Latest news with #Zellige
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's Home of the Year: when did it get so highfalutin?
BACK in the olden days of 2019, the year SHOTY began, it did not take much to impress viewers. A cleverly placed skylight or nicely restored parquet flooring was enough to send us racing to B&Q, ready to recreate the look in our own humble gaffs. But these days, don't even think of coming through the door unless you know your enfilade from your Zellige tiles, your Eames combo from your Togo sofa. In Scotland, in some parts at least, we're all design freaks now. At the halfway mark of the competition, the judges went to Central and Tayside (spoilers ahead). First stop was the Tree House in Broughty Ferry. Designed by a young architect 60 years ago for his own family, the modernist building had lain empty for five years till Jackie and Paul came along to restore it and add some magic of their own. Read more For judge Danny it was love at first sight. An architect by trade, Danny is usually the first to wheel out his specialist knowledge, but this time he was beaten to the punch by fellow judge and interior designer Anna. 'It's a classic modernist move to connect spaces with partial walls, setting the rooms up enfilade,' she declared. 'Enfilade?' asked Banjo. 'It means without corridors,' said Anna. Not wishing to be left out, Danny started to bang on about 'clean lines' and 'creating volumes'. On to the kitchen and even Banjo, normally such a grounded sort, felt the need to stick his design oar in, praising the Zellige tiles. A quick Google search revealed these to be Moroccan and known for their 'irregularity of appearance' or, to use a more familiar term, wonkiness. Home of the year (Image: PHOTOGRAPHER:IWC Media) All we really wanted to see was the rest of the house - gorgeous - before stopping off at The Dairy, a farm steading conversion in Deanston near Doune. With its hand-painted animal wallpaper, Welsh blankets and tray of empire biscuits, The Dairy restored the mood to silliness as usual. The Carriage House, a Victorian conversion in Auchterarder, was the final contender. Audrey and Malcolm's home had some oddly shaped rooms. In the TV room the sofas were away from the walls and placed at a 45-degree angle. 'My feng shui is pinging,' said Banjo. 'I don't know if that's the way to do it.' They spent so long assessing furniture angles there was hardly any time to praise the jewel in the crown - the garden (above). It had taken Audrey 17 years to get the outside as she wanted it, and every minute had been well spent. Magnificent. I know it's Scotland's home of the year and not Scotland's garden, but maybe there's scope for another programme along those lines. With the original SHOTY now so highfalutin, getting back to basics could be just the thing. The winner was never in any doubt, with The Tree House five points clear of the other contenders. Next week, it is on to the Highlands and Islands. What are our chances of spotting shadow gap skirting there?
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sarah Paulson finds buyer for $2 million Malibu trailer home after slashing price and throwing in a free gift
Sarah Paulson finally locked in a buyer for her Malibu trailer home after reducing the property price by $550,000. The American Horror Story star originally listed her one-bedroom, one-bathroom luxury home in May of last year for $2 million, but was forced to lower her asking price when she couldn't secure a buyer for months. Paulson bought the property for only $860,000 in March of 2024. The trailer house is located in the private Paradise Cove mobile home park, a community that's hosted many celebrities over the years, from Stevie Nicks to Matthew McConaughey. Based on other listings on the average asking price for homes in Paradise Cove is more than $1.2 million. The most expensive property, a two-bedroom, is listed for $4.99 million. Paulson briefly took the 500-square-foot home off the market in February due to the damage caused by the Los Angeles wildfires in the surrounding area. Paradise Cove was not ruined in the Palisades Fire. Paulson eventually put her listing back up in March with an asking price of $1.57 million. It wasn't until April 16 that the home finally sold for $1.45 million, according to The actor threw in a free golf cart with the sale. 'This custom-designed jewel box of a property is more than just a home: It's a piece of art, lovingly crafted with unparalleled style and attention to detail,' the original listing description said of the home. 'Step through the front door and find a serene living space flooded with natural light. 'The kitchen is beautifully anchored by milky-stone countertops shot through with emerald veining that evokes the crashing waves just moments away. The wide-plank engineered pine floors and brass fixtures suggest an understated nautical inspiration - intimate and welcoming. 'The elegant bathroom, featuring floor-to-ceiling blush-pink Zellige tiles, is a serene sanctuary-within-a-sanctuary.' In 2023, Paulson gave Architectural Digest an in-depth look at her beachside home, during which she thought back to when she decided to purchase the property. 'It was January, and the tide was so far out that the beach felt like a moonscape,' she told the outlet. 'The cliffs and the water and the light were so beautiful, and my dog went bananas. 'The ocean never called to me. I'm the person who's afraid there's a shark in my bathtub,' she continued. 'But the beach was stunning. How did I live here for so many years and not understand the beauty of the coastline?' To help with renovations, Paulson tapped Kehoe and Jeff Spiegel at Heartwood Construction + Design. Pictures from her AD tour show the home's sun-soaked interior and an enclosed gravel patio located in the back. The exterior of the home is coated with plum-colored paint, while countertops are made from stone and white wood paneling is consistent throughout the inside. 'There's no disconnect between Sarah's personal style and her home style,' Kehoe told AD. 'She is really dialed in and has excellent taste in all things, and there is a current femininity to her style that's so modern and thoughtful.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sarah Paulson finds buyer for $2 million Malibu trailer home after slashing price and throwing in a free gift
Sarah Paulson finally locked in a buyer for her Malibu trailer home after reducing the property price by $550,000. The American Horror Story star originally listed her one-bedroom, one-bathroom luxury home in May of last year for $2 million, but was forced to lower her asking price when she couldn't secure a buyer for months. Paulson bought the property for only $860,000 in March of 2024. The trailer house is located in the private Paradise Cove mobile home park, a community that's hosted many celebrities over the years, from Stevie Nicks to Matthew McConaughey. Based on other listings on the average asking price for homes in Paradise Cove is more than $1.2 million. The most expensive property, a two-bedroom, is listed for $4.99 million. Paulson briefly took the 500-square-foot home off the market in February due to the damage caused by the Los Angeles wildfires in the surrounding area. Paradise Cove was not ruined in the Palisades Fire. Paulson eventually put her listing back up in March with an asking price of $1.57 million. It wasn't until April 16 that the home finally sold for $1.45 million, according to The actor threw in a free golf cart with the sale. 'This custom-designed jewel box of a property is more than just a home: It's a piece of art, lovingly crafted with unparalleled style and attention to detail,' the original listing description said of the home. 'Step through the front door and find a serene living space flooded with natural light. 'The kitchen is beautifully anchored by milky-stone countertops shot through with emerald veining that evokes the crashing waves just moments away. The wide-plank engineered pine floors and brass fixtures suggest an understated nautical inspiration - intimate and welcoming. 'The elegant bathroom, featuring floor-to-ceiling blush-pink Zellige tiles, is a serene sanctuary-within-a-sanctuary.' In 2023, Paulson gave Architectural Digest an in-depth look at her beachside home, during which she thought back to when she decided to purchase the property. 'It was January, and the tide was so far out that the beach felt like a moonscape,' she told the outlet. 'The cliffs and the water and the light were so beautiful, and my dog went bananas. 'The ocean never called to me. I'm the person who's afraid there's a shark in my bathtub,' she continued. 'But the beach was stunning. How did I live here for so many years and not understand the beauty of the coastline?' To help with renovations, Paulson tapped Kehoe and Jeff Spiegel at Heartwood Construction + Design. Pictures from her AD tour show the home's sun-soaked interior and an enclosed gravel patio located in the back. The exterior of the home is coated with plum-colored paint, while countertops are made from stone and white wood paneling is consistent throughout the inside. 'There's no disconnect between Sarah's personal style and her home style,' Kehoe told AD. 'She is really dialed in and has excellent taste in all things, and there is a current femininity to her style that's so modern and thoughtful.'
The National
13-02-2025
- The National
First look: Bait Elowal revives Sharjah's trading past with flavours from the Silk Road
The scent of cardamom and saffron drifts from the kitchen of Sharjah's Bait Elowal, echoing the UAE's past as a vital node along the Silk Road. Overlooking the Sharjah Creek and the vast Arabian Gulf, the new restaurant gazes upon the storied paths once travelled by traders from India, Persia and North Africa – their dhows laden with black pepper, turmeric, local fish and dates – some of the ingredients defining what is now known as Emirati cuisine. Opening to the public on Thursday and the brainchild of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Bait Elowal reflects this heritage through its detailed architecture and a meticulously crafted menu inspired by the raw, fresh goods once carried in ancient cargoes. Sheikha Bodour notes that the name itself is a nod to the past travellers who found shelter – and, in some cases, a new life – upon stepping onto the shores of Sharjah. 'The name itself reflects this journey. 'Bait' means home, while 'Elowal' is an old Emirati term for the traveller who returns, not just with goods, but with knowledge, experiences and discoveries,' she tells The National. 'For centuries, Sharjah welcomed traders and explorers from India, Persia, Morocco and beyond. Their ships docked along its shores, carrying silks, spices, and traditions that blended seamlessly with our own. 'I wanted Bait Elowal to reflect that sense of homecoming, a place that embraces visitors as if they were returning from a long voyage, where every dish, craft and space carries echoes of the journeys that have shaped us.' Nestled in the heart of Sharjah and located off Corniche Road, Bait Elowal sits in one of the emirate's typically culturally rich coastal neighbourhoods. It is home to the Sharjah Art Foundation, the picturesque Urban Garden, and the stunning Masjid Al Zahra, a mosque that features bright decorative tile work that is heavily influenced by Iranian-Persian design. The facade of the two-storey structure, once a century-old residence known as Bait Al Mazrou, is restored and designed to reflect traditional Emirati architecture. Its coral stone walls and carved wooden doors are materials historically chosen to insulate residents from the intense desert heat. 'Restoring Bait Elowal was about more than preserving a building; it was about safeguarding the stories and traditions embedded in its walls,' Sheikha Bodour says. 'The house, originally home to the Al Mazrouei family, had stood for over 100 years, witnessing the movement of travellers, merchants and generations of Emirati life. The priority was to retain its character while carefully integrating elements that allow it to serve as a welcoming space for modern visitors.' Once inside, guests are transported to a stately Moroccan riad with a fountain at the centre of a tranquil central courtyard. The sunlight glimmers off the colourful Zellige tiles, casting shadows on creamy walls with Moorish horseshoe arches. The seats lining the courtyard are a mix of woven rattan chairs and cushioned benches adorned with colourful throw pillows. Inside, surrounding the courtyard, are several plush majlises featuring luxurious couches and artisanal rugs perfect for group tea sessions. Also on the ground floor is Al Kutubkhana, an on-site bookstore featuring a selection of art and history books on the region's cultural heritage, along with English translations of novels and non-fiction works by Sharjah's ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi that explore the emirate's past. There's also Soghat El Lowal, an arts and crafts boutique, that showcases works by local and regional artisans that embrace sustainable practices. These include Emirati hand-embroidered mkhaweer dresses, silk scarves from Uzbekistan, jewellery from India, and traditional shoes and homeware from Morocco's Amazigh culture. Al Marmas, the rooftop terrace, is stunning – featuring elegant archways and a majestic view of the Sharjah Creek. Bait Elowal 's menu is a meeting point of cultures, with each section evoking a journey across the region. Breakfast dishes are titled The Silk Road Awakens, while appetizers are dubbed Teasers – A Prelude to the Voyage. Main courses fall under Coming Back – The Journey Returns and desserts are presented as A Sweet Journey Through the Silk Road. With more than 30 dishes on offer, priced between Dh25 and Dh190, the menu focuses less on fusion and more on highlighting the culinary connections forged through historical trade routes. An example is the roasted eggplant with red miso and feta cheese – an impactful eggplant salad that showcases some of the ancient fermentation techniques traders used to preserve ingredients on months-long journeys. The smoked salmon and ossetra caviar tartlet, an elegant pastry appetiser, takes its cues from the historic Caspian Sea Trade – a key feature of the Silk Road. It reflects how delicacies such as caviar and fish roe were transported from places like Persia throughout the region. The meat dishes, such as the braised lamb shank and striploin, are infused with Silk Road spices like sumac, ginger and cloves. Meanwhile, contemporary influences emerge in the quinoa-crusted octopus and chicken liver parfait. The octopus is gently braised, then coated in crisped quinoa for added texture, while the sweetness of apple and the richness of the parfait create a balanced, smooth finish. A dessert dish that could prove popular is Hidden Treasure – a decadent Guanaja chocolate whipped ganache with crunchy cocoa nibs, sitting atop a crispy date cake and a puddle of fragrant cardamom soup. 'We wanted to celebrate this history by creating a menu that captures the essence of those exchanges,' Sheikha Bodour says. 'Every dish is designed to reflect the natural evolution of flavours that have travelled across continents yet feel at home in Emirati kitchens. Some dishes pay homage to time-honoured recipes, while others reimagine these influences in new ways.' Bait Elowal is located on Al Merraijja Square, Sharjah; open daily from 8am to 11pm; for reservations go to
The National
13-02-2025
- The National
First look: Bait El Lowal revives Sharjah's trading past with flavours from the Silk Road
The scent of cardamom and saffron drifts from the kitchen of Sharjah's Bait El Lowal, echoing the UAE's past as a vital node along the Silk Road. Overlooking the Sharjah Creek and the vast Arabian Gulf, the new restaurant gazes upon the storied paths once travelled by traders from India, Persia and North Africa – their dhows laden with black pepper, turmeric, local fish and dates – some of the ingredients defining what is now known as Emirati cuisine. Opening to the public on Thursday and the brainchild of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Bait El Lowal reflects this heritage through its detailed architecture and a meticulously crafted menu inspired by the raw, fresh goods once carried in ancient cargoes. Sheikha Bodour notes that the name itself is a nod to the past travellers who found shelter – and, in some cases, a new life – upon stepping onto the shores of Sharjah. 'The name itself reflects this journey. 'Bait' means home, while 'El Lowal' is an old Emirati term for the traveller who returns, not just with goods, but with knowledge, experiences and discoveries,' she tells The National. 'For centuries, Sharjah welcomed traders and explorers from India, Persia, Morocco and beyond. Their ships docked along its shores, carrying silks, spices, and traditions that blended seamlessly with our own. 'I wanted Bait El Lowal to reflect that sense of homecoming, a place that embraces visitors as if they were returning from a long voyage, where every dish, craft and space carries echoes of the journeys that have shaped us.' Nestled in the heart of Sharjah and located off Corniche Road, Bait El Lowal sits in one of the emirate's typically culturally rich coastal neighbourhoods. It is home to the Sharjah Art Foundation, the picturesque Urban Garden, and the stunning Masjid Al Zahra, a mosque that features bright decorative tile work that is heavily influenced by Iranian-Persian design. The facade of the two-storey structure, once a century-old residence known as Bait Al Mazrou, is restored and designed to reflect traditional Emirati architecture. Its coral stone walls and carved wooden doors are materials historically chosen to insulate residents from the intense desert heat. 'Restoring Bait El Lowal was about more than preserving a building; it was about safeguarding the stories and traditions embedded in its walls,' Sheikha Bodour says. 'The house, originally home to the Al Mazrouei family, had stood for over 100 years, witnessing the movement of travellers, merchants and generations of Emirati life. The priority was to retain its character while carefully integrating elements that allow it to serve as a welcoming space for modern visitors.' Once inside, guests are transported to a stately Moroccan riad with a fountain at the centre of a tranquil central courtyard. The sunlight glimmers off the colourful Zellige tiles, casting shadows on creamy walls with Moorish horseshoe arches. The seats lining the courtyard are a mix of woven rattan chairs and cushioned benches adorned with colourful throw pillows. Inside, surrounding the courtyard, are several plush majlises featuring luxurious couches and artisanal rugs perfect for group tea sessions. Also on the ground floor is Al Kutubkhana, an on-site bookstore featuring a selection of art and history books on the region's cultural heritage, along with English translations of novels and non-fiction works by Sharjah's ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi that explore the emirate's past. There's also Soghat El Lowal, an arts and crafts boutique, that showcases works by local and regional artisans that embrace sustainable practices. These include Emirati hand-embroidered mkhaweer dresses, silk scarves from Uzbekistan, jewellery from India, and traditional shoes and homeware from Morocco's Amazigh culture. Al Marmas, the rooftop terrace, is stunning – featuring elegant archways and a majestic view of the Sharjah Creek. Bait El Lowal's menu is a meeting point of cultures, with each section evoking a journey across the region. Breakfast dishes are titled The Silk Road Awakens, while appetizers are dubbed Teasers – A Prelude to the Voyage. Main courses fall under Coming Back – The Journey Returns and desserts are presented as A Sweet Journey Through the Silk Road. With more than 30 dishes on offer, priced between Dh25 and Dh190, the menu focuses less on fusion and more on highlighting the culinary connections forged through historical trade routes. An example is the roasted eggplant with red miso and feta cheese – an impactful eggplant salad that showcases some of the ancient fermentation techniques traders used to preserve ingredients on months-long journeys. The smoked salmon and ossetra caviar tartlet, an elegant pastry appetiser, takes its cues from the historic Caspian Sea Trade – a key feature of the Silk Road. It reflects how delicacies such as caviar and fish roe were transported from places like Persia throughout the region. The meat dishes, such as the braised lamb shank and striploin, are infused with Silk Road spices like sumac, ginger and cloves. Meanwhile, contemporary influences emerge in the quinoa-crusted octopus and chicken liver parfait. The octopus is gently braised, then coated in crisped quinoa for added texture, while the sweetness of apple and the richness of the parfait create a balanced, smooth finish. A dessert dish that could prove popular is Hidden Treasure – a decadent Guanaja chocolate whipped ganache with crunchy cocoa nibs, sitting atop a crispy date cake and a puddle of fragrant cardamom soup. 'We wanted to celebrate this history by creating a menu that captures the essence of those exchanges,' Sheikha Bodour says. 'Every dish is designed to reflect the natural evolution of flavours that have travelled across continents yet feel at home in Emirati kitchens. Some dishes pay homage to time-honoured recipes, while others reimagine these influences in new ways.' Bait El Lowal is located on Al Marija Street, Sharjah; open daily from 8am to 11pm; for reservations go to
