Winter House

by Charlotte Moss

Genres: Interior Design, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 22, 2005

Reviews

[Susan Liston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gorgeous house, gorgeous pictures, but the text is unreadable. The author is a puke-rabbit... one of these rich insufferable Martha Stewart types who act like we all can buy a vacation house in Aspen on a "whim" and need her help to decorate the five guest rooms and your "personal haven" Barf.

[False · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping for a book of varied winter houses, in locale, style and interiors, but instead this book is about Moss' second home in Aspen, Colorado, and ALL of the photography is about that house and it's rooms and items. Interior design books can date quickly, not based so much on paint choices or furniture, but rather the fabrics, and that is true of this house. It took a great deal of wealth to put this house together, and time, in that rooms are oversized or oddly shaped and would require special furniture to meet it's needs--not even to mention what exactitude she was asking for in electricity and plumbing and all of the "bones" work before she even began to decorate. They say money doesn't buy happiness. It most certain does smooth life's rough edges, at times at $250 a yard.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by houses in cold climates and winter gardening. Which is why beautiful cover caught my eye.

If your looking for ideas to cozy up your average home for winter, there's not much here. It's pretentious. From the 'oh let's just buy a second house' beginning and 'your house isn't a budget motel so don't use trash bags in your wastepaper basket. Use a paper doily in the bottom.'

Decorating is over the top and fussy. I much prefer clean style of Nordic homes. Hygee minimalism. But that's just me.I did enjoy part about tea trays andtable settings.

I'm glad I got a used copy off Ebay for $20 (including shipping) rather than shelling out $55 for new copy on Amazon. For time being I'll keep it with my growing collection of Winter themed books.

[Jan Deelstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, I am in awe of the gorgeous photographs of winter decorating ideas, and of the personal weave back story. I'll update once I get through reading it.
Okay, in the end, I really like this book. It feels only slightly less than a bit voyeuristic to take such an intimate peek into the lives and rooms of those who winter in Aspen.
The author has a fabulous ability to pull together vignettes and tabletop décor, as well as having an apparently innate sense of making even the most gorgeous room inviting, with a promise of comfort and relaxation. Never stuffy, always classy, her designs are timeless.
Yet another update: I ended up buying a second copy of this book because I had forgotten that I already bought it. Apparently, the book haunted me enough to get a second time through the purchasing process! (Yes, I do admit to being a bit of a bibliophile -aka hoarder, especially when it comes to interior design books.) I may never make it to Aspen, but I do have plans to sit down with the new copy when it arrives....

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, beautiful book about creating a winter retreat. Charlotte covers a lot about being a good host, and entertaining properly. Her winter house is in Aspen Colorado (why can't we all be so lucky)and she spends a large part of the winter there, entertaining and hosting family and friends. That part isn't exactly what the book is about but I found it to be extremely valuable information on what you need and how you can be a good host.
It's a relevant book no matter the season in that way but I think I would have been more interested in the small details if it were snowing outside or I was trimming a tree. It's hard to be too enthusiastic about something that is not coming again for a year. Maybe I'll read it again this next holiday season...

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

anything by Charlotte Moss is great. This book takes you through her home in Aspen and follows sort of a Ralph Lauren/Country european style.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Charlotte Moss walks us through her Aspen home, detailing her love of design, and imparting advice to potential hosts.