Los Pinones

Los Pinones. That's the name of Roy's home, or land, or ranch, or resort. Whatever you want to call it. I call it first class amazing. I want to go there and stay for weeks. I would pay to stay there. But hopefully they'll just invite me back.

You know how pictures just never do landscapes justice. And especially when you're snapping photos with a little "point and shoot" camera like mine. But I'll try to walk you through the "property" and give you a feel for it's magnificence. (please do me a favor and read the word "property" in a hoity toity fancy rich voice. thank you.)

Oh and try to keep in mind that this "property" use to belong to Georgia O'Keefe. Ever heard of her? A famous painter who did lots of cow skulls and big poppies? well, she's fabulous. She's famous. and she used to own this "property."
Here's a view of the adobe home and landscape. i can't remember what building we're looking at here (Yes, this "property" has multiple buildings. try 6 plus 2 garages.)

One thing I personally love about Los Pinones is the many different paths. There are lots of types of paths, all surrounded by gorgeous bushes and trees, all very natural feeling. They lead all over the property. I think the pathways is what makes this feel like a resort to me. Maybe if I put in some pathways at home that don't resemble sidewalks, I'll feel like I'm on vacation. What do you think?

When you first pull up and park- this is the sight you see... Ty's heart felt faint. Just kidding. but we did like the fact that there is a tennis court and basketball court. Another "resort like" quality.

Here's the main house. It is more sprawling. It does not look like a mansion- although it's a bit deceiving. As you walk around inside, you find it's must larger than it appears. the "luminaries" on the roof are plastic bags that stay up all year long. They light up at night and are just gorgeous.

The garage. I think. Notice the long hanging red chilies. Those are all over town. I think they are so cool! But I think it'd be weird to hang them on my home in Dallas. So I didn't buy any.

Inside the main house. I quickly snapped a photo of the kitchen. I was embarrassed because this was during the reception and the caterers were working hard in here. This angle does not get the best qualities of the kitchen. So just trust me, it's cool.

The main dining room, that walks out to a sleeping porch.

Here's the sleeping porch. Behind the bush on the left is a futon. It gets so chilly at night, I would sleep amazing there. Except I'd be afraid of animals or birds pooping on me or something. This porch looks out to the basketball court and the parking lot.
I didn't get any other pictures inside. Most of the rooms were cozy- but not large enough to get a great picture. And the layout was a bit choppy- not open. Which also made picture taking difficult. So just so you know... there was a couple of living rooms, 2 bedrooms, a few bathrooms, a kitchen, a breakfast nook, a dining room, and an office. All beautifully decorated. The end.

Just kidding! That can't be the end! I've only shown you ONE building!

Just off the main house there is a fabulous garden and out door seating area and kitchen. Here's part of the garden...
more garden

This is the garden area- actually set up for the reception cocktail hour. But it so cool how there is a mixture of levels, stone, grass, covered area, open area, etc. It's just so wonderful.

More of the garden area. The "upper" level. (by the way, Megan and Roy may own all of this and be very rich... but you would never know from talking to them. They are NOT snooty or anything- I just like making everything sound fancy. because it is. But they are very down to earth and generous and sweet people.)

the amazing outdoor kitchen. Megan said they almost never use the indoor kitchen at all. I love it.

this is my favorite part of the garden. this huge wooden wheel barrel full of bird seed. We're going to do this at home someday.

Here's the main house again. as you walk down this path the out door kitchen would be on the left and the awesome garden is on your right.

another path. wow. my favorite.

the bunk house. this is basically 2 hotel rooms. This porch has 2 doors on it. Each one leads to a bedroom. At the back end of the room is a bathroom. And that's it. simple, but useful.

This small courtyard belongs to the guest house. The guest house is an L shape- full of a living room, mini kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. The courtyard is completely private, surrounded by walls and the building. It's a fabulous cozy home.

All in all this "property" can sleep about 30 people. not too shabby.

are you tired of this tour yet? are you tired of my commentary?

Here's a path leading from the pool all the way to the main house. but on the way you run into this...

a work out room. duh. because every resort needs one.

One of the garages. this one has only bikes in it. Roy is a big time biker (mountain biker) and he likes to keep a few of the bikes on hand. the other garage I did not get a picture of, but it keeps the camper trailers. I think he has two. I don't know where they keep their cars. Maybe there is a 3rd garage I didn't find somewhere.

Now... the pool area. this building is at the corner of the pool. It has 2 large doors that open up to create a covered living room area by the pool. It's gorgeous. and full of African drums. Actually I have no idea if the drums are from Africa. I made that up.

Here's the pool. You can see the music room off in the distance. That living room pictured above would be in the bottom left corner of this picture.

The other end of the pool. Can I just sleep here?

the built in couch at the pool. I love all the pillows. I adore the lantern hanging from the tree.

And here is the music room- off the end of the pool. Of course there are multiple paths that lead the music room.

Here is the most amazing door in the world. This has more character in one door than my whole house has.

Ahh... finally... the music room. Ty did not want to be in any pictures, but I made him get in this one for the scale. Do you see how large this big wooden thing is?

So, Roy found it in Indonesia and Loved it. So he bought it, mailed it home, and built a building to hold it. The room has this wooden thing (no idea the real name, "jo-something") it also has a couch, a table, a fireplace, and a stereo. Basically you are supposed to go in here and meditate.

The building also has a kitchen and bathroom too.

Here's a blurry close up of the top of the "jo-something."

and that concludes our tour. come back tomorrow for the rehearsal dinner!