A Review: The Home Within Us: Romantic Houses, Evocative Rooms by Bobby McAlpine & Gifts From Nature
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- Architect and designer Bobby McAlpine creates idyllic houses that wed historical precedent with gracious modern living. His distinguished firms, McAlpine Tankersley Architecture and McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors, are renowned nationwide for their talent in designing residences that resonate with nostalgia, fantasy, and a sense of place. Their dwellings-from country and seaside retreats to homes in historic American neighborhoods-offer favorite period styles with a timeless quality. Presented are over twenty houses in a variety of settings that illustrate concepts running throughout their work. Juxtaposing intimate spaces with lofty entertaining areas and combining unexpected materials, such as stone with thatch, are among the hallmarks of these prestigious firms. Examples include a Mediterranean-revival house with sleek factory-sash windows and classical Roman columns, a beach house with a vaulted hallway leading to a light-filled contemporary salon, and an unusual house that blends Scottish vernacular style with modern details. With lush photography capturing the romance of these houses, The Home Within Us is ideal for anyone wishing to be inspired by the poetic design of a romantic home.
After extensive home repair this week (roof and water pipe burst) I needed a moment. Join me as I try to relax with nature.
Music by EpidemicSound
Mary, you are really such a good storyteller, and your mellifluous voice doubles the enjoyment of your words. I just love your channel and look forward to a pause in a usually hectic Friday afternoon to relax and immerse myself in the witty, gracious entertainment of your channel. Thank you so much!
Well, that is very kind and thoughtful. I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching. Have a great weekend.
I agree !
I’m so sorry your beautiful home was damaged and hope the repairs are completed soon. 🌷🐦⬛
You took the words out of my mouth. Just love Mary also!
Every year I look forward to Spring. I take an evening swim and I can hear the baby birds chirping in our trees and our neighbor's trees. They eventually leave the nest for short periods of time and then they are on their way. We also have colorful dragonflys with their
shimmering wings swoop across our pool. I planted a Milk Weed to attract butterflies and it is thriving with vibrant colors.
Nature is truly miraculous and beautiful.
I really thoroughly enjoy your book reviews, but I love even more your stories about your home afterwards. It’s so interesting and beautiful. I too had the privilege of watching 2 mourning doves incubate, hatch and develope a foot outside my back door on a table! I photographed the whole thing and at times got within a foot of them with my camera. When they left I felt like they were my babies taking their first steps. What a magical experience.
I completely understand. I was so invested in these birds and their well being. I didn't let my cats outside for almost a week. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
@@thetartantopiary 🩷
Oh Mary this is beautiful I love this time you take to share with us your voice is so calming. I thank you so much for this channel. You will never know the friendship the kindness you show. It’s so appreciated. Love you the next time.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment. I always appreciate your encouragement. Have a great weekend!
Mary, you guys have needed quite a few “ moments for quiet nature” in the last season! Thank you for putting together another amazing upbeat slice of life at your house! Those birds and their names…and your humor👍🏻
We will get through it, and in the big picture of life, this little problem will fade away! McEnroe, Boris, Jolene and Tiny Dancer is what I will remember. Thanks for watching!
❤🐦⬛❤🐦⬛❤🐦⬛❤ you were very clever and witty naming the baby birds. One of your nicest video. Thanks for sharing! 🙏
Thanks for watching!
As much as I loved your book review I loved your story regarding the ups and downs of owning an older home. Your home is just lovely! Look forward to more glimpses into your home and the travels you sometimes take us on near and far. Love it all!
Oh my, im still crying after watching those sweet baby birds leave the nest.😂❤ I'm glad you noticed them and were able to get the cats inside. Thank you for sharing your wonderful voice, beautiful books, home and nature!😊
Me too! I'm glad you enjoy the channel. Thanks for watching.
... love your calming videos, Mary. Thank you!
I'm so glad. Thank you!
Thank you Mary
I’ve loved Bobby’s work for many years . I’ve never purchased one of his books , I will now .
Your bird story was so heartwarming . I wish more people appreciated the birds we are so blessed to hear and watch from our windows !
Birds are indeed a gift!
Mary,
Thank you for another great video. I am sorry for your string of troubles and hope your restoration is smooth and uneventful. Loved BORIS! Thanks for reminding us of the soft side of nature.
Thank you! Sometimes we need a small bump in the road to remind us of how fortunate we really are.
It is certainly sobering and reassuring in equal measures that even in the midst of chaos nature prevails. Mary, you are so gracious to share your delightful back porch with the wren families. Kinda nice that the house offers protection to not only generations of human families but also the feathered kind. Keep your pecker up, this difficult time will pass and perhaps afford you the opportunity to put a new stamp on your decor. Best wishes.
I will indeed keep my pecker up. 😄 As long as my family is happy and healthy, I think I could make it through anything!
Hello Mary, I apologize for not writing you sooner, and often. Your channel and charm, the selections of books, your crafts, tablescapes and your love of home and garden bring me joy, as well. Thank you for your endeavors. I know it takes time and effort away from your own home and personal delights. I hope your new courtyard is as rewarding and calming as it is lovely and refreshing. Blessings to you and yours, Nancy
I very much appreciate that. I am so glad you took the time to comment. It is people like you that keep me motivated, thank you!
Thank you for another wonderful book review. I will never have the budget to hire such a talented professional but design books always inspire me to create the perfect spaces for my lifestyle. I’m so sorry your beautiful home was damaged but I appreciate your thoughtfulness to restore rather than to take a cheap shortcut.
My parents hired a well known architect in 1976 to design their dream house. I was 8 years old and overheard the discussion of the architects fee. I knew, even then, hiring an architect would probably be out of my reach. I also realized why my Levi jeans and my Izod shirts were passed down to me from my brother. I know now, it could have been worse. 😊
Hi Mary! Wonderful book review; thank you for broadening our knowledge of designers and their talents. Admire your commitment to your historical home; cannot imagine roof with anything but slate. The water damage was a terrible thing to experience and I know it’s hard getting through the process of repairing/restoration. Nature is a soothing reminder for me too; flowers, greenery and watching the birds are definitely stress relievers. I am glad you have craftsmen who can restore your home as it’s getting difficult to find….even repairmen for older clocks are almost obsolete. You are a delight and I am so grateful for your channel.
Oh Mary! What a fabulous video! Touring your porch with your feathered friends was delightful, the music was perfect…and their names so clever.♥Thank goodness for your beautiful gardens, a truly welcoming respite from the nuisance of home repairs. It’s times like that I’m reminded of the popular television shows Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie…the repairs would vanish with a twitch our nose or blink of our eyes.✨🌟✨Thank you for a perfect beginning to the weekend!
Aww- you are so welcome. This would have been a great opportunity for Samantha to exercise her twitching nose. The great thing about Bewitched was that Sam had these powers, yet she had to wield them carefully, as Darren was not a fan of her "gift". 😄 Best show ever!
Oh Mary!!! How absolutely awful for you. Your poor house. But yes, Nature is such a soothing presence. My garden is full of flowers and birdsong. It is my greatest treasure. I adore your home and garden. I hope that you continue to enjoy living there and that everything starts to settle down. Thankyou for your beautiful channel. Warmest regards from England x
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. The house repair will soon be a distant memory. I know in the future- what we will remember from this spring will be the baby birds and not the roof or water pipes! 🐣🪺
That was lovely thank you. Mc alpine is a fabulous architect- and my favorite is the soft side of nature…..whether it comes in feathers, fur or with hair like your kitty. ❤ They make a home. The soft side of nature- in all forms. 😊
Thank you, and you are right, from feathers to fur, they all delight my heart.
Love your house and garden tours! Your back porch is beautiful. I have a small balcony container garden in Atlanta, and every spring a mama and daddy bird build their nest and keep watch over their baby. So relaxing to witness the growth. However sometimes we haven’t always gotten along. Last year they built their best in a topiary by the back door, every time I came out the mom or dad flew right past my face, pretty close a N d scared me to death, I learned to shake the topiary so it flew off and I could sit outside. Enjoy your post every Friday!
I thoroughly enjoy my Friday afternoons with you, Mary! I have learned so much about these talented artists and gorgeous homes! How awful about your water pipe damage, what a mess to have to go go through. We had plumbing issues the week of Thanksgiving and when the 2nd story toilet was flushed it came up through the first floor toilet and into the basement and drain. What a god awful mess it was! Thank you for putting life in perspective with those sweet Wrens! Boris, McEnroe and Tiny Dancer were spot on! Love and all the best to you and Daniel this week!!
I find the stories people are sharing about home repair woes very therapeutic. Thanks for sharing yours. We will get through it and we will get through the next one also. 😃 I appreciate your well wishes and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! 💗
This was such an enjoyable video! Thank you for reminding us of the wonder of Mother Nature and that she does indeed have a soft side!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching.
What a lovely video. 🇨🇦🥰
Mary, This post was particularly soulful, from Bobby McAlpine and on to your own "home within." It takes a lot of heart and soul to live in a home for a generation or more. It starts talking to you at a certain point, doesn't it? ALL your observations on your home rang so true to me, who lives in a 1939 wee gem of a house and yard for 26 years. I love watching the birds and other critters enjoying the trees I planted that are mostly mature. Your bird names are hilarious!! Anyway, I also share a feeling of respect for the prior owner, and sense of leaving a legacy.
Thank you. I do feel the home speak. Even as a child I would personify houses. They do project an energy. When I was a preschool teacher I always made it a point to read "The Little House" by Virginia Lee Burton to my students. I bet you would enjoy it too.
Hello Mary and thank you for this review. I have to admit.....your lovely, soothing voice makes everything happening to your beautiful home so trivial. While I know material things are low on the list......they can be trying! However, you are correct about nature...it's the tranquil antidote that helps us get through most everything and with no bad side effects! The flowers look so beautiful, and I hope soon your home looks just as beautiful as always! Say hi to Dan and have a wonderful week! Hugs! :)
You are right, material things are low on the list. As long as we are happy and healthy I can get through most woes. I'll tell Dan you said "hello". Thanks for watching and have a wonderful week! Hugs in return!
Thank you so much Marry❤
You mesmerized me with your delicate voice and videos of nature at its best!!!!! Thank you Mary, I love these videos/
Thank you so very much!
another good one Mary. The history of your home was especially good
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Hi Mary !! another great book you shared with us ! How disappointing about your lovely home, however it can be repaired and what matters most is you will get through it ! I know when bad things happen it can be stressful and we think what next?!?!! Be thankful it was not worse and life goes on !! Love the sweet little bird family! Hugs Paula
Paula- that is exactly what I was thinking. I do consider myself lucky, as I know it could have been far worse, but I couldn't help listen to that voice in my head..."what next". My family is healthy and happy and that fact will get this "mama" through most anything! 💗
You are certainly the hostess with the mostest letting this little family take up residence, and I had such a good chuckle at the Boris bird since it's absolutely amazing the resemblance with the hairdo! Sorry bout the damage to the house, hope all with be resolved with time.
Thanks for that fabulous book and the Flying of the Wren 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
You are so welcome. Thanks for watching.
I loved this video, beautiful book and photography. What a sweet tale of your porch and your visiting nesting birds. I had to laugh at the little one named Boris, being originally from England I see the simularity of the scruffy hair do on that one. Take good care until next time and hoping your repairs and renovations are over forvthe time being.
Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. The birds were a wonderful distraction, especially Boris! 😄
As a deranged old movie buff, I detected a vein of old Hollywood running throughout Mr. McAlpine's designs, as if Norma Shearer could suddenly appear coming in from the garden, a harvest basket filled with flawless roses on her arm. Your choice of music nicely enhanced this feeling. I cringed throughout the shots of your home disasters, you and Daniel deserve a medal. Wish my hydrangeas were as blue as yours, but no matter how how much aluminum sulfate I use, they bloom pink. Perhaps the alkaline level is too high? Thanks for another wonderful video.
Great observation, and I see the cinematic flair also. We have hydrangea throughout the garden. Most are blue, but we do have some pink and even a few white. I love them all. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Lovely book. Enjoyed your love of nature. I to have the same little birds that nest over my entry door each season. I enjoy watching like a mothet hen until they fly. When they fall out I climb the latter and put them back in the nest as the parents dive at my head. Again Mary I love the jewelry and those beautiful nails. Sorry about the broken pipes, hope thats the end of repairs for a long while. Enjoy your garden and the new location of your potting area. Until next time.
I think we are truly blessed, in ways we are unaware of, when we help others. People that show kindness toward other creatures, both great and small, are the best people. Thanks for sharing and thank you for the sweet comment.
I can so relate to living through a restoration process as I too am doing so presently. Glad the little birds offered you a respite from the ordeal. So charming!❤
I feel your pain. The first week the repair was going on I had coffee early and was dressed by 7:00 am to avoid the repairmen. The second week of the repair I was drinking coffee in my robe and asking them if they wanted a cup.
Exactly!🤣🤣🤣
Feel so bad about your needed home repairs but it seems that you have handled them so graciously. You are such a sweet example to us al.
That is kind of you. I must say, I owe a lot to my neighbor, who is more gracious than I, as they guided me through this process.
Thank you Mary,that was so relaxing with the babies.i live in phoenix and had bunnies born in my courtyard.
Oh, be still my heart! I wish I had a family of bunnies.
I’m sorry you’ve experienced so much with your home lately. But I so appreciate you for being such a good custodian! I feel a failure on the soft side of Mother Nature: I just got rid of a barn swallow nest on our front porch. We loved watching the babies but hated the poo all over the front porch. I keep telling myself we’re putting trees in our treeless landscape for them - though I don’t know that they will build their nest in a tree. Alas, you are a better custodian of Mother Nature than I am. And your jewelry collection is more extensive than mine 😉
You need house wrens. The parent birds take all of the waste from the nest. I watched them do it and I was amazed at their cleanliness!
I found this episode especially good. The background music for the book presentation was very much suiting the vibes of the wonderful pictures. Sorry any awkward english. I love this channel very much, thank you.
No need to apologize, I appreciate all your comments. Thanks for watching!
Nature always does the trick 🥰
So true!
Delightful Mary! I applaud you!
Thank you!
Beautiful book!! Sorry to hear about your house...my Dad use to tell me you had money until you purchased a home and a car...lol...very true words
Birds build on my back porch also...so fun to watch them
I love the quote from your dad...no truer words!
"Tartan Dancer" you are wonderful also. Thank you for everything!
Thank you!
Another wonderful book review, thank you! I do enjoy the soft side of nature too. We've watched two sets of nesting/baby birds so far this season. Wrens and Phoebes. Loved your flowers too. Oh how I miss those wonderful steamy area flowers. And how wonderful to live in a historic house. (Ok, just realized I used wonderful 3 times, but I mean it!) Looking forward to the next video, thanks!
That's wonderfully wonderful! 😄Phoebes are supposed to be very tolerant of humans being in close proximity to them. Was this your experience?
Oh Mary, you always bring such wonderful content to us.
The book for today was beautiful!! The music you choose each time is so wonderful and calming as is your voice.
I am so sorry for all your challenges with your home. I am so happy you were able to replace the stone shingles on your roof. Your home is grand and gorgeous. Your sense of humor is the best!! The precious birds nesting in your little porch area was so heart warming. Your comparisons between the birds and actual people were bang on. Nature really does have a way of helping us put things into perspective and helps us appreciate the beauty around us that all too often we don't stop to admire. Keep strong Mary!! I look forward to seeing you again soon! 🌺🦅🌸🕊🥀
Thank you for the uplifting comment. As long as my family is healthy and happy that is all the matters. Watching the little birds and the attentive care of the parents did change my perspective. The repair work is almost complete and has gone very smoothly. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend.
What a wonderful book. The music that went along with this book was so wonderful. I don’t know why it struck a chord with me but I just love that music
I like it too. It's a song called "Blooming Meadows" by Arden Forest
Hi Mary...this glass was 1/2 full as you found the silver lining to your current woes! The soft side of your video made for the cutest story and one I won't forget anytime soon. This bump in the road will pass soon and all will be well to your lovely home (enjoyed the history too). Yes, Alabama, way down south and high of 96 today. Really liked Bobby McAlpine's book review ~ Enjoyed the fun parts...next Friday,
Wow, 96 degrees! I hope you found a cool spot to enjoy. Finding the silver lining is the most important thing and watching all the baby birds successfully fly away was indeed the silver lining. The repair work is almost complete and that has gone very smoothly. Thanks for watching and I always appreciate your positive energy!
@@thetartantopiary Thank you Mary. Also, I always appreciate your kindness and friendship. I welcome your videos each Friday and your faithfulness to your viewers.
Thanks for the calming and soothing narrative I've been meaning to tell you whenever I need a relaxing moment I check in with you this one with the birds was so fairytale like it took me thank you for summarizing every episode it was classic enjoyment as with all your endings
That is a very thoughtful comment and I appreciate your encouragement. Thanks for watching.
The book was marvelous,I watched the first of videos several times,but was not sure ,did he use a garden urn as a sink,if so I am stroking ♥️ I have to have this book,I saw a house that he did in Nashville near my grandson’s home. Yes Mother Nature is a cure for a lot of things,but. sometimes she causes us problems. Your garden is beautiful,I have to have something in the house even if is grocery store flowers or birch sticks ,of course always a few orchids since they are so cheap now . Your story about your feathered friends crack me up …our yard looks like a bird sanctuary we have baby blue birds ( the is a camera inside the box) baby tree swallows their mom will dive bomb if too close …. baby downy woodpeckers,and many more we have feeders ,I know some people don’t feed in the summer,but we do.We sit outside every time we get a chance ,especially early and late in the evening…..I tell my husband this what OLD PEOPLE do for entertainment 😂 better than TV .🌿🍃
This book was McAlpine's first and I don't have his newer ones, but I should get them. And, yes, the garden urn was fitted as a bathroom sink...genius! I think watching birds is better than watching TV also! I'm jealous of your bird cam. I could really get some entertainment from that! Have a great weekend.
Thanks you for sharing. So sorry for your trouble s bit so glad you are maintaining the historical integrity of your home. I have baby birds at my front and back door❤
Birds at the front and the back. I'm jealous. Are they the same species?
@@thetartantopiary I don't think so...just sparrows. Very chatty babies!
While I love the book reviews I really look forward to the glimpses of your life. I loved your story of the wrens. I have Barn Swallows that nest on my porch and have enjoyed them for almost 20 years.
It lightens the heart, to watch these little creatures. Thanks for the comment.
Love you two as a couple you are so cute together and your videos are top notch.
I appreciate that!
So enjoyed, the birds and the names were perfect . Must say how cleaver you are . So sorry about the damage to house, I don’t do to well when these things happen . 🥴
What a sweet video. Thank you for that long sigh we were all needing❤❤❤
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you have a great weekend!
Love this video.....and love the story of Boris and McEnroe.....perfect names !!!!
That baby bird really did look like Boris Johnson to me. 😄
What a lovely video. Thank you!!
I appreciate that and thanks for watching!
Mary, I love your channel and this video I really thoroughly enjoyed more than any other. I’m buying this book for one thing and I loved seeing all the charming details of your beautiful home. The slate roof - just stunning. Costly but so worth it. Thank you for sharing this and have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you so much, and I'm glad you enjoyed the book. I agree, slate does make for a beautiful roof. I hope your week ahead is a great one.
@@thetartantopiary bought the book yesterday on eBay for $9!!!
I am definitely getting this one!
Thank you for the "bird's eye view" of the birds (aply named) leaving their nest.
I was as anxious as the bird parents. They all made it!
Oh, I could relate this week! I had a pipe leak under my slab, then the shower began to drip, then the outside faucet split, and my house is only 50 yrs. young. I was not as hospitable to the wrens as you were. One tried to build a nest in the wreath on my front door. I had to keep discouraging her/him.
The joy and responsibility of owning a home has many sides!
Oh my... I do feel your pain with the water damage! We had traipsed off to the Mexican riviera for a bit of R&R. The last evening we were there, I received a call from our house sitter telling me that a pipe under the kitchen sink had burst! I directed them on how to shut the water off at the main valve and began chewing my nails! The damage was traumatizing...
But as we exhaled, we began to see the silver lining and soon decided that we may as well do some renovation while everything was turned upside down!
It turned out beautifully!!!
I would not wish that experience on anyone...
Lovely as always 💕 Enjoy your weekend! We will be blessed here with two gorgeous days 🎉 Look for your silver lining...😂
Wow, thank you for sharing. I can't imagine the anxiety of having that happen while on vacation. You were fortunate to have a house sitter.
Yes, looking for the silver lining is the best advice. 💗
Oh Mary ,you made me laugh with the Boris Johnson referencece 😂😂😂
Love your videos.
Thank you!
I wish you would share a tour of your porch and the rest of your house. It looks so interesting! We have wrens that return to our porch each year.
I have shared small tours in past videos. I honestly don't think it's anything special, but I'll keep your request in mind. Thank you!
I prefer the soft side of nature myself after living through hurricane Idalia last year. But I'm thankful 🙏 for the minimum amount of damage.
Hurricanes seem to dominate my thoughts in September. I know hurricane season is more than 1 month, but September seems to be the time to watch for our area.
Oh Mary I am so sorry about the house damage. We’ve been through it and have more to go here. At some point we have to fully move out of our house to have the floors repaired and/or replaced in our 90 year old Miami home. I am not looking forward to that transaction. Your home will be a shining star once again. That we can count on.
Wow, you have totally put things into perspective for me. Moving out was not needed for this repair. The work is almost complete and has gone very smoothly! I hope that is the case for you when you take on the floor repair. Thanks for the comment and I hope you have a great weekend.
@@thetartantopiary we are headed to Napa CA for the week for some much needed away time with the family.
That bird was definitely Boris. 😆😆😆
Oh no! I'm so sorry for your troubles! I hope the "sunshine" returns!💙
Thank you! Things are already looking better.
🥰😍🤩
💖🌳👍💐
Yay! “This book ‘has’ 240 pages” instead of “This book ‘is’ 240….” which often caused a quick gasp as, just for a second, I thought it was the price!
Maybe I should say "this book is comprised of 240 pages".
I am sorry for all the necessary things you are having to deal with. We love the birds and watch and feed and enjoy so many….Orioles, wrens, hummingbirds and many more..
The repair work is almost complete and it could have been worse. Tell your orioles to come visit us. I have only seen a few and they are such beautiful birds.
Ihave to share that Orioles love grape jelly and clementines!! I found an Oriole feeder at Mendard’s. We go through a large jar of jelly every other day. They will sit on our deck and sing to get my attention that they are out of jelly! They even try to feed out of the hummingbird feeders. When you see them and their antics and bullying each other…oh goodness!!
I’m first.
Yay!!!
🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
Love your house and garden tours! Your back porch is beautiful. I have a small balcony container garden in Atlanta, and every spring a mama and daddy bird build their nest and keep watch over their baby. So relaxing to witness the growth. However sometimes we haven’t always gotten along. Last year they built their best in a topiary by the back door, every time I came out the mom or dad flew right past my face, pretty close a N d scared me to death, I learned to shake the topiary so it flew off and I could sit outside. Enjoy your post every Friday!
Thank you, I appreciate that. It's amazing the fear that a little tiny bird can cause. I have been head bombed many times. Blue Jays can be really frightening.