Happy Monday everyone! Hope you had a great weekend!
I visited the Ragdale House—a house with an incredible history, whose legacy is steeped in all things artistic. The lovely country estate is today home to one of the most prestigious and historic artist-in-residence programs in the country. 
The late Chicago architect, Howard Van Doren Shaw built his Ragdale House more than one hundred years ago as his summer retreat. He chose the lush setting in Lake Forest, Illinois for all of the country attributes he so desired—sweeping vistas that stretched on into infinity, replete with apple trees and wildflowers that could be enjoyed from every window of his charming home.
There is a sense of the untamed here—less manicured—more informal— just the way Mr. Shaw intended his Arts and Crafts styled house and barn when he built it in 1897.
It was Shaw’s granddaughter, poet Alice Judson Hayes, who founded The Ragdale Foundation in 1976 with the desire to provide artists a place to relax and recharge. Writers, composers, choreographers, and visual artists are just a few of the creatives that have worked on new projects here. A long list of notable Ragdale alumni include: Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones and Lucky, and Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent. As well, Mr. Shaw’s daughter, Sylvia sculpted her Bird Girl here, a piece made famous after it appeared on the cover of the best-selling novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
This incredibly unique and special place is perhaps best summed up by Mr. Shaw’s granddaughter—“… I am grateful to the house itself for its smell and taste and texture and for the views out of of its windows and for its nurturing spirit.”
~Alice Hayes, Preface to Ragdale: A History and Guide
Thanks so much for stopping by! Make it a great day!
x0—
~M
Great story…. Fantastic look……..
Merci
Little did Mr. Shaw know a journalist in 2012 would be sharing the history of his beautiful home!
So true, friend. I found it strange that I could see myself working there at some future date. As we always say, “We’ll see till then.”
Wonderful photos amd history bit. You are so elegant even with the adorable Pug purse which paired so well with you and the scenery! BTW- Looks just like our Pugs! Pugs and Kisses I say!
Thanks so much! Yes, that Pug purse seemed to blend right into the scenery, didn’t it?!
The photo’s look wonderful… BTW I love that handbag!
Me to— always makes me smile
Just lovely! The house and YOU!
You are always so kind! Thank you!
Oh thank you Marie for showing this to us…What a beautiful retreat for artists. The view is inspirational that is for certain. You look inspirational too! Love the look and that necklace is so stunning… Do you remember the Diamonds by the Yard necklace from the late 70’s? Your beautiful necklace made me think of it and so I now call your necklace Amethysts by the Yard! All so very lovely ….and I see you had an adventure on the weekend too!
Thank you dear Lanier. It really is a beautiful place! As for the Diamonds by the Yard necklace, I don’t recall ever having seen one back in the 70s—I’m certain I would remember if I had
I will certainly pass along your new name for my necklace to Steven—he’ll love it!
I enjoyed your tour of the Ragdale estate, and I especially love how you featured the beautiful grounds into your photographs. Mother nature really shines through here, but not as much as your beautiful look. Love the purse!
Thanks so much, Elisa! Ragdale is so lovely, so inspirational, I thought about persuading them to let me check in on the spot so I could finally finish my books
I heartily agree with Elisa! Couldn’t have said it better!
I’m not a writer or an artist, but I sure would like to recharge a bit in that lovely historic home!
Marie, you are very lovely as always!
Thank you! I really do believe it’s a special place, one that’s clearly helped many different types of artists create some amazing work.
Love how you weave history into your image-driven storytelling. I always learn something from your posts and can’t get enough of your fabulous personal style. Tres chic!
xx K
You’re so sweet
Beautiful photos, Marie
Thank you so much!
What a great place. What a sweet granddaughter sculpture. And how adorable you look!
Thank you so much! It is truly a special place!
love the outfit especially the top, beautiful pics as always.
xoxo
Nicole
Thanks so much!
Such beautiful photos! I love your outfit – particularly the cropped pants. And that bag is adorbs!!
Thanks so much! The pants are one of my favorite go-to staples—so versatile. The purse pays homage to my love of Pugs—I have three
Have a wonderful weekend!