Sunday showhouse.....and you're invited!! Plus house updates

Happy Sunday! My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those in Japan, still surreal what is going on there while things are so normal and routine here. May God light the way of the very dark road they have ahead of them...... A few house  picture/updates....got the latest batch of limestone and am thrilled with how its coming along....still in the rough stages but thought I would share anyway as it is quite exciting to see the house inch forward to completion! Also got part I of III of the main staircase...so far they have installed the basement to 1st floor part and it came out amazing...pictures first then onto my Sunday post.

1st batch of marble to arrive for son #1's bathroom

Stairs from basement to first floor

Part of "stair tower"

Limestone work beginning on the rear of the house

Another shot

I love Indiana Limestone.....

This is one of my favorite parts so far! 

Love the cartouche.....

The limestone arches are hard to see with the plastic but they came out even better than we could have imagined!

Another view

Other side of the house (walk out basement side)

Living room sheetrock starts tomorrow

1st floor hallway/gallery

Future library

Dining room ready for sheetrock

***Also I have been asked to guest post on one of my absolute favorite blogs, Party Resources tomorrow...please be sure to visit me there and check out Kate's amazing blog, always full of entertaining eye candy! (www.partyresources.blogspot.com)***

Well we all know what Sunday is around here...a much coveted (at least for me) day of pure relaxation, a lazy day if I so choose and alas a day to do exactly as I please. Today's showhouse Sunday features three incredible homes, any of which I would be delighted to call home! First we start off in Quogue, the low key charming village just outside of the fabled Hamptons, then jet over to Washington DC and last visit the lush countryside of the Santa Ynez valley in California....I would be happy as a clam to spend a getaway weekend in any of these lovely abodes! How about you...do you have a favorite?

 First stop is the glorious Hamptons, Quogue to be specific and to this stunning shingled 12,000 sq foot "cottage" designed by Penny Drue Baird. The gorgeous roof lines and subdued exterior are just the beginning, once inside, the spectacular interiors perfect the vision of the ultimate beach house. The main goal in decorating this house was to keep the large space warm, inviting and comfortable for entertaining...looks like they succeeded!

Then we are off to Washington DC where this fabulous Venice inspired villa got the European touches the owners desired, both in and out. Stephen Shadley did not disappoint in his flawless execution of blending the old with the new. The result is nothing less than fabulous.....

Then we hop on over to the lush valley of The Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara, California....no you are not in Tuscany though this magnificent European influenced estate had Tuscany in mind when it was being designed. This spectacular oasis is on 56 acres and is an organic vineyard estate. This home was painstakingly executed down to the most minute detail to recreate a home/vineyard reminiscent of the Provencal countryside. As pretty as a painting.....

Well, that's it for the Sunday showhouse...would love to know if you have a fave! I don't know about you but those sweeping vistas of the vineyard above have me yearning to spend a month there, though each of these homes is spectacular.  Hope whatever you do today, is exactly what you want to do! Happy Sunday....