Comments on the style saloniste: Just Back from Ravishingly Beautiful South India

Diane, thank you as always for taking us along on ...

2015-04-09T17:45:51.067-07:00

Diane, thank you as always for taking us along on your adventures!

Christine

Diane, Chettniad is such an amazing discovery that...

2015-04-09T16:30:37.470-07:00

Diane, Chettniad is such an amazing discovery that one usually only dreams or reads of, truly a treasure.

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Dear Friends- My friend Julie in California sent...

2015-04-07T18:14:08.171-07:00

Dear Friends-

My friend Julie in California sent me the following lovely note regarding this Chettinad post:

Diane:

Just read/saw the Southern India piece. Divine. Made me dream. Cooking classes? Worth the journey. Loved everything about it.

Julie

I agree..it would be so much fun to gather a few friends and cook in the airy kitchen at The Bangala. The cuisine is so refined and special. I hope many of you will consider taking a cooking class when you visit Tamil Nadu and the Chettinad region. let me know. DIANE

DEAR FRIENDS- I have such a fantastically talent...

2015-04-07T17:28:48.402-07:00

DEAR FRIENDS-

I have such a fantastically talented and well-traveled and accomplished salon of readers.

I heard from my friend Mike Donaldson, a leading antique dealer, today:

"Hi Diane,

Michael Donaldson here, I'm so jealous of your trip, I've had a few trips planned to the Chettinad area over the years, but have never been. I've sold some Chettinad house parts over the years, but that's about it. The photos look amazing and I'm a huge fan of South Indian cuisine. My current favorite town in India is Fort Cohin (Kochi), someplace that you should visit if you haven't already."

Yes, Mike…thank you. I have been to Kochi and love it. South India is so mellow, so quiet in comparison to rushing and loud and noisy and engaging and lively North India. I am looking forward to exploring more.

best DIANE

DEAR FRIENDS- I was delighted to receive the foll...

2015-04-07T16:07:35.044-07:00

DEAR FRIENDS-

I was delighted to receive the following message from the lovely Meenakshi Meyyappam at The Bangala:

"Dear Diane,

"I have just seen your blog – what a superb blog. I have never known Chettinad to look so good. Even my son says that anyone seeing the blog will surely want to visit. You have done very well by Chettinad and The Bangala. The latter also looks so lovely – the picutes you have taken and chosen are so superior to the ones we have . Thank you ever so much, Diane."

Meenakshi--Thank you. I am honored. I had such wonderful material to write about and ponder--at The Bangala and at all the mansion of Chettinad.
I know my readers will want to visit--and perhaps for some it will awaken a love of India and the history and culture of Tamil Nadu.
I can't wait to return.

best--DIANE

DEAR FRIENDS- I've posted the CHETTINAD post ...

2015-04-07T14:31:21.679-07:00

DEAR FRIENDS-

I've posted the CHETTINAD post onto FACEBOOK and have many many comments and 'likes' and 'shares' and notes.

My friend Cynthia Woodyard said:
"Cynthia Woodyard: Thank you for the introducing me to this fascinating area which I haven't visited! Beautifully presented!'

Cynthia also commented on how well preserved the interiors of the Chettinad mansions are, compared with many historic palaces and houses in other regions of India, including Shekawati.

Yes, I agree. While there are those who are very concerned that the Chettiar houses are falling into disrepair, many are being restored and maintained superbly. I hope you will all visit and see them. DIANE

Dear Peggy- Yes…it is wonderful to see architect...

2015-04-07T14:28:42.906-07:00

Dear Peggy-

Yes…it is wonderful to see architecture and interiors that you've never seen before. You as a designer would appreciate the details and the materials. stay in touch, DIANE

Dear Tamar-- Thank you for your comment. Yes…it ...

2015-04-07T14:27:47.388-07:00

Dear Tamar--

Thank you for your comment. Yes…it was the remoteness of the arid region that forced the Chettiars to travel far (Mozambique, Venice, London, Singapore, Sumatra ports, Burma…)…to trade and set up banks and work hard far from Tamil Nadu. The mansions were about power and prestige and celebrations and family gatherings--as you said just as French chateaux were. Few in India, even, have been there, and few Indians know about the discovery. I am honored to have been there. best DIANE

stunning + amazing Chettniad + thanks for the post...

2015-04-07T13:34:06.811-07:00

stunning + amazing Chettniad + thanks for the posting. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

Thank you, Diane, for transporting us to another w...

2015-04-07T08:04:29.463-07:00

Thank you, Diane, for transporting us to another world! Chettinad is amazing - it is India's chateaux region. Its remoteness is both its savior and its doom. Seven hours to get there by car - worth it for the visitor but a daunting journey for the families.

Absolutely a stunning insight of the place and its...

2015-04-06T20:32:14.616-07:00

Absolutely a stunning insight of the place and its architectural features.Definitely a must go destination in my travel list!Thanks for sharing.

Magnificent, thank you so much for posting. We'...

2015-04-06T17:47:50.593-07:00

Magnificent, thank you so much for posting. We've travelled to India many times and this area certainly wasn't on our radar.