Skip navigation
SKIP THIS AD >>
ADVERTISEMENT
You will be redirected to your destination in 15 seconds.
Subscribe to Interior Design
« Winston Table at Downtown LA | Main | Group Therapy: President Obama’s Inauguration »
RSS
Email

Share this on
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter

Link This | Comments (18)
D.B. Kim
D.B. Kim

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place

January 23, 2009


Gorgeous view of sunset. Photo by D.B. Kim.

Although I hide it
My love shows in my face
So plainly that he asks me, "Are you thinking of something?"

~Taira No Kanemori, 10th-century Japan


A view of Monaco from the veranda. Photo by D.B. Kim.

My inspirations are intuitive and possess organic characteristics largely due to their origins in landscapes and nature.

As many creative talents do when there is a brief moment for visual meditation, I wanted to revisit an ideal picture-perfect place that evoked a sense of peace within me. I chose the private garden of Mr. John Mark Horton’s private residence in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France (where one can visit the tombs of Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier).


Tomb of Le Corbusier in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France. Photo by D.B. Kim.

Here I found a refuge with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, bundles of warm sunrays, and the sweet fragrance of star jasmine that gently cuddled me to sleep at night.

I particularly enjoyed strolling Mr. Horton’s private gardens; Horton, himself, is a gardener and an architect. In this intimate place concealed within layers of cypress hedges, Mr. Horton personally manicures and maintains its beauty with a passion that is rare to find. The garden is a true sanctuary, and I felt lucky to be surrounded by its magnificence.


Overview of the upper-tier garden. Photo by D.B. Kim.

Considering hospitality, one often focuses solely on indoor elements and architectural details. What a surprise to have access to nature as well when staying in a hotel. While this entry does not cover a public guesthouse, I’d like to share the images from my visit to the residence, reminding readers of the poetic feelings that come from a garden, and the inspiration I drew from it.

Visit my slideshow to see all the pictures from my serene visit Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

Posted by D.B. Kim on January 23, 2009 | Comments (18)

March 27, 2011
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Jean-Jacques commented:

Nice images, but Eileen Gray is not buried in Roquebrune, but in Paris. Le Corbusier shares his tomb with his wife Yvonne


January 31, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
jmhorton97@aol.com commented:

D.B., what a lovely sentiment; I greatly appreciate it on behalf of both myself and the garden (and those before me who created it). And by the way, if any of you respondents are in the neighborhood and ask nicely, I will be most pleased to show you if I am here.


January 29, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
coco commented:

How beautiful! Especially now .when we are bracing cold winter storm, it is pure joy to look at those beautiful pictures. thank you for sharing


January 27, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Ret Taylor commented:

Beautiful. Your entry reminds me of the true reason for being green. This is to be with nature, not against it, indoors and out and no more complicated than that.


January 26, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
charlie martial commented:

DB, thank you for sharing such a magical place. An inspiration it is.


January 26, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
P.S. Brown commented:

Beautiful images. What a wonderful escape from the 'concrete jungle' here in NYC!


January 25, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Aaron Duncan commented:

Photos look amazing... makes me want to be there! Pure escapism!


January 25, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Pam Parsons commented:

DB, the photos are so beautiful. There is no doubt that you should be working for magazines!


January 24, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Blue Angel commented:

Amazing place. Thank you for sharing....I want a secret garden of my own!


January 24, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Summerlotus commented:

Your selection of Taira No Kanemori's poem, paired with the serenity & tranquility of Horton's garden, is not only inspirational, yet refreshing, given the wintry days of now. Thank you DB.


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Danny Bottino commented:

Thanks for posting these pictures of this stunning garden!


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Julie Candice commented:

I needed this amazinging tranquil view of life today....I'm taking three months off to travel and I now know where I am going. Thank you for sharing!!!


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
D.B. commented:

Thanks for all your thoughtful comments! FYI: The garden is a private one. I highly recommend the trip: Le Corbusier's tomb is accessible to the public:located separately from the garden.


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
arcalab commented:

I wondered wher Corbu was buried, what a great spot and special garden. Is the garden open for people who are not guests? Thanks


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Modernflora commented:

Wow, I am always looking for inspiration for my own work this is really beautiful.


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
fashion fairy commented:

this is a wonderful respite and a virtual garden visit during my hectic day at the office... It looks very peaceful and i feel myself taking a deep breath. thank you


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Tom in LA commented:

I find the beautiful aspect with this garden is its human scale which was so critical with Corbusier. Unfortunately, more common with outdoor space found in hospitality today, the landscape seems to be about an initial visual impact, and not a place for poetry and inspiration. Thanks for sharing the place.


January 23, 2009
In response to: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France: Le Corbusier's Peaceful Resting Place
Chris commented:

I frequently recall Mr. Horton's gardens myself and their tranquility. You are absolutely right when you mention the importance of the outdoor space and the surprises and wonders that access to nature offer. Hawaiian resorts usually get this right, but on the Mainland, it lacks sorely.

POST A COMMENT
Display Name
captcha

Before submitting this form, please type the characters displayed above. Note the letters are case sensitive:

« Winston Table at Downtown LA | Main | Group Therapy: President Obama’s Inauguration »
Advertisement
Advertisement