I had first visited Hollyhock House back in 1984. It has since undergone renovations (however, there was one small section of wall, between two doorways, behind a protective glass panel, that had been left in the state it was before the renovations were done) and both friend R and I enjoyed our visit, today.
We opted for a self-guided tour, but, there were several docents on hand to answer any questions we had. As senior citizens (62+), our tickets for our self-guided tour cost $3.00 each. We were given foot coverings to wear over our shoes when we went inside, so we wouldn't track any dirt, which made a lot of sense (even though the carpeted areas were cordoned off). Visitors weren't allowed to see the bedrooms that were downstairs or go upstairs where there were more bedrooms, which was disappointing; even the docent-led tours didn't go into those areas. However, their website had a virtual tour, which allowed us to see the bedrooms, and both my friend and I were glad we had done the online virtual tour before our actual visit!
We weren't allowed to take any photos inside the house.. I took a few from outside, through a metal fence, but, they are taking their own sweet time to upload to my computer! I will post them another time, or update this post with those pictures, when they upload! In the meantime, these two photos of Hollywood landmarks uploaded without any delay:
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| Griffith Observatory seen from the grounds of Hollyhock House |
This is the best my cell phone camera could do!
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| Hollywood Sign in the Distance |
Afterwards, friend R treated me to lunch at one of our favorite cafes. Then, I dropped her off and came home.
Later in the evening, cousin P called and we chatted a bit.
Today's joyful activities were getting together with friend R, visiting Hollyhock House, and being treated to lunch out!
Today's joyful activities were getting together with friend R, visiting Hollyhock House, and being treated to lunch out!
Today, I am grateful for:
- Getting together with friend R to visit Hollyhock House
- Friend R treating me to lunch, afterwards
- A safe drive there and back
- Cooler evening temperatures
- A relaxed evening at home
Monday's To Do List:
- Change bed sheets
- Load of laundry
- Dust the living room and dining area
- Clean the fridge
- Take the trash cans out
- Water the back garden
- Library to return books (due on Tuesday)
How was your Sunday? What are your plans for Monday?
I watched a programme on TV about FLW. What a gifted man! How lovely you could visit Hollyhock House. I'm interested that your seniors concession is for 62+. Here in the UK it is either 60+ or 65+ (I'm 64 so only get it sometimes)
ReplyDeleteHe was a very gifted architect, wasn't he? Unfortunately, with Hollyhock House, he didn't make enough allowances for our southern California weather - it doesn't rain all that much, here, but, every now and then, it does pour down and the flat roofs of the house has proved to be problematic as there is no way for the rain water to drain! Not to mention that concrete isn't very earthquake resistant! Apparently, the house suffered a lot of damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
DeleteIn most restaurants, one is eligible to order from the senior menu at 55 (you don't get a discount if you order from the regular menu). At City-owned/operated venues, the discount is at age 62. I'm not sure about other places.
Correction! According to their website, seniors are 65+! I shouldn't have qualified for the discount, but, they gave me a senior discount, anyway! Maybe I looked 65! They didn't check an ID to verify!
DeleteOh how I wish to see that sign☺
ReplyDeleteIt's a very famous sign, isn't it? I've been a bit closer to the sign, but that was during a time when I didn't have a cell phone camera, so I didn't take pictures! Maybe I'll go closer to the sign, again, one day, and take more photos to share. :)
DeleteI have visited a few FL Wright houses and have been amazed at the detail he put into things like making the screw slots line up with the direction of the wood. Glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteYes, there were a lot of details, especially the stylized hollyhock design incorporated practically everywhere. I enjoyed my tour and I was glad my friend was with me to share the experience. I don't mind doing things on my own, but, it is always a lot of fun when a friend is with you, as well.
DeleteI am a member of the (UK) National Trust and have been to lots of their houses over the years. The best change by far has been the relaxing of the 'no photography' rule and in most places you can now take photos provided you don't use flash.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like an interesting place to visit and seems cheap enough and I'm glad that you and R enjoyed your visit.
I wish they would have allowed photography; I really don't understand why they don't allow it. At $3, it is very affordable, I think - cheaper than a flavored coffee or the glass of strawberry lemonade my friend and I ordered at lunch! :D
DeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful outing. It's fun to go out to lunch, too.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun outing and lunch was wonderful! :)
DeleteSounds like you had a fun day.
ReplyDeleteI took the virtual tour of the house. 😊 I wish the bedrooms had original furniture.
Is one allowed to go all the way up to that Hollywood sign?
I spoke to one of the docents about the virtual tour - it is a relatively new feature and he was very interested in getting my feedback.
DeleteThe Hollywood sign itself is out of bounds, but, one might hike up to it. A couple of years ago, friends and I drove up to a viewing area, across the canyon from the sign and that afforded a good view of the sign.