The Kampong Show House

While in Miami recently I was excited to visit The Kampong in the Coconut Grove section of Miami. I knew there was a show house being staged there benefitting the Jr. League of Miami.  Far be it from me to miss an opportunity to check out a show house.  I love this area.  It feels so tropical and wild.  See my story about the area here.  On walks around the grove, I had passed by those red attention grabbing Asian gates many times, always intrigued by what must lay beyond.  It was the home and personal garden of famed plant exporter Dr. David Fairchild and his wife Marian (she was the daughter of Alexander Graham Bell).  They purchased the property in 1916 and later it belonged to philanthropist Catherine Sweeney.  If you have not visited The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, I urge you to do so.  Kampong means village in Javanese, which makes sense since the property is made up of several "cottages" with a Mission/Spanish Revival  look and includes intricate architectural detailing, carvings, stone work and a stair tower that is influenced by this ornately carved Indonesian aesthetic.

It is listed on the National  Register of Historic Places.  The garden is renowned for its irreplaceable collection of rare varieties of tropical fruits, palms, shrubs and vines.  Many a new species was introduced here.

Charlotte Dunagan Design Group created my favorite space.  It was serene and sophisticated, relaxed yet elegant!

The powder room  looked very New York City with its green venetian plaster walls and Art Deco inspired tile design,created by  Kim Hernandez and Lois Holbrook Russo of The Gallery Interiors

Library/Den by the girls of The Gallery Interiors as well

Many of the designers created multiple spaces, maybe that's why it was so uniform in feel?

There are 3 cottages on the property; The Fairchild Sweeney House, The Sausage Tree Cottage and The Barbour Cottage. All quaint and unique, but with a similar voice.

Maite Granda Interior Design recalls at once a vintage yet updated Floridian look

Peeples Rionda Interiors created a space I could have moved right into.

Emilio Robba Paris

Donna Moss Designs painted a spectacular scene made to look like a Chinese screen on the cabinets above the washer/dryer in the laundry room.

Jorge Castillo Design

Margaux Interiors

Sarah Z Interrors

The girls from The Gallery Interiors once again.  I loved this space. A great respite from the heat under a dramatic Banyan tree.

I was surprised and delighted to see Mabley Handler's work outside of the Hamptons in their signature blue and white color scheme.

Stunning fretwork and original trim everywhere.

What a beautiful way to idle away the day!

This 11 acre property is considered Miami's secret garden.  Imagine that.

Walk with Me: Coconut Grove,FL

I am wrapping up decorating a home in Coconut Grove, FL.  The house was sold and the owners are relocating.  We weren't quite done, but the best laid plans…

I am completely smitten with the area.  Every time I wander past the lawn I have to have my GPS on, because the neighborhood is a maze of narrow winding roads overgrown with flora and fauna.

As a matter of fact, Coconut Grove is the oldest. modern, continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami.  "The Grove" is lush with vegetation, alive with lizards, and peacocks reign!  Often I see them roaring the streets, but not this day.  I heard them, though.  They sound like cats in distress, I kid you not.

Every nook and cranny holds interest to me.  Every path or gate begs the question, "What's beyond?"
I hope I did not alarm the neighbors as I trolled the streets with my camera.  I was so inspired; loving the greenery and the wild, tropical, residential feel of it all.

Many native plants and trees create living privacy screens, so it was really hard to see all the interesting homes, but I persevered!

Classic Spanish Mediterranean abodes felt at home in the location

   

An homage to the famous mascot that calls The Grove home

I am sure it takes much work to create the natural landscape that looks like it has evolved over many,many years

Some trees ~ pregnant with stag horn ferns

The perfect tree swing hung below; an idyllic setting, a romantic respite.

I understand "Meet The Fockers" was filmed in The Grove.

My curiosity peeked at the sight of this Asian inspired property, Kampong, part of the Fairchild Botanical Garden, but the trees put me over the edge.  I think it's a Banyan tree, but I have never seen anything like this.  If you know ~ do tell.

The long wavy strands of almost ombre colored branches were otherworldly, especially when surrounded by the mist that had settled after a sudden rain.  I wish I could have color captured it better; the hanging vines or branches looked as if they were glowing.

Foo Dogs stood sentry over a slightly more humble but no less interesting residence

I twist and wind thru the streets...

… like the roots and branches of the trees and shrubs that call The Grove home

 British Colonial homes are equally appropriate in the tropical oasis

I saw modern day tree houses 

I love the assemblage of objects greeting guests at this front door, and the warm terra cotta color is welcoming as well.

I played the game, what kind of house would I want if I lived here?  I chose a hybrid of many of the homes I saw and came up with a Mediterranean Modern.

I love the color blocking going on here.  I am sure the owner planned that red car in just the right position.  Attention to detail: I like it.

I'm gonna miss this charming place, but feel lucky I had the opportunity to experience it!

Under the heading of write it down, make it happen:  I am interested in creating a bigger presence in  South Florida.  Despite the heat and humidity, my love of travel married with my love of decorating = perfect pairing.  Plus, my kids are there,what's a mother to do?