Hunter Harrison's Fab NY Estate/Farm Can Be Yours for $55 Million

An 87-acre estate in Ridgefield, NY will make you drool until you can drool no more.  Now if you only can muster the $55 million for the chance to purchase this pony-lover’s paradise. Of course, you won’t find the listing by googling around because while the home is officially on the market, contracted agent Sally Slater of Douglas Elliman Real Estate said there is no formal listing for the property.  So call Sally if you need a tour.



The property has three houses, one that dates to 1780.  The farm is the home (well, one of) of Hunter
Harrison, CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway. His Double H horses have won some big events around the world and at one time were ridden by Grand Prix rider McLain Ward.  His daughter is an accomplished equestrian and they also have a farm in Wellington.



According to Sally, "The ideal buyer is maybe a family that has a son or a daughter that is an up-and-coming equestrian and has the dream of going to the Olympics wand the means to have something like this. Because this will take them all the way,” she said, noting that the property is complete with a 3.5 acre jumping derby field with “every kind of natural jump that you would find in European field competitions.”



And with almost 90 acres to enjoy, with conservation land situated across the street, Slater said there’s privacy for days.

 

 

Enjoy!



The Charm of a Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets have been the subject of several waves of trends that go way back.  The first charm bracelets were worn by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Hittites and began appearing from 600 – 400 BC according to Wikipedia.

But it was Queen Victoria who started the fashion among the European noble classes. She was instrumental to the popularity of charm bracelets, as she “loved to wear and give charm bracelets."  When her Prince Albert died, she even made “mourning” charms popular.  No need to go there!

 (She had a heart for each of her children)

 (another bracelet owned by Queen Victoria)

 



 ^{(A "mourning" bracelet owned by Queen Victoria)}

In 1889, Tiffany and Co. introduced their first charm bracelet — a link bracelet with a single heart dangling from it, a bracelet which is an iconic symbol for Tiffany today.



Despite the Great Depression, during the 1920s and 1930s platinum and diamonds were introduced to charm bracelet manufacturing.



 

(Vintage Cartier bracelet)

 



Soldiers returning home after WWII brought home trinkets made by craftsmen local to the area where they were fighting to give to loved ones.



American teenagers in the 1950s and early 1960s collected charms to record the events in their lives. Screen icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Crawford helped to fuel the interest and popularity of charm bracelets.



(Taylor's charm bracelet from Pinterest)

Although interest and production waned through the latter part of the 20th century, there was a resurgence of popularity after 2000 and collectors eagerly sought out vintage charms.



 

 

Pandora bracelets are now very popular, a "kind" of charm bracelet but in a more modern style like the one below:



This current fashion for modular jewelry builds on the success that 'Add A Bead' jewelry had in the 80s.  I'll admit I still have my add-a-bead necklace. 

 

 

I love the old bracelets that have a story to tell; behind each charm there's a history, a drama, something special that happened so that the charm marks a spot.  If only these old bracelets could talk.  Happy Saturday.  May your day be charming in every way!

 



 

It's a Girl for Zara Phillips

Zara Phillips has given birth to a baby girl.  Her husband and former England rugby player Mike Tindall was present at the birth of his daughter, who is 16th in line to the throne.

The weight of the baby was 7lbs 12oz, Buckingham Palace announced today.

 

Congratulations.  No doubt we'll be seeing another blonde British equestrian in about ten years. 



Welly World is On

The madness in Wellington has begun.............

 

 I adore Sharon Campbell's poster and her work.  See it here.

 

You can read Week 2's news below:

 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Your-2014-FTI-WEF-E-Newsletter-Week-2.html?soid=1101946722070&aid=OpH0nTTonac

 



Our Newest Addition, Lola

New Years brought more than resolutions at my house.  Our new addition, Lola, arrived on Saturday.  She's a real doll, a youngster that has a lot of growing up to do; she settled in nicely and loves her new pasture mate, Sega. I've encouraged her to learn all she can from the "other redhead."
There's lots more to come about this filly with four white socks and a blaze so stay tuned.



Butler Pantry?

My ideal house would have a large "butler's pantry" to house my expansive china and crystal collection that I'd use for constant entertaining if life were perfect. 



It would be stylish, with warming drawer, maybe a small oven, a few burners to heat, an extra dishwasher or two and of course, the butler.





the era of the “butler’s pantry” began in England and America in the mid 1800's with a small pantry typically between the kitchen and dining room where china and silver were stored and meals were plated and served (often by a butler or household staff). These were first essentials of great estate homes, later they could also be found in moderate middle class homes and sometimes you see them today.  But people don't entertain much these days so what's the use? 



I'd like to think that people are entertaining; in a 2005 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, walk-in pantries are the most requested kitchen feature in American homes.  But a lot has happened since 2005, houses are probably getting smaller not bigger. 

 

Here's to pantries, butlers and more entertaining in 2014!



Barn Girl: The Horse Owner or Rider's Essentials

Being around horses whether it's a hobby or your business requires having some essentials to make life easier and in some cases a bit more stylish.  I'm not talking about "diva duds" or "hunter princess palates."  These are essentials I have discovered over time and won't leave home or barn without:

1.  Barbour Jacket and Lightweight Rain Jacket  - Even if you live in drought-ridden California the minute you leave without a rain jacket, you'll need one.  I prefer having a Barbour for the cold days and a Marmot lightweight jacket for warmer days preferably with hood.  Rain pants are also a necessary evil. 





2. Cute Baseball Cap or Straw Hat  - Those bad hair days need to be covered up.  Or when you pull off your riding hat quickly through on a cute baseball cap with some well-known horsey logo, depending on your discipline - Badminton, Kentucky Horse Park, WEF, Devon, Spruce Meadows - you get the idea.  A nice straw-brimmed hat will also work for those who spectate instead of ride or for the warm sunny climates. 

 



 

3. Mud Boots - I like these from J. Crew and L.L. Bean for winter and tall rain boots for warmer climates.  See #1 above.

 

 

 



4. Lip Balm/Chapstick - Chapped lips are part of the lifestyle.  Carmex is my favorite.

 



 

5. Really cute sturdy horsey handbag. Love these from Gucci and Ralph Lauren.

 



6. Warm Socks - The feet get cold. Smartwool is the best.

 



7.  An up-to-date speed dial list - people you can call when your horses get out, you fall off at a show and are rushed to the hospital, someone to take you to see your orthopedic surgeon and/or PT when you can't drive and a spare when all else fails.  (Ask me how I know this is essential).

 

8. Great Face Cream - We spend entirely too much time outdoors, in wind, rain, sleet, snow and of course, sun. 

 



 

9. Bath Salts for the days when your mind says "yes" but your body says "no."

 



 

10. Warm gloves for winter and string gloves for summer.  Gloves are for safety among other things.  Protect those hands!

 



 

11.  A sense of humor - for the days when your ask yourself "why am I doing this?"

 

What are your must haves?