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EXCLUSIVE: COURTNEY LOVE TAKES YOU ON A TOUR OF HER NYC TOWNHOUSE

PHOTOGRAPHY PETER MURDOCK

You’ve probably been hearing a lot recently about our friend and xoJane Contributing-Editor Courtney Love from several media outlets. A lot of these stories mention Courtney's West Village Townhouse.  Courtney generously opened her home to us this past week to use as an off campus, sort of Pop-Up office.  It’s been a cozy, creative laboratory -- the vibes here are undeniably GOOD vibes. Courtney said of her home, "listen, there's no male energy here."  Which, for the record, Bryan and I had zero interest in taking issue with.

We wanted to share with you what's it been like, so Courtney and I invite you to join us in a photo tour, so you too can experience rooms that immediately put you in a good mood. Courtney's super-famous-in-his-field realtor, Jared Seligman, declared Courtney's home as "The epitome of equisite taste" and rattled off with glee "Majorelle, Ruhlman, Chippendale, Willow China, Tiffany China..." Does it look like she "wrecked the decor"? I think not...  Hopefully these exclusive photos will help you feel like you're right here with us.

Click on and discover Ms. Love's treasures, secrets (cupcakes and sugar cookies).  At the risk of cheese-balling it out, home really is where the heart is.

Eric

Dec 16, 2011 at 10:04am | 176 comments

  • Courtney Love in the grand entry way which leads from the living area to an upstairs bedroom.

    All clothing, Chanel.

  • Frances Bean Cobain photographed by the legendary Herb Ritts.

  • Above the mantel is a Francis Bacon Tryptych -- most certainly not a print. "The kitschy globe was Kurt's. That's why it doesn't match the rest of the room."  Jane's chosen this as her makeshift office, which explains the notebooks and pens.

  • The first floor prayer room where Courtney meditates and chants includes various books on Buddhism, notepads and tarot cards.

  • Frances Bean Cobain's photograph sits in front of the altar.

  • Inspired by beauty pageant culture, Gretchen Ryan's paintings explore notions of societal obsession pressing upon the underlying truth that such obsessions are never innocent or harmless. Here: BIG GIRL 2, 52 x 37 (oil on linen)

  • Above: Gretchen Ryan EVERYWHERE THAT SHE WENT/JUST BEFORE 12 x 15 (pastel, charcoal and graphite on paper). "People always say how much they love it, and that the girl is so cute -- it's totally sick because she's about to throw herself off of that cliff - -right after the lamb." 

    Below: "This was a gift from the manager at the Chateaux Marmont in LA."

  • Hershey, who is Courtney's lovely and funny House Manager, told me that this chair is one of the most personal items in the house as it was a gift from Kurt. In the mirrored frame: (left) Courtney with Donatella Versace and Elizabeth Taylor (the purple eyeshadow  and diamonds on Liz are out of control -- so major).  Right: Courtney and Woody Harrelson.

  • The living area. Shows how "exquisite Courtney's taste is. People forget that she's a seasoned real estate aficionado who has bought and sold over 14 residential properties and has invested in a few commercial ones (Standard, Mercer, etc.)  Courtney is presently investing in properties in the UK and LA." - Jared Seligman, Senior Vice President - Prudential  

  • The fireplace is flanked by an impressive Damien Hirst and the mantel holds a collecton of antique crowns, and a framed snapshot of Kurt and toddler Frances. It may be slightly difficult to make out but the needlepoint blanket (left) reads, "I DID SURVIVE." 

  • According to Hershey, the House Manager, much of the furnishing has been with Courtney for many years, especially from her Malibu home. While Courtney was loudly becoming an icon in music and fashion, she was quietly evolving into a passionate authority on antiques. Except for technology (computers, cell phones and tv) the only thing that's remotely new is a Ralph Lauren stacked glass table lamp -- "a gift from the designer."

  • Stevie Nicks -- say no more.

  • Gretchen Ryan ACCIDENT, 38 x 54 oil on linen.  Hiding out among the books: Audrey Hepburn and Billie Holiday.

  • " Why do I have an obelisk? Because it's pink and phallic. It's ironic."

  • "I seem to be the only staffer that got really excited and was touched to see a handwritten note, dated 1997 from Kevin Aucoin." - Eric

  • A collection of vintage wedding cake toppers are displayed downstairs in the kitchen .  One of them is from Kurt and Courtney's wedding.  Any guesses?         

  • "No shabby chic, EVER."

  • "I love this bed .  I've even had sex in it, twice."

  • (left) Chinese Foot Binding Shoes

    During the 16th Century in China the ideal foot was three inches in length and were called:golden lotuses.  Foot binding was generally practiced by wealthy families, as only wealthy families could afford to have the women of the house not at work. It was a sign of prestige, beauty and wealth.