In the daily meeting with the Places In The Home creative team (me, myself and I), quiet and centered thought bring forth ideas.
Sometimes it all runs together, and at other times the ideas and interest flow like the mighty Mississippi River.
There’s a world of inspiration out there folks!
I love the search, especially when it is right here at home.
October is a great month for antiquing, fall road trips, and home tours.
Several fall October weekends ago, Dave the Builder, the Canadian snowbird (our son), and I set out on an intrigue packed afternoon and evening fondly referred to as The Myrtles: Inspiration, History, and Mystery.
Working for family is a trick and a treat.
I set the tone for a blissful and professional working relationship right off the bat, and we’re off and decorating.
My brother is once again enlisting my help in redecorating his den and foyer.
He didn’t realize he also wants to freshen up his dining room decor until I insisted gently persuaded him to do so.
His circa 1903 home is one of the few Victorian turret architecture examples in the state.
Staying true to the period is an absolute must on the exterior for historical purposes however, I am allowed to blur the lines when it comes to the interior.
Small changes and edits keep the bottom line affordable and in check with current styles.
Changing the neutral color palette is off limits.
He loves it, and it flows with the historical aspect of the home.
click on image to enlarge
New lamps for the sideboard and replacing the dining room chairs ( bad, very bad) is first on the list.
He has tried his best to get his hands on the balustrade lamp Dave the Builder made for me.
Brother dear, that is not going to happen.
This is the reason I sourced lamps in a more sophisticated image of my lamp for his consideration.
We will also be paying attention to new curtains-drapes or perhaps just embellishing the exiting ones with trim or tassels.
A new area rug is on the list, and we will definitely be lowering the artwork and framed photos.
Essential to the art of the hang, consideration has to be given to ceiling height, proportion of the space, and overall balance when placing artwork.
Placing items and photographing the space for reference reminded me of the details surrounding the silver lazy susan with double turned malachite handles atop the sideboard.
St. Francisville, Louisiana is a charming town rich in history and historical sites.
My brother is a history buff who really appreciates the architecture of historical homes. He enthusiastically believes no trip to St. Francisville is complete without a tour of The Myrtles Plantation.
Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation is not without national media attention.
Referred to as one of “America’s Most Haunted Homes”, The Myrtles has been the subject of interest, articles and television documentaries from Veranda, Travel and Leisure, The New York Times, History Channel, and the one I most remember, the visit with cameras rolling from Oprah Winfrey.
The Front Porch – Myrtles Plantation
As visitors make their way up the winding driveway to the entrance of the circa 1796 Antebellum mansion, distinctive features such as the brick courtyard, double dormers, and the lacy wrought iron wrapped front veranda captures the eye.
Front Porch View of the Grounds of The Myrtles Plantation
I could sit on the veranda in the large rocking chairs staring out at the moss draped live oaks and lush grounds for hours.
One Saturday afternoon and evening fifteen years ago, I did just that.
Dave the Builder, our son and I were in Baton Rouge on a working vacation of sorts.
My brother suggested we drive over to St. Francisville and New Roads to check out the sites, the tastes, and to tour The Myrtles.
He asked me to pay close attention to the silver lazy susan in the dining room of the Myrtles with the request for me to try to find him one in our treasure hunt rounds.
With travel weather seasonally perfect, down Hwy. 61 we go.
Upon arrival in St. Francisville, we decided to have lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant on the grounds of the Myrtles Plantation (regrettably now permanently closed due to a fire).
Carriage House
Our waitress asked if this was our first time to The Myrtles.
She highlighted the history of the town, suggested must visit shops, and highly suggested we take the Saturday evening Myrtles Mystery Tour.
The Mystery Tour is held on Friday and Saturday nights, and is touted as the opportune time for Chloe, the reported ghost known to inhabit the house and grounds of The Myrtles, to make an appearance.
Our son was captivated, my curiosity piqued, and Dave the Builder weighed in with an approving why not on a Louisiana Saturday night.
I made reservations for the three of us for the 7:00 pm tour, and we left the grounds highly anticipating our return.
In part two of Three Part Harmony: Inspiration, History and Mystery, I’ll tell the tale of Chloe, recount our ferry trip to New Roads and the infamous Miss Emily, shopping, champagne punch, and the fun and fright of the Mystery Tour.
