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Susana Bombal and Los Alamos

 

Mr. M and I have talked extensively about taking a trip to Buenos Aires. While there, I'm requiring that we take a side trip to Los Alamos, an estancia located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Have you heard of it? 

In 1926, artist Susana Bombal began working on rebuilding Los Alamos, a home she inherited from her grandfather. He had resided there with his sons after the Mendoza earthquake claimed the lives of his wife and daughters. It also became a haven for European immigrants, who were being attacked by Native Indians, upset their land was being encroached upon. 

In the same spirit, Los Alamos became an artists and writers retreat because of Susana. Going through the guests books, you will see the likes of Picasso, Gandi,  Charlie Chaplin and Jorge Luis Borges. The estate is still owned by members of the family, and thankfully they have opened it up to the public. 

It is now a boutique hotel with seven bedrooms, surrounded by gardens and a pool. The rooms all still bear Susana's touches, including pieces she collected. It is akin to a museum, with original manuscripts, journals and art work from that time period on display. 

The room above is my girlhood dream of a bedroom come to life. The mural was done by Hector Basaldua, and Susana acquired it from Harrods in Buenos Aires. She found the art nouveau iron beds at a Paris flea market. 

 

I'm dying over the studded, destroyed leather chairs. Dying. I would also love the original wall hanging of an angel by Norah Borges. 

 

More print, more textiles and gorgeous bed frames. The art hanging above the beds is by Eduardo Hoffman.

 

Photo of Susana on her wedding day, so beautiful. She also kept guests books, which showcase drawings and letters from artists that dropped in.

 

 

How amazing is the mirrored wardrobe in Susana's bedroom? It came from Paris, and there are framed pictures of fashion plates from 1861.

 

1940's wall mural by Raul Saldi.

 

Susana's study on the left, which as a floor made from Peach wood circles. The bronze portrait of Susana was done by Coco Quiroga. Images of Susana and writer Borges are in the image on the left. They had a 40-year friendship that was said to be only platonic. 

 

Scanned by Moodboard from Australia Vogue living Magazine October/November 2002.

Photography Henry Bourne, Writer Harriet Anstruther(she can be reached at anstruther@me.com)

Back in the Day Bakery

Thanks to Emerson of An Apple a Day, we stopped at Back in the Day Bakery on our one day tour of Savannah. The bakery was darling but I got so caught up in discussing their wallpaper that I forgot to take a picture of it! 

One of their walls was decorated with vintage paper put up in patches. It reminded me of some the plantations we visited in Charleston, where you could still see spots of their original wallpaper.

The sandwiches, served on vintage trays, didn't last long. Mr. M ordered the Madras Curry Chicken while I ordered the Rosemary Chicken Salad. Both sandwiches had large chunks of savory chicken nestled in chewy fresh baked bread.

We took our cupcakes to Forsyth park so we could eat them by the fountain. As we sat down on a bench and started munching a squirrel crept up towards us. Mr. M had to keep shooing him away and all of  a sudden Mr. M says, "he is next to you." I didn't look because the squirrel had been circling around us the whole time. And then Mr. M says, "no, I mean he is right next to you!"

I jump up and that little guy was apparently getting ready to hijack the cupcake right out of my hands. He then raises his paws and starts begging which starts me giggling and almost choking on the cupcake(which I was not going to give up).

If you get a chance to eat in Savannah, this is where you need to go. The cupcakes are creamy rich perfection and I ate all three pink ones myself.

First image by Erik S. Lesser for NYTimes/All other images taken by Moodboard

Worthwhile in Charleston

Housed in an old general store, Worthwhile already has good bones that are further enhanced by the wonderful merchandise. 

 

I was in love with all of their leather products. Supple jackets with modern cuts, bags with distressed finishes, and satchels that were begging to come home with me.

Cotton, linen, and silks deconstructed in a neutral palette.

 

The Paris Market & Brocante

The Paris Market was at the top of the list of the shops I wanted to visit in Savannah. I love seeing how people style their stores and this one did not not disappoint. The owner Paula was a complete doll and let me take pictures all over the store even though they were bustling with customers. Thanks again! 

Oh, and make sure you take the time to stop by their coffee bar. It was delicious and while we were there members of the Savannah Philharmonic stopped by to sing happy birthday to the barista. So lovely!

This room reminded me of a restaurant we went to in Paris. 

Piles of old books

I love old antique cabinets, especially ones that come from a library or doctor's office.

Last but not least, the vintage dress I had to leave behind. So beautiful, the skirt fit slim with billowing folds and poufs down the sides.

All photography by Moodboard

Isolated Thunderstorms is a Dirty Word

Forsyth Park in Savannah

I always come back from vacation with that happy to be home but missing the new adventure feeling. I am pleased to note that we don't have that I need a vacation from this vacation feeling, which is always a plus. I meant to visit so many more sites and stores, but we just took our time and lazed around on the beach.

 

A home for sale in Savannah next to Forsyth Park  

We did have a brief but serious romance with Savannah's sweeping spanish moss and historic homes. We decided if we lived there it would have to be near Forsyth Park, which captured our hearts.

While we had a few storms here and there, they dried up quickly and didn't hinder our trip too much. Unfortunately we came home to even more rain and it is pouring rain today. I feel so bad for those of you that live in walking cities and have been dealing with this for weeks. I know my friends in New York City are ready to toss their wellies into the harbor in frustration.

On the bright side when the sun did make a break in the rain yesterday it caused a rainbow. I haven't seen one in so long and by the time I grabbed my camera it was already gone. 

Well enough about the rain, let's look at some pretty pictures shall we? I'll be posting a few pictures and reviews in the next several posts.

All Photography taken by Moodboard

Charleston & Savannah Vacation

We are leaving tomorrow for a week in Charleston with a side trip to Savannah. I would love to hear about any of your must sees in Charleston or Savannah so I can narrow down my list.

I love vintage clothing and furniture, flea markets, delicious food(including sweets!), and historical sites. Anything I must hear, smell, see, taste or touch?

Image via The Paris Market & Brocante