Grandparents' generation family friends have a lake house that is just beyond stunning. They lived all over the world and collected antiques and art, but it doesn't feel stuffy or dated. Big windows with 180 degree views of the water and expansive gardens on the other side of the house. Wood burning fireplaces and exposed wood beams throughout, original old wood floors, timelessly updated kitchen. The wife is the classiest, most gracious hostess too so the house is associated with memories of wonderful dinner and cocktail parties for me, which adds to its charm.

What I liked the best was a round thatched roof cabin in Zimbabwe near Victoria Falls

A house in the Hamptons with its own art gallery and an upper east side apartment.

Anonymous wrote:My old boss owned this home in Potomac.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/11100-Cripplegate-Rd-Potomac-MD-20854/37266803_zpid/

This does nothing for me.

As an undergraduate I was a Rotary Foundation Scholar in France. Rotary is a big deal in France. We were sent on a few weekends to visit various spots in France. On the weekend we were sent to Reims, capital of the Champagne region I stayed with the governor of the Banque de France (equivalent of the federal reserve) who lived in the local branch. It was a historic chateau and pretty fancy.

Christmas party at a huge farmstead from the 17th century in the Hamptons. Lit by candlelight sconces and all the silver was polished and butlers in bow ties passed hors d’oeuvres. It was a vision.

Possibly my own. Historic mansion in kalorama. We have almost restored it entirely and had the most spectacular designer.

Growing up, my mom took me to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase every year. So, several of the most expensive houses in SF, mostly in Pacific Heights.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cozy is (imo)
- Personalized (not generic or institutional looking)
- Comfortable
- Different textures
- Not too matched

My attempt to make our family room “cozy” (but also uncluttered) is a wooden tray on a coffee table containing 2 tv remote controls, a plant in a basket, a really cute mini 4” game of “operation,” a few mini children’s books, a tiny zen wooden box with sand/stacking stones, and small puzzles)

that's clutter

not it if it is on a tray and nicely arranged.

Plus 1 to the tray and nicely arranged!

Villa Maria in Montauk/Water Mill right after Vince Comuto had just finished remolding it.

Also a real nice modern estate in middle of nowhere TN.

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been in a US billionaires’ house several times and, while impressive, was glad it’s not mine. It’s obviously another degree of wealth and the house revolves around that - the entire house is set-up like a venue to accommodate dozens of staff and a hundred guests at any given moment. Felt very commercial. That said, it’s still gorgeous and every single thing - from the light switches to the baseboards - is next level.

Yeah but when that becomes stressful you just jet to your one bedroom house in Maine.
https://www.veranda.com/decorating-ideas/house-tours/a36704593/gil-schafer-waterfront-maine-house-tour/

Anonymous wrote:The view!!

https://www.redfin.com/CA/Los-Angeles/1302-Collingwood-Pl-90069/home/7121143

More photos from the architect:

https://www.landrydesigngroup.com/#/portfolio/modern/2143

For $23m I do not want to look at a city.

I’ve been in a US billionaires’ house several times and, while impressive, was glad it’s not mine. It’s obviously another degree of wealth and the house revolves around that - the entire house is set-up like a venue to accommodate dozens of staff and a hundred guests at any given moment. Felt very commercial. That said, it’s still gorgeous and every single thing - from the light switches to the baseboards - is next level.

A villa we rented in the Luberon…it was designed by a very famous architect and has been featured in multiple publications. Absolutely stunning and a wonderful couple of weeks appreciating the architecture, design and furnishings.

A friend’s family home in Aspen. Spectacular views of the mountains, every room perfectly decorated (8 bedrooms), heated bathroom tile, just so gorgeous.