Sequoyah House Plan (153209) by Allison Ramsey Architects!

Beautiful home with porch under a live oak tree dripping with Spanish moss
Sequoyah House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects

What a beautiful house plan in a spectacular setting. The live oak trees and Spanish moss bring it to life! I love how you can use every bit of this house – not to mention the porches (one open, one screened)! This home exudes charm and character on every level.

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The Fascinating World of Gargoyles vs. Grotesques (Biltmore House)!

Image of small section of Biltmore House, Gargoyle, Grotesque, carving

This stately piece of architecture is a cut above the rest (that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting). Dynamic, regal and historic. The amount of intricate detail is mesmerizing. There are a number of (what we would call) gargoyles – they’re everywhere and they’re all different. They are so creative and wonderful, you need to go visit for that reason alone! I’ve heard there is only one true gargoyle… Do you know the difference between gargoyles and grotesques?

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McLeod Plantation Historic Site – A great place to visit…

I have driven by McLeod Plantation many, many times, but have yet to visit. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. So really want to make the effort one day soon. Charleston County Parks has a great website that gives all the details, prices of admission, times and even video. So be sure to add this to your list of things to do one day in Charleston, SC!

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Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives

bowl with orzo salad with shrimp, tomatoes, olives and feta, pickled okra

I posted a version of this recipe over ten years ago. It’s a hit. I love to whip this up in the morning and sit down to dinner with no cooking. What a dream! Best yet, the next day you have another meal (or the following day!) – no cooking! The tastes, textures, and freshness take it over the top. I love to photograph my husband’s plate because his usually looks prettier. I’m always in a hurry to catch up, snap photos, etc. I love how he added the pickled okra, so pretty! I gave a sneak peak on my Instagram/Facebook movie. Recipe below…

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Biltmore House – A View of the Winter Garden!

Winter Garden at the Biltmore House, Atrium, Glass ceiling with wood, Stunning electric light fixtures hang from the ceiling, tropical plants, statue, arched openings

Biltmore – Asheville, North Carolina. Wow! Doesn’t even come close to the feeling when you are within the walls of this grand estate. The details, so many details on every single level. As I mentioned in an earlier “Biltmore” post, I snapped almost 800 photos in a two day span. I think I have photos from each of these arched openings. There were people here, I was just waiting to take a photo until the coast was clear.

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Discover Charleston’s Stunning Architecture: Simmons-Edwards House!

Charleston, South Carolina

Ah, the beauty of Charleston’s exquisite architecture. It simply can’t be beat. You can walk for hours (and hours!) and see so many beautiful sights, one after another. Between the grand homes, stately gardens, handcrafted wrought iron fences and gates – it’s enough to boggle your mind. Look for the little details, the pillar finials, the stone/brick/marble work that has lived on for centuries. What attention to detail!

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The Historic Charm of Charleston’s Older Neighborhoods…

antique pine table set against windows, outside are live oak trees and blooming azaleas, lamp and plant on table

We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of Charleston, SC. This neighborhood will soon be 100 years old. Amazing the architecture and the quality of building. I love how, back in the day, they had the foresight to plant a live oak tree in front of each house. These magical trees make this area absolutely breathtaking.

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Sunset & Spanish Moss | Charleston, SC

live oak trees, spanish moss, sunset, beauty

On a few streets in the historic neighborhoods in Charleston, SC (not on the peninsula) there are the most gorgeous live oak trees. Many of them have been here since 1927. The Spanish moss grows thick. It’s how we can quickly see which way or how strong the wind is blowing. It’s graceful and beautiful with the sunlight shining through it.

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The Fairfax II House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

bright and cheery white house, house plan, front and side porch, windows, steps
Fairfax II House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects (Image)

Another beauty by Allison Ramsey Architects. You may notice that this is an unscreened porch in the image, which is stunning. I have a friend with a similar plan, screened side porch and it’s also stunning, not to mention very useful on buggy days, or days you prefer to be tucked away. Either way, this is one beautiful house! Let’s take a peek…

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Architectural Splendor: 54 Tradd Street – Charleston, SC!

Historic home, with flags, hurricane bolts, worn patina, beautiful windows boxes with flower.

Isn’t this a stunning example of historic Charleston, SC architecture? The level of detail is astounding. The fact that this home remains so gorgeous nearly 285 years later is mind blowing. I love the aged patina, the black shutters, windows and doors and the beautiful window boxes that make this house pop!

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Proven Winners Brand – A Flower You Will Fall In Love With!

black flower pot on brick steps, pink flowers, green leaves, gomphrena plant, shadows from flowers against brick

We bought one of these pink flowers a few years ago to try and it was AH-mazing! Planted it in a pot in the spring and it bloomed until winter. I snipped blooms off, a few at a time, and put in small vases. It’s the happiest plant ever. Highly recommend!

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Stylish Duplex House Plan for Modern Families: TNH-DU-01 plan by MK Design Group!

Duplex house plan, one story
TNH-DU-01 duplex plan by MK Design Group!

I love a good traditional house plan that has the ability to fit into an older neighborhood. This is a duplex option that doesn’t necessarily look like a duplex. I like that the left side of the duplex is set more forward. It has a porch on the side. The right side is set back with a porch on the front. This is a great choice for families who want to live close but not necessarily in the same house. Let’s take a peek…

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Bluff Towne Cottage House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

House plan with wonderful windows, two story, great front porch
Bluff Towne Cottage House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

I truly feel that most of Allison Ramsey’s house plans would fit into established neighborhoods that already foster a sense of character and perhaps have been there for a while. I’m usually thinking about my neighborhood (and nearby neighborhoods) when I mention this. When I first saw this plan, even the interior with built in bookcases – it truly looks like an older home with all the charm. Let’s take a peek…

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