It’s that time of year my friends…I have been so busy (like all of you) trying to wrap my world up in a tidy bow and on top of it all have returned from a great trip working with a client in Charleston. I’ll be going back there next week and everything is rather hurly burly right now with the holidays and my work load so please excuse my tardy posting.
I took a walk one day and photographed some pretty doorways. Charleston is so incredibly beautiful on its own that it needs very little Christmas decor. The old houses are enough for me however the local residents didn’t disappoint…fresh greenery abounds with red bows tucked here and there.
In a city where something is always in bloom, (I love the camellias in December), one can’t help marvel at how lovely everything is.
My client very graciously made arrangements for me at Two Meeting Street Inn which was charming, warm and inviting. (No more haunted hotels for me!)
The money ($75,000) used to build the house was a wedding gift from a wealthy merchant for his daughter and was presented on a silk pillow on the day of her betrothal in 1890. Situated on the corner of Meeting and South Battery, the location has water views and a garden courtyard in the back. The house reminds me of a wedding cake with its white fish scale shingle siding and generous meringue like arches and peaks.
You can see the “haint blue” ceiling on the porch which legend says keeps away the oogie boogies, plat eyes, ghoulies and the rest of the undesireables.
I dined al fresco on the porch for breakfast…delicious and relaxing. A wonderful way to start my designing day…gazing at the park and the water beyond.
The back courtyard looked like so many gardens I have seen in Italy…complete with a mossy wall with a small orange tree.
After a long day working, it was nice to take tea in the Victorian parlor near the Christmas tree.
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year. May you find time in this busy time to enjoy your families and friends and take a little time for yourself.
I leave you with one picture…I saw this on a gate…(“Crazy Dog”)
Do you think I could find one for my gate that says…”Decorateur Lunatique”?
Enjoy,
@
GORGEOUS!!!!!! This has me craving a trip big time to go to Charleston. I have already put my mom on alert that we are taking a southern road trip in late spring! So many beautiful entrances, thanks for sharing, dont’ work too hard and good luck getting through these next few days Amy!!
Merry Christmas!
Now, this was so much better than the stay at the haunted hotel, right?……smiles
Charleston certainly is beautiful, Amy. Thanks for all the Christmas inspirations. Now I am on the search for a chien lunatique sign. Very appropriate for my chien Bella. Have a lovely Christmas.
Best…Victoria
I’m dying to go back to Charleston. It’s one of my favorite citites! It’s now been about 5 years, so I am past due for another trip. Loved taking this tour with you. They really know how to decorate for Christmas. And the sign… priceless!
me too! i want to go to charleston!
the one and only time i was there i spent the entire day at the aquarium, dying inside………we were staying with a girlfriends mother’s cottage in beaufort. last minute the darling, elderly dear (slow baby steps with a walker) wanted to join us. of course we said yes. as we approached the anticipation was building, that is until “mrs. h” requested a day at the aquarium, the good girls that we are, said “great!”
you have stirred my longing with these beautiful snaps
try to put your feet up and enjoy amy, now if only i heeded my own words……..
merry christmas!
debra
Beautiful shots, and I’m glad you stayed in a ghost free environment this time! I’m not sure my nerves could take another story like that, whew!
Some of your very best photography, and I think Charleston is by far the most beautiful city in America. The blue paint reminds us that it’s the sc-nc border that draws the “root” line. Blue here is just blue; blue there means something –
Beautiful images Amy! Have a wonderful Christmas…
Very charming, Amy. Thanks for sharing all of the beautiful photos – want to make it back there again as I have family roots there from as far back as the 1700′s. Thank you for all of your support and kindness throughout the year! Wishing you the very best of holidays and a wonderful 2012! xx
This gets me so excited for an upcoming trip to Charleston…one of my favorite cities, and it’s gorgeous at Christmas. Hope yours was wonderful!!
Loved the tour of Charleston at Christmas…looks like the place to be…and would love to dine on that porch too!
annie
You mega traveller you! I hope you had a wonderful time with family.
Happy New Year to you and yours. I adore your style and YOU! I look forward to following your inspirational posts in 2012.
Warm hugs,
Mon
Happy New Year, Amy!!!! I took a little blog break, so just getting back to visit friends.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Charleston in June, after we drop our sons at sleep away camp in N.C.! We just love this city and I’m conspiring a way to move there after my boys graduate from high school!!!
All the best to you in this new year!
xoxo Elizabeth
Oh I love the double door swag in the beginning of your post! A belated happy holidays to you! And a happy New Year as well,
Laura