 LocationsMontrealHotel Places d'ArmesGuests of the Painted House stay at Hotel Places d'Armes Savour the sophisticated ambiance of this boutique hotel, and surrender to the enchantment of its 48 elegant rooms and suites. The hotel is housed in a historical building dating back to 1870, in the heart of Old Montreal, and was created to provide an ambiance of warmth and intimacy for you to experience and enjoy. Hotel Places d'Armes701, Cote de la Place d'Armes Montreal, QC, Canada H2Y 2X6 Tel: 888-450-1887 Tel: 514-842-1887 URL: www.hotelplacedarmes.com Here is a list of some of the places that Debbie has visited for inspiration! The AdirondacksThe Shelburne MuseumSpanning three centuries of American culture, Shelburne Museum houses an extensive and diverse collection of folk, fine and decorative art. There are over 80,000 objects, on exhibit in 37 exhibit buildings on 45 acres. These include decoys, weathervanes, quilts, carriages, circus memorabilia, American paintings, and prints, and Impressionist works. Among its exhibit buildings and historic structures, Shelburne maintains seven restored period homes; a 1901 round barn; a one-room schoolhouse; a lighthouse, jail and general store; and the 220-foot steamboat, Ticonderoga, a designated National Historic Landmark. Shelburne Museum stencil designs are available through the Museum Store. For information call 1-800-639-3840. A guided tour of selected buildings is conducted at 1pm daily, except holidays, from late-October through late-May. Reservations are suggested. Open 10am to 5pm daily, late-May to late-October. Located on U.S. Route 7, Shelburne, Vermont, 05482. For general information, you can call at (802) 985-3346 or visit their web site at www.shelburnemuseum.org. Lake Placid LodgeThe Lake Placid Lodge recreates the glory days of the late 1800s, when visitors vacationed in the Adirondacks in the most luxurious of rustic quarters. Here you'll experience everything from featherbeds to anything-you-want service while right outside your door lies the breathtaking grandeur of the Adirondack Park. Legally designated forever wild in 1892, the vast borders of the park shelter an enchanted forest of six million acres, with a thousand alpine lakes, a great green blanket of primeval forest and rugged peaks rising upwards of 5,000 feet. The Lake Placid Lodge is a hotel in the true tradition of Adirondack retreats, where the remote austerity of the northern forest contrasts with the comfort and luxury within; where the roaring fireplace and the blaze of gaiety around the table belie the hush of moonlight on the water. If you would like to contact the Lake Placid Lodge, you can call them at (518) 523-2700 or fax them at (518) 523-1124 or check out their website at www.lakeplacidlodge.com. Island OutpostTo reach the entire island outpost line of resorts, please visit their website at www.islandoutpost.com. For reservations, you can call: 1-800-OUTPOST South Beach, MiamiThe Leslie1244 Ocean DriveThe 1930's structure on Ocean Drive, has been given a 1990's revamping by Island Outpost under the direction of Barbara Hulanicki. The three story, 43-room Art Deco property's interiors reflect the bright exterior with painted doors, walls and headboards in hues of pink, tangerine, turquoise, and lavender. The four suites are designed with more subdued tones of natural wood and beige so they do not distract from the ocean views. The Marlin1200 Collins Ave.The Marlin debuted in November 1991 and launched the Island Outpost concept. Originally built in 1939 by L. Murray Dixon, the property's design artfully combines the building's original sleek Art Deco style with modern interiors. The Marlin underwent a complete refurbishment in 1997 featuring an Afro-urban decor by Barbara Hulanicki, the creative force behind the hotel's original renovation. Each suite has the feeling of a spacious contemporary loft, with earth tones of red, ochre, brown and beige, custom designed furnishings, hardwood floors and brushed stainless steel accents on counter tops, bathroom fixtures and doors. The Marlin has 12 suites, each featuring an unusual design aspect. For instance, Suite 206 offers an exercise area with a life cycle and free weights and Suite 305 includes an in-room state-of the-art recording studio. The Cavalier1320 Ocean Drive.Originally built in 1936, it was reopened by Island Outpost in 1992. All the interiors feature a relaxed decor in soothing earth tones with antique and reproduction furniture, working desks and terra-cotta tiled floors. Bold fabrics embrace African themes and in-room photographs capture the history of fashion photography. Other amenities include telephones with voice mail, and a computerized lock system. JamaicaJakes at Treasure BeachTel: 876-965-0635Email: jakes@cwjamaica.com Jake's is a collection of eight pastel-colored cottages set on one of the Caribbean's most intimate coves. Located in the small fishing village of Treasure Beach, on the serene south coast of Jamaica, Jake's is a two hour scenic drive from the Montego Bay Airport. This family-owned hotel opened in 1994 and is an ideal escape. Designed by Sally Henzell and managed by her son, Jason, Jake's restaurant, pool, and cottages are an eclectic mix of the Jamaican, Mexican, Greek, and Catalan styles. The rooms are just steps away from the Caribbean Sea where guests can snorkel, fish, canoe or simply swim and sunbathe on a private beach or in the saltwater pool. Special excursions can also be arranged including trips to waterfalls, a picnic on a deserted island, river safaris, bicycle tours, fishing and hiking. Half Moon Rose HallA member of the Elegant Resorts, Half-Moon is renowned throughout the world. This unique resort sits on four hundred acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens, and includes a private half-moon shaped bay - which gives the resort its name. To check out all the activities please visit their website at www.halfmoon.com. The Address for THE HALF MOON RESORT is: Half Moon Golf, Tennis and Beach ClubP.O. Box 80 Montego Bay, Jamaica Tel: 876-953-2211 Tel (Reservations): 876-953-2615 Tel (Toll Free): 800-626-0592 Good Hope Country HouseSimple Facts: 45 minutes from Montego Bay airport , 10 special bedrooms with antique furniture, delicious home cooked meals, lots of horses & trails & bicycles too! Swim on the river or in the pool, tennis, videos, artist studios, games, music and hammocks. 15 minutes away from the sea, great for honeymoons, weddings & group retreats! The address for the GOOD HOPE COUNTRY HOUSE is: P.O. Box 50Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica New YorkW HotelWe've revamped the business traveler's entire hotel experience. The result? W. Unique in design. Unparalleled in service. It starts with the rooms - fully stocked with everything from Aveda bath products to plush down comforters. Need anything else? Just let us know. Our staff knows their stuff inside and out. Supper for two at the chicest spot in town? You don't even have to leave the building. In each W lobby, you'll find the finest of restaurants, lounges, and cafŽs. And our fitness centers are just the thing to keep your mind and body balanced. It's all part of the experience. W NEW YORK is inspired by nature and dedicated to service. It is a magical place where your every whim is within arm's reach. Every inch of this 722-room oasis is bathed in soothing light and natural tones. W Hotel541 Lexington Avenue New York, NY, USA 10022 Tel: 212-755-1200 Fax: 212-319-8344 URL: www.w-hotels.com MassachusettsHancock Shaker VillageExplore Shaker life as you visit twenty historic buildings within a working heritage farm. Watch traditional crafts being produced in original Shaker workshops and try crafts in the Discovery Room. Presentations of Shaker music, worship and life and first person portrayals offer a variety of experiences from which to choose. Hancock Shaker VillageRoutes 20 & 41 Pittsfield, MA Tel (Toll Free): 800-817-1137 URL:www.hancockshakervillage.org EnglandThe Pavilion Hotel The Rock and Roll HotelLocated near Oxford Street and Hyde Park in London, England. The hotel is photogenic and has become a popular location for photographic shoots for The Clothes Show, Arena, Vogue, Company, Esquire, and Loaded. Rooms are themed to project a funky and glamorous image. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from Paddington Station and is accessible from Heathrow Airport via the fast train service from Waterloo Station. Rooms are crammed with quirky eccentricities and benefit from having all the necessities of modern day living such as en suite facilities, direct dial telephones and satellite television. The Pavilion is popular amongst the fashion, media and music world. They can be contacted at www.msi.com.mt/pavilion. Old Colehurst ManorIs situated in Historical Shropshire in the heart of England, near the medieval town of Market Drayton. Undoubtedly one of the finest period houses, perhaps because they are a living home where visitors are welcomed as guests, to see a house restored as a labour of love by its present owners. All the rooms are used by the owners and their pets. The beautiful timber frame house has a warmth and a tactile quality which people just can't resist. Colehurst is a place for all the family to enjoy, be it children or adults to learn about history and be spell bound by numerous stories of a by-gone era. Old Colehurst ManorColehurst, Market Drayton Shropshire, England TF9 2JB Tel: 44 1630 638833 Fax: 44 1630 638647 Email: oldcolehurst@compuserve.com URL: www.stargate-uk.co.uk/old-colehurst-manor/general Charlton HouseCharlton HouseShepton Mallet, near Bath Somerset, England BA4 4PR Tel: 44 1749 342 008 Fax: 44 1749 346 362 Charlton House was opened in March 1997 and is owned by Roger and Monty Saul, founders of The Mulberry Company. Transformed using the Mulberry Home Collection of furnishings and fabrics, The House now exudes an atmosphere of relaxation and informality rather than the look but don't touch attitude of many country houses. Email: reservations-charltonhouse@btinternet.comYou may be interested to look up Charlton House on any of the following web sites: www.grandheritage.com www.travelweb.com www.mulberry-england.co.uk www.placestostay.com www.bestloved.com www.johansens.com ItalyPalazzo TerranovaA perfect retreat; Heaven and earth meet at the top of the Umbrian hill where Palazzo Terranova nestles. Palazzo Terranova is located in the north of Umbria near the Tuscan border and is easily accessed from Florence and Rome airports. It serves as the perfect base for explorations of Renaissance Italy; a land of tobacco and vines; biscuit coloured towns and villages cresting craggy hills, and acres of thick forest. Winding roads hug the sexy hillsides that rise from the plains to the craggy heights of the land of Piero della Francesca, Michaelangelo, Raffaello and Luca Signorelli. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Montefalco, Orvieto, Montepulciano, and Chianti districts. Sarah and Johnny Townsend's Italian hospitality always means excellent food; the kitchen produces lively food that changes with the seasons. The wines and oils are local, some made by the Townsends themselves. This is truffle country and when in season, funghi porcini are mainstays in the kitchen. Game is also a local speciality. Wild boar, pheasant, venison and partridge regularly come to the table. The cooking is in the local tradition, distilled to produce what is simply best. There is no pretension here. Any time is a great time to come to Terranova! Special thanks to Baron Francesco Ricasoli for granting us an interview and warmly inviting The Painted House into his enchanting castle, Castello di Brolio. Castello di BrolioThe Brolio Castle, home of the Ricasoli family since 1141, is one of the main landmarks of the Chianti country. The castle stands in a strategic position where the hills of Chianti unfold toward the plain of Siena. It is surrounded by a beautiful park including a picturesque Italian garden. It's massive walls date back to the Renaissance and look out over what is perhaps the most spectacular view of the Chianti region. |