COTE DE TEXAS: Feb 27, 2012

FABULOUS CALIFORNIA VACATION GIVEAWAY!!!

591 comments

 

Yes, this is a vacation giveaway, but it is also the story of a woman’s aesthetic. I want to first tell her story in pictures and then we’ll get to the giveaway at the end. It’s a long one, so, sit back, grab some coffee and enjoy!!

 

 

image_thumb43

Cindy Hattersley’s Rose Arch

 

You know how some people are just talented? They can do it all – they decorate, entertain, garden, cook – and it’s all done with style, ease, and good humor? The house they live in is perfect. And it’s not just the house – it’s where the house located, what kind of house it is, and what the property looks like. You read about women like this on the design blogs and feel inadequate somehow, as if your own house or life or city isn’t as romantic or as styled. The blogs are filled with stories of women like this and we all peek into their lives and go, “aahh – I could be happy THERE.” Not that we’d change lives with them and more importantly, not that their lives are better than ours – but their lives just look PRETTIER than ours. OK, so maybe we would trade cities with them!! Let’s face it, some areas of the world are just more beautiful than others. France, for one. And California. Is there an unattractive area of California? Anywhere?

 

image_thumb233

Cindy’s garden

 

Cindy is one of those women. She has great style and a wonderful aesthetic. She’s a mom who’s patiently counting the days until she becomes a grandmother. She’s of that age, you know, MY age, someone whose been around long enough to see her gardens mature. She sent me pictures of her house and her gardens and her lake house and her daughter’s wedding and I just drooled and thought: “Wow, I love her style. She’s living my dream life.” I even loved what she wore to the wedding! Cindy is lucky to live in California – in Monterey County near Carmel and Monterrey and the coast. Her house is officially a Spanish Colonial, but her gardens are pure South of France, filled with roses and wisteria, and purple perennials.

 

image3_thumb3

Paso Robles Wine Country in central California

Around ten years ago, Cindy’s family decided to buy a vacation house in the nearby Paso Robles wine country on Lake Nacimiento. Not as well known as Sonoma or Napa Valley, Paso Robles is younger than those areas, but it is now producing some of the highest rated wines in the country. Saxum was recently rated the #1 wine in the world by the prestigious Wine Spectator HERE. Not bad!

 

image_thumb45

Lake Nacimiento

They fell in love with the Paso Robles wine country and Lake Nacimiento because of its close proximity to their main house. The fabulous wine was another draw. They chose to live in the gated community of Oak Shores, which is nestled in the foothills, covered in oaks. A few years ago, a neighboring vacation house being built caught their eye. It was everything they really wanted, but unfortunately it belonged to some one else. Recently, the owners put out a For Sale sign and Cindy grabbed it, giving it the name Villa Cantina. Though newly built, it still needed some tweaking and updating to turn it into Cindy’s vision. She had dreams of a warm and cozy lake house filled with wicker, lanterns, seagrass, urns, linens, and accented with distressed architectural elements. A chef’s kitchen was a must. Cindy’s husband and son, Hattersley Construction, were the general contractors HERE. And Cindy, as Cindy Hattersley Design did the decorating and some of the labor. (Of course, she also does construction work!)

 

 

image_thumb46

The view from Villa Cantina’s veranda

 

The renovation work on the villa went by quickly and today, the family is now enjoying the fruits of their labor. The house is tastefully furnished – it’s casual and welcoming (the best kind.) Done in shades of tans, greens, and khakis, it is reminiscent of the colors found outdoors. The floors are either travertine stone or wall to wall seagrass. The chairs are comfy wicker and the sofas are plush. There’s a flat screen TV with surround sound, and the gourmet kitchen boasts two dishwashers and two garbage disposals. Adding to the luxe atmosphere, the doors are all dark stained walnut. Villa Cantina is large enough to house extended family and friends, with 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths. While the interiors are beautiful, everyone’s favorite spots are the two covered verandas with their glorious views of Cantinas Creek. There’s a nearby marina with all kinds of water sports. A host of wonderful restaurants dot the area. And of course, the main attraction is the neighboring vineyards welcoming visitors for wine tastings and property tours. Who wouldn’t want to spend a vacation in such luxury??? I know I would.

 

image_thumb48

The back of the villa. The top veranda is off the living room and the lower veranda is off the master bedroom.

 

image_thumb50

The front of the villa gives no hint to its large size.

 

image_thumb54

The main living area. Cindy chose matching tan sofas with green pillows that give a pop of color. The shelving units flanking the fireplace were completely renovated by Cindy – and the backs were painted green. Old balusters were turned into lamps – with trendy burlap shades. On top of the travertine is a cow hide rug. Behind the sofa is the staircase and front door.

 

 

image_thumb102

Looking out towards the covered veranda. Kooboo chairs have feed bag styled pillows. Behind the chairs is the dining room

 

 

image_thumb56

Here you can see both of the bookcases. Before these were just plain plywood shelves.

 

image_thumb105

BEFORE: A peek at the shelves being built – and the former fireplace screen – small changes that make a big difference.

 

image_thumb7

Looking towards the entrance and the stair hall with vintage oars and shutter.

 

image_thumb58

Love the chairs and the burlap pillows!

 

image210_thumb

The view from the back of the living room through to the veranda.

 

 

image_thumb5

The cowhide rug under the coffee table.

 

image213_thumb

The collection of living room pillows.

 

image_thumb62

The veranda off the living room has striped Sunbrella curtains – so cute!!

 

image_thumb61

There’s a ceiling fan with a mister for summer afternoons.he veranda’s dining table – what a view!!

 

image_thumb65

The dining room’s lantern is from Pottery Barn, electrified. It’s fabulous! At the counter are industrial stools from Wisteria. The kitchen and dining room both overlook the back view.

 

 

image_thumb13

I really love the table with its gray X base.

 

image_thumb66

And the shutters flanking the cow painting.

 

 

image_thumb67

Close up of the old balustrades made into lamps – and the vintage oars hanging in the stair well.

 

image_thumb68

Cute vignette leading into the guest room.

 

image_thumb69

The kitchen cabinets were a light brown – Cindy darkened them herself. The countertop is concrete – made to resemble limestone.

 

 

image_thumb70

Two dishwashers are included for easy cleanup.

 

 

image_thumb72

BEFORE: the color of the cabinets before they were darkened.

 

image_thumb73

The master bedroom. The fireplace mantel was added by Cindy. The view is of the second veranda.

 

image_thumb75

Wall to wall seagrass is installed here. One of the prettier aspects of the villa is the walnut doors! Gorgeous! Notice all the cute accessories – the urns, the baskets, the hats, the feed bag pillows and the egg prints.

 

 

image_thumb74

I love the distressed console with its scrolled iron work. And, notice the antique French doors installed in the niche next to the fireplace.

 

image_thumb76

The view from the master bedroom window.

 

image_thumb77

The master bedroom veranda also has Sunbrella portieres.

 

image_thumb78

The master bathroom is all limestone – and is mostly new, installed by Cindy.

 

image_thumb92

The master bathroom sinks are limestone vessels.

 

 

image_thumb79

Bedroom #2: Remember, there are five bedrooms! This is my favorite one for some reason. Great bedding.

 

 

image_thumb80

The white painted dresser in bedroom #2.

 

 

 

image_thumb81

Another view of bedroom #2 – with the old balustrades converted to lamps with burlap shades. Notice the old shutter above the headboard. Wall to wall seagrass.

 

 

image_thumb83

Bedroom #3 has a kooboo wicker headboard and wall to wall seagrass, with more balustrade lamps.

 

image_thumb9

Another view of bedroom #3 with the wicker headboard. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                       image_thumb97                 

Bedroom #4 has black and white damask duvet matched with white bedding. Love the lumbar pillow. Cute wall lamps hang over French iron tables.

 

 

image_thumb91

Bathroom #2 – there are four!

 

 

 

image_thumb103

Bathroom #3 – no pictures of bathroom #4. This looks totally new too with its double shower heads and Wisteria oyster mirror.

 

 

Isn’t this just the cutest lake house? Or vacation house? I love the way Cindy decorated in in the colors found in nature. The design is cohesive and flows from room to room. I love all the seagrass and wicker, the linens on the beds and the rattan shades. I especially love the verandas with the striped curtains. Besides these pictures of Villa Cantina, Cindy sent me photographs of her family home and it is amazing, especially the landscaping. Unfortunately, there aren’t any interior shots, but the outside makes up for that!

 

 

image_thumb153

Cindy’s family house is a stucco Spanish Colonial. Cindy and her contractor husband built it over 25 years ago. How charming is this????? I love the balcony and the shutters – and the tiled and gravel paths

 

 

 

image_thumb154

Here’s looking off to the left side of the house.

 

 

image_thumb155

And to the front of the house. Notice the green gate and fountain. A stucco fence surrounds the part of the property and a wood fence surrounds the other part. The farm’s barn is seen at the front.

 

image_thumb156

Another view facing the other direction on the right side of the front of the house. The fountain is to the left.

 

image_thumb160

Close up view of the fountain.

 

image_thumb157

Another green gate at the back of the house. Notice the wisteria hanging from the small balcony.

 

 

image_thumb20

The pinks and purples looks so gorgeous against the green doors.

 

 

image_thumb158

The garage with the stone driveway. Cindy has hosted several weddings at her house – the most recent is her daughter’s. The seated dinner reception was held here on the driveway – she disguised the garage doors in the most ingenious way.

 

 

image_thumb161

There are gorgeous roses climbing everywhere!

 

image_thumb162

This looks like France to me. Roses trained as trees line the stone path on the right. The stone building is actually the farm garage. If you can believe that. I’m going to call it the “little house.”

 

 

 

image_thumb163

A closer look at the path leading to the little house (I refuse to call this a garage.) I can’t imagine living with such gorgeous surroundings. Must be heaven.

 

image_thumb164

On the second pathway that lies between the rose trees.’

 

image_thumb168

View of the hills from the little house.

 

 

image_thumb166

Looking from the little house and its fountain towards the back of the house and the swimming pool. On the opposite side is the swimming pool area’s fireplace.

 

 

image_thumb167

A rose covered arbor. Below, you can see it in full bloom.

 

image_thumb18

It leads to a little secret garden.

 

image_thumb16

More wisteria by the swimming pool area.

 

image_thumb169

And, it’s California after all – the swimming pool.

 

Last summer Cindy’s daughter was married at the house. I can’t help but show a few pictures of the wedding. There are some great ideas and inspiration here. Cindy did all the decorations and flowers.  Of course!!

 

image_thumb170

Jenna, the bride and her bridesmaids got dressed in her bedroom – with its suzani bedspread and faux zebra rug and wicker chair. The bridesmaids wore gray silk taffeta dresses with yellow shoes – the wedding’s color theme.

 

image_thumb183

After dressing, the girls all went out to pose under the pergola. I adore Jenna’s dress – I love the pleated detailing and the gathering at the hip. Beautiful!

 

image_thumb185

After pictures, they all headed down the gravel path back into the house to leave for the ceremony.

 

 

image_thumb186

The bride was driven with her father to the ceremony in a vintage pink convertible

 

image_thumb190

The groom and his groomsmen took a hayride to the ceremony. Guests also came by hayride.

 

 

image_thumb188

The ceremony took place in the hills next to Cindy’s property. Wow. It’s like nature is God’s altar.

 

image_thumb194

I love the old beat up truck as decoration. Is this Texas?

 

 

image_thumb195

Fresh lain hay instead of a white carpet. Yellow sunflowers and roses sat besides each row.

 

 

image_thumb206

Groom, Darius’, tie was yellow and blue – all the groomsmen and Jenna’s dad wore the same tie. Aren’t they are gorgeous couple?!!

 

 

image_thumb197

Posing at the front of the property – with the green gates and fountain. That’s Cindy - the lady of house. That’s the barn behind the gates. The house is behind it. And to the right is the “little house” or really the farm garage.

 

image_thumb198

I love Cindy’s outfit – gray taffeta silk that matches the bridesmaids, paired with a white shirt. Simply elegant. I told Cindy this is exactly what I want to wear to Elisabeth’s wedding. Isn’t she adorable? And the newly married couple are gorgeous.

 

 

image_thumb207

Posing from the balcony on the front of the house.

 

image_thumb201

A glimpse into Cindy’s house – the two story entrance hall. The pictures Cindy sent of the house are too tiny to use. Maybe one day we’ll see more of the inside.

 

 

image_thumb202

The reception hour took place around the pool – at the back of the house. The rose arch is to the left behind the wooden fence.

 

 

image_thumb208

The seated dinner was set up on the stone paved driveway – with three long picnic tables. Barrels of wine closed off the driveway making the area appear more like an enclosed room.

 

 

image_thumb209

In keeping with the theme – yellow and white ticking was used as a table runner. The flowers were set in tin buckets. Lemons were used as decorations. Lanterns ran down the length of the tables.

 

 

image_thumb210

The tables were named after area landmarks. Votives rested in glasses filled with sand. Napkins were tied with yellow ribbons.

 

image_thumb212

Place settings were marked with tiny chalkboards.

 

 

image_thumb213

All avid riders, the guest book was actually a coffee table book on horses! Such a cute idea. I’m overloading from all the little details!! Amazing.

 

image_thumb214

Outdoor heaters kept the guests warm as the evening wore on and the chill set in.

 

 

image_thumb216

All the bridesmaids wore yellow pashminas to keep the chill out.

 

 

image_thumb217

Cindy covered up the garage doors with burlap and hung pictures from Jenna’s and Darius’ childhood. Toasts were given in front of the picture gallery.

 

 

 

image_thumb218

Along with the string lights, votives were placed in hanging jam jars.

 

 

image_thumb219

The motto of the wedding!

 

 

image_thumb220

Special beers and ales were served.

 

image_thumb221

Private labeled white and red wine – Darjen – a combination of Darius and Jenna. The picture on the label is of the field where the ceremony took place – including the old brown and white truck. So clever!

 

image_thumb222

Private labeled water. Guests each took home a bottle of private labeled extra virgin olive oil.

 

image_thumb226

The dinner buffet.

 

 

 

image_thumb223

After dinner, cupcakes were served.

 

 

image_thumb225

The candy bar – set on wine barrels and linen.

 

image_thumb224

A close up of the sweets.

 

 

image_thumb228

Gawd, they are such a gorgeous couple!!! Thank you Jenna and Darius for letting us peek at your beautiful wedding day!!!

 

OK – that’s all!!! Whew, I told you this was a long one!

What????? A giveaway?????

OH YEAH – THERE’S A GIVEAWAY TOO – I ALMOST FORGOT!!

 

 

image_thumb229

Remember Villa Cantina – Cindy’s vacation spot in the Paso Robles wine country?

 

image_thumb230

Remember how cute she decorated it? With seagrass and kooboo wicker and green accents and lanterns and antique shutters and five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and 2 dishwashers???????

 

 

image_thumb231

Remember the two striped curtained verandas – overlooking the creek and the hillside? Would you like to visit? For a weekend? For free??????

 

THE GIVEAWAY:

 

One weekend at Villa Cantina. If you win. Enter today. Just leave me your email address in a comment. The contest closes this Thursday at 11:59 pm. Hurry!!!

Go HERE to read about the property and restrictions – only 8 occupants are allowed and all must be over 13 years old.

And if you don’t win- consider staying here for the weekend or a longer stretch of time. It looks incredible.

 

A HUGE thank you to Cindy and her family for graciously offering this fabulous giveaway – and a special thank you to Cindy for letting us have this glimpse into her life, her homes, and her charming aesthetic, you are the best!!!

 

Go HERE to see Hattersley Construction’s web site. There are pictures of Cindy’s house on there too!

 

To contact Cindy Hattersley for design work, her email is: cynthiahattersley@gmail.com