COTE DE TEXAS: Brother, Can You Spare A Cool $24,500,000?

Brother, Can You Spare A Cool $24,500,000?

 

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It’s official.  The blog French Kissed recently announced that John Saladino’s gorgeous Montecito estate, Villa de Limma, is for sale. Why?  Why?   The fabulously talented interior designer spent years restoring the stone house – chronicled in the book Saladino Villa.   Built in the 1920s, the restoration took over four years and the budget was double its estimation.    Everything was decrepit and had to be restored.   The stone walls were crumbling which Saladino had to reinforce from the inside.   His crew spent years scrapping offensive paint from the stone and tile floors.   The entire restoration process was backbreaking, hugely expensive, and a true labor of love.  And yet, just a few years later, it’s up for sale.   Perhaps the allure was the challenge.  Once he accomplished it, the upkeep proved too much or the estate is too big for just Betty and John?  Who knows?   But seriously, anyone out there have $24,500,000 they wish to loan me?  

Below, are some of the photographs from the real estate brochure HERE, as well as others from the book and assorted places.  To view the story on French Kissed, go HERE.

 

 

imageIf you don’t have it – get it.  It’s a fascinating read, all about the renovation with wonderful photography.

 

 

image Aerial view.   The entrance is on the upper right.   The master bedroom overlooks the swimming pool on the left.

 

 

s17Entering the estate through these arches.

 

 

 

image The same arches with a view of the motor court and entrance gallery on the right.

 

 

s18The open air entrance gallery.   To the right is a courtyard.  To the left is the front door, kept with its exceptionally low door, making tall visitors have to lower their heads to enter. 

 

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Looking at the entrance gallery from the courtyard.

 

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The entry hall.  Saladino is known for hanging antique tapestries, fabrics, and rugs on the walls, then layering mirrors and art works atop them.  

 

 

image The entrance hall faces out to the side yard.  To the right past the fireplace is the living room.  To the left of the French doors is the dining room and then the kitchen. 

 

 

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A  photograph of the stairway leading up to the guest bedrooms.  Notice the antiques on top of the chest.  Saladino surrounds himself with beauty.  Every item in his house is either an antique or specially chosen piece. 

 

 image The living room – so Saladino!   Every chair, every table, every lamp, every urn is gorgeous. 

 

 

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Same view from the real estate brochure.  Notice the gorgeous rug.  The master bedroom is reached through the door to the right of the window. 

 

 

s9 The opposite view.   The back door way leads to the entry hall, then on to the dining room and kitchen.   Notice the tapestry hanging on the wall, with a mirror layered over it.  His beautiful Cy Twombly is on the wall to the right.   Just too gorgeous for words. 

 

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Close up view of living room. 

 

image The hall which leads from the living room to the bedrooms downstairs.  Here Saladino’s Robert Courtright artwork hangs in front of a door which leads out to the courtyard, by the front door! 

 

 

 

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The dining room is located to the left of the entry hall.   The kitchen is through a hidden door in the wood paneling, to the right of the fireplace.   Saladino loves skirted tables and slipcovers.  His collection of creamware is seen above the fireplace.   Notice his curtains.

 

 

 

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A closeup of his chairs, available from his furniture line. 

 

imageAnd looking the other direction.  Up the steps is the entry hall, then the living room, which can be seen through the wood doors.   Gorgeous chandelier! 

 

 

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Past the fireplace in the dining room is the kitchen.  The refrigerator to the very left is actually a door to another room.  The breakfast room is to the right of the refrigerator.   The large charger on the left is seen from the entry hall, past the dining room.   Saladino believes the eye should have a resting point at the end of a vista – here the charger provides that.

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Another view of the kitchen, showing a small eating area.

 

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Dining spot off kitchen – door leads to entry gallery.

imageThe breakfast room.   All the windows were replaced with these iron beauties that were custom made to fit the arches.  Notice how very thin the window is – you can see this where it meets the thick stone wall.

 

 

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A night view looking into the breakfast room.

 

 

image Saladino’s companion Betty’s room.   He designed the bed to act as a sofa during the day. Those pillows! Those books!

 

 

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And another view of Betty’s room which overlooks her own courtyard.

 

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Saladino’s bedroom.   The bed floats in the space.  His desk is to the left. 

 

 

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A closeup view of the hanging curtains layered with mirror on the back wall.  

 

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Opposite Saladino’s bed is his desk placed in front of a Zuber wallpaper screen.

 

 

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Saladino’s shower – contemporary against the old stone walls.

 

 

 

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Saladino’s two story home office.  The desk is a beautiful table called into service.   His famous cylinder lamp sits atop it. 

 

 

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This room is across the entrance courtyard away from the main house. 

 

 

     

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Upstairs there are a row of guest rooms – each is unique and each has its own name.  This is the Primavera Bedroom.  I love the headboard detailing with its Edwardian pelmet. 

 

 imageThe famous powder room with its ancient bowl used as a sink.  Notice the mirror and the faucet. 

 

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Saladino spent enormous energy and money on getting the landscaping to his satisfaction.   But, first, he had to create an elaborate drainage system to remove rainwater from the estate.

 

 

 

 

 

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The courtyard to the right of the entrance gallery seen on the left. 

 

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Saladino used lots of succulents for their texture and color. 

 

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The swimming pool off the living room and master bedroom.

 

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The ancient column becomes a focal point in the gardens.

 

 

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One dining table in the gravel courtyard.

 

 

 

 s2 And another dining table in the olive tree allee.  Notice the balustrades. 

 

 

 

 

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A Bing Map view of the property.  You can see the swimming pool and lone column to the left bottom.  The entrance court is on the right. 

 

Thank you to French Kissed.  To see more pictures of Villa de Limma on French Kissed, go HERE.  And to see the real estate brochure, go HERE.  The glorious photographs taken for the real estate brochure were done by Jim Bartsch HERE.

73 comments :

  1. I think Grant Gibson went there and had posted some amazing photos not too long ago. The grounds are stunning. We could all chip in - and meet there!
    pve

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  2. Absolutely stunning. I love the use of the draperies and tapestries to give the stone house a very warm feel.

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  3. Truly a masterpiece, designed with comfort in mind. There is not one thing I dislike in the entire house.

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  4. Wow, the kitchen. I love Santa Barbara....maybe we need a little vacation home. Ha, who am I kidding? I blogged about a pair of chairs I cannot afford today!

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  5. Maybe Oprah will buy it as a guest house??? It's tres magnifique!

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  6. Maybe Oprah will buy it as a guest house??? It's tres magnifique!

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  7. I love all that stone! I also love that it doesn't feel cold or hard. What a wonderful home.

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  8. Oh, my. How beautiful. Mr. Saladino is my favorite designer. When he spoke in Atlanta recently, he didn't mention any financial problems. :-) Maybe he's in the market for new clients. Moi? Going to buy a lottery ticket.

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  9. STOP! I can hardly stand to look! The raw materials, structural details and craftsmanship put this home in a league of its own. So.Very.French. Sigh. If money grew on trees....

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  10. Perhaps the recently separated King of Greenhouse Gases might change his mind and turn in his $8 million digs for this one.

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  11. Saladino is the master. It just doesn't get any better than this. I agree with Columnist, there just isn't anything that I don't like about this house. "The world is full of beautiful things. Why settle for mediocrity?"

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  12. *** After living 18 years in Europe, I T*H*O*U*G*H*T I'd "seen it all"~~~~~

    T*H*I*S is what SHEER PERFECTION looks n' feels like!~~~ Ohhhhhh, all that magnificent old STONE (MY particular "weakness"), combined w/ the grounds n' furnishings~~~ makes me weak in the knees!!! (Then again, I've ALWAYS thought he could do no wrong in the design field!!!)...

    Tnx n' hugs, Joni!!!
    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  13. (OK, OK... YES, it IS times like this that I wish our last name was Gates or Buffet!!! Grins!!!)

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  14. Makes me wonder how many overpriced geegaws he pushed on clients to be able to afford all that.

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  15. Now would be a good time to invest in a lotto ticket.
    Love the modern kitchen with the rest of the home. A great contrast and not giving you the overdone feel that so many kitchens tend to have.

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  16. This will keep me busy for awhile..going back to look over and over again! Thanks!
    Love those pendant lights in his office.

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  17. That's just too much fabulousness for one house...just amazing. I think I remember seeing a picture of him at that round table.

    I'll write you a check :)... as long as I have visitor privilages...lol.

    Best,
    Michelle

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  18. I am a devoted reader, and have not left a negative comment before, and it is not the fault of the blog, rather the house.And thanks for your tireless efforts to bring us nice things to see! I think the house is monotonous, with too many white rocks, and not enough pretty patterns. The house is grand, and i'm not suggesting chintz, but just some eyecatching contrasting patterns. And to some, patterns are dated, oh, well. The house is subtle, just like the weather in California.

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  19. Although it is an absolutely gorgeous house, and the grounds are spectacular, somehow I just don't think that I could ever feel a place like this was a home. I guess maybe it's the scale and the showiness?

    Call me crazy but I'd prefer a pretty house in RO or WestU with dark hardwoods, seagrass, and those Houston silk puddle curtains over this any day.

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  20. I always find it amazing that people can create these fantastic places and then leave them. I heard Mr. Saladino speak about the creation of this place last month. It was fascinating.

    I adore Betty's room!!

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  21. Amazing...I mightn't be able to buy the villa but I must have the book! xv

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  22. I really think the house is beautiful. I love the use of so many different textures inside and out. I lose my breath just looking at the photos. I especially am in love with the Zuber wallpaper covered screen. Someone mentioned a bloggers retreat there; but I think we would never leave. :)
    Another wonderfully researched post with outstanding photos!! Great job, Joni!
    xx-Gina

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  23. I love, love this house! Everything is so beautiful and each object from a chair to a lamp to a glass was purposefully placed there. In the photo of the kitchen, does anyone else see two birds perched on like a stone outcropping next to the vase and the charger? I love to use little birds in my decoration in inconspicous places - the unexpected -- and see who notices then... usually children, to their delite. The bathroom with the old stone walls and the modern glass enclosed shower is amazing. Have to go buy the book!

    Thanks Joni!!
    Nora
    Albuquerque

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  24. That home is a dream. Thank goodnesss(?) it's all the way in Montecito.

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  25. Spectacular; I wonder if he mentions anywhere how many staff are needed to maintain the property?

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  26. Pardon me....as I pick my lower jaw up off the floor. What a beautiful estate. The stone walls, the curtains, THE KITCHEN...all beautiful. I would just love to sit in the garden and have a glass of iced tea....what heaven!

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  27. Oh my goodness! This was a wonderful way to start my morning - thanks Joni. xo

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  28. Beautiful and breathtaking. Thanks, Joni, for making my day!
    Hugs.

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  29. ALL THAT IS PIE - I agree with you. The heaviness continues throughout the house without relief. The kitchen while fabulous on its own, does not seem to fit the feel of the rest of the home. The grounds are wonderful and the outdoor dining space among the olive trees would be the selling point for me, but the decor looks like the owner has listened to one to many tragic operas.

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  30. Truly an amazing place!!!!!After all of the pictures etc and the publicity done on this home in particular, as gorgeous as the home is and your presentation of it Joni, I can't blame him for offering it up, he probably has something else already in the works. You can't get anyone to publish something about your OLD house...Great post, keep em coming! Maryanne

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  31. I'm with you there Anonymous! Nice to see a pithy comment for a change and oh so true.

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  32. The home looks like it was transported from France and dropped in this location. Absolutely gorgeous.

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  33. It's the stonework that gets you. Perfection, made by nature, not to be improved upon.

    This is my all time favourite dining room. It must be gut-wrenching to leave it.

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  34. I have the book which I read from time to time for inspiration. I'm really stunned to hear they would spend so much time and love on this magnificent property and then move on. Ah well...he can certainly make any place he lives in a beautiful reflection of his talents.

    Sheer perfection...

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  35. a future blogger retreat?

    how many bloggers would it take?

    loved the tour joni
    debra

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  36. I love it. Cote d'Azur in CA. I'd even work there -

    VerdantSanctuary.blogspot.com

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  37. I'm shocked. This book is front and center on my coffee table and I have poured over it countless times. I can't believe they can part with this. What a labor of love it was?

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  38. Just so carefully and perfectly executed. Not too stagey, just so CLASSY. That lavender bathroom! I could die...God, what a treat. Thanks Joni.

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  39. Reminds me in so many ways of a home I sold in la Jolla years ago!! I adore this property!! Saladino will do a new project very soon!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  41. Where can I buy a ticket... as that would be my only hope...

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  42. The dining room is elegant and a breath of fresh air compared to the musty appearance of many other rooms in the house. The grounds and location are stunning. I hope it's sold and we will some day see what the new owners do with the interior. I believe it would be just as beautiful and inviting with less weighty and dark fabrics. Perhaps a young family to put some life into the rooms, but then again how many young families have $24 million.

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  43. That is some chunk of change but I'd give and arm and a leg for that office.

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  44. Gosh ... this house reminds me of the one in Stealing Beauty with Liv Tyler. It's alluring, a bit mysterious, earthy, and beautiful.

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  45. I absolutely adored Mr. Saladino's New York ballroom apartment and his country house (I think it was called Robin Hill). I love his furniture, his fabric choices and the way he combines accessories. But, truth be told, I don't like this house as much as his other homes - probably because I don't particularly like Mediterranean-style houses. The setting is fabulous, but I find the house itself rather heavy and dreary. And the kitchen looks as though it belongs in an entirely different home.

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  46. I have been to fabulous homes in Europe and America and this is just the most fabulous I have ever seen. It does not feel dark or heavy when you are there. The kitchen does really work with the rest of the house.
    It is rustic and formal at the same time and even perfect for his small granddaughter!
    I wondered if the house could ever match up to the exquisite book which I, like so many of you, treasure.
    Never fear, it is Divine Perfection.
    To see it is to love it!

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  47. I have one word-----
    UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE!!!
    annie

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  48. so fabulous... i am with pve... lets all chip in... i will send my $25 in tomorrow. we can mail checks to you right?

    i am soo fortunate to see a gorgeous home he has done here in seattle... it is BEYOND WORDS.

    have a great weekend joni..xx pam

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  49. Dear Joni,
    I wish I could live in such a beautiful house!Unfortunately, it will only be in my dreams! Thank you for the tour! John Saladino is so talented! I might think that John Saladino is in the USA at the same level of interior decoration as Axel Vervoordt is in Europe.
    Have a wonderful weekend Jon!
    xx
    Greet

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  50. What a gorgeous, gorgeous house and landscape. I wonder why he is selling? There must be a story there.

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  51. Ummm...depends...does it come furnished?? if so I'll put it on the list :)

    I'm thinking he needs to invite a few bloggers in for a couple of days so that we can write about it with the passion and sincerity that only comes from firsthand experience!!

    That he is a brilliant designer goes without saying..thanks so much to you and Jermaine at French Kissed for tantalizing us all with this incredible tour!

    bisous!

    Kit

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  52. Oops, meant to say, I love the kitchen..except for the heavy beams overhead..I think I would have to lighten those up quite a bit to spend a lot of time in there, but the kitchen is really fabulous and works with the rest of the house in that it is truly functional to support such a grand home, and there are enough other places for entertaining that people don't have to hang out in the kitchen...I get the feeling that the cook and the caterers use this kitchen a lot...:)

    Kit

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  53. Joni,
    Loved it! I know you're dying a miilion deaths over the linen skirted dining table with the stone fireplace and rough wood walls. Scrumptious. Thank you,
    Ann

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  54. Wow! What a stunning house. I wonder how many square feet it is. I would hate to think of the upkeep, but if you have the funds, it is a wonderful place.

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  55. Stunning!!! Do people really pay that much for houses??? I preordered his book and have spent hours dreaming in it!

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  56. Good Morning Miss Joni! I am headed to France next spring. If this estate is still on the market I wonder if the realtor would show it to me in person?

    I've written a post entitled "Opening the Door to Possible Fear and Failure". I'd love for you to stop by and read it. If it inspires you, feel free to spread the word.

    I am off to catch up on my blog reading. I though summer would be slower.

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  57. Hi Joni, I am wondering how I can contact you via email. Personal question, small favor for a fellow blogger. I will explain when I hear from you and have your email address. I looked all over and perhaps I am too in awww over this home. This home is off the hook....I could never imagine living in such a large beautiful estate. I really adore rustic Old world Charm. The wood beams are what I adore the most.
    http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com
    debbiedoos6@aol.com

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  58. Think of the property taxes!

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  59. Everything is so lovely! Nice post!

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  60. Mother of Mercy, and be still my heart!!!!!!!! This home/estate is perfection to me! Not one thing I don't like. Love the idea of hanging tapestries or drapes and covering with mirrors or art. The kitchen is to die for but my heart skips a beat seeing the landscaping too. Thanks so much for sharing this beauty! XO, Pinky

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  61. WowWowWow! Shall we do a 50/50 split?!!!

    joan

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  62. Several months ago, during a cold winter's day, I sat in our local Bookstore. I spend over an hour salivating at The Villa Book.
    Mr.Saladino impressed me the first
    time I saw him in action (being featured on a design show many years ago) He struck me as very unassuming, down to earth and humble. He is a creative genius.
    I feel quite fortune to have had the opportunity to view his work via print media.
    In regards to The Villa.
    How breathtaking magnificent.
    The shower in his private bathroom rates a solid 10 on the drool scale.
    The disappointing factor in the selling of The Villa is that I can not take possession of it for my family.
    What a cherished memory it would it be to be Mr and Mrs. Saladino house guest for several days.
    I am in the dreaming mood, since today is my birthday.
    Kindly,
    CJF
    yieldingto(ataoldotcom)

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  63. WOW, I love this because there is not a single formulaic composition to be found within. This is what is probably throwing off some of the negative commenters but when you have the raw talent and trained eye of Mr. Saladino you don't rely on whatever a $7.95 magazine deems design.
    Perfection in my opinion.
    Thanks for the eye candy Joni.
    GE

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  64. Man that house is gorgeous!!! I’m visiting from theverylatestthing.blogspot.com She did a post of eye candy blogs. I’m following you now. :)

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  65. Huh. It looks like a poor Rose Tarlow copy. A very *expensive* poor Rose Tarlow copy.

    Her former home was stunning and interesting and engaging and much more intriguing than this pile. Sad.

    But, then, California right now is sad as well... Must be a sign of the times.

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