Essential elements . . . . . . .

Perhaps I've mentioned before how, some years ago, I became smitten with the
 work of extraordinary Australian designer/stylist, Sibella Court. I first discovered 
her through her book etcetera found when browsing through Anthropolgie.
She is an amazing traveller/collector/historian who brings back elements, both as  
objects and perhaps more importantly, as memories, to translate into her personal
versions of unusual one-of-a-kind interiors.

Besides Sibella's stellar career with many of the world's best known retail giants 
and publications, she was the host of a TV program called Restoration Australia. 
She also has a shop, The Society Inc. in Sydney, Australia which, if I'm ever
 fortunate enough to return to 'the lucky country' for another visit, will be at the top 
of my places to visit list. I know I will spend hours looking through her 'oddities and curiosities.'

  Sibella has shared much of her fabulous global travels in several books. Different in 
their artistic format, they are beautiful to hold, making one anxious to turn the pages.
I have three of them - etcetera, The Life of a Bowerbird, and NOMAD. 
I never tire of looking through them, reading her words, and admiring her 
 brother Chris Court's stunning photography. The books themselves are pieces of art,
 the paper, type fonts, and the layout/design of each page.

Yes, Sibella is a vagabond. . . . . .the hunter, gatherer, traveler I'd most like 
to meet in person some day.
Anyway, look her up, read much more, and if you like to collect unusual elements to
 make your life interesting and creative, go here to Sibella's website where you can
 also visit her blog. Her posts are so interesting - recently she posted on her visit to
 Scotland with her father, and it's lovely.

I discovered a box of bits and bobs I'd tucked away and wondered what

Sibella would do with the contents. This little delicate piece of crochet work, 

still attached to its ball of cotton thread, was begging to be admired.

Looking around I found the perfect place, around the slender neck of my 

Santos cage doll.

A house is not a home……………………

………but hopefully someone can change that! 

You may recall, back in January, I shared the relocation 

story of what is believed to be the oldest residential 

home remaining in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Crabtree Jones House, circa 1795, was moved and you can 

see my previous posts about the plantation house HERE, and 

on the actual move day HERE. 

Last Thursday evening I had an opportunity to actually get inside the house during a North Carolina Preservation Open House/Fund Raiser. For a $10.00 donation you could do a self-tour of the property with a bottle of locally brewed cold beer in hand - I thought that odd, a small antique pewter mug of homemade wine would have been more appropriate - my personal dream. Anyway, as I don't drink beer hubby got two to enjoy on a damp Summer eve! There were several home rehab people scattered about the property who answered our questions. One gentleman, who has apparently brought life back to several historic properties over the years, wished he was younger, and I believe richer, so he could take on this challenge……I could see longing in his eyes.

The interior was quite fascinating but made me realize that rehabilitation is going to be a gigantic undertaking for anyone. I do hope that somebody will come along soon though, someone with a deep respect for history, a clear vision, and of course the funds that a job of this magnitude will require.

Here are a few pictures of the interior - I particularly loved the many fireplaces.

Any 'house whisperers' out there?