Like they say, all good things must come to an end. I was shocked and so sad to hear from Mary, the owner of The Fabulous Flea, who emailed me tonight to inform me that the final antique sale at her house/shop will be this April 20 – 22. Awww! What a loss this will be!
The Compound: the house is on the left, the shop is on the right. In between, behind the stucco wall is the pool and pool house.
Mary, who lives in this gorgeous compound designed by noted Houston architect Kurt Aichler, also informed me that her house is on the market. Gulp. Quick, can someone loan me some money???? Seriously? This is my DREAM house! I truly have dreams of this house in my sleep! If ever I wish I was a rich interior designer, this is the day. Mary said she will continue selling antiques on the internet and at trade shows, but for now, the days of selling antiques out of her shop are over after her last spring show next weekend. Mary shared why she is selling: “I am coming to learn that the journey for me with the home is much more about the creating of the space, then living in it for a lifetime......Once completed and enjoyed, I am ready to let go and sink my teeth into something new, it has been that way with every house that I have lived in, and lucky for me, my husband is willing to go with the flow....”
Now, if only Mr. Slipper Socks Man would go with the flow and BUY me this house!!!! I don’t ask for much. I did ask him for this, though. He did love it. He did ask me if I had gone insane. hehe. Yes. Insane for one of the most perfect houses in Houston! Who will buy it? What lucky family will get to live here? I wonder…will they appreciate it? I hope so.
The Fab Flea shop –two rooms - one indoors and one barn-like space in the garage. Kurt Aichler truly outdid himself with this house. It’s name is perfect: Fabulous.
The pool house, open air, with fireplace and kitchen area. This picture was taken from a story in the local magazine Antique Shops and Interiors. Photography by James Farmer.
The pool house set for dinner. I adore Mary’s aesthetic. You can see the Fab Flea shop through the doorway. I love the flat screen TV behind the bar!
From the HAR web site: Behind the stucco walls, the house is to the left, while the pool house is to the right. An office is located in the upstairs turret. Downstairs, the living room, dining room, and family room are on an enfilade, one room after another.
From HAR: The building on the right is the Fabulous Flea shop. The pool house is seen behind it.
The family room, as featured in Antique Shops and Designers magazine.
The same family room, today, featured on HAR. Mary has updated the room with new pillows and rearranged furniture. You can see the pool and pool house through the windows.
The living room as shown in Antique Shops and Designers magazine: slipcovers, linen, and seagrass – Houston style decorating.
And today, as featured on HAR. Mary has again rearranged the furniture and changed out art work and accessories. Both the living room and family room over look the pool and pool house.
The dining room, never seen before, on HAR. The kitchen is past the columns to the left and the family room is on the right. I love the ceiling treatment and the wide baseboards. To the left of the long gallery hall, through a series of French doors, is a courtyard.
The courtyard to the left of the house. Through the doors are the long hall leading off the living room, dining room, and family room. The kitchen is seen through the window.
The kitchen shown in Antique Shops and Designers magazine. I LOVE Mary’s kitchen: farm sink, open shelving, and the antique chandelier is to die for!
The media room located upstairs. Love the carpet!
The master bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and rock crystal chandelier.
From HAR: The master bathroom. Mary has wonderful hanging fixtures throughout the house.
The office in the upstairs turret overlooking the pool.
Looking into the garage/barn space of the Fabulous Flea, ready for its final sale. The authentic carriage doors are wonderful.
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I took these pictures at a sale I went to last year. That iron table is now in my daughter’s bedroom! This area is to the left of the Fab Flea shop, overlooking the house and pool.
The left side of the shop: The ceiling is vaulted and Mary always has a great assortment of chandeliers.
These sliding wood barn doors connect the two rooms in the Fab Flea shop. The garage area also has a vaulted ceiling.
Mary has a great eye for antiques which she buys in France and Europe several times a year. I can’t wait to see what she does next. I’m sure it will be– fabulous!
The final Fab Flea sale will be held this April 20 – 22, 2010.
Studio doors will be open
April 20-21 9:00am - 4:00pm
April 22 9:00am - 2:00pm
Along with the antiques will be the art work and jewelry by Jonie Jacomini Herring and a collection of Oushak rugs by Necati.
For information on HAR about this property, please go HERE.
For information on the upcoming and final Fab Flea sale, go HERE.
To read the article and see the pictures of the Fabulous Flea home in the Antique Shops and Designers magazine, go HERE.
Finally: Don’t forget to enter the Cote de Texas giveaway with Jardins du Jour. To win this painting, go HERE.
And – be sure to listen to the new Skirted Roundtable with Scot Meacham Wood HERE.
Joni, this is just too much. I don't know what I love the most. The first family room image is a favorite. The shop is a delight. I would love to see it in person!! It is sad to see Mary let it go!
ReplyDeleteKarena
Art by Karena
Fabulous post...as always!!!!
ReplyDeleteJoni, what an absolutely stunning property, I can see why you love it so much. I think it would break my heart if I had to part with such a beauty, good luck to your friend Mary in her next venture.
ReplyDeleteAngela
Stylish, elegant, cozy - I love this interior!
ReplyDeleteStylish, elegant, cozy - I love this interior!
ReplyDeleteHow on earth can anyone sell a place like this...and with a shop included??? My dream too....but too far away! Go buy some lottery tickets and win - I wish you could get your hands on this marvellous place.So many beautiful rooms,-inside and out.Crazy woman who sells this *lol*
ReplyDeletePure pleasure to enjoy these pictures for sure :)))
Have a wonderful day!!
Tove,Norway
Oh, I adore that office!! Such a fabulous place to work. I agree, Joni.... you should buy this!
ReplyDeleteWow - that office IS dreamy, the pool room...oh my! What a great property. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJoni, its good to see that someone else dreams about houses too. There are a few that I desperately covet and I did a post about it recently. This one is a cutie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful house. Here is an idea - you can buy the house, and pay for it by opening up a Cote de Texas store in the former Fab Flea space.
ReplyDeleteCan you please ask Mary what her roof material is? It kind of looks like cedar, but I can't tell. I like it!
Thanks for your comprehensive posts! They are always quality stories,and I appreciate that!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely home~Houston style. It translates in so many ways. I saved the pics for inspiration!Keep us posted on Mary's next chapter!
Kare
I"m going to be in Dallas the 23rd - so wish I could change my airline ticket and go to Houston first! The house is incredible and those lucite chairs w/casters in her shop really caught my eye. Houston has the best stuff!
ReplyDeleteI will never be the same again after seeing that gorgeous, stunning home!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I could live out the rest of my days in that house, you gotta love Mary for choosing a new adventure. I love that she is following her heart, and that her sweet hubby follows her! Yes, you should buy that house...love the idea of a Cote de Texas store! love that even as an antique dealer, she has some contemporary splashes in her art and accessories.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful home. I even like how it was slightly changed for the HAR photos. If I had a couple million sitting around, I would buy it too - for my winter home (summer in Houston would be a bit too hot for me!) Bonne chance to Mary on her next venture and new home.
ReplyDeleteJust imagine: What will her new place look like now that they've worked out the "kinks" doing this one?
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Mary in the next chapter of her life... she has a gorgeous home! Would love to pop down for the final sale....
ReplyDeletewow...what an aMAZing home and business! i can see why you are sad to see it go :( gorgeous. gorgeous.
ReplyDeletei really appreciate your posts and pictures and descriptions! i just posted our sally wheat inspired kitchen :) thanks to you! keep it up joni :)
What a wonderful adventure that must be! To bring something to such a state, then turn it over and begin again. I am sure there are many hubby's outthere that would need a paddle to go with the flow, but what a great adventure for them!
ReplyDeleteImagine her next place and what she will incorporate into the mix!
Can't wait to see that.
l.
I would seriously KILL someone for this house. The lottery is tonight, I am running out know to buy a ticket. xo, MB
ReplyDeleteI remember when you did a post last year on this house (which made quite an impression on me) and Mary's Fabulous Flea sale. I can see why you are so in love. It is a beautiful home in every way. I am in love with the dog painting in the family room. I wish I knew how to get a hold of that, although it is probably well over my budget. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Ohhh my goodness what a stunning home! The decor, the courtyard, the antiques...it is all amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us. Now I will go throw rocks at my house!
Oh my word, what a wonderful place she has! That living room is so soothing. They'd have to drag me kicking and screaming out of that house if I owned it.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what her next home(as in new house) project will be. This home is simply amazing!
ReplyDeleteher style is just insane. i love it!! so many gorgeous details and can't wait to hear what she does next.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
lauren
Gotta love this post!!
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could go to this sale!
What a fab lifestyle. I'm going to try the same concept of selling treasures out of my Mom's garage which I'm in the process of transforming!!
You must buy it Joni so I can some sit at that fabulous outside bar and sip wine with you! It is just beyond gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful home...and shop! What's up with ole' slipper socks?!
ReplyDeleteStunning home - so peaceful and interesting...I have my own selfish reason for appreciating this post - I inherited a sectional almost identical to the one in the family room, a quality piece I likely won't be able to afford to replace, but languishing in storage for a variety of reasons. Ordering linen now, and copy-catting without shame.
ReplyDeleteWOW. I was just popping in for some eye candy (got that, thank you!) and was stunned by the news. I just saw Mary and thought something seemed different (in a good way) but had no idea! I need to go email her! Maybe I can talk her into a house swap! HA!
ReplyDeleteIf I had the money, I'd throw it your way - that compound is beyond fabulous - so dreamy!!! Please keep a corner for me when I ever get to Texas to visit!
ReplyDeleteI'm going back for seconds on those photos. Delicious, as always, post, Joni.
xo Isa
Take my breathe away!! Stunning. I, too agree love the kitchen. Love everything. A great article.
ReplyDeleteStunning....a post that will take many looks to fully digest.
ReplyDeleteIt's just so hard for me to imagine owning this house and then being able to part with it! It's so gorgeous. I think the only way I'd leave was feet first. Ha.
ReplyDeleteBloggers retreat???
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, all of it.
I would sit in that courtyard everyday....it's truly perfect.
And, I seriously wish I could buy her kitchen chandelier for my dining room, which has none because I am waiting for the "one"!
I just had images of you and Mr Slipper Socks man whipping out the calculators over a bottle of vino and 'what iffing' and 'should we' 'could we' conversations. Grab it with both hands Joni! I'm sure us bloggers could pitch in with Joni's dream house fund, its a good cause yeah?
ReplyDeleteThat house is truly unbelievable - inside and out!! Big sigh...and that kitchen!!!
ReplyDeletexx!!
Hi Joni, I remember your post on this great shop from last year. I was so impressed with the house and the shop/garage space that I drooled for days. She is so so so talented. I can just imagine you in this home--you simply need to change out the lab for your springer!!! Have a wonderful week-end. Mary
ReplyDeleteLife changes .. .
ReplyDeletethat's for sure.
I must say, I agree with Mary - the
fun part is putting it all together.
Wherever this girl lands .. it will
be with great style!
Judith
Joni, you NEED this house! I can just imagine the fun we readers would have, following along as you decorated this beauty! What an incredible place it is! I can't imagine giving this house up. laurie
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ReplyDeleteokay. Make a girl cry in the morning. sigh. I may have to move to Texas. every single house you show us is beyond fabulous. I know that no matter where Mary goes, style is sure to follow. She has an amazing eye.
ReplyDeleteGreat house - the shop would make a fabulous party room. The listing agent confuses people though. The house is not in the River Oaks area - not even in the same zip code. Had it been it would sell for twice that amount.
ReplyDelete