Folly

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I probably was about twelve years old when I read my first Agatha Christie mystery  - <i>Dead Man's Folly</i>. This tale introduced me to the architectural term "folly" - an extravagant structure built primarily to enhance the landscape. <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/212366/folly" target="_blank">Follies - from the French <i>folie</i>, or <i>foolishness</i></a>, traditionally had no purpose other than providing a focal point, and they were especially popular in England  during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Romantics were drawn to the "noble simplicity and quiet grandeur" (Johann Winckelmann's <i>History of Ancient Art</i> [1763]) of Greek art and architecture, so many follies looked like ancient temples with columns. Roman, Chinese and Gothic styles appeared in later examples.    </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjDKRXOXU-IoS2xjTuiI75wHyHunHON_IoaD46d8atEpj4QbE3ETcvvnEyhwpV_bPmyhpV-mfnW4eI77PEz6CChDdD5tCSl0WkFNi9a2cYd5XMmb0BMXeVAhORhP56mYlwJ-2g6BylAs/s1600/399px-Stowe_Rotunda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjDKRXOXU-IoS2xjTuiI75wHyHunHON_IoaD46d8atEpj4QbE3ETcvvnEyhwpV_bPmyhpV-mfnW4eI77PEz6CChDdD5tCSl0WkFNi9a2cYd5XMmb0BMXeVAhORhP56mYlwJ-2g6BylAs/s640/399px-Stowe_Rotunda.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rotunda, Stowe Landscape Gardens.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buckinghamshire, England.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acquired by the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/" target="_blank">National Trust</a> in the late 1980s.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stowe_Rotunda.jpg" target="_blank">Photo credit: Philip Halling (June 7, 2008). Photo obtained via Wikipedia.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Dead Man's Folly</i> by Agatha Christie was first published in 1956 and, according to the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22759041" target="_blank">BBC</a>, "the house at the centre of the mystery was inspired by Greenway," Christie's holiday home in Devon. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22759041" target="_blank">The BBC announced on June 3, 2013</a> that David Suchet, who has starred as Agatha Christie's fictional Detective Hercule Poirot since 1989, will appear in a version of <i>Dead Man's Folly</i> that will feature scenes filmed at Greenway. The home is now owned by the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway/" target="_blank">National Trust</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE1xxY2gJgpGxjpdkKJEDqVISKXAoKcsPz_XzSBhDNNaxsGsFKbRs9_Bu_h5N4Ft78GKHQBdnhv2D-OymJrwPtCaIh8ffEYLCAPmPtPhJOmZ8unNKUSU-zBuuloczCC_7JIZ21ROl7TM/s1600/366%252F508%252Fntpl_175030_thumb_460x0%252C0Greenway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE1xxY2gJgpGxjpdkKJEDqVISKXAoKcsPz_XzSBhDNNaxsGsFKbRs9_Bu_h5N4Ft78GKHQBdnhv2D-OymJrwPtCaIh8ffEYLCAPmPtPhJOmZ8unNKUSU-zBuuloczCC_7JIZ21ROl7TM/s640/366%252F508%252Fntpl_175030_thumb_460x0%252C0Greenway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Boathouse at Greenway [which plays a role in <i>Dead Man's Folly</i>] is a fantastic place to spot kingfishers."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo credit: Nick Guttridge. <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway" target="_blank">Photo obtained from National Trust website.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jean Stapleton, who died last Friday (May 31, 2013), starred with Peter Ustinov in a 1986 film version of <i>Dead Man's Folly</i>. In memory of Ms. Stapleton and in honor of Agatha Christie's mysteries, I share some photos of follies . . . </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8za5pH-ti2bF8aLufUpogGp7wCigkeUE27uNO3Pm2jgZlRhZLHJnhMCn3GugWUjsYGz0jXo4O-jGriyeexy9ZG2noBqNZ_aCLrtO6MA92OMNtOeFxV2hFnNDiA9n-3aiv8lrBgQLpo7c/s1600/BlogRobertShapiroFolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8za5pH-ti2bF8aLufUpogGp7wCigkeUE27uNO3Pm2jgZlRhZLHJnhMCn3GugWUjsYGz0jXo4O-jGriyeexy9ZG2noBqNZ_aCLrtO6MA92OMNtOeFxV2hFnNDiA9n-3aiv8lrBgQLpo7c/s640/BlogRobertShapiroFolly.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A replica of a Palladian portico sits at the far end of the pool, which is rimmed with weathered stone and painted algae-green."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Los Angeles home of Richard Shapiro, an antiques dealer and designer of the <a href="http://www.studiolo.com/" target="_blank">Studiolo</a> line of furniture and accessories.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Anne Bogart.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Secret Garden" photographed and produced by Miguel Flores-Vianna.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/" target="_blank">Elle Decor</a> (May 2009).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5lM3WNtdhsm3zkYkYMC_Q1D67wR2CLeD8ngQQGOFGtA1wc18BfK2foe_zPjmmpnHbHFx5YvQ23y-lre-QZn0k4BoKC-_ET6MPU7iGKJtBxo26Lily2XeWj85ZxnvhXjMsG5vA9ZccaA/s1600/gardens-greenwich-estate-17-0409-mdveranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5lM3WNtdhsm3zkYkYMC_Q1D67wR2CLeD8ngQQGOFGtA1wc18BfK2foe_zPjmmpnHbHFx5YvQ23y-lre-QZn0k4BoKC-_ET6MPU7iGKJtBxo26Lily2XeWj85ZxnvhXjMsG5vA9ZccaA/s640/gardens-greenwich-estate-17-0409-mdveranda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"An axial view through the orchard terminates at a limestone temple rotunda with a lead-coated copper dome."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old Mill Farm - an estate in Greenwich.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Chris Meech.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/english-garden-design-connecticut?click=main_sr#slide-17" target="_blank">Old Mill Farm</a>" by Tom Woodham.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-esbXCbdWYjyQoK9No_DcU4gj2EYLCTHBKUbdALgbO-_oXE7KL_SHPCrGNn79DimurEDJFuRCSYrb3aLtTBFoz6YLmMb8V6I2u520R25tLdmmWrNzZi_WHwFjsEvRlBs0AVDOa8WazA4/s1600/rklpoolhouse091012-lgn-47279249veranda.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-esbXCbdWYjyQoK9No_DcU4gj2EYLCTHBKUbdALgbO-_oXE7KL_SHPCrGNn79DimurEDJFuRCSYrb3aLtTBFoz6YLmMb8V6I2u520R25tLdmmWrNzZi_WHwFjsEvRlBs0AVDOa8WazA4/s640/rklpoolhouse091012-lgn-47279249veranda.png" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"For the pool house, [Follin] Smith wanted 'something that could double as a lifeguard stand and a cocktail spot - or a dance pavilion for a hoard.' Channeling Thomas Jefferson, [John] Mayfield designed a grand structure, part Monticello and part Jefferson's barn at Bremo, with a proud pediment addressing the lawn."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pennsylvania farm owned by Follin Smith and her family.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by <a href="http://richardkeithlangham.com/" target="_blank">Richard Keith Langham</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architect: John Mayfield.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Francesco Lagnese.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.veranda.com/room-decorating/Rustic-Design-Ideas-091012-Richard-Keith-Langham-country-House-clone-1348242098?click=main_sr#slide-7" target="_blank">Rustic Design Ideas: Richard Keith Langham's Country House</a>" by Kate Bolick.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlIZS3YvU8tk0xaNz-jTcMQN6Cc5wpjw3CnZiWOV8JBM28H32_qKwsUQ9UzNBXtNg-HiPlPRV5AaP1Ykzm8Z8CbNr7_o81HZnbrD_tazOJBGlJXU8HoRFPxKdO21oj-I_hnaxO88D960/s1600/item1.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.02_private-poolsAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlIZS3YvU8tk0xaNz-jTcMQN6Cc5wpjw3CnZiWOV8JBM28H32_qKwsUQ9UzNBXtNg-HiPlPRV5AaP1Ykzm8Z8CbNr7_o81HZnbrD_tazOJBGlJXU8HoRFPxKdO21oj-I_hnaxO88D960/s640/item1.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.02_private-poolsAD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" 'It's my own piece of Los Angeles,' designer <a href="http://www.thomaspheasant.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Pheasant</a> says of the rear garden and pool area of his classically inspired contemporary residence in D.C. Although Pheasant created the poolhouse with a Palladian facade, he used stucco for the walls and Spanish-style tiles for the roof. 'It's very un-Washington.' "</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Durston Saylor.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Luxurious Private Pools" text by Kate Jerde.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (September 2009). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I2w-O3LANC9-MdPf9eG9UmHwdt5Mfu6tEeYKTkYKRBmpcQFwIZ_ysE4TaZ5ZB5JRGhRBZ5CULCjrymnkjuYotfUAvP3OOOWqAhH0Dk0cFa93G4mI2cQhoste9U-elEBPGyXo6uXNETk/s1600/item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.hosl01_draimeAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I2w-O3LANC9-MdPf9eG9UmHwdt5Mfu6tEeYKTkYKRBmpcQFwIZ_ysE4TaZ5ZB5JRGhRBZ5CULCjrymnkjuYotfUAvP3OOOWqAhH0Dk0cFa93G4mI2cQhoste9U-elEBPGyXo6uXNETk/s640/item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.hosl01_draimeAD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Cil Draime and her late husband, Max, created a garden in Ohio that rambles over 10 acres and encompasses seven ponds and a small lake, as well as 12 areas dedicated to specific themes. They incorporated existing 100-year-old trees into their design. The lakeside gazebo is 'a lovely place to lunch,' [Cil Draime says]."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Richard Felber.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Gardens: Variations on a Green" text by John Loring.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (June 2007).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltdGICJ2zziBgcXBj2BLrLcMwmZjQQBXQJHBuVngINShXvuW_29_7m8TrJFcFw4laLtcyBpLLEar7KMRc9DARkJIF4oVb48YB6YZDXRNUYiOQ7N5d8nxHHC1UIthxOenY2oegX_EgaAU/s1600/item2.rendition.slideshowVertical.hosl03_draimeAD0607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltdGICJ2zziBgcXBj2BLrLcMwmZjQQBXQJHBuVngINShXvuW_29_7m8TrJFcFw4laLtcyBpLLEar7KMRc9DARkJIF4oVb48YB6YZDXRNUYiOQ7N5d8nxHHC1UIthxOenY2oegX_EgaAU/s640/item2.rendition.slideshowVertical.hosl03_draimeAD0607.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Cil Draime and her late husband, Max, created a garden in Ohio that rambles over 10 acres and encompasses seven ponds and a small lake, as well as 12 areas dedicated to specific themes. They incorporated existing 100-year-old trees into their design. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Italian folly is a favorite spot for entertaining. The Draimes visited gardens throughout Europe as they began to plan their grounds. 'Sissinghurst was inspiring,' [Cil Draime] says. 'I thought, I </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">can</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> do this.' "</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Richard Felber.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Gardens: Variations on a Green" text by John Loring.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (June 2007).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmX6T0XhbusUY7-plczzHPu61Mzg52qVZXLsjT-BApcJgvmwdKY8ih3iNvyTMjWLsm8352yVUNJXxCWgOhgYvLJtfGIR1bMjkEx9gbqA9y9qdcaVNIIiXHzh9OwsxgkH7zq-yTA08568/s1600/7-ginger-patio-1108-xlg-56670297HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmX6T0XhbusUY7-plczzHPu61Mzg52qVZXLsjT-BApcJgvmwdKY8ih3iNvyTMjWLsm8352yVUNJXxCWgOhgYvLJtfGIR1bMjkEx9gbqA9y9qdcaVNIIiXHzh9OwsxgkH7zq-yTA08568/s640/7-ginger-patio-1108-xlg-56670297HB.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The pool house, which the family calls the 'summerhouse,' was modeled after an English conservatory. Chandelier by Jan Barboglio. <a href="http://www.janusetcie.com/" target="_blank">Janus et Cie</a> table and chairs."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1930s house in Houston, Texas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design by Ginger Barber.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Nathan Schroder.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/comfort-quiet-luxury-1108?click=main_sr#slide-7" target="_blank">A Houston Home Gets Some English Style</a>" by Lisa Cregan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a> (November 2008).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIcrMS-Dy0Gbne0zWS2f06TYWLldIZhBpMtmjfnu8IHgpU23bsPb9IvJJz8mKK8qmNIzOq-5kYvfR08V45hLMtfLLwCrR3nBRu9cGUi80t5xJTsLVUlqhfhwcBCiTIYfaFDosgEE8RfE/s1600/outdoor-decorating-MH0709-10-lgnJaimeDrakeEDMetHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIcrMS-Dy0Gbne0zWS2f06TYWLldIZhBpMtmjfnu8IHgpU23bsPb9IvJJz8mKK8qmNIzOq-5kYvfR08V45hLMtfLLwCrR3nBRu9cGUi80t5xJTsLVUlqhfhwcBCiTIYfaFDosgEE8RfE/s640/outdoor-decorating-MH0709-10-lgnJaimeDrakeEDMetHome.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Wisteria, laurel and ferns soften the rustic cedar of the folly."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Designer <a href="http://www.drakedesignassociates.com/" target="_blank">Jamie Drake</a>'s East Hampton home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Landscape design by <a href="http://www.craigsocia.com/" target="_blank">Craig James Socia</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Richard Felber.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling/a-designers-dream-garden#slide-9" target="_blank">A Designer's Dream Garden</a>" by Susan Heeger.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Metropolitan Home (July/August 2009).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e6gPODR2s6KLTEiqK2arPR_Ne62Zr2XMCyuQnn6jjXisqmoKc8zDj7PKJXeU2osfyepZfp0PlcO6NqoHlQu1lr-GOaY72thP0O1iW94j6fQ6BPzs9Y_ANHYSecvmKX6wxARfu45rFoo/s1600/ss_101964669_wCROPLatticeworkandRosesTradHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e6gPODR2s6KLTEiqK2arPR_Ne62Zr2XMCyuQnn6jjXisqmoKc8zDj7PKJXeU2osfyepZfp0PlcO6NqoHlQu1lr-GOaY72thP0O1iW94j6fQ6BPzs9Y_ANHYSecvmKX6wxARfu45rFoo/s640/ss_101964669_wCROPLatticeworkandRosesTradHome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The garden's focal point - a romantic folly. The idea started after Marina [Kriegsman] purchased the bench that now sits inside."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marina Kriegsman's Pacific Palisades, California, home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior and garden design by Janet Lohman, Janet Lohman Design.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Mark Lohman.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/gardens_outdoorliving/outdoorliving/latticework-roses_ss8.html" target="_blank">Latticework and Roses: California Garden</a>" written by Rebecca Christian.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/" target="_blank">Traditional Home</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJCcm0VFc4Txj24-w3iK-nBBQS4zpQ27rRo6tuXljg_9bqS3s9PTMVsdPA18IdyzOtK0Y8daV70dBFAgJl8Vs5NirZEDbcvwrmiuQbJbWmBTcIJ69Chb0Ddby6cwEfXRL5iRo6X3TW1s/s1600/BlogLifeOnTheOutsideVerandaMarchApril2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJCcm0VFc4Txj24-w3iK-nBBQS4zpQ27rRo6tuXljg_9bqS3s9PTMVsdPA18IdyzOtK0Y8daV70dBFAgJl8Vs5NirZEDbcvwrmiuQbJbWmBTcIJ69Chb0Ddby6cwEfXRL5iRo6X3TW1s/s640/BlogLifeOnTheOutsideVerandaMarchApril2012.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Temple's 18th-c. facade.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Temple, a former fishing lodge and garden folly, is nestled in the Dedham Vale in pastoral Suffolk, only sixty miles northeast of London</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, but the tall, white gates that demarcate the entrance to the Temple and its bloom-filled plots are portals to another world: an Arcadian vision of a perfectly proportioned house set against fields and water, a paradise of order and symmetry, beauty and calm."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Home of Veere Grenney and David Oliver.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior and landscape design by Veere Grenney, <a href="http://www.veeregrenney.com/" target="_blank">Veere Grenney Associates</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Simon Upton.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Rustically Refined" written by Roslyn Sulcas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a> (March - April 2012).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i5s2yfopyDXMbfpdyEh0wRF5IWDFHQN3FOHWOiynChaOdS6C4HIw3EkC6FogTlFdLiUCTvkNgrlS1zc1T8bFd0mHkEYzExFSqt7gvCM-ueQAbyLJ_ZSWZi6LRx9r4tnX8tz-PNgxvak/s1600/April2011-lgn-975305Veranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i5s2yfopyDXMbfpdyEh0wRF5IWDFHQN3FOHWOiynChaOdS6C4HIw3EkC6FogTlFdLiUCTvkNgrlS1zc1T8bFd0mHkEYzExFSqt7gvCM-ueQAbyLJ_ZSWZi6LRx9r4tnX8tz-PNgxvak/s640/April2011-lgn-975305Veranda.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The pavilion is the perfect gathering place for cocktails or dinner. Pavilion by Robert Hart. Pool by Hart and Alec Michaelides. Coffee table, Restoration Hardware."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'We spent months studying Renaissance architects in the Veneto,' says Mr. Hart. 'Palladio was a master of symmetry and proportion, attributes that were important to me in the design of our house.' "</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Serendipity," the Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of Sallie Ann and Robert Hart.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by <a href="http://www.jamesmichaelhoward.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">James Michael Howard</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architectural design by Robert Hart.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Landscape architecture by Alec Michaelides.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/Verandas-Most-Memorable-Pools?click=main_sr" target="_blank">Photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Stephen Treffinger.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Isn't It Romantic" produced by Leslie Newson Rascoe.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a> (April 2011).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-vJOR-nlxIMNgeoSV9yTI3PUGYwRbP7aa4HuKD09b_oiZQhOB8tqsvXhR0ex60ik2O-yyjzOHyrcqSw1u1mc_DT1-JRCYBfxl4dr_RbgAHwUPt_HgCnQRLqxKRs0U3d6GIjV0J5swuw/s1600/Sept2011-lgn-55845466VerandaSept2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-vJOR-nlxIMNgeoSV9yTI3PUGYwRbP7aa4HuKD09b_oiZQhOB8tqsvXhR0ex60ik2O-yyjzOHyrcqSw1u1mc_DT1-JRCYBfxl4dr_RbgAHwUPt_HgCnQRLqxKRs0U3d6GIjV0J5swuw/s640/Sept2011-lgn-55845466VerandaSept2011.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"With this project, designer Richard Hallberg set out to bring the spirit of Andalusia to a brand new house. He achieved this by paying homage to that great icon of Andalusian design, the Alhambra, and its dazzling water features. Gently arcing symmetrical jets of water lead the eye straight to the striking, arched pavilion. Punched out geometric patterns in the pavilion's walls and two rows of oversized glass [antique Moroccan] lanterns complete the Moorish look."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by <a href="http://hallberg-wiseleydesigners.com/" target="_blank">Richard Hallberg</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architecture by William Hablinksi.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Linda Sherbert.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/Verandas-Most-Memorable-Pools?click=main_sr" target="_blank">Oasis of Artistry</a>" photographed and produced by Miguel Flores-Vianna.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a> (September 2011).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba-Bb41iwi5WP0hR5Z7cNGFPwJ0R7cBbCx5in5bpopUI3_5dBUkBdt3Oi-JjM74VK0RshgzbvkX7YKGYwrVMTmQIPFSHg0kW0r4TjGFsa7kGZ2ze_g9x4B52bLkJas0b47hD9EoSs8W4/s1600/Orig_May2005_222-223-lgn-6485617VerandaBunnyWilliams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba-Bb41iwi5WP0hR5Z7cNGFPwJ0R7cBbCx5in5bpopUI3_5dBUkBdt3Oi-JjM74VK0RshgzbvkX7YKGYwrVMTmQIPFSHg0kW0r4TjGFsa7kGZ2ze_g9x4B52bLkJas0b47hD9EoSs8W4/s640/Orig_May2005_222-223-lgn-6485617VerandaBunnyWilliams.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A playful take on a classical Greek temple, this pool house designed by <a href="http://bunnywilliams.com/" target="_blank">Bunny Williams</a> combines a centuries-old aesthetic with modern amenities. 'Temples were originally built of wood before they were fabricated in stone,' says Williams. The version she created includes a grill, bathroom, and fireplace."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo credit: Veranda.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/Verandas-Most-Memorable-Pools?click=main_sr" target="_blank">Veranda's Most Memorable Pools</a>" by Kayla Desroches.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN9wtNAOyFiIKBOgnqUYa8Eq9YDD5Nj-xDCCcmjL4QOCxM_tnN5rxwOObEQAL_9COPJG4OzPtjHKGf3hb6vYtcEkxQIPBC2DyTVjsoZACuPqVl7eEgQumXxf6VYHU0ScK2nJnvW6kvP8/s1600/orig_JulyAug2009_1_origversion-lgn-49590897PamPierce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN9wtNAOyFiIKBOgnqUYa8Eq9YDD5Nj-xDCCcmjL4QOCxM_tnN5rxwOObEQAL_9COPJG4OzPtjHKGf3hb6vYtcEkxQIPBC2DyTVjsoZACuPqVl7eEgQumXxf6VYHU0ScK2nJnvW6kvP8/s640/orig_JulyAug2009_1_origversion-lgn-49590897PamPierce.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"An outdoor pavilion anchors the swimming pool at this home in Houston. Its perfect symmetry and clean geometric shapes - globe-shaped topiaries, double-arched windows, and pair of black lanterns flanking the doorframe - make the elegant space feel calm and balanced."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design: Pamela Pierce, <a href="http://www.ppiercedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Pierce Designs and Associates</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/Verandas-Most-Memorable-Pools?click=main_sr" target="_blank">Veranda</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"European Influence" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a> (July/August 2009).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP5zFF8qbWiZXsL1FDOFtib9c1McEK66dcwuhsikp88MO99nMS1vnfH8HyJAGVfnYYr8L7XG6vGGBnz1DFNqgVyiD1QVxMRaZiyyf6ZlKVrGFpvcZ-tcpWhXbHwQvxJr0y2lXD2l0dxk/s1600/July-Aug-2011_lgn-66530389Veranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP5zFF8qbWiZXsL1FDOFtib9c1McEK66dcwuhsikp88MO99nMS1vnfH8HyJAGVfnYYr8L7XG6vGGBnz1DFNqgVyiD1QVxMRaZiyyf6ZlKVrGFpvcZ-tcpWhXbHwQvxJr0y2lXD2l0dxk/s640/July-Aug-2011_lgn-66530389Veranda.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Surrounded by towering trees and a tidy wall of hedges, this pool feels like a hidden paradise tucked away from life's distractions. The interior of the glass-paneled, ivy-laced poolhouse is airy yet cozy, with its cushioned Dunbar-style sofa, wingchair, plump throw pillows, and coffee table stacked with books. It's part garden, part reader's retreat - and a total getaway."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1926 Norman-style manor in Holmby Hills, California.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Danielle Eber and Thomas Beeton.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architecture by Toni Lewis and Marc Schoeplein, <a href="http://lewisschoeplein.com/" target="_blank">Lewis/Schoeplein Architects</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Landscape design by Stephen Block.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Roger Davies.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Jeff Book.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lap of Luxury" produced by Gena Sigala.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a>.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PHuEMZO_-FuU2AHrwbW3FQxNk_jf02qsdpQG4DwS19vTAhSjGC2Sq_oKUxN2zAPa3GhGci0wODskU11wjLpTCE70RRM9AIv5Thc8l6lK4z6rlqKg0jxmi0F3D7uA-uo-MTP6n-cr5ao/s1600/14-hbx-wood-pergola-mccarthy-0413-lgnHB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PHuEMZO_-FuU2AHrwbW3FQxNk_jf02qsdpQG4DwS19vTAhSjGC2Sq_oKUxN2zAPa3GhGci0wODskU11wjLpTCE70RRM9AIv5Thc8l6lK4z6rlqKg0jxmi0F3D7uA-uo-MTP6n-cr5ao/s640/14-hbx-wood-pergola-mccarthy-0413-lgnHB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A Greek-temple garden folly at Highgrove House, the country residence of Prince Charles, inspired the wood pergola. The royal version was designed by the much-revered Isabel and Julian Bannerman, known for dreamy English gardens filled with classical allusions. [Brian] McCarthy planned all the trees and shrubs on the property, which was once entirely alfalfa fields."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kerhonkson, New York, country house of designer Brian McCarthy and Daniel Sager.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Brian McCarthy, <a href="http://www.bjminc.com/" target="_blank">Brian J. McCarthy, Inc.</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Francesco Lagnese.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/greek-revival-farmhouse-design-0413?click=main_sr#slide-14" target="_blank">Inside Brian McCarthy's Greek Revival Farmhouse in New York</a>" by Barbara King.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a> (April 2013). </span></div>

Folly

I probably was about twelve years old when I read my first Agatha Christie mystery  - Dead Man's Folly . This tale introduced me to the ...

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