Hidden Magnolias

I love it when my brother travels. He often gets to visit interesting places. This last trip, he visited the Sully Historical Site in Chantilly, VA. I thought I would share some of his pictures with you. From the website : An oasis of the past, Sully reflects the history of Fairfax County. Completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully combines aspects of Georgian and Federal architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as General Robert E. Lee's uncle. On the National Register for Historic Places, and accredited by the American Association of Museums, Sully also includes original outbuildings, representative slave quarter and gardens. Guided tours highlight the early 19th century life of the Richard Bland Lee family, tenant farmers and enslaved African Americans. Programs reflect the history of Fairfax County through the 20th century. All pictures taken by my brother unless otherwise noted. Not a lot...

Yesterday I received my copy of  Columns by the Sea: The Roper House   By Dick Jenrette . I couldn't put it down. He tells his story of how he found the house, fell in love, purchased and lovingly restored. It is not a very big book, but some of the pictures are just to die for. All the pictures below are taken from the Roper House Pinterest board sponsored by the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust and the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation. Heavenly, isn't it? I could so live here. I am not going to publish all pictures because I want you to buy a copy of the book yourself. All proceeds go to preserving some of America's finest classic homes. Pat