David's Study.

Below: Master Suite.

Below: Master Ensuite

Below: The Chatsworth Suite.

Above and Below: The red Levanto Rosso marble of the Chatsworth ensuite.

Below: The Blenheim Suite.

Below: The gray Statuario marble of the Blenheim ensuite.

Below: The Brideshead Suite.

It's looking a little messy at present, as it is the main access to the upstairs balcony, which the builders are working on at present.

Below: The beige marble of the  Brideshead ensuite, enfolding the spa bath.

Moving outside, here is a view of the north facade of the manor from the sphinxes. It has been a very wet and cold winter, so the lawn is looking a little worse for wear, but we will soon whip it into shape before the opening. We need to wait until the terrace and blade walls have been plastered and had the travertine laid until we can put in the final gardens and complete the lawn, which will include travertine steps between the sphinxes and at either side.

Above: Zooming in on the top left hand corner one can see the square columns have been affixed on either side of the architraves of the French windows, to 'support' the frieze band and dentils.

Below: The columns as seen from the upstairs balcony.

So, as you can see, things are coming together and the manor is growing. So too has Alex, who came back to us after spending some time on my uncle's farm...