Jane Seymour recently celebrated the growing success of her Open Hearts Foundation with a two-day fling.
The festivities started at a posh hotel in Santa Monica and wrapped up with a benefactor’s luncheon at chez Jane.
The property is among the most exquisite in Malibu.
Spending an afternoon at Jane’s place is always a treat: traveling up the gravel driveway past the tennis courts, koi pond and rose garden into The Medicine Woman’s airy and open living room which is filled with the actresses’ spectacular artwork.
The multi-talented star was there to greet us at the door donning a smart black-and-white shift with a chic, wide-brimmed black hat. My husband was quick to point out that she hasn’t changed a bit in all the years we’ve known her. I’ve known her a bit longer, around 21 years, and it’s totally true. She takes great care of herself so what else can you say than… whatever she’s having, I’m having!
She led us down to the pool where tables were dressed in white, setting off a floral wonderland with orange tiger lilies, yellow parrot tulips, South African Protea and, of course, roses in water-filled curvaceous containers. But lady Jane let me in on a secret—as real as they looked, they are actually “faux” botanicals and definitely a world above the kind of thing you would find at your local import store.
What with the art, the acting and the decorating, you would think she’d have enough on her plate. But there is more. Jane proudly led us down to the bottom of the property where she’s put in an organic vegetable garden and is raising chickens.
“Yup,” she said. “Always fresh eggs at Jane’s house.”
Her guests, in the meantime, explored the estate’s magnificent ocean front grounds, sipping chardonnay and munching on everything from California guacamole to Greek hummus and spanakopita. For the right price, lucky guests went home with dazzling baubles from Jane’s jewelry collection. The name for Open Hearts came from her mum who always said, “if you open your heart, love will always find its way in.” In addition to the glorious gems, there was a pile up at the parasol stands where ladies and even a few gents tried to beat the heat.
Before lunch, Jane gave a few words of appreciation to all the generous donors who have made Open Hearts a great organization.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Jane. “I think a lot of people here are really moved,” adding that, “when you leave this world—and we all have to—you take with you the love you gave. You are all part of the Open Hearts family and I can’t thank you enough.”