Villa Sevillano Carpinteria

Santa Barbara and Carpinteria are a wonderful part of the California Coast to raise a family.  I am based in New Zealand, but have enjoyed working here in the spring for the past 10 years.  If you enjoy the Equestrian lifestyle, this property adjacent to Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on secluded, gated grounds, may be worthy of consideration. Newly-built 10,378+-sq.-ft. Italian style villa on 22+ acres with equestrian facilities, exercise field, olive and citrus orchards, formal gardens, and infinity edge pool with spa.

Fine craftsmanship, luxurious amenities characterize this 6-bedroom, 9.5 bath residence with ocean views.  Ocean view office with en suite bath and custom bar.

Imported Italian materials including marble, limestone and travertine combine with locally crafted ironwork and custom cabinetry throughout.

Gourmet kitchen with adjoining breakfast room and family room.

Four bedroom suites, plus a master suite with ocean views, fireplace, Jacuzzi deck, patio, and sumptuous his and her baths.

Wine room, recreation room with custom bar, media room with seating for 8 and staff quarters with bath on lower level.

Unparalleled country living, quick access to highway and beaches. State-of-the-art systems, elevator. Pair of garages for 5 cars.

To view contact Suzanne Perkins (805) 895-2138 or (805) 565-8643

Park Avenue coop Triple Mint

Check out this penthouse in a prewar Park Avenue coop with wraparound terraces showcasing iconic views of Manhattan in every direction.  Donnell is in love with the look.  Total renovation just finished, featuring a classic prewar layout, top-of-the-line finishes and technology. A dramatic marble gallery leads to a large living room with fireplace, a dining room with bar/butler's pantry, a fully equipped media room, full bath & office/guestroom.

Large solarium style gourmet eat-in kitchen with staffroom/bath and laundry rooms.

Family room leads to a master suite with luxurious bath, fireplace, and private terrace.

Bedroom wing includes 5 bedroom, 3 of them large bedrooms with terraces and two baths.

Access the large entertaining/dining terrace from every room.

Creston system for automated climate control, humidification, shades, lighting and audio visual equipment, three private elevator landings, custom Euro-windows/doors and skylights, wide plank white oak floors, Venetian plaster walls, large closets and 10 foot ceilings.

To inquire contact Juliette Janssens.  (212) 606-7670

Architect Peter Pennoyer's Top Ten Picks from Veranda

One addiction my wife Donnell brought with her from America to New Zealand was her love of Veranda Magazine. Many of it's pages live in her design tear files for our offices. We have been looking through the April edition at architectural details favored by Architect Peter Pennoyer. Stair Railings Peter Pennoyer loves custom stair railings with metalwork by Les Métalliers Champenois in bronze. Metalwork of any kind is not an option we are likely to go with as we tend to favor a seaside look.

Plaster Ornaments Peter Pennoyer says plaster ornaments add an element that is special and unique. We agree. Our property has just a touch of this in the origional spaces and we have gone to extremes to retain that, having it professionally removed, stored, and re-applied during our initial stages of renovation.

Mantels We changed ours from a plain brown deco period of tile to something slightly more traditional.

Lay Lights Too late for us to consider this it might have been wonderful to use up in the vaulted family area ceiling.

Painted Wood Paneling Peter Pennoyer says decorative painting can achieve wonderful effects and trick the eye. We've seen this first hand at one of my clients Grosse Point homes. That the wood is a decorative paint finish is absolutely indiscernible. Peter Pennoyer points out that many of the wood species admired in antique furniture are no longer available or come from a source that is not eco-friendly. This is a better way to achieve the same effect.

Paneled Dining Rooms Inspired by the intricate details of French boiserie. We love this idea and are looking for ways to consider this in our family dining space.

Hand Hammered Door Knob Pennoyer prefers hardware from Nanz with its hand hammered ridges. We went with a brushed metal ourselves.

Upper Cabinets When kitchens have very tall ceilings, says Pennoyer, upper cabinets maximize the use of storage space. We like this idea.

Butler's Window I was very keen on this myself, but Donnell nixed the idea as the downstairs kitchen is a shared space used by our staff and clients and the door leading to it comes right off the entry. Fin idea still, especially, as Pennoyer notes, for parties where caterers and people are running in and out of the kitchen.

Old Print Shop Pennoyer also mentions a New York shop called Old Print Shop as a great source for art reference books that are hard to find, and their print gallery with antiquarian maps, 18th, 19th, and 20th century prints. Must add this to the list of places to see the next time I'm in New York.

Article here with great Images Peter Pennoyer's website

Interior Designer Emily Summers - We Think Her Style Would Work Well in New Zealand

  Check out Emily Summers work in the October issue of Town & Country on a hose designed by architect Robert Johnson Perry Designed. Architect Jason Smith was consulted on architectural updates.

What we have noticed about Emily Summers style is how easily her choices would fit into many of our clients homes in New Zealand.

Check out the use of family photography to adorn the walls in the family areas of the home.