Monday, January 30, 2012

A Weekend for the Senses



Did you ever have one of those weekends where you did alot, but it still felt relaxing? This was one of those. My group of cackling hens got together for brunch on Sunday. It's always nice to gossip about who's not present, just another reason to go. Iif they stop talking, then you should be worried I say. It was a weekend for a sensory over load I'll say that. My good friend Pixie Stick and I got together finally. We used to work together and it had been almost a year since we saw each other. Before heading out,and the drawn out process of getting ready, I tried my new fragrance choice, Hermes d'Orange Verte. Now mind ya, I only wear three fragrances usually. I wear the same three for years now, and everybody always knows when I've been there. They are,



Terre d'Hermes, Hermes d'Orange Verte, Chole eau de fleur Capucine, and Chanel's Egoiste. I always get comments when wearing these scents, and the d'Orange Verte from Hermes is the newest to the regimen, and did not disappoint. And did it smell yummy! But the highlight of the weekend was the time spent in Doylestown with Pixie visiting the stunning locale of Fonthill.



Fonthill is a modern castle made entirely of concrete and rebar, by the founder of Moravian Tile Works, that we also visited. This castle is not only unique, but bizarre. Mercer used all of the tiles in his home that his tile works created! Fonthill was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer. Archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramist, scholar and antiquarian, Mercer built Fonthill both as his home and as a showplace for his collection of tiles and prints. The first of three Mercer buildings in Doylestown, Fonthill served as a showplace for Mercer's famed Moravian tiles that were produced during the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Designed by Mercer, the building is an eclectic mix of Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles, and is significant as an early example of poured reinforced concrete. Pixie and I entered the house in a very dark entry way. Outside we had noticed that the windows were all different sizes and inside there were openings in the house through walls also of all different sizes. Windows and openings were just placed wherever Mr. Mercer thought one should be. The guide described it as "an architect's nightmare" because nothing was square. Regardless, we were both totally fascinated with the building. It took about 1 hour to go through on an abbreviated tour.





The upstairs floors were too cold to tour in the winter to stay up there long, because there was no heating of course! It's really hard to describe this "house." It really felt more like a castle, but the tiles all over every wall, ceiling and floor in each room were bizarre.



I didn't sense a ghost in the house, just a residual energy of sadness, particularly in the large "library" area. We learned that Mr. Mercer was never married, didn't care for the company of women, was very artistic, loved to travel and collect, everything, and loved his dogs. It doesn't take much guesswork to figure out that he was probably gay, does it? In the house, there are Rollo's pawprints in various concrete stairways, and one is actually labeled Rollo's Stairway. Up next was the Moravian Tile Works.



We also took a tour of the tile works and the entire process of making the tiles was explained as we walked through it. Of course, it was 43F, so it was cold in there- but there was some warmth from the ovens that were going as tiles were being produced. We learned that all of the clay used to make the tiles are from local sources. The tile company became famous when the Pennsylvania State House commissioned Mr. Mercer to completely tile that building. Mercer also tiled many other landmark buildings.




Like Mercer's house Fonthill, the building of the tile works was built entirely out of concrete, and was designed in "Mission Style" like buildings in the American Southwest. Combined with Fonthill, the tile works makes for a great trip! After all that touring and getting chilled it was off to Honey to warm up....and of course, some nibbles. Which were very good and enjoyed, but the four cock-a-tails I had really warmed up the Mistress.



A honey Expresso martini, several!!!!!! They did the trick, but kept me up most of the night! It was nice to get out and about, God know how long this mild, warm winter will hold up. The Mistress usually doesn't go out and about much in the winter and tends to get reclusive in the cold temps. So I'll enjoy it while I can take it. Now.....to muster the energy to greet Monday. Tootles!

21 comments:

  1. Anonymous1/30/2012

    Nooooo, this is utterly incredible,what a place. The library is almost like a strange hobbit hole. The tile works looks fascinating too, oh I want this day out and all washed down with espresso martinis - with gasp, honey?

    I think you had my fantasy date day!

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    1. Thank you so much Tabs! I was wondering what it reminded me of and couldn't put my finger on it!

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  2. You are quite the busy girl!
    Thank you for tour of the castle... fascinating!

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  3. wow what a gorgeous castle reminds me of something you see in a fairytale all you need is prince charming

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  4. ey!! whats my house doing on your blog? What a fabulous weekend!

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  5. Of course this castle is some kind of "special" - but it lets people dream and shows people that dreams can come true - I think the world, the people, the human race need more than ordinary life - they also need art, culture, things that amaze them, and you do honey! Looks like it was a great weekend!

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  6. Mistress, I thought you said stay in? You are always up to something . I swear! How very beautiful. Thank you so much for posting this. I'm thinking I need a day up there. Know any tour guides?

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  7. gosh i would have loved to see this sometime as I love the art of tile.!! Sometimes I feel I'm missing the perfect location for one of my ideas for our 40th

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  8. Thank you so much for posting!! I feel like I just went on vacation. And what a taste in some scent! I like Chanel's scent myself also!

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  9. This looks amazing. I have been to the museum and the tile workshop, but did not know about the Fonthill. This is a must visit. Thanks for the mini tour. And I'll have to try the Hermes scents.

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  10. It's hard to imagine a time before cars, stereos and ipods. Thanks for a peek at this historic castle. But no gin this weekend??????

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  11. Thanks for clueing us into Fonthill- I would love to make the trip and see this bizarre house. The area your in offers alot for you to do, I'll say. By the way, what is the story behind your new banner above its very beautiful!

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    1. Yes, if you like to see alot this is a great area to be!!! I adore the header, thank you! No story, I just thought the picture was stunning, it's Ginger Rodgers whom I loved!

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  12. That is an amazing building! Why have I never seen a photo of it, or heard of it before? Thanks for introducing me to it!

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  13. Very strange house -- don't think I'd want to live there!

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    1. Yes, your right. While I do enjoy architecture, the outside was much more appealing to me then the interior.

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  14. I have heard wonderful things about Eau d'Orange Verte? What a suprise though from Hermès. How would you describe the scent?

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    1. I think you would really like the scent Tamayn.The smell is wonderful and lasts. It sharp and citrusy, with orange blossom, lime, beagmont and herbs. I feel it is suitable for all seasons too unlike Chanel's Egoiste, which for me is best in the winter with my chemistry.

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  15. What a spectacular place... absolutely beautiful dahhling! Enjoyable post. I love when when we get to go along!

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  16. I've been thinking much lately about the American passion for demolition---and our sudden and increasing contempt for older buildings, resulting in uncountable losses.
    And then you have this, in the middle of one of the east coasts most beautiful counties. It always amazes me when I go through there.

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  17. When I first saw the post, I was like when the hell did the Mistress leave and go to Europe!

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!