COTE DE TEXAS: BEFORE: The Charming South–Part Two Pat Altschul & Mario Buatta

BEFORE: The Charming South–Part Two Pat Altschul & Mario Buatta


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Today we continue a look into the houses of Southern Charm, a new Bravo reality show that revolves around the lives of 7 Charlestonians.  Part One of this story showed the houses that cast member Thomas Ravenel owned: his Amelia Handegan Charleston townhouse and his 60 acre plantation Brookland.  We also visited his girlfriend’s 18th century plantation Lewisfield. 

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One of the cast is a Hollywood producer/director and he is also the executive producer of Southern Charm, which was his brainchild.  Whitney Sudler-Smith is not from Charleston, he is from Virginia, but when his newly widowed mother, the prominent New York socialite Patricia Altschul, moved to Charleston a few years ago, Whitney joined her sometime later. 

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Whitney’s mother, the gracious and beautiful Patricia Altschul became the breakout star of the show.  Her opinions were so humorous and entertaining.  When she discovered that the discarded clothes of one of Whitney’s one-night-stands were from the moderately priced store - Ann Taylor – she turned up her nose.  She uses words in everyday conversation that you usually only read in classical novels or speak with a faux French accent, like de-clas-se.   Her toilet is inside a ca-bi-nay, or a cabinet to you and me.  When Whitney tells her he wants to open a restaurant, she almost has a stroke.  She tells him that business is “kind of pedestrian and ba-nal’  - accent on the “nal.”

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Patricia and son Whitney
I’m not sure if her pronouncements were tongue in cheek, but something tells me she might be dead serious.   When Whitney invites viewers into the double parlor, she corrects him calling it – the double drawing room.  OHHH-K!!   And boy, what a double drawing room it is.  The tour of their house left me speechless.

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 Their house’s architecture is quite beautiful.  The Roman-Revival Mikell House, as it is known, was built in 1853 by a cotton planter for his wife.  It passed through a few hands until 1936 when it became the town’s library. In 1960, it was almost demolished because the land was thought to be worth more than the house.  Instead, a couple bought it and restored it before selling it to the Historic Charleston Foundation, who then sold it for revenue.   Since then, the property has had several owners.
The most worthy details include the two story piazza with its distinctive capital columns.
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The Altschul’s house has an impressive side two story piazza – with a wing that is off to its right. 


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It’s on a large corner lot – set behind a stucco wall on one side and the original iron gates on the front side.  There isn’t a back yard, instead, there is a large Fside yard where the swimming pool is.

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There is a box garden and koi pond in front of the piazza, along with a set of stone steps on the left and right of the porch.

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Google map – shows you the estate with the main building, the wing, the now attached kitchen house and to the very right – the carriage house with its red tile roof.  The main front entrance to the house is at the left side of the estate on the side street – where the red circle is. 

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The side street view on Google Maps shows the gate that leads up to the Front Door.

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The grand piazza is so stately looking.  The Corinthian column capitals were carved from cypress and decorated with a ram’s head.

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A gravel path that winds through the box garden to the main house.

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Another gravel path on the other side of the box garden.

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Night view lit with lanterns

When Patricia Altschul bought the house she updated the landscaping and put in a new kitchen.  She also reconfigured the house back into a single family residence.  Apparently previous owners had rented out parts of the house as apartments. 
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The koi pond in front of the box garden.


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The piazza seems like such a magical place to sit.  The tiles are original to the house.



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Whitney and his mother prepare for drinks out on the piazza.  Through the French doors is the double drawing room.

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There is a cook and a butler who work for Mrs. Altschul.  Their main job seems to be bringing her her “medicine” – or her nightly drink as she calls it.

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The actress Sofia Vergara is engaged to Whitney’s cousin – and they recently visited.  Note the huge Meyer lemon trees in pots.
  
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Whitney and Shep talk business outside the butler’s pantry that opens to the balcony.  Past the pantry is the kitchen.


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The swimming pool is inside the front wall on the front lawn.  There is no back yard.


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Notice the balustrade that surrounds the piazza.


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The wing.  Besides the front door – on the left side of the piazza on the side street, there is another door – between the wing and piazza that is used more.  You can just barely see it – the black door in the corner.  The center four French doors are in the connecting wing between the main house and the kitchen house.   Past the two sets of French doors is the smaller kitchen house wing.  You can see the three buildings better on Bing Map views below:

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This view shows the main house, the connecting right wing with the balcony and French doors and the kitchen house – the lower building at the very right.   Past the kitchen house courtyard is the carriage house with its red roof.  You can also see the pool and the matching box wood/koi pond garden in the front yard.

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This shows the back of the house – with again the main house on the right, the middle connecting wing and the kitchen house on the very left.  It’s interesting how by seeing the roof lines from the top  - you get a much more distinctive view of the house.  At the very left the red roofed carriage house that has a guest bedroom.

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The other “front door,” between the piazza and the connecting wing.


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The swimming pool.


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The oak trees on the estate are probably older than the house.


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Aww.  The first time the new parents, Thomas and Kathryn, met was at a party on the piazza – right here. 

image                                                                               An interesting view of the master bedroom balcony looking down over the estate.


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Here is a view of the house in the 30s after it became the city library.  You can really see how high the house is, built over a large basement.


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And the kitchen house – with its glass door with the fanned arch above it.  The kitchen house looks so different here, exposed without all the bushes in front of it.   I assume at some point green shutters were added to the front.

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A view of the back alley.  You can see there is a large attic over the main house.   Next to the main house is the connecting wing and then, with the much lower roof line is the kitchen house.

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And, a rare photograph of the “slave house” that was still on the property in the 30s.   

Ready to go inside?
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An ornate gate leads to stone steps with its own ornate rail.   The front door is at the side of the piazza.



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Whitney opens the front door.  Already, you can see the stately décor with the black and white floors in the foyer, that then lead to the stair hall.

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An antique oriental cabinet on a stand sits in the foyer.

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To the left of the foyer is a morning room.  Where the opening here is squared off, originally it was open to the foyer with two columns.  Mrs. Altschul removed the columns.  Demilunes flank the entrance.

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Another view of the foyer, leading to the morning room.  At the back is the stair hall with its painted floor.  The main double drawing rooms are to the right of the stair hall.

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BEFORE:  Here is a photo of how the foyer used to look, before Mrs. Altschul moved in.  The floor was plain wood then, and the opening to the morning room was through columns, which are now removed. 


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Today – looking the other direction towards the stair hall, Whitney heads to the morning room on the left.


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BEFORE:  The same view as above.  The front hall leading to the stair hall as it was before Mrs. Altschul painted the floors, which make a huge difference.

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Today:  Sorry about cast star Craig being in the picture!   The stair hall is off the foyer with its beautifully painted floor.    At the left you can see the front door with its now black and white floor.  Lining the stairs is a large collection of silhouettes.  Notice the white painted newel post – before it was stained brown.  I love the foyer and stair hall.  Notice the pink piece under the stairs. 

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A view of the large collection of silhouettes.

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Looking from the second floor down to the stairhall.  There is another sitting area on the second floor landing.


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And here Patricia Altschul comes down from her bedroom to the double drawing room. 


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BEFORE:  The railing was stained dark wood and Mrs. Altschul painted it white – along with painting the pattern on the floor.  Hardly looks like the same stair hall.

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Here we enter the morning room and get our first glimpse of Mrs. Altschul in her pink caftan.   There is a large mirror over the fireplace and the walls are wallpapered in light green stripes.  She added a media cabinet to the right.

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The morning room with its collection of oil paintings.  What’s unusual is the curtains are missing in the some of the pictures.  I think they photographed the house on two different days and perhaps the curtains were being cleaned or had yet to be installed.   In this view – they are missing, but above – you can see there are gold curtains in the room.

Whitney asks his mother to join him in the double parlor, which she corrects and says the double “drawing room.”  Of course, dahling.


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And here is our first glimpse into the main rooms of the house – the two large rooms that open onto the piazza.  The walls are a wonderful acid green.  Above – one sofa and console table sits in between the two rooms.

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And walking off the stair hall, the two enter the magical rooms.  Wow.


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There are matching fireplaces in both rooms which face each other.  The floors are dark hardwoods with light cream rugs placed on top. 

The fabrics are a plethora of colors and chintzes and checks and solids.  My favorite is that chintz on the club chair and I love the garden seat in celadon.


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In the far right room – that doorway leads to the second foyer and the second “front” door which is to the right of the piazza.

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As opposed to Kathryn’s parents who didn’t mow their lawn, Mrs. Altschul was definitely ready for the cameras with her fresh flower arrangements. 


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Here’s a look at the left side of the double drawing room – with a corner banquette sofa.  Perfection!  Again, not sure if there are usually curtains in these rooms.  I have a feeling that were not yet installed in here. 



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The other drawing room – closer to the side entrance off the street. 



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A close up of the moldings. 
When I first saw this tour of Whitney’s house on Bravo,  I was just in awe.  It was so beautiful, so feminine, so perfect – not a single misstep.  Still, it all looked vaguely familiar, just as Thomas’ Amelia Handegan-decorated house had.

But why did it seem like I seen this house before – when I knew I hadn’t?



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And here is the reason why.  Mario Buatta.

The Prince of Chintz, Mario Buatta decorated this house.  In fact, the house has just been photographed to be soon seen in Architectural Digest – can not WAIT!!!!   And then, we can see if there are curtains in the double drawing rooms or not.

Mrs. Patricia Altschul and her late husband have had a long relationship with Mario Buatta.  He also designed their NYC apartment, the one that Sister Parish once lived in – yes -  that one!   AND, he designed their New York country house, the 30 room estate on Long Island.  Both projects are also seen in Buatta’s new book and both were also published in Architectural Digest.

So, it’s no wonder why the house looked familiar!  I had seen their two other Buatta decorated houses and I had seen them often.  I’m sure you’ve seen their Sister Parish apartment as much as I have and also, their Long Island estate, Southerly.    The new article in Architectural Digest should be so interesting.

Much of the furniture from those houses is used in the Charleston house, but with different wall coverings and paint colors – the look is different.   Whereas before the walls were Nancy Lancaster yellow – the acid green walls of today look so fresh and new.

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It’s no surprise the house is so beautiful and so perfect, the master decorated it!  What I found most interesting is seeing his work when you don’t expect to see it and you don’t know it’s his work.    You just look at a living room and think – this is gorgeous, without giving a thought to the decorator at first.   That comes a little bit later when you ask yourself - who designed this?  And then, it hits you, Buatta. 
But the fun part is not knowing it’s his work and not expecting it and just being bowled over by the beauty of his aesthetic.


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 BEFORE:  The previous owners had the rooms decorated as a living room and a dining room before Mrs. Altschul bought the house.  While pretty of course, the décor can not compare to the sheer magic of Mario Buatta.


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BEFORE:  The dining room – looking out toward the wing to the right of the house.

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BEFORE:  Looking back towards the stair hall and the second foyer which is on the right.  The second foyer leads to the connector wing and the library and the other dining room, below.


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The stunning crystal chandelier and all the furniture came from the Long Island country house, Southerly.  (I believe the library is located off the second foyer, above.)


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The dining room – this is located in the connecting wing between the second foyer and the butler’s pantry.  The pantry then leads to the kitchen house.


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The paper also was removed from the walls of their Long Island estate and rehung here.  Also, again, in these pictures there are the pink curtains – but in some they are missing.  Must have been out to be cleaned?


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Mrs. Altschul collects lettuceware, here in white and also in green.  Article on lettuceware HERE.



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The red chest behind Whitney comes from the Altschul’s NYC apartment.


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These two windows open the balcony which overlooks the front lawn.

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BEFORE:  The dining room as it was.  The fireplace faces the back wall of the house.  These owners also had Zuber paper installed in panels around the room.  I think the library is located through that open door in the second foyer. 


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The red library is located of the second foyer, I believe.  The room is filled with the furniture from the red library at Southerly.  I have to say, I like this version better for some reason.

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The library is filled with books because they love to read, so said Mrs. Altschul.  The windows are lined with bamboo shades and curtains – making it a perfect nighttime room. 


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The room appears to be a mirror in size and location of the morning room which is on the other side of the house at the front foyer.  The fireplace is flanked by two windows, just like the morning room.

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Did you notice her Huntley Palmer biscuit tin?  I used to collect those! HERE.

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BEFORE:   Past the dining room was a yellow sitting room.  But, Mrs. Altschul changed the sitting room into a butler’s pantry, below:


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Walls of shelves line the butlers pantry and a big table sits in the middle.  The room doubles as a bar.  The French doors lead out to the balcony which overlooks the front yard.

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The butler mixes up Mrs. Altschul’s medicine.  She used a peach leaf wallpaper in the room.

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A view from the kitchen house into the butler’s pantry which is several steps higher up.

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Here, in the yellow kitchen house – the steps led up to the connecting wing where the butler’s pantry is.


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In the kitchen, there are two farm sinks – each under a window.  A large wood table sits in the middle of the room.

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Having two farm sinks is perfect for the two employees.  Over the range is a copper hood, along with a Charleston style lantern which hangs over the table.  There is also a fireplace in the room.


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Past the range is a small utility room and the door that leads outside to courtyard and carriage house. 

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At the other end of the kitchen is the blue tiled fireplace.  What a romantic place for a fireplace.




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The door in the kitchen house which leads into the kitchen – you can see all the way to the butler’s pantry here.


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Next to the kitchen is where breakfast and informal meals are served.  The table is set next to the fireplace.

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Fried chicken dinner on linen placemats and monogrammed napkins.


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The room was remodeled with inside shutters at the windows.  On the flower stand behind the table is her collection of tole flowers. 
Although Mrs. Altschul and Whitney gave Thomas Ravenel a stern lecture about him, a 50 year old dating a 21 year old girl – it was just announced that actually Whitney, 45, is now dating a German girl, aged 21.
Hypocrisy.

Later it turned out that yet another member of the cast Jenna – her boyfriend is 30 years old than she is, too.

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Although the house has 10 bedrooms – only four are seen.  Here, we go up the stairs to see the master bedroom in the main building.


imageUpstairs, the main hall in the main building – ends in a mirrored wall.  Notice the wallpaper.


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Look familiar?  Mrs. Altschul’s bedroom is covered in the Manuel Canovas melon toile in blue and white.  This fabric was also in her bedroom at her country house and she recreated it here in Charleston.

The master bedroom sits over one of the double drawing rooms.


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A faux canopy behind the bed.


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White linens and tufted headboard.


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The master bedroom – the two French doors open to the balcony over the piazza.  Here, the cat’s vet visits daily to give him dialysis. 


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The screen is mirrored on the other side.  The floors are painted white wood.


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Love the mirrored shelves with the blue and white vases.  Notice the white porcelain door knob and the linen lamp shade.



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Her bathroom is huge with a tub right in the middle of the room.

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Behind the freestanding tub is her mirrored makeup vanity.


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Her heated, automatically flushing toilet is located behind a mirrored door – called a cab-i-nay.


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In front of the bathroom’s fireplace, her chef brings up her new package – a pink Hermes Birkin bag.  Must be nice.

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For which she brings out her pink gun to put in it.   Don’t you have a pink gun?

image The guest room, over the second double drawing room.  This is a recreation of the master bedroom in the Altschul’s Fifth Avenue NYC apartment.   That pink chair was in the bathroom there.  Whitney and his mother sit out on the balcony over the piazza.


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At the right side of the property, iron gates close off the driveway.

Visiting the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House, as the house is formally known, is a real treat.  It is considered one of the best examples of residential architecture in Charleston and it is so special to see it up close as a real home and not a museum.
 
Moving on….
Fifth Avenue, New York City

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The Altschuls lived on the ground floor of Sister Parish’s former Fifth Avenue apartment.  Missing from these Architectural Digest photographs are the bars that were on the windows because of its location.  Still, the apartment was gorgeous.   The rug is not being used at Charleston and the wall colors are different – which makes this room look completely different than the Charleston drawing rooms.



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The curtains were 3 shades of mauve silk sewn side by side lined with lavender taffeta and edged with crystal fringe.


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The antique mirror wall behind the sofa was installed by Sister Parish and Mario Buatta chose to keep it.  The clock is in the Charleston house’s second foyer.  Some of this furniture is in the morning room in Charleston.

 
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In the dining room/entry, the red cabinet is the one used today in Charleston. 


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The master bedroom was classic English – Mario.  This bedroom was recreated as the guest bedroom in Charleston.


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Against the wall in the bedroom, a collection of prints hang.


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The bathroom overlooking Fifth Avenue must be an incredible view during a bath!  Love the creamware on the walls framed by wallpaper.  There is the pink chair now in the guest room.


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The Altschul’s house Southerly,  in Long Island overlooking Oyster Bay – as seen in the middle of this aerial view.  The house had 30 rooms, 24 of which Mario Buatta decorated.  The house sold after a few years on the market – and parts of it were gutted and rebuilt.   

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Again – the main living room  in the Long Island house has much of the same furniture used in Charleston, but with the yellow walls, it looks so different.  I have to say, I love the Charleston drawing rooms the most.  Its acid green color is gorgeous. 
When shopping for this house in London, Mario and Patricia found a cache of furniture from Nancy Lancaster which included tables and small pieces such as that coal scuttle.


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Mario Buatta poses in the country house’s library.



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This house appeared in both Architectural Digest and his book.  Many pieces in this living room can be seen in the Charleston’s house – double drawing rooms, which shows the beauty of classic design.    The gold mirror sconce on the wall is one of two – now hanging in Charleston.  Can you spot more furniture that is there?

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The Zuber wallpaper was removed from these walls and installed in Charleston.  The furniture and the chandelier made the move too. 


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I don’t see the sunbust in the Charleston house, but I must be missing it.  Love this photograph.


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The English library – while this furniture is in the Charleston house, this library looks very different.  Perhaps its because of the large wood mantel?

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Another photograph of the same room.  I prefer the library in Charleston better for some odd reason.

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Her bedroom in Long Island was transported to Charleston.  She used the same paper, by Manuel Canovas.  Funny how I showed this same exact bedroom just a few weeks ago in a story!  Little did I know at that time it would pop up again!


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Another view of the Long Island bedroom.

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The guest bedroom.  Not sure if this was recreated in Charleston.

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A casual room again not recreated in Charleston. 

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The view looking out towards the sound.

This past Monday, there was the final episode of Southern Charm.  The Altschul’s aged cat died – despite being on dialysis. 
What to do with the ashes?
Mario Buatta steps in.  He suggests they put the departed cat’s remains in a blue and white vase, a small one,  above the bed, resting on a gilt pedestal.   While I scoff at the idea -  I don’t scoff at the vision of Buatta – on Bravo TV’s newest reality show.  Will wonders ever cease?

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Buatta visits Charleston.  It looks like he brought along a copy of his new book for Patricia. 
My only thought is the black marble mantel seems too dark here.  Maybe they will replace it?  I love how I am second guessing the Prince of Chintz.  The chutzpah!!!

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Moving the side table out to add the canopy over the bed.

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I love how the canopy is lined in pink.  Such a beautiful room.

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And Whitney hold up where the cat’s ashes will be placed.

A huge thank  you to the Altschuls and Mario Buatta.  If you never listened to the Skirted Roundtable’s interview with Buatta, it’s a lot of fun.  He is a riot!   HERE.


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Shepherd Rose
Finally, we come to Shepherd Rose, the hapless, unemployed playboy of Southern Charm.  A member of the Boykin Family, his ancestors have been here since before there was a United States.  They still own their original plantation where Shep loves to go play.   Why work when you get checks from two trust funds, as he told Andy Cohen.  Well, ok!!!  As I said, it must be nice.
Still, for all his money, his apartment was a mess, filled with used furniture that had seen a better day.   And, it was temporary.  I think the producers moved him into a more interesting locale than where he really lived, but that’s my assumption.  So where did they put him up?


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There’s not much to see in Shep’s apartment.  It’s very sparse, though he did brag about all his books – yes, that’s all of them on the shelf.

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There are few houses to rival the Altschuls, but Shep’s house is one of them.   He was staying at the guest wing of the Roper House.  Yes, that Roper House.
 
The famous Roper House is a 1838 Greek Revival mansion that overlooks the harbor.  It was bought by the house expert Richard Jenrette in 1968.  Jenrette has owned and restored 14 major properties and currently owns seven, including two in South Carolina.  He has written numerous books on his houses and is an authority on architecture. 
Jeanrette paid only $100,000 for the house – a steal even back then. 
 
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The Roper House – overlooking the sea.  The house was hit by a hurricane and the first floor was flooded.  A few days later, the The Prince of Wales came to stay here after Jenrette frantically cleaned it all up.   More HERE.


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During the fall.  The house is located on Battery Street.

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Richard Jenrette’s newest book – about the Roper House.

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The view from the balcony.


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The view from the top of the house – do you see the Ravenel Bridge in the background?????

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The house at night – lit up it can be seen from sea. 
The former owner told Jenrette to always give parties during the full moon because it rises over the ocean right in front of the house.  He says it the prettiest view of the moon over water he has ever seen.


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At the back of the house is a wing.  This is where Shep lives. Watching Southern Charm, it never occurred to me this was the famous Roper House,  that is until I googled the house and figured it out and just – wow.  First, we have Amelia Handegan, then Mario Buatta, and now Richard Jenrette.  All on Bravo, where no one ever really has good taste.   Until now. 


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The wing at the back of the house – Shep leaves to go surfing during a week day.


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And here he hits golf balls towards the ocean during a week day.


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The stairway inside the Roper House. 

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Shep and Craig putt next to the gazebo.

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Right over the hedge is the ocean.   That bench is one solid piece of wood which can hold 10 people.

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The back yard of the Roper House with the gazebo.


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Looking down at the lawn.  Shep’s wing is at the right.

There is another wonderful story about Jenrette and his houses at the New York Social Diary HERE.
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Finally, while Thomas Ravenel and Kathryn Dennis live on plantations – they aren’t family plantations.  But Shep Rose’s plantation is another story.  They have owned the land since forever.  Well, for centuries.  It’s the Boykin family plantation, off Boykin Road where Boykin Spaniels – the state dog – chase pigs. 
The road, like the Dennis’ plantation is long – it is almost a two mile drive to the house.  The cast stays in a shack that Shep’s dad restored when he was younger than Shep.  It’s ramshackle and filled with stuffed evidence of past hunts. 


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While I am sure there are nicer houses on the plantation, the cast stayed at the red shack that Shep’s father had restored during his youth.

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The shack is very rustic.  That’s a rattlesnake skin over the window.  Yep!
It’s hard to believe that the Boykin family has owned this plantation since before there was officially a United States of America.
Judging by the comments after last week’s story, I won’t comment on this plantation again.  
Finally, Southern Charm’s first season is over.  I’m hooked – and so are a lot of other people.  The show was a huge, surprise hit for Bravo, so hopefully there will be a second season.   Maybe by then Carolyne Roehm’s house in Charleston will be finished with its restoration.  Can you imagine Roehm signing up to star in a reality show?  I doubt it, but I never thought I would see Mario Buatta on one either!


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Carolyne Roehm’s Charleston house before restoration.  Is there an ugly house in Charleston???


122 comments :

  1. Guess I know what my guilty pleasure will be this summer - catching up with Southern Charm. I’m dying over the acid green walls and Manual Canovas bedroom. Mario Buatta!?! OMG. Thanks so much for the tour, Joni. You nail it every time.

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  2. I have never watched this program so I have to assume that Mario made only a cameo appearance. I am at least hoping so lest someone assume he is losing his mind.

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    1. Mario was helping a long-time (putting it mildly) client relocate and put some finishing touches on a new house. I don't even consider it a "cameo" She invited him when it was being filmed!

      What a treat; and what a job, Joni, you have done!! I recognized the small stools; so many things from his book from all those beautiful houses that he has done for just that one client! Your research is beyond!!

      By the way; with all this "lost your mind" talk; I just saw Mario; he is in fine fettle and has all his wits about him! I love the spot he selected for the beloved kitty!
      His taste is flawless and timeless.

      Some rooms in his book are over 50 years old; and I (I have always loved his style from the first thing I ever saw of his!) and I wouldn't change a lampshade!! I believe in that kind of decorating. Collect things you love; create beautiful rooms that all relate well with each other; and those things can go together in any house anywhere! How many people decorate like that?? The book is a classic!

      She combined several houses here; and with his skill; it looks as though it always has been there! Comfortable, beautiful, and warm!
      And I loved, loved loved your interview with him!!!

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    2. Penelope - my favorite is his first apartment from years and years ago. It's amazing how current it looks - I would move there today!!!! And I love that
      acid green. When I first saw the room, I literally gasped. It's the prettiest color - for the right space, of course. Yes, it was just a cameo.
      The house will be in AD soon - can't wait to see the pictures of it.

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    3. "I just saw Mario..."

      Sure, you did, Penelope. Sure you did.

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    4. I just saw the Easter Bunny or was that Penelope in disguise?

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    5. Penelope also just saw Billy Baldwin and Albert Hadley, at the big decorators convention on Saturn.

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    6. What is wrong with you? I just saw Mario at his book signing at Hollyhock in West Hollywood. I have "known" him for thirty years; we were on the same small group trip to Venice. "Save Venice"! He is an acquaintance; and I have attended many of his lectures. I do not claim to be a "close friend"! We know each other and say hello and are happy to see each other!

      David Patrick Columbia, however, is a close friend.
      If you have an ounce of courage........go to these posts of his......and this is just page one.

      I have no idea who you are; or what on earth I could have done to you to produce such stupid and pathetic attacks on me.
      I will ask you to check the reality (I was not "dropping a name") I love and admire David. And please leave me alone.

      This is what you get when you search New York Social Diary!! (my first website I ever went to!)

      Aug 16, 2002 ... Unfortunately I was not in much a mood to experience Adam and Penny Bianchi's wonderful hospitality and to get a good look at their beautiful ...
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/socialdiary/2005/06_09_05/socialdiary06_09_05.2.php
      11.13.13: LIZ SMITH: Are Some Big Stars Out of Alignment? ... | New ...
      Nov 13, 2013 ... OUR readers constantly remind us of info we don't always have. Here's Penelope Bianchi. ... Our friend Penny Bianchi in Montecito. Photo: JH.
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1909988
      Social Diary 6/9/05 - The night. Wednesday was very hot in New York.
      Jun 9, 2005 ... A couple of years ago I got an email from Penny Bianchi about the NYSD and we struck up a correspondence. This is unique but not really – I ...
      http://newyorksocialdiary.com/socialdiary/2005/06_09_05/socialdiary06_09_05.php
      Season's Greetings from NYSD - New York Social Diary
      In the past couple of years, Penny Bianchi of Montecito who learned of the Lange through NYSD, became a donor and introduced Oprah to the organization.
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1472141/print
      Around the room
      Jan 20, 2011 ... Last night I took my friend Penny Bianchi in from California up to the Carlton Hobbs mansion on East 93rd Street where the Sir John Soane's ...
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1904980/print
      Social Diary 8/24/06 - Wednesday morning at the market
      Aug 24, 2006 ... Then yesterday I had lunch at Michael's with my friend Penny Bianchi who is in from Montecito for a weekend wedding in Greenwich. Penny ...
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/socialdiary/2006/08_24_06/socialdiary08_24_06.php
      Gone for the long holiday weekend - New York Social Diary
      Aug 30, 2012 ... Yesterday our friend Penny Bianchi out in Santa Barbara sent us an email introducing us to the web site of a photographer named Lincoln ...
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1908438/print
      Quiet time of the year
      Jan 5, 2011 ... This year my friends Adam and Penny Bianchi of Santa Barbara sent me this Gift of Life card of Gaby, a Golden rescued from a desert shelter.
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1904823/print
      The whole town was out and about
      ... Jane Ethe, Ann Pyne, Armene Milliken, Ashley Schiff and Mike Ramos, Pat Patterson, Eleanora and Michael Kennedy, Michele Gerber Klein, Penny Bianchi, ...
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/8223/print
      The last day before the Last Day of the Year
      Dec 30, 2011 ... Yesterday my friends in California, Penny and Adam Bianchi sent me a card with this little Shih-Tzu named Timmy on the cover. The card came ...
      http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1907694/print1

      this is page 1 of 3 on the NYSD.

      Just go on the website and go on search. "Penny Bianchi"! But you do not want to know!

      What on earth are you trying to prove??

      I wonder. Joni; do you know? I think I recognize this person from "Decorno"; one of my very favorite blogs!! there was this evil lurking in anonymous!

      Oh well. This is my last response to him! I just wonder why!!!
      If any others know.....or find my comments offensive; please tell me!

      Penelope


      I believe you are becoming unhinged.

      Delete
    7. Actually I find you annoying too...per your comment from the last posting: " Who are you snarky angry people who write stuff like this?
      You are obviously not busy with successful careers!!!" Sorry, but given the number of comments you have supplied on this post and the last post, you can't be very busy. For whatever silly reason you are trying to drive more attention to these blogs and to yourself. Go get busy with your successful career.

      Delete
    8. Several weeks ago she tried to torpedo the blog Reggie Darling. I doubt that it's intentional, but Penny has a deep seeded need to be the smartest person in the room and like the cats she collects, has at least 9 lives all lived amongst the most accomplished designers of our time.

      Delete
    9. Oops! Meant to say "deep seated".

      Delete
    10. Penelope has a history of highjacking blogs and turning them into venues for self-promotion and name dropping. She has the social maturity of an eight-year-old.

      Delete
    11. "This is my last response to him!"

      Sure it is, Penny. Like:

      "I am just going to unsubscribe to the 'comments' part of this wonderful and entertaining blog!"

      Delete
  3. This is a hoot... your research and details are spot on and YOU.... well all I can say is YOU are simply phe-nom-me-nal.... accent on the "nal"!

    ReplyDelete
  4. The home is amazing, and I wish I could live there, but close up the people might be a little hard to be around. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  5. Apart from the amazing shots one would see on such a show I can't fathom why people watch a show like this. Shows such as this and all the Wives shows- I just don't get it. Entitled people behaving badly. People who have no clue how most of the rest of the world truly live. Their indifference, entitlement and lack of humility make it impossible for me to watch such TV. Don't get me wrong I would love to see all the design, however, I would have to suffer through the people and I just don't think I could do that. I know, I know.....many would say watching them is so much fun because a lot of the personalities are hilarious and jaw dropping. However, people who behave badly or "just don't work" who live off their trust funds just don't interest me I guess. Different strokes for different folks. I suppose that is what is great about coming here...I can get past the people and just get to the design...so thank you Joni for your tireless effort in bringing such an indepth post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to be just like you - my daughter would watch them and I would scoff and stick my nose up. But they are addicting. It's like sitting in a room and just
      observe your crazy relatives. It's a total guilty pleasure - you either appreciate it or your don't. and trust me - I can understand never ever watching them.
      But somehow - I did and well, I got hooked!

      Delete
  6. I hadn't watched this show but may have to check it out just for the amazing homes. By the way, the pronunciation of banal with the accent on the "nal" is correct.

    ReplyDelete
  7. ...about the very long bench...its true name is a joggling board...almost always painted green...we usually just called them bouncy benches...very common in the south...in anybody's back yard...blessings laney

    ReplyDelete
  8. Find us a color match for that green please!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love every inch of this post! Thank you Joni! I was just able to watch the final episode yesterday and was DYING when Mr. Buatta came on screen. I wanted to call you right then as I knew you would probably be the only other person who was as excited about it as I was. Who could forget the iconic pink chair in the bathroom of Mrs. Altschul 5th Avenue home? Bravo TV~ Please consider the Mario and Patricia show!
    I also couldn't help but notice the collection of stuffed cats sitting on the settee in Mrs. Altschul's Charleston bedroom. Just a few weeks ago I had read a WSJ article on Grace Coddington's N.Y. apartment and she too had a collection of stuffed cats. Perhaps this is trend with the upper echelon of N.Y. society? Although I think not as Ms. Coddington has had hers since the 80's. But given that the two women have a shared interest in high fashion they had to have met. Here is the article: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304572204579501742780565758
    Once again you are a star Joni!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Didn't the Duchess of Windsor have those dogs too - pugs in her Paris house? I think so!!! thanks for the link!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hope you are well!!

      Delete
  10. great fun Joni! I have a bit of a hangover from all the medicine and chintz but I do feel better about wearing a caftan now.

    Cheers, Kelley

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mrs. Altschul professes to be above it all, yet she allows herself to be seen on a reality series of seriously questionable value and codes of behavior that are seriously a waste time viewing. Seems she walks seriously close to a double edged sword, claiming to be ta-ta, but is more oy vey. Charleston is a beautiful place, but outsiders are not readily accepted or embraced. I doubt that their antics and sad excuse for gentility flies in Charleston. How sad that having money, most of it not earned, gives any credence at all to their words of so called wisdom, dubious and suspect none the less. Having money does not automatically condone respect nor admiration when not deserved, even in a beautiful home. I appreciate all your research in order to bring the home, its history and decor to our viewing attention. The house however, deserves occupants that better match it's historical integrity. JMHO, but loved the tour.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree and furthermore, I thought Mario Buatta was better than this. Probably the only outsider that Charlestonians embraced was Richard Jenrette whose credentials as a businessman and conservator is head and shoulders above the clowns we have seen in the last two posts.

      Delete
    2. Seriously?? Better than what? If I had a client for over twenty years who had me do all those beautiful houses for her; and she asked me to come do some "puffing" (I call it) when it was being filmed, I would say "I'm too good for that!" My bet he has never even seen a reality show. And probably never will. This in no way reflects on him except in a positive way. I doubt he will ever see it!

      Delete
    3. Mario had to consider how this affected his reputation with the rest of his clients. Frankly, it would unnerve me to see my designer taking part in this fiasco of a television production. I believe he is more refined, but in this case either money influenced him or his relationship with his client. Frankly, it's disappointing and if I were considering a new project of extensive scale and value, I would rethink it.

      Delete
    4. BTW Penny, you do not have clients like Mario, so to put yourself in his position is nothing less than ridiculous. You can dream, however.

      Delete
    5. OK - this is funny about Mrs. A. Her son said that she got so "puffed up" about all the attention that she got all dressed up - took both her employees (one of who was from Andy Warhol's Factory Days - movies, etc. btw) - and they went to the grocery store to shop. She was crestfallen when not one person stopped her to talk about the show!!!! hysterical. You should have heard what she said about the man who write The New York Social Diary. Her son said they were going to chase him out of town for writing something bad about them. Yea, sure! Still hasn't happened yet. Really, it's all crazy. I do think Mario must be a little shocked by all of it. BUT - he has such a huge sense of humor, he might get that this is all too funny. Mario - on a Bravo reality show, talking about a dog's ashes.

      Delete
    6. now that is the funniest thing I have read YET!! Are you kidding? When did the "cat's ashes turn into dog's ashes??"

      He is tremendously respected. I doubt some tempest in a teapot.......will change his position! He is the arbiter of taste and social status (such as it is; or not) in New York City!) "Running him out of town will be quite a challenge!)

      David Patrick Columbia writes the New York Social Diary is a very close friend of mine! (I better go read what she said!) I adore him!! He is never snarky; he is never petty! And he knows the facts!!

      He calls a spade a spade! I adore him!

      Joni. What is wrong with An. May 8 7:17? I am not competing? ! nor bragging!!! Simply explaining! I would do that for any longtime and loyal client! HUH? ()



      Delete
    7. Penny- How do you defend this from your pal Mr. Buatta???
      http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/01/nyregion/mario-buatta-draws-towns-ire-for-connecticut-landmark-in-decline.html?_r=1

      Delete
    8. Penelope lives in a special world where she is "friends" with decorators she has actually never met. Just humor her.

      Delete
    9. "He is the arbiter of taste and social status..."

      Hahaha! Oh Jesus, Penelope, you are living in a trashy dimestore melodrama from the 1930s.

      Delete
    10. "David Patrick Columbia writes the New York Social Diary is a very close friend of mine!"

      Penelope just saw him at dinner, next to Napoleon and Joan of Arc.

      Delete
  12. I rarely watch tv so haven't even heard of this show but sure enjoyed looking through your pictures. Charleston is the prettiest city I've ever been in and I've been to plenty, here and in Europe. To answer your question whether there's an ugly house in Charleston...sure in certain parts but that's true in any city. Otherwise the Battery area etc. Nope they're all gorgeous in my book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My thoughts exactly! Pot, kettle...

      Delete
    2. I think you are right! I have heard all my life how beautiful this town is!! I am planning a trip!

      with my darling husband who runs my business! He does all the hard part.....billing; running business......that has enabled me to take on the way bigger jobs than I ever could of!

      And I adore having only the creative things to focus on......we have had some really lovely big projects!!
      Sea Meadow in Montecito being the biggest!

      I am a lucky duck!

      www.mccormickinteriors.com

      click on work! or press (click on magazine covers for their whole articles)

      then on "blog" search "dreamjob"!!

      Penelope

      Delete
    3. "...than I ever could of!"

      "...than I ever could HAVE," Penelope. Not "of."

      Delete
    4. absolutely correct! Thank you! (How could have I made that mistake!!??)

      I appreciate it!! Yikes!!

      Anyway; it was a wonderful project that lasted 30 years!! And I have loved it!

      Delete
    5. Why are you promoting YOUR business on Joni's blog, Penelope?

      And why would anyone hire YOU? You've shown on all these blogs that you have no self-discipline whatsoever.

      Delete
  13. Not sure how Patricia chides anyone for dating/marrying an older man. If her husband were still alive today, he would be 94. Even if we put her at a very well preserved 60, that's a 34 year difference. Although she may be older. Her husband was 76 when they married in 1996. If she were 60 now, she would have had 41 year old Whitney at 19. It's hard to find a birth date for her. But she certainly did well in marrying a much older man. And if she's much older than 60, her plastic surgeon is brilliant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw her age somewhere as 73. I'm not sure I would refer to her as "gracious" as Joni has.

      Delete
    2. She looks her age 73- She is 73 -She looks every bit of 73 but nothing wrong with that

      Delete
    3. she def. looks her age - but her age looks pretty good on her. She's a beautiful woman and she is gracious - or well mannered, I guess. Very feminine. And that was what the big joke was. The entire series was about Thomas at 50 and his gf being only 21. Yet almost everyone on the show was involved with someone 30 years younger or older. And yes, Patricia did lecture Thomas about how wrong it all was - that was why I wrote hypocrisy. She sure doesn't mind her 46 yo son dating a 21 yo German actress.

      Delete
    4. Gracious=courteous, kind, and pleasant

      Delete
    5. I agree she has beauty but she looks her age

      Delete
  14. Hi Joni! I also felt like calling you when Mario showed up, but I commented instead! I thought these two posts were hilarious - really, where are peoples' sense of humor? Leave it to you to notice all the furnishings. I was too busy watching the crazy cast! Let us fans know when the Architectural Digest issue comes out! And yes, Patricia Altschul has a good plastic surgeon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i screamed! I was so upset because i wanted to surprise everyone about Mario - and then he shows up!!!!!!!!!!!! haha
      I literally screamed to Ben - I am taking too long to write this story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it was hysterical.

      Delete
  15. Mario Buatta! - he looks like a nice man Altschul's house a former town LIBRARY! - can you imagine one that nice or that large, very Philadelphia Story. Cat ASHES above the master bedroom bed! :)
    The drawing room by Mr. Buatta! Loving the acid green, it made it so fresh and current. Her personal mirrored vanity and mirror hung on the window, so very "Rebecca" - Daphne du Maurier. Altshul's home is what you would hope a southern home would look like, chintzed, gorgeous flower arrangements, boxwood... but I have to say I have never seen a mother and son look so much a like, same face, except she has better hair. :) Great post, I will be studying Mario's drawing room! And I can't wait for Carolyne Roehm's home tour you will post!?! Laurie'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It Carolyne wants me too!! She has gorgeous hair. gorgeous. She actually is so much like my sister in law's mother. You would think they are sisters. They have the same exact mannerisms. Very feminine and cultured.

      Delete
    2. I think the allure of "Southern Charm", is that it is unashamedly feminie and cultured! I would go and have tea with your sister in law's mother on a regular basis. I have never been to the South unless you count Illinois. :) But I really do love the Southern Hospitality and old fashion, detailed, charming way of life; brunch, gardens, etc. And your right she has great hair! I am available if you ever want someone to come with you to your sister in law's mothers home! :) Maybe you could Post about her, we all loved the one about your dad!

      Delete
    3. oops sorry, that reply was from me. Laurie'

      Delete
  16. I also watch this show, but, I do not have an eye for detail like you do. I have enjoyed looking through these pictures. (part 1 and part 2.) I have to say though. I felt sea sick. There is so much pattern and furniture. It all looks so crammed in. But, I guess that is the south for ya. I live in California and we are minimalist, I guess, compared to the south. I do pay more attention to the houses in this show now though. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love this comment! I live in California, too, and am anything BUT minimalist!!!
      More is More!!!

      Delete
    2. "I am just going to unsubscribe to the 'comments' part of this wonderful and entertaining blog!"

      --Penelope Bianchi, amnesia victim

      Delete
  17. Joni,

    Coincidentally, Mark D. Sikes blogged about Carolyn Roehm's house in Charleston today. It has a few pictures of it showing it in the midst of her moving in. Apparently, it is featured in the latest Departures magazine. It's just a sneak peek but I thought you would enjoy seeing it. Here's the link to Mark's blog post. http://markdsikes.com/2014/05/08/charleston-charm/

    Diana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks! i hadn't seen it. she hasn't updated her blog in forever. i figured she was getting ready to move in. thanks again.

      Delete
  18. I just can't stomach Mario Buatta after learning about his Connecticut house falling in ruin. I was happy to see that Historic New England canceled his sold out lecture after learning about it. And I hope the rest of the design and architecture community fall in line until he sells or repairs the property.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read about that. He should be ashamed.

      Delete
    2. Agreed Steve, he should be ashamed.
      http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/01/nyregion/mario-buatta-draws-towns-ire-for-connecticut-landmark-in-decline.html?_r=0

      Delete
    3. whoa. i missed this. whoa. wow.

      Delete
    4. I missed it , too! I know he was hospitalized for almost a year, with an infection of some sort. His loyal "friends...and I mean friends" visited him and kept his spirits up!!!

      He is now recovered. I don't know why he did not or could not fix it. It is frankly, none of my business.

      I have learned to deal with "first person" information. It is helpful. (The person or people who are attacking me on your blog are disturbing. And it is the complete opposite of "first person"!!)


      I completely agree that this is a divine house that needs attention! I hope it gets it soon!
      I make no excuses for Mario; he is an "acquaintance" whose talents I have admired for decades; and whose book I pore over with my magnifying glass!!!

      He is brilliant as a decorator; beyond!!!
      I am not privy to his private life. I wish him well.......and I am a fan of his work!!!

      Penny

      Delete
    5. Penelope:
      I have read all of these comments about you and I think you should just take them for what they are--- a bunch of crude, rude and stupid people who have low I Q's --These people are just jealous of you after all the years of hard work you have devoted to teaching people the art of fine taste in design. I have seen your work and it is wonderful and and very few designers are actually able to know the difference between fine taste and no taste. You will always be a huge cut above the rest when it comes to defining great taste in design. I am grateful for your passion for design and as a result of what I have learned from you I was able to take my product to the High point furniture market this past month for the first time ever. I live in North Carolina but with my husband being a naval officer I have spent many years in the Charleston area attached to the naval base there. It is a lovely city to visit and I would think that Joni would love to live there. I am sure with her great taste in design as well she would thrive in the Charleston, Savannah and Atlanta area--- so much history tied to design in the south.

      There is so much to see and do in the south with regard to historically correct design.

      Delete
    6. Thank you! I am so horrified to see this poor old woman besieged like this, by these horrible beasts. (By the way, I saw your product at High Point--it was delightful.)

      Delete
    7. Anon May 11 4:32PM
      Who are you referring to as a "poor old woman"?
      Ouch.
      Sheila

      Delete
    8. I have to admit - I loved what Mario said in reply!!! So typical of him. I don't blame him. Sometimes renovating an old house like that can take decades if the owner isn't flush with cash. Not sure Mario is super wealthy. He's been in the same small apt for decades now. Doesn't seem to live extravantly. doesn't have a staff just an acct. he hires to come in. He orders all the samples and furniture himself. he works until 10 and 11 at night - all day and night in his apartment. no office.

      Delete
  19. This home is gorgeous! Joni can't you convince Carolyn to let you do a tour of her newly restored home?!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Joni I haven't seen the show, however can imagine it is over the top fun! The homes are amazing for sure!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Soiree by Danielle Rollins Giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hear hear! We'll done again, Joni.

    ReplyDelete
  22. So surprised you (and others) liked this show. I watched it once and felt like I needed to take a shower. Lots of money, but not a lot of class. Patricia's plastic surgeon is a god.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh Joni - Chintz, pink, caftans, southern charm, butlers, gossip, and Mario...I love it ALL - pure girly fun and your spot on humor is the cherry on the sundae. THANK YOU for providing my escape today!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Joni, thank you for putting all this together - I love it! I have been to Charleston a couple of times and I must say - it is one of my very favorite places. The mix of all this history, beautiful old architecture, and the ocean...OMG, perfect. Like Savannah, there is a vibe in Charleston...you can feel the past there..the good and the bad. Love Patricia's house - beautiful, genius of Buatta to paint those floors - this is testament as to what an outstanding talented designer can really do - and still be true to this beautiful historic home. Love this woman's lounging outfits - gorgeous! I always liked Jenrette - his saving great old houses - I believe when he purchased this house, it was with the stipulation that the elderly women who he purchased it from could continue to live in the house until her death - which she did - she lived on the middle floor and she continued to entertain & enjoy her home for 10 more years! In looking at the photo of the balcony looking out to the Atlantic, my god, no wonder she never wanted to leave it...this would be my all time dream home, really.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I showed her a home a few years back in Madison Ga. and she couldn't have been nicer. Mario told her the house was too small for her, so she didn't buy it. Now I know where she bought. I stayed in touch for awhile and then lost touch. I was still trying to find her something. She really picked a beauty. Wish I could have seen the show. Thanks for the wonderful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Linda, you live in a little slice of heaven!! I am crazy about the beautiful homes in your lovely town.

      Delete
    2. really? interesting. do you know little edie????

      Delete
  26. I have a feature called - on demand - with my cable package, so I was able to watch all the episodes & the reunion over the past week or so. I read Joni's post about Southern Charm - I had seen it advertised and wasn't interest!ed, but after reading the post I watched a couple episodes...then, yeah, I know its bad...but I kind of liked it. I get that its a show, I get that a lot of it is scripted - some of it is not scripted as the cast said on the reunion show. Yes, most of them act hideously! But its also interesting to get a peek inside these houses and at the people who live there. It really does stand out though,again - money doesn't automatically mean having class, even old money...in fact it seems some of these people think having money gives them some sort of "free pass" - they throw etiquette, morals, integrity, right out the window thinking it doesn't apply to people in their realm. This, I find, disgusting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bravo doesn't script their shows. They do have scheduled outings, etc. But - all the drama is their own. Thomas talked abotu that on the reunion show. He said he read where the show was scripted and he said - all those words were my very own. Nothing was scripted. But - the outings are of course. I got all the screencaps off the shows on vudu.com

      Delete
    2. I can't sleep - up again..so - well, its even better that none of it is scripted! I am confused though - all this talk of Buatta making a cameo appearance on the show - I didn't see this in any of the episodes I watched. Has a new season started? Maybe somehow I missed a episode?

      Delete
    3. Oh, when I wrote - they acted hideously - I meant their behavior....I didn't think they were acting as in - actors - of course not!

      Delete
  27. Wonderful post, Joni. I love that with as much money as Patricia Altschul has, she did not just get rid of everything and start new. I even think this home out does the beauty of the Manhattan and Oyster Bay homes.

    What is really amazing is to look at the before photos of the Charleston home and see the changes that were made in flooring, wallcovering, etc that made such a huge difference in the appearance.

    As for all who can't believe others watch these shows ... I don't know what to tell you. I'm a relatively well educated, well read, PBS watching kind of girl and yet there I am all in on watching a few Bravo shows. It happens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. same with me. I was so snooty about bravo and now, well i am hooked.

      Delete
  28. http://www.jmvintage.com/gifts/pugpillows.html - the pug pillows.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Someone paid a complete fortune for eight or so of these pillows from the Duchess of Windsor's auction!! They were at the foot of her bed!!!!!
      I have some!!

      Delete
    2. oh dear God! I do not mean I have some of the ones in the Duchess's auction! I have some I have collected over the years because I love them; and so did my children and grandchildren!

      Thanks Joni! I will do a post on them!

      so smart for someone to copy the ones bought from the auction!

      Quite divine!!!

      I think it was Tommy Hilfiger's wife?? I will look it up!

      LOVE YOUR POST!!!!! (sorry Sheila)!!!!

      Delete
    3. I apologized many days ago for the "please no all caps thank you" thing.
      I was hoping my apology would be accepted. Since then it has been brought up at least a half dozen times.
      Can an end be put to this already?
      Thanks.
      Sheila

      Delete
    4. I believe you are becoming unhinged.

      Half dozen times - please show us where, Sheila. Can you put an end to your apology tour. This is the pot calling the kettle black for sure.

      Delete
  29. I just read the article on Buatta and the house he owns in Conn. - yes, very arrogant, careless, and rather cruel of Buatta...I'm really not surprised though.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Market Décor, put up the link. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/01/nyregion/mario-buatta-draws-towns-ire-for-connecticut-landmark-in-decline.html?_r=0

      Delete
    2. http://www.savethemasonhouse.org/

      https://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-william-h-mason-house

      Delete
  31. Has this blog been hijacked? What have you done with Joni?
    There's a lot to see in this extensive post but I really only love that kitchen with two farm sinks and those two leather sofas in the rustic shack.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rick - this house will b in Architectural Digest soon. And their other houses were in AD and in Mario's book. This is right up my alley!!!! but - i'll be back to normal soon., i promise!

      Delete
    2. Joni,
      You'll "be back to normal soon"? Gosh, I hope not! We love you just like you are!
      Sheila

      Delete
    3. I completely accepted your apology, Sheila! You are one of my favorites! And we do love Joni just the way she is!!

      And she loves you! I have been accused of using Joni's blog to get business. This anonymous may 10, 1:44 is really disliking me! I find it a bit scary!!!

      Delete
    4. You love the attention Penny. You are like a child, or a puppy.

      Delete
  32. Money & Mario all a Girl NEEDS !!!

    All my Ann Taylor comes from a thrift store.

    Garden & Be Well, XOT

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tara! Have you noticed the ire from this anonymous? Do you understand it????

      I love whatever you find in the thrift store! It is the "poverty circle" which protects great things!!!!

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  33. i would be more likely to have a pink gun than a pink birkin bag, mainly because of the cost, I must admit.

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  34. The street where this home is located is absolutely abysmal! Wonder how much this horrible woman paid for this home....

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    1. sorry! which horrible woman??

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    2. Patricia Altschul. Unreal. How anyone can make fun of this house?

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    3. Rutledge Avenue is one of the most beautiful streets in Charleston.

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  35. I haven't been able to post on this blog for months but I think I'm back - my google account wasn't working. I'm soooooo glad to be back!

    Well, Bravo should pay you commission because I've just downloaded this bloody show to watch over the weekend! You also switched me onto Million Dollar Decorators and I also watch a few of the Real Housewives shows. What I can see here is real taste and tradition, sometimes not my style but enough of it is. I also love the sheer luxury of it, especially Mrs A's Charleston bathroom which is the size of my apartment. Love the chintz and acid green walls, I think that in a house so grand and cavernous a decorator can get away with the excess of pattern and colour. I think Mrs A looks great but my guess was that she was around 70, you can tweak your face with plastic surgery all you like but she still has 73 year old skin - nothing will ever change that.

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    1. Nothing does change 73 year old skin!! and why would you??? If you take care of it.....it will probably look like Mrs. A!!! You will be 73 someday; and so will I! I think from the pictures she looks great! "Good and healthy"; my Southern mother would say! I think she looks great, too!!

      I LOVE this blog about these houses in Charleston! Joni is doing an unbelievable job of "sleuthing" all the pictures of these amazing houses! Fascinating!!

      Bravo! (and not the channel!!) Bravo to Joni for all this research! Brilliant! (anyone who doesn't want to watch the shows; can get all the invaluable information about the houses and architecture, and history of the houses....right here!)

      Thank you, again Joni! keep it up!!!

      Penny

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    2. Thank you Penny!!! you are too sweet. Her skin is gorgeous though - i wonder if she does peels?

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    3. Jlonit - welcome back! - i think her skin looks great. you must be young. just wait. when you reach menopause well - it all changes. haha. i'm addicted to bravo. it happened slowly - until one day i realized - i watch all their shows. horrible!!! ha!

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  36. I found the episode with Buatta. I have to say, I like Patricia, even with her kind of snobbish attitude. I think she looks great and its evident she and her son are very close.

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  37. Joni - found a photo of the sunburst clock in Patricia's Charleston home on Shep's instagram. http://instagram.com/p/nEso_vKIyK/ Still in the dining room, but in a view not shown before? Looks like they also used the beautiful silk / taffeta draperies from the Manhattan home here.

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    1. yes! that is over the fireplace - they never showed that view the entire time. that' is right over the fireplace. Thank you!!!!!!! yes - same curtains.

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  38. Would love to know more about Patricia Altschul's back story......She was only married six years to the very wealthy and much older Arthur Altschul before he died. I would be curious Mr. Altschul's children like her. Mr. Altschul's daughter ,Serena, is on CBS Sunday Morning. Whitney made a documentary about Halston that was pretty good.

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  39. This show sounds like a horrible soap opera.

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    1. I just read a book where the main character's name was Naz. Short for Ignazio. when I saw your name - for one split second I thought - Naz? he left a comment! haha. I am crazy!!!

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  40. Feel I am completed a Grand tour!

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  41. Joni - I'm all for taking the hate mongering comments off. It's one thing to disagree about color, but it's another thing to continually bash someone. Some blogs approve comments....whatever! It's just a downer that some people feel the need to 'call out' on others to this extent.

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  42. Wow I really need to visit Charleston.......the houses are just gorgeous - perfection even - but all of that botox is a little scary!

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  43. Thank you so much for this second post. I hope that your husband is feeling better. He's a cutie. Patricia's home is gorgeous. The fabrics and furnishings from her two previous residences translated so well to Charleston. Classic design updated with some fresh colors such as that acid green which I thought was an apple green. Her two prior residences were really quite stunning - the genius of Mario Buatta. I knew that the fabric and wall covering in her bedroom looked familiar - I saw the Canovas here on Cote de Texas. I really appreciate your trained eye, talent, impeccable taste, and opinions. Love it when you point out details. I will keep a look out for the issue of Architectural Digest with Patricia's home. I will also purchase Mr. Buatta's book and the book about the Roper house. And, I will watch Southern Charm if it's back for a second season. I wonder if Million Dollar Decorators will be back.

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  44. Hi Joni! A belated thank you for compiling this excellent post! I am a huge fan of Mario Buatta, and I'm absolutely in love with Patricia Altschul's exquisite home! Ooohhhh, I cannot wait for the Architectural Digest feature!!! I was recently in Charleston, and I just posted a "tour" of some of Charleston's antebellum mansions, including Patricia's. I borrowed a few of your images, crediting your work and linking back to this post... I hope that is OK! Also, did you see that Jenna's home recently went on the MLS? http://www.theglampad.blogspot.com/2014/05/charming-charleston.html

    XOXO,
    The Glam Pad

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  45. Thank you for this blog post. It is amazing! I loved every word and photo. I just discovered the show and binge-watched the first season. As someone who loves ID but has never been to The South I am fascinated by the architecture on the show. I was so excited to find this blog and be able to see historic photos as well as the interiors. Pat's house is just wow, wow, wow. The acid-green walls are a show-stopper. I noticed yesterday that there are some new videos up on the Bravo website that show even more of the interiors of the houses, including a very interesting toilet at Pat's. It would be great if you wanted to add some of these to your blogs posts. Also - I am with you regarding the whole slave issue. I know you took some flak but I just wanted you to know I get it. I thought it was off-putting that the show makes a point to stress how prominent some of these families are in South Carolina but completely leaves out any mention of them being slave-holders. Any way, great blog posts! I'll revisit them many times.

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  46. Portico, not piazza. Thanks for all the great photos.

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