best of Santa Fe: the Loretto Chapel Staircase

A visit to the Loretto Chapel was one of the high points of our trip to Santa Fe.

I enjoyed the legend of the infamous staircase so much that I had to share it here for those of you that have never heard it:

"Two mysteries surround the spiral staircase in the Loretto Chapel: the identity of its builder and the physics of its construction.
When the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878, there was no way to access the choir loft twenty-two feet above. Carpenters were called in to address the problem, but they all concluded access to the loft would have to be via ladder as a staircase would interfere with the interior space of the small Chapel.

Legend says that to find a solution to the seating problem, the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. After searching for the man (an ad even ran in the local newspaper) and finding no trace of him, some concluded that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers.

The stairway's carpenter, whoever he was, built a magnificent structure. The design was innovative for the time and some of the design considerations still perplex experts today.

The staircase has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails—only wooden pegs. Questions also surround the number of stair risers relative to the height of the choir loft and about the types of wood and other materials used in the stairway's construction.

Over the years many have flocked to the Loretto Chapel to see the Miraculous Staircase. The staircase has been the subject of many articles, TV specials, and movies including "Unsolved Mysteries" and the television movie titled "The Staircase." "

{images by Norby}

quatrefoil

I am a sucker for anything envoloving a quatrefoil. I'm not typically one for symmetry but there is something about them that, well, make me happy.

Oh, to see the world through quatrefoil shaped glasses-

"In architecture and traditional Christian symbolism, a quatrefoil is a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially-overlapping circles of the same diameter."  It is also a common element is Gothic architecture as well as a Celtic symbol for good luck.

Do you think this would all be too much?

Yeah, me neither.

{images: Van Cleef & Arpels, *Pia*, Lawrence OP, wikipedia, buildings fan, pianoforte, (collage clockwise:mirror, jars, screen, drum table, tiles, blue chair, yellow pillow, multi-pillow, wood chairs, white table) paloma 81}

Alys Beach

Remember when I was going on and on about Celebration, Florida? Well, I just stumbled upon Alys Beach, a little jewel hidden on Florida's gulf coast - and it could sure give Celebration a run for it's money.

Check this place out:

"An oasis of luxury with a distinct Mediterranean feel, Alys Beach is the crown jewel of Florida’s Emerald Coast. It is a beach community founded in New Urbanism and built to exacting standards for the utmost in luxury living. It is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Alys Beach is a reminder that what once was can indeed still be. It is a life of balance, a life of beauty, a life of simplicity, a life of grace. Alys Beach is a life defined.

Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Alys Beach boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a carpet of sugar-fine sand descending into crystal-clear waters, this stretch of Gulf Coast is unmatched in beauty. Zoning laws preserve the pristine beach and keep it clear of the billboards and storefronts that litter ordinary beach towns. The Emerald Coast is so clean and well preserved that it has been certified as a Blue Wave Beach by the country’s only environmental-certification program for beaches.

Set against this immaculate natural backdrop, Alys Beach is a distinctive beach town designed and founded upon the principles of New Urbanism, a movement that emphasizes community and whose hallmark is the placement of amenities in and around homes to promote walking, talking, and a sense of connectedness. Every one of Alys Beach’s amenities, from the idyllic Caliza pool to the neighborhood coffee shop, is located within walking distance of every front door."

These are some photos from their various real estate or vacation rental properties along with some of the public spaces:

Mom, Dad are you reading this??  You can get more information here.

Simple Farmhouses by Russell Versaci

I am one of those people that really loves old houses but can't help but long for the comfort & ease of new construction.   Architect Russell Versaci designs for people such as myself.  In his own words - 

“For twenty years we have been in the practice of recreating tradition. We rummage through the attic of architecture to find treasures that will inspire us.  By measuring old buildings we discover the secrets to their composure and craftsmanship.  Then we create original designs by making something new out of something very old.”

With eleven farmhouses and two carriage houses, Russell's designs offer faithful replicas of timeless classics. You can check out the rest of his portfolio here.

modern cottage

I would love to have a little cottage like this for nap-time.  I imagine it stays very dark inside with all those little shutters closed tight.  

{spotted here.}