to “change its spots.” Whether the water is indigo or a rich coppery green, the effect upon the sensibilities of the observer is always the same.
It was the idea from the beginning to preserve the grounds in the natural wildness of tangled hammock in so far as it does not interfere with the general plan. This has been accomplished to a satisfying degree. Where flowering shrubs have been introduced, they have been selected with absolute care so that they should not jar upon the original subjects. This recently transplanted nursery stock harmonizes perfectly with the landmarks. Fully to
appreciate a group of cocoanut palms, one must see their slender trunks curving upward against a tropic background of indigo water and lighter sky. The effect otherwise is greatly minimized.
This house in its design is thoroughly Italian, with an H-shaped plan. The screened loggia acts as the central feature to divide the recreative and guest rooms on the one hand from the domestic and owner’s subdivisions on the other. About the central patio is a cloistered gallery upon which the rooms open through wide French doors. Sweeping stairways descend from the patio, winding around
in a fountain pool built in at the base of the eastern wall and supporting the patio balustrade. There are no inside doors on the first floor with the exception of that from the breakfast room to the pantry and kitchen, the rooms being divided by rich colonnades or wide openings.
The dining room is finished in red gum, worked to a finish that equals in richness of color that of Circassian walnut. This room has a spacious fireplace. At the east end large doors open on to a wide dining terrace from which there is an attractive view of the Italian formal garden and terraced
lawns in front of the house and extending down to the bay.
A massive Italian staircase, that has for its origin in design a similar one in northern Italy, leads from the main hall to the second story where there are five large chambers, each with its well appointed bathroom. These rooms open to the central loggia and galleries.
The roof of the house as well as that of the garage has been particularly well handled and the color effect leaves nothing to be desired. The admirable blending with the hues of the landscape pro
THE PATIO