Villa Grande... Calistoga, more than mud...

Okay, I have to admit. Calistoga California is captivating. Then again, there isn't much of California I am not captivated with. I can go on, and on about the place. My first introduction to Calistoga involved mud and LOTS of it. It is the home of incredible mud baths. While submerged, you thing of every S---- joke you can think of. I looked forward to getting in it, then could'nt wait to get out. However, my skin never felt better. P.S. go with someone you're close to for the shared naked shower afterwards. For there is no shame, and it all becomes quite hilarious. Beyond the mud is this place...

Not bad huh? These images are from the November 2010 issue of C Magazine. The villa is grande, beautiful, palatial and stunning to say the least. Residence to artist Carlo Marchiori, it appears as though it emerged from the hills of Italy. The interior houses 30 foot murals, painted by the artist in residence.

The home was built with cast away found building products and a "world of courage". Mr. Marchiori says "it is a work in progress". I can hardly wait to see what he's got in store. I would imaging the mud room, is the biggest in the land. Did someone say 'wellies'?

More than the Rose Bowl ... Pasadena

This refined 1928 ranch retreat in Pasadena, California is home to graphic artist David Hundley. Mr. Hundley has had the incredible task of product design consulting for notable designer by the likes of Tom Ford (during his Gucci days), Ralph Lauren and Aston Martin. Pretty good pedigree huh? As his family owned cattle ranches, David learned to castrate and brand yearling at a very young age. I doubt that's where he developed such style. The fountain, a gift from actress Rene Russo is a former horse trough.

I love the beamed ceiling with its rough-hewn painted white walls. A definite juxtaposition to the sleek chrome arm of the Mies Van Der Rohe Bruno chairs.

So the chair placements don't make sense. Makes you wonder what the stylist was thinking. It's still nice to look at. The lamp is one of Hundley's designs.

What I would give to have such storage for all my books.

I have long appreciate the casual style and subtle elegance of this property. Published in the March 2007 issue of C Magazine, I have held a love affair with its ambiance. Though there is nothing absolutely new about the interiors I just appreciate it.

I would love to see what alterations have been made since. And if the dog finally got a comb out!