What's with the owl carvings in your tree?
"Ricky Swallow, an artist friend of the previous inhabitants (Jess and Jed), carved them. They don't have names yet, but I like that they're on the lookout."

Tell us about the most fun dinner party you've held in your courtyard.
"It has to be the one when I didn't cook anything! I know it sounds funny, but I'm from Chicago and my mom sent me a ton of deep-dish pizzas on dry ice as a housewarming gift. So, when I was in a Friday night jam, they saved the day. Instead of focusing on food prep, I lit every candle I had in the house and opened a few bottles of good red wine. We sat outside for hours eating the pies and drinking wine by candlelight."

Who would you love to nosh with in those seats, living or not? 
"Probably Ina Garten or Steve Martin."