All posts by Alyssa Gautieri

Casa Terracota: This House is Also The World’s Biggest Pottery

Casa Terracota is a 5,400 square-foot, two-story home constructed entirely of clay — making it the world’s largest single piece of pottery.

 

From the stairs and walls to the beds and bathroom, every feature of this unique home is made from clay.

Casa Terracota, located within Villa de Leyva in Colombia, was built over the course of 15 years by architect Octavio Mendoza. Mendoza crafted the home one layer at a time, allowing for each layer bake and harden in the sun before moving onto the next.

 

The structure was built exclusively by hand using only accessible natural resources, which means it does not contain any cement or steel.

 

Outside, this one-of-a-kind home is surrounded by green farmland and breathtaking views of the mountains.

 

Inside, bright tile mosaics add color to the baked earthy walls which slope and curve like the surrounding hills so that the home blends in with the horizon. While creating the design of the home, Mendoza aimed to blend the indoor spaces with the surrounding outdoor spaces to create a natural yet livable home.

 

“I love that the rooftop is a usable and livable part of the home,” explains Paul Drecksler, the founder of Travel is Life and travel blogger who had the opportunity to visit Casa Terracota. “I love being outside, and I feel that most traditional homes waste outdoor space or limit it to a tiny balcony. The architect of Casa Terracota created the roof and outdoor areas as part of the living space, which I really appreciate.”

 

Inside, the clay cottage also offers some modern features — solar panels for hot water, toilets and sinks covered in colorful mosaic tiles, two floors, and a fully functional kitchen. “In regards to functionality, I was surprised at the home’s livability. It offered working bathrooms, a kitchen, and electricity — which you’d expect in a ‘normal’ home, but my bar was set low for a livable piece of pottery,” Drecksler says.

 

The kitchen features furniture, as well as utensils made exclusively from clay. Lighting fixtures are crafted from scrap metal, while mugs are molded from recycled glass. “Casa Terracota exceeded my expectations in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. Photos and videos don’t do the home justice because it’s difficult to capture a subject and the environment around it at the same time,” Drecksler says. “Casa Terracota is designed to blend in with its environment, so in order to fully appreciate its aesthetics, you’ve got to visit in person.

 

“I would definitely recommend tourists add Casa Terracota to their bucket list if they visit Villa De Leyva, Colombia if they have an interest in architecture and enjoy visiting unique homes,” Drecksler adds.

 

This unique home is now also open to the public for tours. 

Photos courtesy of Paul Drecksler at TravelisLife.org

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Get Your Backyard Ready for Spring

When the weather is warm, it is important that luxury homeowners have a backyard suitable for entertaining — whether it is to host an intimate family gathering or a large celebration with friends.

 

With spring in full force, it’s time to say hello to outdoor picnics, long days spent in the pool, and family barbecues.

 

In order to refresh your backyard in time for spring, we explore a few quick tips that will help your space to feel both luxurious, yet livable.

Seating

Whether it is a complete outdoor living room and a full-service kitchen, or a small table with chairs and an arrangement of delicate metal benches, ample outdoor seating is a must-have.

Photos courtesy of Garden Trading (above featured image, left image and image to the right) and designbotschaft GmbH (middle)

Featuring a three-seater sofa and two armchairs, the Colwell Sofa Set creates a lightweight aesthetic whilst also offering comfort. The set will look striking beside a pool, on a decking area or patio to sit and relax during the warmer months.

Fire

On chilly spring nights, a stylish fire pit or outdoor fireplace can provide some much needed warmth while it also improves the design appeal of your backyard space.

Solus Decor’s Elevated Halo Fire Table fit well into a wide variety of outdoor environments, with their clean profiles and soft curves.

Photos courtesy of Solus Decor

Lighting

String lights and lanterns help to create a relaxing ambiance perfect for entertaining all evening long.

Torche, by Les Jardins Solar Lighting, merges modern sensibility with versatile design. Torche is the ultimate outdoor accessory, especially when used as an upgraded version of a tiki torch to light darkened pathways.

Photo courtesy of Lights4fun (left) and Les Jardins Solar Lighting (middle & right)

Greenery

When enjoying an evening outdoors, it is important that your guests are able to enjoy the smell of fresh greenery and blooming flowers. Be sure to include a ton of plants and flowers throughout your backyard space.

Photo courtesy of Lights4fun

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Around The World

We look at four areas outside the U.S. attracting international attention for their real estate.

By Alyssa Gautieri, Kristen Ordonez and Marlene Ridgway

©istockphoto.com / gradyreese

Turks and Caicos

With a booming economy, a rise in tourism, and massive projects underway, Turks and Caicos is attracting luxury buyers nationwide, according to Perla Nieves Chesterton of The Pearl Residences.

“Besides the lovely, sunny and warm weather, people flock to the islands to cash in on the opportunities,” says Chesterton. “There are no income, property, capital gain or estate taxes. There’s a shortage of and a need for just about any business, so success is almost guaranteed.”

 

Property in Turks and Caicos can range from $1 million to $75 million. According to Chesterton, luxury condos can be purchased for around $1 million, exceptional condos for $2 million to $3 million, and waterfront homes for around $1 million. Beachfront residences are typically priced between $5 million and $25 million, but may go up to around $75 million. “The entire country and its marketing is positioned at exclusive and luxury hotels, homes and services,” Chesterton explains.

 

Visitors, residents and investors are coming from geographically diverse locations — from Russia and China to the U.S., Canada and U.K. The primary market is Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. — with most American buyers coming from the Northeast.

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos | ©istockphoto.com / anouchka

Canada

Canada is one to boast some of the safest communities in the world, from the metropolitan areas of Toronto to quaint neighborhoods like Halton Hills. Melissa Krause, sales representative for RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., considers herself an expert here as she has witnessed the town evolve before her eyes.

 

“Halton Hills has a genuine sense of community, where people come together to support one another,” she says, also noting that many families are drawn to these communities. According to Krause, there are many aspects of this region that attract buyers both nationally and internationally.

Glen Williams, Toronto | Photo courtesy of Melissa Krause

 

 

”[Halton Hills], which features Georgetown, Acton and the quaint villages of Glen Williams, Limehouse and Norval, often brings about buyers from the larger and surrounding metropolis,” she notes, saying that many relocate from the bigger cities of Oakville, Mississauga and others with the desire to live in a small town. This need from buyers is satisfied in areas like this in Canada both through luxury residences and communities as well as extracurriculars and amenities for all.

The most desirable luxury homes in Halton Hills are in Glen Williams, or “The Glen,” which is home to the largest artisan’s village in North America. From the different studios, antique shops, and both fine and casual dining to the three exclusive subdivisions, the luxury lifestyle is within easy reach in this small town.

In terms of prices and listings, the highest priced listings in Halton Hills range anywhere from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, with these homes sitting in any of the high-end subdivisions, Wildwood Estates, Bishop Court and Meadows in The Glen. The highest-priced residential home can be priced upwards of $4 million, surrounded by 10-plus acres with all the “bells and whistles” included, from in-ground pools, gourmet chef’s kitchens, and more. “Rural homes of this magnitude do not come up often and when they do it can take a much longer time to sell,” Krause says.

Argentina

 

With foreign consumers coming from Spain, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom and The United States, Argentina is drawing in a range of luxury buyers. “Argentina has always been considered a top destination in Latin America and has an important position in the South American luxury market,” says Viviana Bonelli of Coldwell Banker Grupo Gardiol.

 

“From an economical and political perspective, new leadership in Argentina has created better expectations for the future,” says Bonelli, who notes that favorable exchange rates in 2018 have increased interest from foreigners in the luxury real estate market. Growing popular in the U.S., Argentina is particularly popular among residents from California, Miami and New York.

 

“Vacation homes have long been a draw for high-net-worth investors — whether it is ski, golf, mountain or beachside retreats,” Bonelli says. “In Argentina, we observed that affluent consumers look for something that is truly unique, and this has a different representation for each person.” She said the highest-priced listing in Buenos Aires area is around $10 million.

 

Bonelli also notes a rise in tourism in Uruguay, one of Argentina’s neighboring countries.

Bariloche, Nahuel Huapi Lake, Argentina | ©istockphoto.com / MaRabelo

 

“The tourism industry in Uruguay is an important part of its economy. Oceanfront luxury developments are attracting investors from Europe, Argentina and Brazil, looking for luxury living, with unparalleled degree of elegance and functionality plus extraordinary amenities,” she says.

 

Ireland

 

“The Irish economy is the fastest growing economy in Europe with a projected growth rate for 2018 of 5.6 percent,” says Phil Thompson, real estate agent for Des Lalor Auctioneers. This projection supports the notion that Ireland’s luxury real estate is solid and continuing to expand, which can partly be explained by the rise in net immigration. “A high percentage of luxury property buyers are coming from overseas, both returning Irish migrants who rode out the depression in more lucrative locations and high-net-worth individuals moving here for employment,” says Thompson.

 

Lake house in Republic of Ireland ©istockphoto.com / MaRabelo

Chinese and Asian buyers, as well as those “seeking a safe haven in the European Union,” are another source of expansion, according to Thompson. The rise in buyers has put a strain on the available housing in cities, which has boosted the value and popularity of space outside of Dublin. “Prices are increasing rapidly in the commuter belt, 10 to 20 miles from Dublin city center,” says Thompson.

Additionally, an area growing in value is The Docklands. This is the area where “social media giants such as Facebook, Google and LinkedIn have their European headquarters and is proving highly popular as the new workers try to secure homes close to where they work,” says Thompson.

Thompson reports no shortage of real estate options. “The luxury market in the Dublin area is generally considered to consist of properties in the €1 million-plus ($1.15 million-plus) range,” he says. The highest-priced listing is a 7-bedroom mansion in a coastal setting for €10 million ($11.5 million).

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Design Trends to Flourish this Spring

As spring kicks into full gear, here are some interior trends that are set to flourish this spring — as told by industry design experts.

Thin Countertops

“Thinner three-quarter inch countertops are the new trend, creating a different and unique way to approach a kitchen staple at about half the thickness of traditional countertops. These countertops can vary in look from pure white, quartz and concrete, to faux premium Italian marble. In the spirit of packing away the heavy winter gear, people are adding design elements such as thin countertops to their home to make it feel lighter for the spring.”

 

Adam Meshberg, Founder and Principal of Meshberg Group

Indoor / Outdoor Living

“Layouts that allow a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas in hospitality projects give the space a sense of continuity. Outdoor amenities that are on par with those you’d typically find inside … allow people to spend more time outside connecting with nature, which is increasingly important, especially in warmer months. Maintaining light and airy indoor spaces with lots of organic, natural materials also creates a fresh feeling for spring.”

 

BCV Architecture + Interiors

Photo courtesy of BCV Architecture + Interiors

Mixing Metals

“The all-black metal look is out, and a more refined mix of metals is in. While matte or polished black metal at plumbing or light fixtures or hardware is gorgeous and striking and remains popular, mixing it up with another metal in a warm or cool tone, will update a space with a more refined and luxe vibe.”

 

— Sara Ianniciello, Director of Design, Whitehall Interiors

Meaningful Art

“An entire wall of art of all types and sizes, is a memorable way to dress up any room. Art is meaningful and ought to be selected based on what moves you, and you love, whether it’s the medium, colors or subject. An oversized piece in a room can also be stunning.”

 

— Sara Ianniciello, Director of Design, Whitehall Interiors

Mash up of Textures

“We like to create a sense of dimension in the space with a mixture of eclectic textures, rough-hewn woven fabric walls, fumed copper accents, polished concrete floors inlaid with a rustic tile and rough-sewn oak cabinetry in a custom kitchen. In the spring, we mix textured indoor/outdoor rugs, organic accents, and vibrant art and accessories to brighten up both indoor and outdoor spaces after the dull winter.”

 

Adam Meshberg, Founder and Principal of Meshberg Group

Natural Materials & Bold Colors

“Spring is a time of rebirth and vibrancy; in design, this is a perfect opportunity to utilize natural materials and bright, bold colors. Embracing the natural grain and shape of wood coupled with pops of color, like the red chairs and long single-plank communal table at Gott’s Roadside in Marin, California, creates a warm and welcoming environment and cultivates community.”

 

BCV Architecture + Interiors

Photo courtesy of David Wakely

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$150 Million Property on the Market in Chile

Situated between the sea and the mountains in North Chilean Patagonia, this 348,000-acre estate has been recognized as one of the greatest remaining woodlands on earth.

Listed for $150 million by Christie’s International Real Estate with Bórquez & Associates, the  one-of-a-kind property — known as Zona de Los Lagos Andinos — boasts unparalleled natural beauty and offers endless possibilities to conserve and develop.

Sited 621 miles south of Santiago and 74 miles from Bariloche, this Chilian paradise has a century-long history, yet it has been left essentially untouched.

 

“The history of the Hacienda Puchequin is as exciting as its geography,” says María José Bórquez of Bórquez & Asociado.

 

Spanish soldiers discovered the land in 1558, where they met two indigenous tribes — the Poyas and the Huilliches, who had been living in harmony with the land’s natural habitat for centuries.

From forests, mountains and granite peaks to lakes, waterfalls and beaches, the land invites a range of activities — including skiing, fishing, rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. “The possibilities are endless for a nature lover, and there are very few other places in the world where one can find this level of natural beauty and diversity of landscapes,” says Bórquez.

 

Although boundless opportunities await, Bórquez notes that “one of the most interesting features of the land is the rock climbing that can be done in the sector known as La Junta.” With around 50 different routes and walls more than a thousand meters high, the destination challenges climbers from across the globe.

 

A land of this scope will best serve “a lover of nature with a vision of conservation,” according to Bórquez. “[The buyer] would utilize the land in service of others, enhancing the attractions of this property by creating a tourism development plan, without intervening with the natural ecosystems or native forests,” she adds.

 

Located near the city of Puerto Montt, Chiloe and Puerto Varas in Chile, and Bariloche in Argentina, Hacienda Pucheguin offers a great location for adventurous tourists.

 

Photos courtesy Christie’s International Real Estate

This story was previously featured in the Winter 2019 edition of Unique Homes Magazine.

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Colors to Brighten Your Home in Time for Spring

As spring fast approaches, it’s time to rid your home of those dark winter tones — such as browns, blacks and grays — and time to bring in a few bright accents.

From neon yellows to pale pinks, here are a few colors you can use to brighten your home in time for spring.

Yellow

 

Whether it’s the image of sprouting daffodils, the sandy beach or the shining sun, yellow is surely a color that reminds us all of springtime. From carpets and cushions to sofas and tables, these pieces will help you to embrace a pop of yellow just in time for spring.

Photos courtesy of English Blinds

Blue

 

From bedrooms to living areas, both light and dark shades of blues create a calming atmosphere reminiscent of laying on the beach.

Photo courtesy of Covet House

Photo courtesy of Brabbu Design Forces

Woven by artisan weavers in Marrakech, this luxe bohemian home accessory is extremely versatile — use it as a blanket, decorative throw or statement wall hanging.

Teal

 

Teal, a color that has maintained popularity since 2017, pairs nicely with metallics, especially coppers and golds, or leafy prints. From kitchens to cushions, this bright and cheerful color can be used is almost any space.

Left: Photo courtesy of Bohemia Design Limited
Middle: Photo courtesy of Garden Trading
Right: Photo courtesy of AUDENZA

Pink

 

Spring is the perfect season to bring pink accents into your home, whether with wall decor, a new throw pillow or a vase of flowers.

Enjoy Hollywood glamour at its best with this Marilyn velvet armchair in a soft pink cotton velvet. The curvaceous shape of this blush pink armchair offers a touch of chic to your space.

Left: Photo courtesy of TOM TAILOR | Above: Photo courtesy of AUDENZA

Green

 

The bright yet soothing shades of greens, which resemble the spring’s natural outdoors, can help to bring life into any space.

Right photo courtesy of
Sweetpea & Willow

Photo courtesy of DelightFULL

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Embrace Dark Tones Well Into Spring

Dark tones are in. Whether in the form of jewel-toned pieces or jet black items, opting for darker tones can add a sense of decadence to your interior.

This trend sees an abundance emeralds, burgundies and blacks being incorporated into homes, often by use of dark furniture, accessories, and wall paint. This sophisticated yet comforting interior trend is perfect for the cozy winter months. But it’s also set to continue as a trend as we go into spring and summer, adding an element of sumptuous to the brighter half of the year. Here are few ways to incorporate dark tones throughout your home this spring. 

COFFEE TABLE

Lautner is a coffee table that stands out for its curved edges, mixing earth-tone colors from the varnished walnut wood and polished brass. Its artisan quality and crafted work provides a striking centerpiece for your living room. It has a moody smoked glass on the top and a shelf at the base that offers additional storage.

Credit of Essential Home

SOFA

Novak is a sofa that combines some details from Mid-Century style with a Contemporary design vision. The base is rectangular, but it has a contrasting low back with rounded shapes, upholstered with a sophisticated leather and finished with piping detail.

Credit of Essential Home

TILE

This beautiful range of glazed brick tiles by Original Style are unique in many ways. The shades are inspired by the English countryside, from the blues of the sea to the earthy greens and warm browns of the English landscapes. Credit of Original Style

SIDEBOARD

The elegant Darian sideboard stands out in any interior. A rich combination of the best materials and irregular shapes blended together with the precise knowledge of the craftsman techniques grant this radiant sideboard, that also offers plenty of storage, timeless aesthetics.

Credit of LUXXU Home

LIGHTING

The Noctis Urchin Cluster Light is comprised of three ebonised Noctis Urchin Pendants. With an elegant, customisable design that invites personalization, each pendant can be suspended at a different height allowing a showstopping configuration to take charge of your space. Credit of Tom Raffield

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Fringe Makes a Comeback

Fringe and tassels have recently made their way back into fashion, and this retro look is now making its way into our homes.

 

While the look may not be for everyone, the new version of fringing is definitely making waves in the interior design world in 2019. Whether it’s on lights, mirrors, or cushions, fringe can be a great way to add some fun and texture to sleek, minimalist spaces. Here are a few key ways to easily introduce the new fringing style to your home:

Pictured Right: Sevillian Sofa by Covet House

Pascha Yellow Set by FRAUMAIER
BigPascha by FRAUMAIER

Lighting

Make a bold statement with fringed ceiling lights or even a fringed chandelier. For a more subtle look, a fringed lamp will add just the right amount of interest and texture to a gloomy corner of a room.

Furniture

Fringed furniture is definitely a more prominent retro look and will appeal to those who really want to embrace the trend and turn heads. Many furniture pieces can be ordered with a fringe added to the bottom such as sofas, footstools and chairs.

Sevilliana Bed by Covet House

Clipper by Amerigo Milano

Accessories

If you’re not ready to fully embrace fringe in your home, a simple accent or accessory can be the perfect way to experiment with the trend. Blankets, duvet covers and wall hangings are a few easy ways to add this trend to your home.  

By AUDENZA

 Jardim Blush Vintique Cushion by Artisanti

Pillows

Add a few cushions or pillows with a fringe to your space as a small introduction to the trend. Mix and match them with regular cushions. Fringes work well with a knitted texture and there are even sparkly and metallic options available.

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Designer Cottages Embrace Tiny Home Trend

With floor plans that maximize every inch, these tiny homes by Designer Cottages are embracing the continuing trend toward minimalism.

 

Whether it’s a primary residence or a getaway home, Designer Cottages offers world-class, high-end living for those who are “looking to give up space, but not luxury,” according to Jim Greer, national brand manager for Designer Cottages.

 

Photos courtesy of Designer Cottages

Designer Cottages — a division of Clayton — appeals to “retirees looking to downsize, young professionals seeking smaller urban housing solutions, and consumers seeking secondary residences, vacation homes, or guest homes,” says Greer.

 

In 2015, the team at Clayton recognized a gap in the market as homebuyers became increasingly interested in downsizing.

 

“Every day, more people realize that choosing to live in homes with smart features and modest floor plans could answer their needs. This is a trend we don’t anticipate going away anytime soon. Homes are no longer considered better simply because they are more expensive or larger than their neighbor’s,” Greer says.

 

Renowned architect Jeffrey Dungan began prototyping and building tiny home floor plans to fill this need. “Through our research and development in recent years, we’ve heard our customers’ desire to join the growing minimalist lifestyle movement,” explains Greer. “They want lower costs, more energy efficiency, smaller footprints, more functionality, less upkeep, and — as always — high-quality materials.”

 

After extensive testing, Designer Cottages developed two luxurious floor plans — the Saltbox and the Low Country.

 

With 270-degree views, the Saltbox offers a sophisticated yet cozy space to call home. With prices starting at $131,885, this tiny home floor plan was designed with simplicity in mind to maximize space and style. Featuring elegant architectural touches and high-end finishes, the Saltbox is the perfect home for those looking to live simply and luxuriously.

 

Inspired by the marshlands and coastal regions surrounding Savannah and Charleston, the Low Country offers luxury fused with simplicity. With prices starting at $124,724, this tiny home embraces minimalism without abandoning elegance by incorporating high-end finishes.

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Homebuyers Crave Luxury Mountain Living

From California and Utah to Vermont and Upstate New York, ski lodges throughout the country are embracing luxury mountain lifestyles.

 

Translating into residential real estate, it is no surprise that ski lodge mountain-style design continues to grow in popularity among homebuyers.

 

Blending rustic style with modern features, this stunning cabin — located in Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, California — is the epitome of a luxury mountain living.

With a pitched roof and oversized deck, granite chimneys on either end leading to generous fireplaces, and a warm-toned interior, the 4,200-square-foot estate was designed by BCV Architecture + Interiors. Boasting a bright and airy floor plan, the home’s design was inspired by a traditional ski lodge. From the large windows, cozy fireplaces, and the use of wood and stone, no detail was forgotten.

 

We spoke with Hans Baldauf, co-founding principal at BCV Architecture + Interiors, who shares must-have design elements when creating a traditional ski lodge. He also predicts a few upcoming mountain living design trends for 2019.

Incorporate Wood and Stone

 

In 2019, Baldauf predicts that homebuyers will lean toward “the balance of classic, organic materials — like wood and stone — used in a modern way, with clean lines.

 

Embracing stone accents, this home features granite chimneys on both sides of the house.

 

“The rugged natural quality of the stone felt appropriate because of Overland Trail Cabin’s setting high in the Sierra,” says Baldauf.

 

In terms of the use of wood, “cedar was a natural choice for BCV when designing the exterior because it adapts well to the climate and looks beautiful over time.”

Embrace Natural Light

 

Homebuyers are also looking to embrace natural light and expansive glazing in 2019. “Whereas traditional mountainside dwellings might feel more closed-off or protected, BCV finds that our clients increasingly want to bring the experience of living in the forest/mountainside into the home. Large windows and glass doors help to create a better connection with the outdoors,” Baldauf says.

 

Overland Trail Cabin was designed to take full advantage of its unique site, which includes stunning views of the surrounding forest and the nearby slopes of Mount Disney.“Windows at each level bring an abundance of natural light into the interior, and the orientation of the home creates a wonderful change in light throughout the day,” Baldauf says.

Stick with Warm and Neutral Colors

 

The use of warm and neutral colors helps to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a traditional ski lodge. “Overland Trail Cabin incorporates natural materials with a regional focus, and BCV found that these colors complement the use of stone and wood throughout the house,” Baldauf says.

Stay cozy with fireplaces

 

The use of fireplaces is also very important when creating a warm and intimate home. “BCV designed this home as a place that would feel appropriate in hosting large groups and gatherings as well as providing a cozy mountain getaway. With this in mind… a fireplace anchors the living area and contributes to a cozy, intimate feel to this part of the great room,” Baldauf explains.

Build a Pitched Roof 

 

Both practical and aesthetic, the home’s pitched roof “works to shed snow away from the deck and entry areas of the home, while also referencing the pitched roof of the Wurster-designed village lodge,” according to Baldauf.

Photos courtesy of Vance Fox

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