The attractions include lofts that can be expanded or turned into additional rooms, standard 9-foot ceilings, stylish architecture, and landscaping that appears to have been there for years.
A spectacularly restored mansion (built in 1843) houses the delightful inn, which features 15-foot ceilings, period architecture, historic decor, and plenty of southern charm.
With superb illustrations and a carefully constructed argument, Howard makes it clear that the pointed archways, secluded courtyards, screened balconies, rooftop terraces and intricately coffered ceilings of Venetian architecture derive directly from Islamic prototypes, rather than from the Byzantine tradition commonly viewed as the source of the city-state's exotic style.
At the Bahia (which means brilliant) Palace, a complex of ornately decorated reception rooms, apartments and gardens built by a grand vizier at the end of the 19th century, we admired the architecture: mosaic ceilings, tiled courtyards and carved wooden columns.
I found magnificent architecture, arching ceilings, frescoes, pillars... and a prescribed ritual of 16 steps (Not 14, not 17, but 16).
The room is oblong, with a striking pale blue arched ceiling that hints at classical architecture without tumbling into kitsch or self-parody.
Even the building's imposing vaulted ceiling hinted at the fascist architecture he saw as his inalienable destiny (throughout his career, he made repeated references to controlling the United States by 1972).
"It's got really interesting architecture, with high ceilings and lots of light," said the 36-year-old.
Its monumental Roman architecture and vaulted ceilings provide a stunning backdrop to a bustling shopping mall and a host of restaurants.
With its remodelled main atrium opening in 2011, the building – and particularly its ceiling – is a refined example of architecture that pays homage to New Zealand materials.
