In the glow of sunset, Willow Faire welcomes us. This early Second Empire architecture features a mansard roof, wrought iron cresting along the ridge lines, gracious columns on the front porch, and stone accents around the house and on the grounds. The house is constructed of stones quarried nearby. The quoins on the corners are bricks specially made to match the green-grey of the natural stones.
On the east side of the house, we find a charming koi pond being explored by two of the outdoor cats. There's also a charming place to sit and talk or share a glass of lemonade under the shade of a tree. The view of the fountain from the lounge chairs is lovely.
On the west side of the house, the sun shines against the stone work and into the kitchen bay window.
Or just the natural magic of flowers climbing up a trellis.
From here, we can see the wrought iron cresting on the porch roof as well as along the mansard roof. If you look carefully on the corners of the roof ridge, you'll see brass lightning rods.
The roof of Willow Faire is made of copper aged with a lovely patina. The copper is also seen in the ridge lines of the gable windows and in the flashing on the corners of the mansard. The weathervane that tops the roof peak was a gift to Lady Emma from an admiring sea Admiral.
If you look carefully in the second floor window into the stairwell, you can see a white birdcage. Inside, is Lady Emma's bird, Cassanova. We hear he's so charming he can whistle the feathers off a blue bird.
From this window, one can see a glimpse into the second floor lady's lounge
Lady Emma is quite proud of the stone lions that grace her doorway. They were imported from China. Lady Emma refuses to tell any more about them, but there appears to be a hint of a mystery as to their origin and how they ended up at Willow Faire.
Isn't the fountain lovely! It was a gift from the Duchess of Devonshire and her "Dearest Bess". The Duchess is a frequent visitor to Willow Faire and a dear friend of Lady Emma's father.
We're not sure who Lady Emma's gardener is, but he does a wonderful job! Have you ever seen such a perfect lawn?
Please, step inside and we'll take the tour of Willow Faire.
