Thinking Outside the Boudoir: Rebecca

Of all the movie homes that I’ve shown on My Little Boudoir, this one has a boudoir that may just top them all! The home is called Manderlay and the movie is Rebecca, starring Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier. I read the book (by Daphne du Maurier) first, and then watched the movie. I loved both.

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To give you some insight as to why you are about to see two boudoirs in the photos that follow, here is a preview of what the book/movie is about:

Rebecca is a novel of mystery and passion, a dark psychological tale of secrets and betrayal, dead loves and an estate called Manderley that is as much a presence as the humans who inhabit it: “when the leaves rustle, they sound very much like the stealthy movement of a woman in evening dress, and when they shiver suddenly and fall, and scatter away along the ground, they might be the pitter, patter of a woman’s hurrying footsteps, and the mark in the gravel the imprint of a high-heeled satin shoe.” Manderley is filled with memories of the elegant and flamboyant Rebecca, the first Mrs. DeWinter; with the obsessive love of her housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, who observes the young, timid second Mrs. DeWinter with sullen hostility; and with the oppressive silences of a secretive husband, Maxim. Rebecca may be physically dead, but she is a force to contend with, and the housekeeper’s evil matches that of her former mistress as a purveyor of the emotional horror thrust on the innocent Mrs. DeWinter. The tension builds as the new Mrs. DeWinter slowly grows and asserts herself, surviving the wicked deceptions of Mrs. Danvers and the silent deceits of her husband, to emerge triumphant in the midst of a surprise ending that leaves the reader with a sense of haunting justice.

Manderlay is a palace of sorts, and lets you inside of a world of pure luxury. I’ve always dreamed of having a gated entry to my home. My grandfather had one and I always thought it seemed so regal.

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An exterior view…..

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Could you imagine getting married and entering your new home to a welcome like this?

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A grand stairwell in the entrance always makes such a statement! Plus, every dream home must have a ballroom, right?

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The dining hall is enormous, with multiple chandeliers. I must say though, I would not sit at opposite ends of the table from my husband, but rather side-by-side. A fireplace in the dining room is so cozy!

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And when you’re having a smaller meal, like breakfast for example, it might be served in this manner upon fine silver and china. A spot of tea for me, please!

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When you have the space in your home for a “morning room”, you know you’re doing something right. I love the rooms that old mansions had, like a music room, drawing room, etc. I guess they had to think of a purpose for each of the many rooms. The morning room is where the new Mrs. de Winter spends her mornings writing letters, selecting the daily menu, soiree planning, and so on, all in the delight of the morning sun.

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Whether you have a desk in your boudoir, or in a magnificent morning room, lovely stationary is a must. It is even more special when it it personalized stationary. What you’re looking at below is the desk that belonged to the first Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca, only to be inherited by marriage to the second Mrs. de Winter. Notice the house phone on the left. Isn’t it fun?

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The perfect  home is never complete without a library (I might add that I do not have a library, but I sure would love one). This one is pretty spectacular. The fireplace is so large, you could walk right into it (not that I am suggesting such behavior).

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And now for the boudoirs! The best part of any home. First, I will show you the boudoir of the second Mrs. de Winter, played by Joan Fontaine. Notice the dressing table (with all of the exciting containers…I wonder what is inside), the canopy bed, paneled walls, and elevated seating area (see steps to the right), which are all quite charming.

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And now…the most breathtaking boudoir, the one that belongs to the late Rebecca de Winter, and remains intact thanks to Mrs. Danvers (quite possibly the only “good” thing she’s done). This is the entry way with a seating area. As you make your way through the sheer curtains you enter the boudoir.

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These floor to ceiling windows are such a dream!

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This is the built-in wardrobe. I love these pull-outs with glass knobs, where Rebecca kept her lingerie.

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Though I would prefer light marble to the dark, this bathroom is still lovely. I adore the Venetian mirror.

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Though a little ornate for my personal taste, one can’t deny that this bed is the focal point of her boudoir. I love it when a bed is elevated on a platform. Hanging wall sconces next to a bed is always perfect!

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This was a touch that I absolutely love and plan to recreate for my boudoir one day (when I learn to operate my sewing machine to the point where I don’t have to say curse words every time I use it). It is a monogrammed casing, made of silk and lace, for ones bed clothes to be set out in each afternoon during turn down. Wouldn’t it be cute in a little girl’s boudoir, too? I use to set out my daughter’s pajamas on her bed quite often. This would be such a special way to display them. I will admit though, I would select a better font for the monogram.

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Here is Mrs. Danvers taking the lingerie out of the case. You will notice that the case is only sewn along the bottom and right side, allowing you to keep the garment folded nicely when placing it inside, and also allowing for easy removal.

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Nothing less than the fanciest of lingerie for a siren of a woman like Rebecca, or any beautiful woman who lives in such luxury (for those of you, like me, who like to wear sweats to bed at times, don’t feel bad about yourself…{smile}).

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Nothing less than stunning would be acceptable for the dressing table in a boudoir of this magnitude. Topped off with a picture of the beau.

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And lastly, even the doors of the boudoir are amazing. I’ve always dreamed of having ornate double doors entering into a boudoir.

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