“Islamic art dates from the 8th century to present day and pretty much encompasses the countries from southern Spain all the way to India, so Islamic art is very diverse,” said Barbara Buchman, taking cover from the bright sun in the shade of an 80-year-old banyan tree. “If you take away anything from my tour, that’s it. That Islamic art is very diverse.”
At the bottom of just another driveway in just another cul-de-sac in not-so-just-another neighborhood outside Waikiki, sits Shangri La.
The home’s entrance looks simple enough with its low-slung, plain stucco façade, two brick steps leading to a wooden door adorned in some metalwork. But cross the threshold and after your eyes adjust to the foyer’s shadowy interior; it’s crystal clear that this one-time private home of Doris Duke is anything but just another home.
Please continue reading my latest feature story--on Shangri La, the famous, tobacco heiress's Hawaii home.