A House by the Sea by Bunny Williams
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
A House by the Sea by Bunny Williams
This fantastic book came out in 2016, and it is all about Bunny's marvelous Caribbean home, La Colina.
Imagine a sun-kissed haven where the ocean whispers secrets to the wind and lush gardens bloom with vibrant hues. Enter the world of Bunny Williams' A House by the Sea, a captivating journey through a tropical paradise that will transport you to a place of tranquility and exquisite taste.
Williams, a renowned interior designer with a penchant for creating spaces that are both elegant and inviting, invites us into her personal sanctuary: La Colina. Nestled amidst the verdant beauty of the Dominican Republic, this Caribbean retreat is a testament to her love of nature and her ability to blend the outdoors with the indoors seamlessly.
This book is a beautiful coffee table book, and what's neat about this book is that her friends write each chapter. Bunny has one friend write about the architecture; another discusses the collections and other talks about cooking and food. Then Paige Dickey, the garden writer, toured the gardens and wrote this beautiful essay about Bunny's stunning gardens at La Colina.
Of course, if I weren't a huge Bunny Williams fan, if I didn't have her book called An Affair With A House or On Garden Style, I might be tempted not to get this book. But I am a huge Bunny Williams fan, and I know that everything she does is done with so much beauty, grace, and style that I could not resist getting a copy of this book.
Then, once I learned that Paige Dickey was the person who got to review the gardens? Well, then, I had to get my copy of this book.
This beautiful book would make a great Christmas present. The photographs are incredible.
I'll tell you a few of my favorite things from the garden section in this book. There is an entrance to the cactus garden that features all of this blue pottery, and in each of these blue pots is a cactus that makes for a stunning entrance to her cactus garden.
There's also a gorgeous stone shell fountain at the swimming pool's end, covered in vine. Bunny is known for using vines in the garden - something to keep your eyes peeled for if you get this book because you'll see her use of vines throughout the garden. Bunny has vines climbing up structures and rambling around and making their way - softening many of the garden's hard edges.
As we wander through the pages of this lavish coffee table book, we are treated to a feast for the senses. From the sprawling gardens, where exotic flowers and towering palms dance in the breeze, to the luxurious interiors adorned with exquisite furnishings and art, every detail is a testament to Williams' impeccable style.
The hardscapes are absolutely to die for, and there's an avenue of Palm trees in this incredible garden. The entire property is truly breathtaking.
But it's not just the beauty of the place that captivates us. It's the sense of community and the joy of sharing this paradise with loved ones. Williams' friends, each an expert in their own right, contribute to the book with essays that offer fascinating insights into the design, architecture, and lifestyle of La Colina.
Gil Schafer, a renowned architect, shares the story behind the villa's graceful lines and open-air design. Page Dickey, a celebrated landscape designer, takes us on a tour of the gardens, revealing the secrets of creating a tropical oasis. Roxana Robinson, a talented author, offers a glimpse into the magic of a weekend getaway at La Colina. And Angus Wilkie, a passionate collector, shares his love of finding treasures and adding personality to a space.
A House by the Sea is more than just a coffee table book; it's an invitation to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of beauty and inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, an interior design enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a moment of tranquility, this book will transport you to a place of pure bliss. So, grab a cup of tea, curl up by the window, and let Bunny Williams' enchanting world sweep you away.
This book is 256 pages of Bunny Williams in the Caribbean, and it's a must-have if you enjoy Bunny Williams and her work.
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.