Family Houses in the Country

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Genteel Living
Review: Forty-three beautiful summer-type homes appear in large glossy colored format covering more than 250 large size pages that make the book weigh as much as a heavy fire-log ready to sink a coffee table.

Author Alexandra D'Arnoux and award winning photographer Gilles De Chabaneix visit several continents to pick out outstanding dream homes, that although luxurious, with stables, gardens and formal dining rooms, nevertheless look lived- in; loads of lucky children treck through casual libraries, relax, take walks, celebrate birthdays, and play chopsticks on an old piano.

Emphasis here is on family values and most of the places are furnished to create a nostalgic atmosphere. It is like 'Conrad in Search of His Youth.'

This is a wonderful book to have and hug. Whenever a guest opens it up and peers at a picture, there follows a deep longing sigh.

Rating:
Summary: Lovely but lacking
Review: I like this book and its sister book, Family Houses by the Sea (which I prefer). Both books, however, make me feel that I am simply looking through a window at something I cannot have. I find I prefer a new book called Second Home, because it offers the same kind of yummy dreamlike quality yet talks to me about how I can make my getaway dream come true. If you can afford a stack of books on retreats, add this Family Houses volume to the pile. If you can only afford one or two books, I highly recommend Second Home instead.

Rating:
Summary: Great for Inspiration
Review: This book gives you great ideas for building a country home. It doesn't limit itself to only one geographic area, but moves from country to country. It allows you to review different elements, materials and design used over time. It's a beautiful book, great inspiration.

Rating:
Summary: Great for Inspiration
Review: This book gives you great ideas for building a country home. It doesn't limit itself to only one geographic area, but moves from country to country. It allows you to review different elements, materials and design used over time. It's a beautiful book, great inspiration.