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From the Land, a Book to be Savored

I received several design books for Christmas, all very inspiring.  The one that I was looking forward to the most stopped me in my tracks as expected. Don’t be off put by the 437 pages.  Each page reveals a new treasure greater than the last. From the Land is a book to be savored.Honoring the relationship between nature and home, while celebrating the American Farmhouse Vernacular; Howard Backen’s work is expansive yet understated and sensible.

The Bond Estate Winery below appears to be a series of remodeled farm buildings original to the property (a Howard Backen trademark).

His designs never shout to be heard but subtly create the illusion that they have been here for years. The Napa Valley Reserve, an exclusive club in St. Helena at first glance appears to be a group of barns that are original to the property.

This Diamond Mountain residence validates the seamless threshold between the outside and the in so prevalent in the firms work.

Corrugated metal roofs abound, a nod to the unpretentious nature inherent in all of Backen’s designs. Here at this Soda Canyon weekend home, the metal hipped roof appears to “float”.

I had no idea of the expanse of his work. Though many of his designs are huge in scope such as the new Restoration Hardware Gallery in Atlanta and the home of Rh executive Gary Friedman’s own home in Belvedere.

He isn’t afraid to tackle something much smaller but equally important, such as the remodel and restoration of the Gallo owned MacMurray Ranch, once a prune and sheep farm.

I knew I was going to love this book.  Once I began to peruse the pages I realized many of the homes, wineries, and resorts that I have admired were the work of Backen, Gillam and Kroger.

From the home of Napa designer Barbara Colvin (a longtime personal favorite)

to the restrained hillside compound of the author himself, that echoes the style of the original cottage on the property.

Chances are if you have visited the Napa Valley you have dined, relaxed or imbibed in any number of Backen and Company’s architectural treasures. Perhaps even the aptly named Archetype, the brainchild of Howard and his wife in St. Helena.

I purchased this book for both my husband and my son in law. My husband has not been able to put it down. I have not been compensated in any way from this review.  It is simply the best book of it’s type that I have happened upon in many years. Great pains were taken to describe each property in detail along with an aerial view of each site. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I.

All photos are the property of Backen, Gillam, and Kroeger. If you would like to purchase the book on Amazon click here . From the Land is truly a book to be savored.

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marsha Splenderosa says

    Love this post! I'm getting that book. I adore the way of Patina Farm, and though I live in Houston I just came home from 2 1/2 weeks in the Texas hill country and find I want to go right back. Life just seems sweeter with all those animals around, and I actually LOVED the people I met there. Happy New Year !!

  2. Karen says

    This is a style that, as a California girl, I embrace and feel so comfortable with. Barbara Colvin's home has been a favorite of mine for years. I hadn't retained the info of who the architect was. I'll need to buy this book. Inviting the outdoors in has such a calming influence on me.
    Thanks for the in depth introduction.
    xo,
    Karen

    • Cindy says

      I didn't either Karen. Once I realized he was connected to so many of the places I love I had to have the book. It is a keeper!!

  3. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    Looks like a gorgeous book Cindy! I love these photos and Archetype is one of my favorite spots. I's live there if I could! I can't wait to find this and see the other photos. Hope you had a beautiful break and Christmas! Happy New Year! Kim

    • Cindy says

      Thanks Kim! Since we have been knee deep in elder care we have been nowhere! The book makes me want to go check out every one of the wineries that he designed. I do love Cliff Lede!

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