Queenscliff's Ashby House

There's something visceral about owning something a genuine antique from another culture, another land. Especially when you know the provenance of said antique. I have no desire to own a Malaysian/Balinese antique, but to own a French or Swedish antique would be divine. I love to have just a few choice pieces of French/Swedish antiques in the home (rather than fill it will the same style -one would wonder if it was all repro!). I always remember the living area of Something's Gotta Give with the one Swedish horloge comptoise.



I really enjoyed the long weekend two weekends ago when husband, Hannah and I went to Geelong district in Victoria. I love the houses there and the sea air. Of course, I visited my favourite haunts in Geelong... but we also did some exploring.

We went to Queenscliff, about 40 mins on from Geelong, a lovely touristy seaside town. Whilst sharing a raspberry gelato, we discovered Ashby House, a gorgeous French shoppe, selling antiques, homewares and linens.



What sets them apart from the other French-style furniture stores is that Ashby House is full of GENUINE French antiques. Michael and Julie Melican visit France twice a year (what bliss, husband and I would love that life) to buy for their shop. They come home with containers full of the best things!



Like this giant Spanish antique armoire, from the 17th century. I don't know if you can see from the perspectives of the room, but this armoire is huge. It barely misses the ceiling!



There was also a unique armoire ... with two side sections with shelves but a glassed middle section with four wide, deep shelves... I loved it.



Michael and Julie treated us to a special stay-past-closing-hour-to-yak! I loved this French antique grandfather's clock and mentioned it to Julie, who was keen to share more about it. Turns out Michael and Julie pick these up, broken or not... and brings them home. Michael's taught himself to repair these great things. Apparently these are not "grandfather clocks"... these are "horloge comptoise", or clocks meant for the working folk, the unique thing is not the look, but the strikes. It strikes on the hour once, ringing out the hours, but then in 30 seconds it repeats itself. This is because people who are working in the fields, barns, stables etc don't often know the exact time, but hear it ring... and then they know in 30 secs they will get to hear and count the strikes again. Fascinating! (for me).



But this is my favourite piece. A small ceiling lamp ($1200)... Perfect to hang above the my "dressing table" area in our bedroom.



People, it's worth a visit. Queenscliff, Geelong and especially Ashby House. Check out their fine white linen, their antique silverware and silver compotes, their large French antique furniture, their gorgeously selected artwork, their clothes and even garden settings.

45 Hesse Street
Queenscliff VIC 3225
Australia
+61 3 52581907 Read More..

A Dollhouse Inspired: Barbie & Me

I can't afford my favourite dollhouse ever.

The Bozart Kaleidoscope House

Or the M112 Pod, my second favourite dollhouse, ever.

The M112 Pod, via Mini Modern

But I did pick up this Barbie dollhouse for Hannah for $8.50 at the local Salvos about a year or two ago. It's got almost no furniture left, stickers are in the wrong spot and the front door and fold out counter is missing. No Barbie doll either. (But the phone and microwave work...)



I didn't think I could make this into something designer-esque, although I have been dying to get my own modern dollhouse (adult only!).

But mazzie22 has shown me the error of my ways! I found her Flickr set this morning and am particular inspired by how she's changed hers.

Look, look look!









I'm so inspired. Watch this space as I steal this underused Barbie house to designer-esque it up!

Speaking of ultra inspiration to Barbie homes, check out Haute Doll's photographer Michael Williams a.k.a. mawphoto's EXCELLENT Jonathan Adler-esque Barbie home!















And of course, to celebrate Barbie's 50th Anniversary, he was invited to the Barbie House, designed and decorated by extraordinaire designer, Jonathan Adler! And here are photos of the Barbie house:


You can't see this here... but that sunburst mirror above the fireplace is made from Barbie dolls!


And those chandeliers are made from Barbie hair!

Barbie & Jonathan Adler photos by Michael Williams/Haute Doll Magazine

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Glitzy home... or...?

Isn't this the best home? At night, bathed in light, surrounded by glass walls... imagine it in the daytime!

I just saw it on my rounds in the 'hood... felt so voyeuristic! But just fell in love with the house!













Gorgeous huh? No, No I haven't become a peeping Tom, skulking around with a camera, spying on people living in glass houses at night :)

This is the fantastic work of Aburahouses, on his freaking-tastic dollhouse!







Want one? Contact Aburahouses here. Read More..

Ananda Khalsa

I am madly in want of a piece of Ananda Khalsa's jewelry.
They are so fine!
So whimsical, so precious, so unique, so Christmas/anniversary appropriate :)



Ms Khalsa creates these heirloom-worthy pieces out of Asian art, natural forms, and the cool sleekness of metal. She hand paints each piece on paper and then sets them behind hand-ground glass in fine and sterling silver. Then she accents her pieces with 22k gold. (Which is so good to hear since Asian gold is 24k and that is what I've always grown up with.)



Ms Khalsa even accepts Paypal! heh!

Any of the below will do quite nicely.













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Lolly's Citadel on eBay

One of my favourite modern, mid-century feel dollhouses is on eBay! The Lolly's Citadel, from Lolly's Dollhouse going for a disappointing (for me) US$750...



Until now, closeups and pictures of the interior have been non-existent!



Of course, this one isn't as perfect. It's been used/played and I'd reckon the winner will have to restore it to mid-century glory!




See the mezzanines!

Imagine the possibilities!








4 days more!
Bid for it here!

Blogposts to read:
Modern Dollhouses and Miniatures
Dream Doll House
Mini Modern



Update: CallSmall bought this at an offer price of $400! Can't wait to see what she does with it. First things first... rip off old musty carpet. Read More..