updated look with new Designers Guild pillows in 1940s Glam rooms, Piedmont and Farnsworth

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I love our 1940s Hollywood Glam look in the Piedmont and Farnsworth bedrooms at Stonehurst Place … silver bedspreads (although admittedly one TripAdvisor reviewer hated them so much he called them ‘a horror’ I still love them) and vintage film studio promotion pictures of stars like Marlene Dietrich and Rita Hayworth.   One of my favorite pieces is a 1940′s Helene Curtis manicure stand that I found in a Sag Harbor, LI shop while visiting friends for the weekend.

A few months ago, Innkeeper Caroline wrote and told me it was time to source new accent pillows for the Piedmont and Farnsworth bedrooms.  I knew immediately where I wanted to find them.  Two years ago I had one wonderful week at the Gatehouse of Chateau d’Arnac in the Dordogne region of the South of France.  Lady Sarah Tetley Hall owns the chateau and has lovely taste which shows in every turn through the small, romantic Gatehouse.  In our bedroom there she had selected pillows from Designers Guild, and I remembered the feel of them, the heaviness of them, and knew that sumptuousness was what I wanted in our new pillows.

The Designers Guild pillows I selected have browns that tie into the wood of the bed frame and silver to go with the bedspread and Euro pillows guests use for propping up and reading or watching tv.  The pillows are slightly larger than I wanted, but I’m getting used to them and love them more every time I see them.

~  Barb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources:

Designers Guild pillows:  http://www.designersguild.com/usa-shop-online/shop-home/

Chateau d’Arnac:  http://www.chateauarnac.co.uk/pages/romantic-retreats/the-gatehouse.php

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breakfast today: grilled peaches

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“Today I served a first course of fresh grilled peaches.  They were washed, not peeled, cut in half, dusted with brown sugar and then grilled in the George Foreman until lightly marked and warm.  I served them with honey flavored organic Greek yogurt and fresh lime zest/juice.”

~ Innkeeper Caroline

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breakfast today: pancakes with caramel bananas and walnuts

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“Today I served a fruit course of a poached pear half with fresh blackberry sauce and berries; our main course was pancakes with caramel bananas and walnuts, garnished with sweetened whipped cream and mint, and served with a side of Edwards of Surry southern sage sausage patties.

This is a good way to use a basic pancake recipe and then get creative with the toppings.  The bananas and walnuts are heated in a sauce made with 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon light kayro syrup, and ½ cup brown sugar; melt and stir over low heat until smooth, then lightly coat banana and walnuts.  Spoon this topping over the pancakes and top off with some of the syrup.”

~ Innkeeper Caroline

Caroline’s basic pancake recipe here:  http://www.stonehurstplace.com/pdf/recipes/stonehurst-place-signature-pancakes.pdf

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breakfast today: blackberry pancakes

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“Today I served a mixed tropical cup with watermelon, Crenshaw melon, mango and banana, topped with toasted coconut and almonds, and garnished with mint.

Our main course was fresh blackberry pancakes with my homemade blackberry syrup, our favorite Edwards of Surry black peppered bacon, and sweetened whipped cream.

Guests can find my tried and true pancake recipe on the Innkeeper’s Kitchen page of StonehurstPlace.com”

~  Innkeeper Caroline

http://www.stonehurstplace.com/kitchen.php

 

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breakfast today: gluten free quiche

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“Today I served a fruit course of Crenshaw melon with crispy fried prochuitto, garnished with fresh raspberry and our own Stonehurst Place honey.

Then I served the main course of fresh mushroom, spinach and cheese CRUSTLESS quiche with a slice of ham, sliced fresh tomatoes and our homemade dill bread.

The gluten free ‘crust’ is made with hash brown potatoes; baked first and then the quiche mixture is poured in and baked. We had a gluten intolerant guest so instead of dill bread, I served them a fresh pineapple slice on their plate.”

~ Innkeeper Caroline

 

 

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The first 5 star review I have ever given

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“I was in Atlanta for a one week training course. I am on a restricted diet, so I was searching for a place that would cater to my needs. I read the reviews on Trip Advisor and thought  ’This place cannot be as good as everyone says.’  Well, it was. I was impressed from the moment I walked in and saw the photos of the house as it was 100 years ago. Gary showed me my room, the Farnsworth, which has a newly renovated bathroom.

The breakfasts were fantastic and met my taste and dietary needs. There was wine and cheese or cheese straws every evening; homemade pies, cookies, candy, soft drinks, coffee and tea available 24 hours. Gary and Caroline knew the best places to eat, and the conversation was wonderful. The owners are apparently very environmentally concious, even to the point of using grey water in the toilet!

The inn is located near the Mid-town area, but very close to Virginia Highlands, the Arts Center, and Georgia Tech. Piedmont Park is 3 blocks away. It is very quiet in the evenings.

The inn offers per diem rates for government employees traveling on business. Stonehurst is great option if you are on business or traveling for pleasure in Atlanta.  And, after nearly 50 reviews, I believe this is the first 5 star review I have ever given.”

Posted on TripAdvisor by Fourester “Fantastic place to stay in Mid-town Atlanta” June 17, 2012
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Cozy and so much like home

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“Our stay at Stonehurst greatly exceeded any expectations we had! The entire house is immaculately decorated and cleaned while feeling cozy and so much like home.

Caroline, with her quick-wit and Southern charm, is perfectly suited to Stonehurst.  Her food was scrumptious every morning and we enjoyed many great conversations with her.

We feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this amazing place tucked away in beautiful Atlanta!”

Posted on www.BedandBreakfast.com by KC & Lindsey,June 15, 2012

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Stonehurst Haven

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“We stayed one night on our way to Savannah, Georgia and one night on our way back home.

The grounds are breathtaking and the attention to detail is amazing! The decor inside is beautiful, cozy and chic. There are many areas to sit in privacy and in every room there are water stations, and a few things to munch on as well. The bedrooms are exquisite, the mattresses are so very comfortable, the bedding luxurious. The bathrooms are quite amazing, they are completely modern and every comfort provided for.

The innkeepers, Caroline and Gary are friendly and informative. Caroline is a master gardener and wrote out some tips for me to improve my rose growing! There are places to walk and to eat very nearby as well.

We will be back!  Thank you!”

Posted on TripAdvisor by Tulip0320 “Stonehurst Haven” June 9, 2012

 

 

 

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Breakfast Today: New Friends made over poached eggs and asparagus

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“We had a great group for breakfast with great conversation!  Two of the couples are in Atlanta for the Neil Diamond concert, and the other couple is vacationing from Puerto Rico.  I served honeydew with prosciutto, followed by asparagus in an au gratin dish topped with two poached eggs, sprinkled with asiago cheese, with a side of bacon and dilly bread.

In the picture starting at the head of the table clockwise are Dan and Barb, vacationing from Canada.   Then we have Jennifer and Roberto, two doctors vacationing from Puerto Rico.  The last couple is David and Jenny from New Orleans.

This was a great group and very funny.  We had a great conversation about book clubs and much more. ”

~ Innleeper Sarah

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Who needs birthday cake when you’ve got cheese straws?

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I love the way Stonehurst Place brings people together … Dr Sarah Stedman came to us as a guest and is now a dear, dear friend!

Sarah came down to breakfast her first morning at Stonehurst Place and shared a thought … what she saw missing in our Music Room was music … and she wanted to loan us one of her treasured pianos to fix that.  Can you believe it?

Sarah is an amazing, true renaissance woman; among her many talents are voice and piano. We were all stunned, shocked, overwhelmed and overjoyed.  Oh, and GRATEFUL!

Sarah is with us tonight, celebrating her birthday.  Happy Birthday, Sarah!  We love and adore you!

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Meet Mrs Castoro

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Recently Innkeeper Sarah Dudys left us for a few days… and returned as Sarah Castoro!

Her wedding was when I was away in London, so I was really happy to get these pictures.  It made me feel like I was there with her and Matt, who is such a great guy.  We heard about Sarah’s wedding planning for most of this year, and it sounded like it would be such an amazing gathering of friends and family.  Afterward, I was really happy to hear Sarah tell me “I couldn’t have been happier on the day!”   That’s how it should be;  Sarah’s planning along with her catering and hospitality background ensured her success.  My advice to Sarah had been to enjoy herself on the day, and it sounds like she really did.

Congratulations, Sarah.  Here’s wishing you and Matt all the happiness you can grab for yourselves.  ♥ Barb

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breakfast today: Peach Pancakes served with yummy Edwards of Surry bacon

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“Breakfast today was Peach Pancakes with Bacon.   I now think I am the Pancake Queen since the last several times I have cooked breakfast it has been pancakes.

I am mastering the art of pancakes!”

~ Innkeeper Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stonehurst Place serves bacon and ham products from Edwards of Surry because we believe in their farming and production methods.

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