Of course, a showplace estate such as Nemours must have an outstanding garage. What self respecting industrialist wouldn't have the latest gadgets of the day?
The garage matches the grandness of the house but with simpler materials; Stucco, painted wooden treillage and a clay tile roof hold delightful copper dormers.
The second floor held a large apartment and offices for the chauffeur and his family while the first floor contained the estate's collection of vehicles as well as repair and machine shops.
Five car bays (plus entrance ends) now hold 5 automobiles, a pony carriage and motorboat once owned by Dupont and his wife.
The interior is simple and of its' time: textured plaster walls, simple woodwork and tile floors.
The entry hall holds the original telephone
As well as the machine shop to which Alfred Dupont escaped to tinker.
Dupont's taxidermy collection from his hunts once graced the main hall of the
mansion, but Jessie Ball, upon moving in after their marriage had them moved out to the garage.
An early 20th century example of the man cave?
The center doors have a graceful arch while the 4 flanking
garage doors, while massive in size, are less monumental.
Admittedly I don't know much about cars but I certainly appreciate their style.
Dupont would only buy American made cars and drove this Pontiac for many years until his death.
At this time, Jessie went out and purchased a British made Rolls Royce (Silver Cloud no less!)
All of the cars are in mint, working order and still are driven around the estate.
Why don't more cars today have hood ornaments?
Two of the cars were so beloved by the Duponts that they had their bodies transplanted onto new cadillac engine beds. I had never heard of that before!
The sides of this green car had an interesting woven texture.
The oldest car featured a true 'lantern' as headlight.
And they're called 'trunks' for a reason!
Also in the collection is a wooden motor launch which would ferry the Dupont's guests across the Little Choptank River to their nearby country estate.
Now this is a collection I can appreciate!
Yesterday I showed you Venice from the air via the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. Today we'll explore the interior of the church.
As I said yesterday, the building was designed by noted architect Andrea Palladio in 1565 after he had worked on the adjacent monastery for the Benedictine Monks who run the church.
The church was finished in 1610, 30 years after Palladio's death. 
The original bell tower from 1467 fell down in 1774 and was rebuilt 20 years later in Neoclassical style to better suit Palladio's efforts.
At the crux of the center nave, where the tower is located, is a strange smoke machine installed for the Biennale. 
Now that explains the strange piping we saw on the roof yesterday! 
The interior is crisp, white and clean -the type of classicism I love best. 
Located behind the apse alter screen, seen above, is a beautiful choir stall.
Designed by Palladio, the stalls were built between 1580 and 1589.
And I couldn't let you go without a close up of the gorgeous marble floors!
You recognize St. Mark's square above, across the water, with the familiar Doge's Palace.
I had no idea the waterways were so large nor so busy!
I've never been to Venice but for a long time it has been #1 on my travel list. I'll be visiting Paris for a week in early December (more on that later) but even the beauty of Paris can't compare to Venice. Happy Weekend!
My Australian 'penpal' has been traveling again and has sent me loads of photos from fascinating places around the world! I had to share 'Red House' with you, the home of Arts & Crafts artist William Morris.
While most known for its courtyard side (top 2 photos) the entry side is shown above; partly neo-gothic don't you think?
Update: Many thanks to my friend Richard for supplying me with a copy of the floor plans!
