Tom Ford would be the ideal best friend. Not only is he full of advice on how to be the perfect modern gentleman, but writer Siska Lyssens has just discovered that he owns the most beautiful ranch in Santa Fe. Designed by world famous architect Tadao Ando, the designer and film director opened up his ranch to French Vogue in 2011, where photographer Guido Mocafico took these amazing photographs. Set into the desert landscape of New Mexico, the ranch has been crafted to fit naturally into the surroundings, working with the light and shade to create a dramatic sanctuary for the designer, his husband Richard Buckley and their horses.
It is always fascinating to explore the homes of the famous and fictional, either through the pages of magazines or via their starring roles on film. The Sheats Goldstein House, created by John Lautner and owned by James Goldstein, played a key part in the Big Lebowski, while Frank Lloyd Wright's stunning Ennis House – first built in 1924 – has featured in innumerable films including The Day of the Locust and Blade Runner. Oakley Court in Windsor has been the go-to site for ready-made spookiness in films such as the Rocky Horror Show, while you can find the New York abode of the Royal Tenenbaums at the corner of 144th Sreet and Convent Street in Harlem, New York.
A sunny day is the perfect time to select your dream real estate, so as we mull over the relative values of Santa Fe versus LA, Lyssens discusses ranch wear and her ideal day in London.
Why did you love the ranch?
I was struck by the moodiness of the colours in the sky and how they seemed to perfectly match the organic, both smooth and rough, shapes of the ranch. You can just feel the personality in it.
What would you wear for a day spent there?
I would probably grab the opportunity to experiment with double denim and a flared silhouette.
Who would be in your fantasy house party for a weekend spent in Santa Fe?
I’d invite my new neighbour Tom Ford over and ask him to bring his stylish friends so they can mingle with mine.
Whose house would you most like to own and why?
Axel Vervoordt, the Belgian architect’s historic estate in the countryside, and its garden especially, seems like a nice place to retire.
What is your favourite ranch moment in popular culture?
Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall springs to mind.
What is your perfect way to spend a sunny day in London?
As I’m a freelance writer, it would involve reading, sunbathing and swimming in London Fields Lido, eating ice cream and doing a minimal amount of work.
What are you excited about for April?
That we’re finally approaching more sunshine and warmer temperatures!
What was the last thing you bought?
A Carven dress for my brother’s wedding.
