THE AUSTIN MOTEL: SO CLOSE YET SO FAR OUT
The Austin Motel has a history that illustrates the dichotomy of the north and south side of the Colorado River as it bisects Austin, Texas. While the south side and the motel itself have a colorful history, it is truly one of perseverance and legacy. Austin was founded in 1839 and it's population began to grow sparsely as the capital of the new state of Texas. Something like 150 people move to Austin every day now and the south side of the river has become a haven for new businesses, restaurants, and hotels. The Austin Motel has transformed itself alongside this growth based on the two guiding principals of the German immigrant couple, Leonard and Frances Eck, who purchased the land in 1888 where it now resides - FAITH and LOVE.
ORANGE BLOSSOMS AND THE OJAI RANCHO INN
On our first trip to Ojai we chose the unpretentious and friendly lodging at the Ojai Rancho Inn. The frill-free weekend still managed to include all the little details we were hoping for: the kind of ceramic objects that make you believe in the potter's wheel again, the shibori fabrics that don't remind you of your last Grateful Dead show, and a natural wood bed frame that makes you want to get back to basics. In addition the boomerang-Edison bulb lamp, the in-room jacuzzi, and Linus bikes for exploring the acres of orange groves were a great surprise as was a visit to the beautifully designed and curated, In the Field. This shop made us want to overhaul every nook and cranny of our house and top it off with one of their heavenly, oversized dream catchers made with hand-dyed feathers and sticks. One could also be found in the lobby of the Ojai Rancho Inn, where the guys at In the Field were designing a retail space for the property. And last but not least, we loved the bohemian elegance and intimacy at Chief's Peak, also part of our little hotel, which continues the theme of the expertly and originally crafted ceramics and offers wine and beer each day except Tuesday starting at 4.
ON THE HOLLYWOOD LANDSCAPE: THE SCHINDLER CHACE HOUSE
Unassumingly tucked back into a neighborhood in Hollywood, this local stalwart is a time machine to the 1920s. With its "Slab-Tilt" wall and the integration of the indoors with the outside, it is the culmination of the vision shared by Rudolf Schindler and his wife Pauline. The house also served as a social experiment where they hosted gatherings that included Edward Weston, John Cage, poet Sadakichi Hartmann, and dancer John Bovingdon, but also by the fact that it was inhabited by both the Schindlers and another couple.
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE + CONCRETE = WORKSHOP
Workshop Kitchen + Bar in Palm Springs is housed in a Spanish Eclectic style complex built in 1926-27 around a traditional tiled courtyard and stucco archway, intermixing modern concrete design (we are obsessed) with local and historical influences. Stop by to enjoy the indoor and outdoor seating and order the pork cheek fries for us.
POD LIFE IN VALLE DE GUADALUPE MEXICO
Located just a few miles northeast of Ensenada in beautiful Mexican wine country lies the rustically elegant Encuentro Guadalupe, with pod cabins constructed from the most basic building materials: corrugated metal roofing and wood siding - peaceful simplicity and only 20 minutes from the ocean and the best ceviche we've ever had.
SUMMERTIME: WHERE THE LIVING IS HOT, DRY, AND IN A BARN
Jack Mayfield and Sarah Thompson are the photography studio, ALSTON THOMPSON, specializing in ARCHITECTURE, INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE, and REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY.
On a shoot in Palm Springs, Sarah and Jack explored a vintage barn, once playground to 1950s Hollywood glamour. Now the property is a boutique hotel, Sparrows Lodge, ideal for a relaxing get-away.