Now In: villa-behrens
HOWARD AND JUDI BEHRENSWELCOME YOU TO ...A VISUAL TOUR OF |
|
"VILLA BEHRENS" |
|
|
|
WELCOME TO VILLA BEHRENS - our home and Howard's private studio. Villa Behrens is situated on four wooded acres in Potomac, MD, which is located on the outskirts of the Nation’s Capital. We designed and built our villa as a reflection of the mood and romance of Howard's paintings. A Mediterranean-style villa, it is surrounded by water -- from the koi breeding ponds in the front entry gardens; to the Zen Garden, koi reflecting pond, and lagoon pool. Our back dining pavillion and the pool provide an exquisite view of the setting sun, as well as the forest and natural creek on our property. We hope that you enjoy your visual tour ! |
 ^ Villa Behrens Entry Courtyard at Dusk |
|
^ Villa Behrens Rear View at Dusk |
 ^ Mist-shrouded pool and waterfall (Above and below)
 |
|
A commercial fog system creates a magical mist that enshrouds the water features day and night. The lagoon pool looks completely natural, like a lagoon discovered in a forest glen. Floating copper torches light the water gardens after sunset. A replica of an ancient Buddhist temple bell and bronze torches grace the Zen garden (see photo below) and hover above the sunken Jacuzzi spa. Candles and flowers grace the gazebo and
|
|
|
 ^ The Zen-like koi breeding pond
|
|
One of the most remarkable features about Villa Behrens is the 26-foot Banyan tree sculpture that is the focal point of the interior. The Banyan tree sculpture “grows” out of the center of the Italian travertine floor in the Great Room, but its braches reach out to three separate
  ^ Views of The Great Room and The Behrens' Banyan (as veiwed from the Breakfast Nook) |
|
A huge, spectacular Behrens’ sunset – a scene from the Amalfi Coast of Italy, covers almost an entire wall of the huge Villa Behrens dining room. Howard created this masterpiece as a gift for Judi’s birthday in August 2004. Coral and shells from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines highlight the 24-foot “Toledo” stone table with oversized side chairs. (photo below)
|
 |
|
RED and more RED (Judi's favorite color) creates an impact in the Master Bedroom (two photos below), where Judi (who designed, built, and decorated Villa Behrens) lowered the ceiling to create a more intimate setting. One of four fireplaces in the villa, a “see through” version, sits between the Master Bedroom and the Master Bath, which looks out across a veranda (with a tropical shower) to a park-like setting leading towards a natural steam, which meanders through the property – making its way towards the Potomac River nearby.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A travertine circular staircase surrounded by Venetian-plaster finished walls and a “weeping” water wall lead to the Behrens’ art gallery, where guests may relax with a glass of champagne under flickering gas lights while enjoying the display of Behrens’ latest works in a setting reminiscent of a castle in Tuscany. (photo below)
|
|
^ The gallery at Villa Behrens
|
|
Adjacent to the gallery is Howard's private retreat -- a Rec Room, a Game Room, and a Theater Area. Here, in his private domain, Howard shares many hours with his family and closest friends:
|
|
^ Howard's private den (above) and Theater Area (below)
|
|
|
|
One of Howard and Judi Behrens' favorite places to entertain at Villa Behrens is at the romantic gazebo dining pavillion which rises above the lagoon pool and the lower garden. Here, music sets the mood - and even emanates from the rocks in the garden. The sounds of water (from the pool waterfall and the stream below) produce a feeling of being transported to a garden in Thailand or Japan. (photo below):
|
|
^ The dining pavillion (above), with a view towards the pool, the Zen Garden, and the natural creek (photo below)
|
|
|
|
In his studio, Howard is surrounded with his 50-year collection of slides and working materials. There, he creates his masterpieces using his palette knife (photos below):
|
  |
|
THANK YOU for taking the
VISUAL TOUR of Villa Behrens. |
