Girls just wanna have fun!

I thought I'd take a break from the trials and tribulations of my own home for a week and write about this breathtaking home that I had the luxury of staying in recently. The best thing about it is that I got to stay here with five other fabulous ladies. What's better than a weekend getaway with your best girlfriends from college? Pretty much nothing!

So after hours...well days...of searching for a house to rent (six women trying to make a decision ain't easy!), I found this beautiful gem upstate. Nestled in a cute town called Saugerties, this single family home served as the backdrop for tons of love, smiles, and laughter. Built in 1910 (so, technically Neo-Georgian), this 6,000 square foot Georgian mansion sits on 2+ acres. With elegant turn-of-the-century details and modern amenities, the stately residence has the grandeur of a bygone era.

If Colonial-style architecture gets its name from homes built by colonists, what's the origin of the term Georgian-style architecture? If you're like my husband, and think that Georgian homes are homes based in the state of Georgia (love ya, babe!), I'll clear it up for you. Georgian refers to styles that were popular during the reigns of four British monarchs: George I, George II, George III, and George IV. Based on the classical architecture of Greece and Rome, this popular style is admired for its symmetrical design, classic proportions, and decorative elements. Ornament is also normally in the classical tradition, but at times, almost completely absent on the exterior. There was a true love of balance in the homes of this period, as seen in the exterior photo above. When doing some research on this era, I learned that simple mathematical ratios were used to determine the height of a window in relation to its width or the shape of a room as a double cube. My husband - a true math/science nerd - found this fascinating, LOL.

This property has approximately 5,315 square feet, 5 beds, 3 full and 2 half baths. Its rooms have huge spaces and volume, the way it once was in the world, with oversized windows allowing for a long view of the Hudson River. Stone paths lead down through lush landscaping to a large private koi pond, lending it the feel of a large estate.

A lovely pergola extends out from the house, highlighting one of the oldest styles of garden architecture still in use today.

Early 18th-century Georgian fireplaces exhibited the measured proportions and geometrical forms of the Palladian style. The den, dining room, and great room housed three cozy fireplaces.

Gleaming wood floors and a beautiful staircase greet you in the entryway. An arched door adds visual interest.

In the Georgian style, staircases were sturdier, wider, and incorporated balustrades with elaborately carved newel posts. This was one of my favorite features in the house!

A wine fridge underneath the granite island, paired with a classic chandelier, combine to make a chic, yet classy look in the kitchen. Arched windows and doors continue throughout.

Windows with small panes...also stylistic of Georgian homes, seen displayed in the photos below in a cozy nook with a game table, as well as the second floor hallway/sitting area.

(Interesting fact: during the Georgian era, the number of windows in the house denoted how wealthy a family was, as a heavy window tax was levied to help fund the army.)

It was wonderful to spend a weekend in a home draped in harmony, symmetry, clean lines and delicate furniture - all of which characterized this time period. The understated elegance, subtle decoration and strict use of classical proportions truly made me feel as though I was living during this time. It made me appreciate the charm of an old home, therefore treasuring my own home a bit more. :)

Thanks for stopping by all! Happy Sunday!

Cheers!

xo, Claudine