There’s nothing like incessant Atlanta humidity and a calendar bubbling over with obligations to make you run for the hills or, more appropriately, the Teton Range! A recent trip to Jackson, Wyoming provided a much-needed respite from the proverbial hamster wheel that reaches a fever pitch right around autumn. I had a hunch that the majestic mountain air and fabulous accommodations awaiting my husband and I would be incredible but Jackson Hole very much exceeded my expectations.
Snow birds and design enthusiasts alike have descended upon Palm Beach this month and it’s not just for the fantastic weather. The 2nd annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House officially began hosting guests last Friday evening and has quickly garnered rave reviews.
With a style all their own, tropical South Florida havens have been charming permanent residents, snow birds and weekenders alike for decades. The originals are few and far between these days given how difficult it is to maintain an older home in the harsh conditions of humidity and the ever present threat of hurricanes down South. Another reason? The prospect of building a very large, new home in place of these more seasoned abodes is an attractive one to many. While in Boca Raton last week, I did some touring to put my eyes on the oldies but goodies you’ll see below. They’re so divine, I was a smidge tempted to move back. Then I remembered what that weather does to my hair, a cross between finger-in-a-light-socket and cotton candy, and quickly abandoned the relocation scheme.
A Mizner-style charmer.
Off of Camino Real, the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club is sparsely dotted with Bermuda-style cottages and a few other delights that make you want to sip a Mai-Tai in a patio dress. Construction of this development began in 1959 and plots for homes were snapped up quickly by those wanting waterfront property with golf and polo amenities. Neighborhood guidelines mandated that all homes were to have white roofs and be one story; oh to go back in time and see streets lined with these beauties!
Just what developer Arthur Vinings Davis had in mind for his Boca Raton Resort & Club adjacent neighborhood, these homes are 1960’s originals. They’re topped with pristine white shingle roofs, sit on very large lots and boast waterfront or golf course facing backyards. Do I sound like a realtor yet?
The lilac lawn jockey (right by the garage door) is my favorite whimsical touch on this one. The tangerine shutters and house number are a close second.
A little aquamarine play on this one…
If it were up to me, I would slap an awning on everything. The charm factor is off the charts on these next three homes that used the embellishment just right.
My favorite house! It’s pink, has Greek statue adornments, original front doors and awnings. When can I move in?
A little slice of Florida sunshine with a scalloped awning and the cheeriest hue of yellow to boot.
This awning with tassel motif is spectacular! I’m a fan of the weather vane too.
I would venture to say that this retro lady is the only one of her kind left in Boca Raton so based on originality, she made my list of highlights. If you look closely, you can catch a glimpse of the perfectly mod staircase in the window.
A rare sight in South Florida! Notice the proportioned shutters on the larger windows.
In the historic Old Floresta neighborhood, Addison Mizner’s grand plan of residences for his family and the employees of the nearby Cloister Inn (now Boca Raton Resort & Club), there are just three of his originals left. They all date back to the 1920’s and their owners have managed to preserve them especially well.
In the days before street signs, names were assigned to individual houses to help the gardeners identify them. This one is the “Lavender” house.
Known as the “Acacia” house, Mizner built this for his brother Rev. Henry Mizner.
The “Aiken” house named after the prominent film producer and former mayor of Boca, Fred Aiken.
Right on the water, this pretty Spanish-style house surrounded by meticulous, lush landscaping caught my eye. The turquoise painted window panes add so much character!
I hope you enjoyed touring classic Boca Raton homes with me, if this is your cup of tea, you might like this post I did on the history of the city and Mizner’s big dreams for it. All pictures were taken with my iPhone on a hazy day from the backseat of my dad’s car so I apologize for the poor-ish quality! A big thank you to him for carting me around all afternoon and to my sister for joining along!
Aiken marries the elegance of an equestrian oasis with all the eccentricities of a small Southern town, what’s not to love? I was first charmed by this little slice of horse heaven when my husband and I stayed here during the Masters (Augusta National is about 30 minutes away) a couple of years ago. Oak lined streets with names like Whiskey and exquisite architectural relics of a winter colony’s past had me eager to return. As my due date looms closer, a “babymoon” was imminent. We decided on a trip to Aiken because I enjoy history and a bathing suit was not required, thank you very much. Those who love Charleston, Savannah and Highlands will find Aiken to be a more intimate destination with plenty to do, see and savor.
South Boundary Avenue, Aiken’s most famous street. Image via the Aiken Standard.
In the 1890s, Aiken entered its Golden Era thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock who lured their friends down south to build magnificent estates in town. Everyone from the Whitneys to the Astors wintered in Aiken and enjoyed equine activities such as fox hunting and polo. Aiken also attracted the Hollywood likes of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward and Bing Crosby to enjoy its charm. As for small town eccentricities? Evelyn Walsh McLean, last private owner of the Hope Diamond, used to fasten it as a collar around her dog’s neck and let it prance around town. I found similar Aiken anecdotes in this great read by Pulitzer Prize winning authors Gregory White Smith and Steven W. Naifeh. Today, Aiken exists as a place where you can find a fabulous $5 meat and three lunch before tailgating at a casual low-goal polo game or enjoy a late afternoon court tennis match at the Aiken Tennis Club (one of only 9 places to play the sport in the US) followed by a four-course dinner at your members-only supper club. Unfussy at its finest!
The Green Boundary, who doesn’t love a sizable gravel drive?
On our first trip to Aiken, we were fortunate enough to stay at the Green Boundary Club at the invitation of a relative. This Georgian-style home was turned into a supper club in 1956 when winter colony residents needed somewhere to dine on Thursday nights as all their cooks had off that evening. Today, members enjoy croquet on the lawn, delicious dinners and the option to stay in one of their six guest rooms. If you have the chance to visit or stay at the Green Boundary, you must!
One of the 6 guest bedrooms at the Green Boundary.
Right in the heart of downtown is the Carriage House Inn where we enjoyed our weekend. As far as location, it cannot be beat; you are within walking distance of most of the shops, restaurants and attractions Aiken has to offer. It’s a true B & B with a full breakfast in the mornings and personable service throughout your stay. The accommodations in the historic home were not totally wow-worthy but if you are planning on being out and about most of the time, they are perfectly suitable.
The Carriage House Inn makes a charming statement.
I had originally tried to book a couple of nights at The Willcox, rated #7 on Travel and Leisure’s best hotels in the world list. Their room rates were surprisingly low but they had several weekends that were completely booked due to it being a popular wedding venue. We had a wonderful evening of dinner and drinks (mocktails for moi) at The Willcox and found it to be absolutely wonderful so if they have availability while you’re visiting Aiken, this is my recommendation!
Ta-da! The Willcox is always ready to wow guests.
Joye Cottage on Easy Street, a former Whitney winter residence that was painstakingly restored by an author couple from New York City.
My husband really indulged me on this one; an Aiken trolley tour hosted by local historian, Judith Burgess. We were the youngest people aboard the trolley by a couple of decades that Saturday morning but we both found the tour to be interesting, entertaining and helpful in navigating Aiken the rest of our stay. Judith points out local landmarks including historic homes and notable establishments and the tour includes a walk through the beautiful Hopeland Gardens and a whirl around the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. If you have a group of 15 or more, you can arrange for a private tour.
Hopelands Gardens, 14 acres of beautifully lush pathways. Fountains were built on top of the original home foundation that was once on this farm.
Exploring downtown was easy to do from our B & B on Laurens Street, the main drag. My favorite home stores (a weakness!) were Folly, Nandina Home and Plum Pudding. Lionel Smith, Ltd. had a handsome selection of menswear and we stopped in Bone-I-Fide for some homemade treats for our Westie, Wally. If you are an antiques lover, York Cottage Antiques is an elegant little shop filled with beautiful treasures. On Saturdays, the Farmer’s Market is seriously bustling and has everything from fresh produce to local wares.
One of my favorite homes we stumbled upon, a Bermuda pink beauty.
If 90 degree heat in October wasn’t a factor, I would have loved to have taken a hike in Hitchcock Woods, the largest urban forest in the US that’s located just behind some of the most beautiful historic homes in Aiken. It was highly recommended by several locals!
Horse Crossing! You’ll see these all over town.
Speaking of outdoor activities, you must attend a sporting event while you’re in town. Aiken makes it very easy to do so with a year-round horse-centric calendar. From races to polo games, you’re bound to find something spectacular to spectate at! We decided to catch a Governor’s Cup polo game one afternoon and just tailgated with a few other cars at Powderhouse Field. My dad, an authority on all things polo, gave me the hotline number to call (803-643-3611) that has a recording of all the scheduled games for the day. Easy peasy!
Chukker time at Powderhouse Field.
I saved the best for last! On our first night in town, we had dinner at The Willcox which was such a treat. The atmosphere was very fun with a buzzing crowd at the adjacent bar and lobby. You can have drinks and appetizers while sitting fireside in the lobby or go for a sit-down dinner with a full menu in the restaurant. It’s all seasonal fare and it was delicious!
Mr. Muffy enjoying a nightcap in the Willcox lobby.
Our second dinner at the Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate was also wonderful. Arrive a little early and walk around the estate, which is now an inn, and I recommend going on a Friday evening when they have live music. The restaurant itself is in an old barn converted into a quirky and charming German inspired venue. The menu mixes everything from schnitzel to shrimp and grits; all our plates were quite good.
The Stables Restaurant serving up equestrian charm.
My favorite lunch spot was called New Moon Cafe; quite a bit hippie with a little ladies-who-lunch mixed in. It’s the perfect place for half a salad and wrap type of lunch right on Laurens Street downtown.
I should mention some other recommendations I heard that we didn’t get to dine at: Malia’s for dinner, Magnolia’s for lunch and What’s Cookin’ for true Southern stick-to-your-ribs fare (these are all on Laurens St).
In a nutshell, it was the perfect laid-back getaway for those seeking some charm. If you make it to Aiken sometime soon, you’ll have to let me know how you liked it! If you have already visited or go often, please do share your recommendations. I’m all ears!