A Reimagined Pennsylvania Barn, Aging Thoughts & Panzanella
What is more fabulous than A Reimagined Pennsylvania Barn, Aging Thoughts & Panzanella on the first Sunday in August? Let’s chat about it and join Annie and Mary Ann for some Sunday fun.
A Reimagined Pennsylvania Barn In the Dominican Republic
Steve was having barns disassembled and reinvented long before it was chic. If we were younger and wealthier, we’d be all in—building our own version of this dreamy retreat. And while we’re at it, if we happened to hit the lottery, you can bet we’d hire Jeffrey Dungan and Isabel López-Quesada to help bring that vision to life! A girl can dream….
Drawing inspiration from a weathered barn at Tennessee’s famous Blackberry Farm, Architect Jeffrey Dungan had a Pennsylvania barn disassembled, shipped across the continent, and reconstructed in the mountains of Jarabacoa in the Dominican Republic as part of a compound. The astute owner also brought in Isabel López-Quesada to design the interiors, beautifully complementing the character and charm of the reclaimed barn compound. What a dream team! You can read more about this project in Architectural Digest here. The project is photographed by Adrian Gaut.
Roar into the Second Half of your Life
Have you read or listened to (like me) to Roar into the Second Half of your Life (before its too late) by Michael Clinton? I don’t know how I stumbled on it. I am finding it very insightful. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Outfits of the Week
I’ll admit it—I can fall into a bit of a style rut now and then, reaching for the same favorite stores while completely overlooking some tried-and-true classics. Case in point: Talbots. I’ve been partnering with them the last couple of months and have been pleasantly surprised by the gems I’ve uncovered. (Now, if only they’d let me pick the pieces myself—just imagine the fun we could have!) Talbots currently has a deal where you can get 45% off one item and 25% off everything else including new styles.
I have ordered this cotton ribbed polo, and the ribbed pants from Talbots. They also have this great sweater that you could switch out as another option. I think this outfit would be great for fall travel with these comfy vionic sneakers, this great travel tote from Quince( that I own), and this hat (which I also own). You obviously wouldn’t want to wear a London hat when traveling to London but there are other options. This bag from Quince is also a great option for travel. I own the original from MZ Wallace but they are nearly identical.
I added these great loafers from Dolce Vita for a town look with this Talbots bag (love the color), and a simple bandana from Etsy.
Nine Principles for a Longer Happier Life
Lessons from the blue zones, principles for a longer happier life from Style Blueprint. What do you think?
This New Fragrance from Lake & Skye
I am really picky about my cologne, I have to be honest. I find most to be either too overpowering or just bad. Lake & Sky sent me their new fragrance (or I would have never tried it) and it is heavenly. You can use the code Cindy15 if you would like to try it here.
Ina Garten’s Panzanella Salad
I have been making Ina Garten’s bread salad for years and it is a favorite this time of year. You could add chicken and make it a meal.
So there you have it—a dreamy reimagined barn in the Dominican Republic that has us all swooning, a few musings on the grace (and grit) that come with aging,early fall travel outfit inspiration, and a simple summer panzanella that celebrates the season’s bounty.
Thank you for reading A Reimagined Pennsylvania Barn, Aging Thoughts & Panzanella. If you missed any of our other Sunday Faves you can catch up here.
Now let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann to see what they are up to
Classic Casual Home
Most Lovely Things
Good evening Cindy,
I would love to see photos of your/Steve barn projects! This barn is amazing! When I finish this I am going to have to explore it a little more.
I haven’t read Roar, I would love to hear more. Truth be told I am very happy just the way and where I am. My life has been an amazing adventure and I feel very blessed. But I am open minded and if you think it is a “must read” let me know.
Have a lovely weekend.
Lake and Skye’s 11 11 is my favorite perfume. I also really like their 11 11 Vanilla, which surprised me because I usually find vanilla scents too cloyingly sweet, but , to me, this is more of a fresh, clean scent rather than vanilla . I reach for those two the most. I’ll have to give the lychee scent a try.
Hey girlfriend! That barn (AND the Lake Norman lake house – geeeez!) is so great. I wonder about all the wood down there in the tropics tho? Oh well, first world problems!
Love that knit outfit and am ordering the book. I have been having a problem getting going again, after the last 18 months, so maybe need a jump start!
Always a good post!
Cindy this barn is amazing. I can so see you living there.. If you check out this month’s Frederic magazine there is a couple who have crafted a compound all out of historic barns and cabins in Georgia and it is really beautiful.
Love the green in these looks! I bet they will be cute for fall.
I have the MZ travel tote. It is fantastic!
xo
Do you know what? I’ve decided to remove the word age-ing and age from my lexicon. In these days of online exhaustive media, they seem to pack such a negative connotation. Instead I am a mature woman and am maturing more each day. Like a good wine or cheese. Sooo much more positive.
Oh, my goodness. I just spent about 45 minutes “lost” in Jeffrey Dungan’s portfolio! What beautiful projects and equally beautiful photography. A treat for the sense.
Hi Cindy, I like the Talbots outfit you shared. Remember a while back I told you I had ordered 2 pair of pants from them? They both worked out but they run really big so you have to size down. Maybe the knitted items wouldn’t be that way as much. The barn looks very welcoming-I hope it was made termite proof! I like the title of “Roar” since I think we shouldn’t let ourselves become be made less than due to our ages. I plan to keep going strong and projecting my confidence as long as I can.
CIndy! Of course, you and Steve were dismantling and putting barns back together before anyone else even thought of it! If only you had been blogging back then! You guys have the best style!
Love that cute set from Talbots! I can see you in it!
xx
I love that Panzanella Salad. And that barn looks so atmospheric. Love it.
The ribbed top + pants — I have 2 very similar sets from Universal Standard and can vouch: they are fabulous for air travel! Soft waistband, yet put-together look.
I am LOVING Talbots dark olive color for this fall — light olive washes me out, so I have to keep an eye out for its darker sister.
Hi Cindy. Loved all the new products! Haven’t thought of Talbots in a few years and will definitely take a 2nd look. Also always looking for a new fragrance and am so glad to learn about Lake & Skye. With their small travel fragrance I can give it a try without committing to a larger bottle. It’s a win win! Always look forward to reading your blog on Sundays! A big thank you!
Good morning! I’m swooning too and wondering if it’s too late to dissemble a small barn for our tiny lot in town?! Ha! Would if I could. I’ve been meowing in the second half of life, ordered the book and we’ll see if I can step it up. Loving the ribbed top and pants … and the color too. Fab. xo