What’s not to love about the Menlo Allied Arts Guild? This lovely property hits the spot with Spanish-influenced architecture and gardens, artist shops, and Al Fresco dining at Blue Garden Café. Shop for handmade items at the Artisan Shop where proceeds go to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford.

Yesterday, I headed to the Arts Guild with a good friend for a dose of art, garden, and door therapy. We enjoyed a satisfying lunch on the patio of the Blue Garden Café under a canopy of shade trees surrounded by an abundant display of Hydrangea blooms. Pure bliss.

Please enjoy a sample below of the unique Spanish-styled and old farmhouse doors found on this charming property. For a look at more photos of the gardens and dining patio click here to see my previous post about the Allied Arts Guild.

The Albro Room

The Archway Building

This building was the original 1800s wooden farmhouse. It was remodeled to achieve a Spanish Colonial appearance. The staircase and support beams feature carved woodwork. The ironwork on this building and throughout the Complex was forged on site.

The Sunset Room

This building housed the original showroom for the products of the various Guild Artisans.

The Barn

This 1885 structure was converted into the Woodworking Shop when the Allied Arts Guild was created. The beams and doors for the complex, as well as furniture, were crafted here.

Special Handling Pottery

Joy Imai has been the potter in residence at Allied Arts Guild since 1986.

Inspiration:  Thursday Doors and Satisfaction.