Today, I thought I’d show some photos of our one-night stay at their other location, Hotel Agua Baru. It’s on an island just off the coast of Colombia. We enjoyed our one-hour boat ride along the coast to Bar?? where we were once again greeted with cool water and a cool towel.

Like Agua in Cartagena, Barú is small. This one structure serves as both lounge, restaurant and …

a beautiful long table that served as both decoration display and buffet, when needed.

We travelled up a long flight of stone steps to our casita.

The room sleeps four. There are 2 twin beds on either side of this splendidly made bed. Ahh.. Comfy.

The bath had a stone floor and an open shower, meaning there was a wooden-slat shutter for a window. It allowed for privacy but let the breezes flow.

Just below our balcony we found the pool – our very own. There were plenty of chaises and a large built-in sofa.

Who could wish for more?

After a wonderful stay, we headed back to Agua in Cartagena. That’s me sporting hair au natural. I love drying my hair on vacation.

Next up… Street scenes in Cartagena.

I thought I’d share some photos of our hotel, Agua. This is probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. A private home was redesigned by the owner into an exquisite hotel with only 6 rooms. The staff were so kind and wonderful that I wanted to stay forever. I really felt like this was my home. Let’s take a peek.

Inside the entrance you’re welcomed by antique baskets and wooden bowls – and staff with cold cloths and lime-flavored water.

The living room (above) and the breakfast area (below) made up the public space. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before heading out to dinner. Need a dining suggestion? The staff knows just what you want and will make the reservations for you.

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The breakfasts were so delicious, we’ve started eating in the same style now that we’re home. That means fresh, tropical fruit, eggs, bread and jam. I haven’t figured out how to make those wonderful tortilla things stuffed with cheese. On my “to-do” list.

Follow the jump to see the rooms and rooftop pool!

Other than the duplex (where the owner was staying) I think we had the best room in the house. That’s room number 5.

This is the wall opposite the bed. Fresh fruit was served every day and cold water brought up when we returned in the evening.

Every girl loves a nice selection of toiletries. Hotel Agua out-did the rest. Loofas, French soaps and lotions. Sigh.

From our balcony, we could see down onto the street life. After dark, there are no cars, save the taxis. You’re free to wander the lovely streets in peace and quiet.

This is the upstairs hall, looking into Room number 4 – the duplex. The library is part of the duplex and, if no one is staying there, it’s open for everyone’s use.

Here’s a better view of the library. We admired it, but were too busy to watch TV. We can do that back home! A quick tip: skip Room #4 – unless your children (like mine!) are staying there. It’s small and the window has no view.

The upstairs hall, looking the other way, led to the rooftop pool. Let’s go!

The pool may look small, but with only 6 rooms, you’ll feel like it belongs to only you.

This should be my Chair of the Day – every day. Here’s a little touch of detail that makes a hotel great. The staff provided huge towels (folded in the middle). They covered the lounge pad with the towel, as well as the pillows, so that everything smelled fresh (if you get my meaning). I don’t want to bathe in the sun with the thought lingering over who’s been there before.

Above the pool deck, there is another shaded with umbrellas. That’s the cathedral in the background.

In the middle of the week we splurged on a night at Agua Baru, another location on a Colombian off-island. Come back tomorrow for some photos of our stay there, as well as some snaps of Cartagena.

MarieBelle Sweets, on Broome Street, in SoHo, is both a chocolatier, and a tiny restaurant that serves very dangerous hot chocolate. It’s like drinking a cup of the gooey insides of a lava cake. Just thought you’d like to know.

I’ll be back on Tuesday with lots of great decorating ideas for summer. Stay tuned!

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Before you start rolling your eyes, take a look at the photos (not so great, but they suffice I think). The incredibly tall ceilings are brilliant, but for me it was all about the lighting.

The use of tightly focused spots emphasized the height of the ceilings.

Large chandeliers, hung along the length of one enormous table, give the illusion of a different place and time. A ball at Versailles perhaps?

The touch of red was highlighted by more spots.

Floor lamps and candles on the table serve as task lighting -so you can read the menu. The layers of light give an overall look of drama and romance.

A large canvas, hung like a curtain behind the entrance counter is spotted. All around is mysterious darkness.

Buddakan is an enormous restaurant, with lots of rooms – each with its own sort of design. But they all work together. To find out more about the restaurant, visit their website by following this link.

The good ‘ole days

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The article detailed how far my neighborhood has fallen since the good ‘ole days when Muffy and her husband, Biff spent their days tossing back highballs at the club and ordering the servants about. Sigh.

Now our houses are worthless and the clubs will let anyone in – even the riff-raff (I guess that’s me).

Grosse Pointe sits on Lake St. Clair. Squint and you’ll see Canada.

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While it’s true that we’re all suffering from lower housing values, we still live in a beautiful neck of the woods. It’s a real, old-fashioned community where kids ride their bikes to the public schools, which are actually good.

Let’s take a peek at Grosse Pointe. Maybe we’ll see Muffy slumming it at Farm’s Pier (the local, free swimming pool).

Enjoy the free pool and clubhouse!

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Got a boat? Park it here at The Farms’ Pier. There are five Grosse Pointes – each with their own swim & tennis club.

Three car garage!

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There are plenty of large piles to decorate in Grosse Pointe. But no one ever buys anything here. I guess that includes houses. Get these while they’re hot.

More Grosse Pointe loveliness after the jump.

One of my favorites.

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I drive by this house every day. It’s even more beautiful when the roses are in bloom. We have lots of nice shops, such as…

The Gelato Caf?©

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The Gelato Caf?©. They serve things I’m trying not to eat. It’s right next to…

Fresh Farm’s Market – good pizza

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The Farm’s Market, where you can get a house charge. They know everyone by name and, best of all, they deliver.

It’s right across the street from…

Standing by St Clair’s blue waters stands our tower bold – sing along!

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Grosse Pointe High School. It’s a great school, it’s public, and it has a new natatorium. Don’t forget that….

The cutest house ever

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Pointe welcomes everyone these days. Muffy may still be doddering around. But you’ll find something for everyone here. And a welcoming smile on everyone’s face.

How are things in your neighborhood? Are half the houses for sale for half the price? Alane, what are your thoughts?

images: NT times and Jennifer Mitchell for Design Hole

The homes and townhouses come furnished. Here’s a sneak peek at the interior designs by Patricia Reid Baquero.

Natural materials were used throughout. Spots of color come from the accessories and plants. I love the arrangement of plants and dishes set atop the hand-carved coffee table in the top-most photo. Not so great are the seashells on the oars. But the burst of blue is a hit with me.

I always like looking at beds for new ideas on how to dress them. I think I like the style on top the most. What do you think of the teal?

I’m a sucker for a beautiful beach sprinkled with palm trees.

Have you been the the Dominican Republic? And, who’s up for buying a beach house?

History

Built in 1887 by John Frederick Wiessner, a German immigrant, the American Brewery was one of the largest breweries in the state of Maryland. At its peak, the brewery employed 61 workers.

Prohibition forced the facility to shut down in 1920. The brewery was sold to the American Malt Company in 1931, who modernized the interior equipment and operated the brewery until 1973. The building was listed that year in the National Registry of Historic Sites and has been vacant ever since.

Humanim hires Struever Brothers, Eccles & Rouse

Humanim, a non-profit organization, is restoring the building and is planning to house employment programs and clinical support services for the residents of this poverty stricken community.

Baltimore Architects, Cho Benn Holback & Assoc. were hired to plan the restoration. Because the building is historic, restoration (as opposed to renovation) is required. In short, that means lots of “do’s and don’ts regarding exactly what changes can be made to the building. Its historic integrity had to be maintained.
Struever Bros., Eccles & Rouse (the company Steve works for) was, in turn, hired to redevelop the building. If, like me, you have a passion for historic architecture, I know you’ll enjoy this photographic essay.

Restoring A Baltimore Jewel: A Photo Essay

The asymmetrical nature of the building is what makes it so singular. The assortment of windows, combined with the brickwork and wooden buttresses work together in such a perfect way…

It’s like looking at a piece of music transcribed into bricks and mortar.

The Mansard roofs! I’m speechless.

The back end has a new addition. Strict rules had to be followed to maintain the historic nature of the property.

These buttresses are made entirely of wood. The pitch of the roof, and the fact that the roof shielded the buttresses underneath, spared the building, and the extraordinary architectural details like these, from collapse.

This is a shot of the interior Mansard roof. The huge beams were steamed to form the curve of the roof. The windows lie underneath. This room will become a conference area.

I can’t wait to see The American Brewery once the interiors are completed. Much of the brewery’s machinery has been saved in order to incorporate the metalwork into walls and furniture.

I’m homesick now!

Are you from Baltimore? Sadly, here in Detroit, much of our history has been torn down. What’s your opinion of the importance of historic preservation?

This is where Arthur and I stayed last week. As grand as this hotel (and spa!) is, our room was half the price of one in Milan during Salone week. It was worth the extra drive. I thought I’d take you on a little tour.

A view of the hotel lobby.

The cozy bar – excellent service, too.

The library. There’s a pool room, and several parlors as well.

The porch over looking the lake.

Our breakfast was on the house and served on the porch.

A beautiful room (409)…

… with a beautiful view.

The Grand Tremezzo has just opened a spa, which we never had time to take advtantage of. I didn’t bring a swimsuit either. I would have loved to jump in the indoor pool after our long and insane days. But I can say that the spa looked beautiful. We ate at their casual restaurant, which was lovely.

Sorry, no George Clooney sightings. He must seen Arthur and didn’t want to get beaten up again for refusing to leave me alone. All kidding aside, the hotel is very nice.