(a 4-minute read)

The late Michael Taylor was the most talented country-casual interior designer in the world. A large man who understood the luxury of open spaces and over-scaled furniture, he was known for counter-pointing naturally rustic materials with sensuously soft, colorful fabrics. While most of his commissions were private (and very costly), one can experience the total luxury of his art and, at the same time, enjoy one of America's most wonderful inns-the Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, California.

I hadn't been to the Auberge for years. In those days it was just a restaurant, but what a restaurant! People came from all over the world to savor its famous California cuisine served up in Michael Taylor's design masterpiece. Just like the wine produced in this valley, the Auberge du Soleil has gotten even better with age.

"Maisons" dot the hillside. The 50 rooms and suites, each with its own terrace overlooking the vine-studded valley, provide extraordinary views. There is an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts and even a whirlpool bath and massage available; but it is the rooms that are simply terrific.

I was in "Bordeaux One" and awoke to a landscape of dew-softened olive trees framing the mist-enshrouded valley whose coddling hillsides were just being touched by the rising sun. That's pretty good for starters-it gets better. This may well be the most attractive suite I've ever stayed in; I'd have it for my home in a minute:

· A sun deck with dining table and chaise longues overlooking the valley.

· Raspberry-pink upholstered chunks of sofas, paired in front of the fire.

· Pale beige terracotta tiled floors; a coffee table to match.

· A thick, round dining room table with leather and slat Mexican chairs.

· A separate kitchenette with an ice-making fridge filled with wine and booze and fruit and cheese and soft drinks; even a jar of homemade duck liver mousse with truffles.

· Fabulous modern oil paintings and mixed media works against walls both adobe in feel and color.

· Walk-in closets and a bathroom with twin sinks, stacks of towels, a separate john, a walk-in shower and a tub for two. Every possible shampoo and lotion; even a spare razor.

· Tiled counter tops, vast mirrored alcoves and more drawer space than I've found anywhere.

· TV's built into eye-level ledges and recessed, dimmer-controlled lights were everywhere.

Can't I stay forever?