Wednesday, August 6, 2008

DAY TRIPPING


Imagine for a minute we are in the Roman country side -- instead of Malibu.

We've been invited to a villa, located on a sixty-four acre property.

We'll stroll the villa's Herb Garden, which is planted with Mediterranean species.

Most have been in cultivation since ancient times.

Since it's a hot day, let's cool off in the shady entry courtyard (called the Inner Peristyle.)
It’s surrounded by square marble basins and bronze statues of women who have come to draw water from a stream.


Ah, that was relaxing. Now, let's explore the Outer Peristyle.

Are you up to walking the length of the large reflecting pool?


The covered walkways (called peristyles by the Romans) that surround the pool stretch from the villa...

to the Aegean (okay, it’s really the Pacific Ocean, but the view is spectacular!)


Did you notice the inside of the peristyles? They are painted with faux windows, columns and 3-d architectural features that you would swear are real.

Now let's head to The East Garden.

Although the flowers are lovely and the bronze civet heads that adorn the fountain at the center of the space are pretty amazing…

the mosaic-and-shell fountain is the garden’s star attraction.

Okay, I think it's time for a cold drink and an afternoon nap.

Do you think there are any spare guest rooms at the Getty Villa?


FYI:
Designed on the plans of Julius Caesar's father-in-law's country house, the newly restored Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is open to the public for free if you take public transportation. Arrive by car and it will cost you eight bucks. For more info go to www.getty.edu/visit/

25 comments:

Sometimes It's Good said...

Beautiful Place. I need to go back for a visit.

Anonymous said...

Sure doesn't look Malibu-lol.

Wonderful photos. I love the long pool with bronze statues watching over it. The mosiac is beautiful too.

What a fantastic visit and a nice tour.

Have a great week.

NeereAnDear said...

Now here is a post close to my heart.... My Italian heritage...

The arcitecture of this structure is truly amazing... but my favorite is the mosaic... I must say the time it must have taken to make this lovely piece... is a major WOW factor

Thank your for taking me on a lovely trip...

Its so nice to get away from home every oncein a while

CIAO FOR NOW!!

HUGS

JO

Anonymous said...

Could I have a "one way ticket" please. What a beautiful oasis. You find the most amazing places.
Can't wait to see more...!!!
Dianne

Rhondi said...

What a beautiful place. It sure looks like it belongs in Italy. Thanks for showing t to us.
Rhondi xo

Anonymous said...

Listen,
Some people live right!
Thanks for bring me too!
xo
Constance

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Barbara, what an incredible place. Just so inviting and peaceful. Thank you for sharing your amazing pictures.

I am having a giveaway and it would be an honor for me if you stopped by and left a comment.
Blessings,
Celestina
la rea rose

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I'm in the process of designing an Italian inspired home for a client, so this was especially interesting!

Chris said...

Looks like a "must-see" next time I'm in So. California. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos with us.

Fabulous Friday to you, Chris

Anonymous said...

All I can say is...tranquil. So very tranquil.
Brenda

Kathryn Bechen said...

Beautiful! I have not been there since restored, but now I must put it on my TO DO list. :) Thanks for sharing the great photos and glad you are doing well.

Sandy said...

Barbara,
Thank you for the fantastic tour! I'd love to stand amid those bronze ladies drawing water from the long pool. While all the sites on the tour were fantastic, these ladies tell a story and captured my fancy.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

It's so beautiful, isn't it? Stunning photos, looks like you had a blast!

xo Lidy

Michelle said...

Wow - this is really in California? I thought I'd seen it all... guess I know where I need to visit this winter!

Fifi Flowers said...

WOW... gorgeous... and thanks for MAYBE saving me TIME... if you don't mind... I would like to use a couple of your photos of paintings... of maybe I should just go visit the villa... hmmm
Anyway... I've been asked to do some paintings of the Getty for a non-profit event there and one of your photos is PERFECT... and I'm soooo out of time for travel.

Susie Q said...

It has been too long since I was last in CA. I so need to get back there.
This was such a beautiful post...

Love,
Sue

Kathy said...

So gorgeous indeedy. Two close friends work at the Getty, and I know the construction team who built it. My most favorite tour ever was they behind-the-scenes-tour they provided before it opened 9 or so years ago. What great pics you've captured!!!

Julie said...

That is amazing!!! I love the long pools of water with the bronze statues the best!

One Shabby Old House said...

What a wonderful visit. I just traveled from FL to CA without jetlag and what a beautiful trip. Thank you for sharing.
Becky
PS. I love the beautiful room that I see in your banner. It just welcomes your blogging guests.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Whoa! Now that is some kind of villa! I was especially interested in the mosaic and shell fountain! Amazing Barbara..
Hugs,
P

Barbara said...

Interesting tour and very different to all the places we visit.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hi Barbara....how delightful to see these photos from your Getty Villa visit. I enjoyed observing how you composed the shots to take the best advantage of that gorgeous place...I've learned a thing or two from you (and I have a lot more to learn)!

The Old Painted Cottage said...

I have been to this museum several times, and each time it takes my breath away. Loved your photos.

oxox
Jennifer

Barbara said...

You did a great reproduction Barbara

"Maggie & Kevin" said...

Amazing photos and I love the corinth at the top of the post. I just happened upon your blog and will return.