Just when I thought that the dancing funny lady, Ellen, couldn't be any cooler, we get a peek into her Santa Monica Ranch and find out she has a passion for decorating!

When Ellen and Portia first became the new owners of the 26 acre property in 2009, it had served as a private residence, a monastery, a rehab center and then a horse facility.  It was not in the best condition and had 8 cabins throughout. It served as just the major decorating challenge Ellen needed.

Each cabin has it's own identity but all share a combination of impressive antiques and flea market finds. The couple have lived in almost every cabin. How much fun would it be to to be to have that opportunity??

I would say these are the luckiest horses around. Pretty nice digs.

To see more and to read about each cabin, visit Elle. The May magazine hits the stores next week.

{all images by photographer William Abranowicz via Elle Decor Magazine}

{blog.sarawhite.com via pininterest}

{prettylilly.101.tmblr.com via pinterest}

{style me pretty}

{style me pretty}



{style me pretty}

I would string crystal chandeliers from my rafters, host beautiful flowers on my tables
 and invite hundreds of my closest friends to dance the night away.....

I had a wonderful childhood growing up in Clemmons, NC. The little town located 9 miles west of
 Winston-Salem and 9 miles east of Mocksville, has gone through some changes over the years. There
were, and still are, so many lovely rolling pastures and picturesque countrysides. I don't how many
 {hundreds of} times we drove past this old barn full of sheep in my childhood and then horses years later. 


{simply southern photography}

It was built in the 1920's by S. Clay Williams, former president of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co,
 my dads employer for more than 30 years. It sat on a sprawling 850 acres.

 

In the 40's, when new owners took over the estate, it was considered to be one of the premier dairy
farms in the state. They boasted one of the biggest and best herds of Red Poll cattle in the country.

   

In 2008, Sterling Events became intrigued with the property and had grand visions of restoring the
 old barn and creating an extraordinary events center. Blueprints were developed and a master
plan was created.





Construction began to create a spacious ballroom, breakout meeting rooms, private dining rooms,
 an executive boardroom and outdoor terraces for rental. All of this was done with preservation as
 a top priority.


{images via Tom McCulloh Photography}



{via Andrea Littrell}

Before it was completed, a couple did a mock wedding shoot to give folks an idea of how incredible it could be.


{via Vesic Photography}

Kinda awesome...

 Last weekend this dream became reality as WinMock { Winston-Salem + Mocksville} had its grand debut.








{images via Autumn Song Photography}


I can't wait to see the weddings and parties that will happen in this beautiful barn. 

From my moms current house in Clemmons, you can almost throw a stone and have
 it land on this property. I am excited to take a tour in a few weeks when I go home for a visit.