To reach the farm, you must travel up a long, curved driveway. The house sits on a hill, peering down on the world like a grand old dame. The residence looks as if it might be on the historical register--but it's a custom built home.
Showing posts with label house tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house tour. Show all posts
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
House Tour: Dorset Manor
This Sunday, we're headed to England's West Country, to a manor in Dorset. I was instantly charmed by the elegant foyer, with its stone floor, cane-filled basket, and the boots (of course). 
Farmhouse Hall by South West Interior Designers & Decorators Sims Hilditch
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According to the interior designer, Emma Sims-Hilditch, the house is:
". . . a Grade II Listed Manor House in the heart of the rolling Dorset countryside. Our aim was to preserve the patina of the past, whilst seamlessly mixing in a modern aesthetic to create a more comfortable and elegant family home. With the house dating back to 1200, we wanted to celebrate the traditional interior whilst providing an open, light living area with the introduction of a contemporary glazed garden room and kitchen "
-- Emma Sims Hilditch, Interior Designer
-- Emma Sims Hilditch, Interior Designer
Sunday, January 11, 2015
A 16th Century Cottage in France
This Sunday, we're headed to Versailles, France, to tour a 16th century stone cottage. Located in the luxurious region of Ile-de-France, the home is only a few miles from the heart of Paris, but it seems a world away.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Tour an Enchanted Cottage
It's a home with a pedigree and a touch of magic.
Twenty-four years ago, actress Jami Gertz hired Kerry Joyce to build a house on Lime Orchard Road in Beverly Hills. It had 5 bedrooms, 5-1/2 baths, and 5,500 square feet--large but possessing the heart and soul of a cottage. Sitting on .31 narrow acres, the property is almost hidden by walls, trees, and gates--the perfect retreat from the high octane world of L.A. The appeal is so potent that when Jessica Simpson listed the home, photos of the grounds and interiors exploded all over the Internet, and the property became a celebrity in its own right.
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Saturday, December 27, 2014
Two Bespoke Kitchens
This Sunday we're touring two stunning bespoke kitchens.
Our tour starts in a "cook's kitchen" in Hampshire, England, and the workmanship is a shining example of "bespoke," which is an old English word for custom made or "tailor made." Inspired by unfitted vintage kitchens, bespoke pieces are as individual as thumbprints. The cabinets are often made of different materials, styled a bit differently, and can be painted or stained different colors.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
A Southern Christmas
This Sunday, we're looking at homes that have been decorated by Tobi Fairley, a Little Rock, Arkansas, interior designer. "Bright, bold, and tailored" are the cornerstones of her philosophy--with a timeless Southern flair.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Tour the River Dunes Captain's House
This Sunday, our armchair traveling takes us to a former Coastal Living Magazine's "Idea House" in Oriental, North Carolina. Facing Grace Harbor, the three-story home was designed to resemble a 19th century coastal mansion, offering wrap-around porches--and a cupola, where you can see all the way to Pamlico Sound.
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Sunday, November 30, 2014
Winter Farmhouse: A Tour
Put on your warmest mittens, a bright red scarf, a down-filled coat, and Wellington boots. This Sunday, we're traveling to rural Ellensburg, Washington, to tour a farm.
As we approach, dusk is falling. Let's button up our coats as we hurry across the snowy pasture.
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The design is reminiscent of early Western homes, with a wrap-a-round veranda, metal roof, and a rugged grace. For the siding, western red cedar was installed. I'm smitten by the plain "tin" roof.
The design is reminiscent of early Western homes, with a wrap-a-round veranda, metal roof, and a rugged grace. For the siding, western red cedar was installed. I'm smitten by the plain "tin" roof.
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The main house has 2300 square feet: two bedrooms and two and one-half baths. The guest cottage (the white gabled building on the left) has 900 square feet and includes one and one-half baths and one bedroom.
On the dining room porch, icicles gather on two royal blue Adirondack chairs.
Farmhouse Porch by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The house was built for viewing the land--and the horses as they graze in the pasture. Below, an L-shaped porch acts as a windbreak.
The house was built for viewing the land--and the horses as they graze in the pasture. Below, an L-shaped porch acts as a windbreak.
Farmhouse Porch by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The workmanship on the ceiling is impressive.
The workmanship on the ceiling is impressive.
So is the view. Just beyond the duck pond, the land seems to drop off into an ethereal mist.
Farmhouse Porch by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Baby, it's cold outside--just look at the icicles on the gutters.
Baby, it's cold outside--just look at the icicles on the gutters.
The dormer windows are quaint; they are hinged at the top in case you need fresh air.
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
From the house, there's a covered breezeway that leads to the white guesthouse and a garage.
Love the golden glow!
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
A view of the house and breezeway. The corner windows take advantage of the views. Notice the antique dinner bell to the left of the front door?
A view of the house and breezeway. The corner windows take advantage of the views. Notice the antique dinner bell to the left of the front door?
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The breezeway's ceiling is much more rustic--and utterly charming. I can almost imagine cowboys sawing wood and hammering. The entire compound is like a poem, evocative of a time that is long-gone and (as with classic poetry) the imagery is beautifully sustained.
Farmhouse Porch by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The guest house is flanked by snow-tipped trees. It puts me in mind of an old school house or church. Again, we see corner windows--these are much taller.
The guest house is flanked by snow-tipped trees. It puts me in mind of an old school house or church. Again, we see corner windows--these are much taller.
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
On our way to the guest house, we see foals galloping in the pasture. Nothing like cold air to raise the spirit in a horse--these look frisky!
Here, we can also get a close-up of the cedar lap siding, the simple architectural shingles, and the exterior lighting.
Farmhouse Landscape by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Another view of the guest house.
We have an 70s style metal barn at the new-old ranch, which the previous owners used as a storage shed. It will probably stay that way--can't have too much storage--but in my mind's eye, I see a writing cottage and a place to blog. I'd pick white HardiPlank siding and order simple windows.
It would be a dream to work with these architects. I am bowled over by their talent.
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
From this angle, we have a better idea of how the guest cottage connects to the main house.
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Two beauties.
Two beauties.
Farmhouse Spaces by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Counter-space galore!
This photo gives a better idea of the layout. You can see the dining room in the distance.
The powder room
Farmhouse Bathroom by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Last but not least, a tour of the guest house--the most welcoming guest house in America.
Farmhouse Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
From the kitchen, you can see the TV in the great room. To the right, stairs lead to the bedroom.
Farmhouse Living Room by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Looking back to the kitchen, you can see the genius at work here--soaring ceilings, and a corner window that adds light and an amazing design aesthetic.
Are you still cold? Grab a cup of hot chocolate.
Looking back to the kitchen, you can see the genius at work here--soaring ceilings, and a corner window that adds light and an amazing design aesthetic.
Are you still cold? Grab a cup of hot chocolate.
Farmhouse Living Room by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Lovely views from every window show the incredible thought that went into this house.
Lovely views from every window show the incredible thought that went into this house.
Farmhouse Living Room by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Farmhouse Living Room by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Love the ceiling's rustic details.
Love the ceiling's rustic details.
Farmhouse Hall by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Tucked into the loft is a reading nook.
Tucked into the loft is a reading nook.
Farmhouse Family Room by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Two pedestal sinks in the main bathroom.
Two pedestal sinks in the main bathroom.
Farmhouse Bathroom by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The 1/2 bath has authentic western touches.
The 1/2 bath has authentic western touches.
Farmhouse Powder Room by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Dusk is falling.
The windows glow like honey in glass jars, and the smell of wood smoke mingles with the hearty aromas of homemade chili and garlic bread.
Dusk is falling.
The windows glow like honey in glass jars, and the smell of wood smoke mingles with the hearty aromas of homemade chili and garlic bread.
As the blue hour envelops the farm, we'll say farewell.
Thanks for joining me this Sunday.
Resources:
Designs NW website
Farm Album
For more photos and information, take the Houzz tour HERE.
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Sunday, November 23, 2014
Two Low Country Cottages
Today, we're touring two Low Country cottages.
First, we're taking a look at a Coastal Living Holiday House, designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc. The Low Country-style cottage has cedar shake siding and a welcoming porch--it has been decorated for the holidays with natural greenery, wreaths, and illuminated garlands. Votive
candles light the path to the steps.
First, we're taking a look at a Coastal Living Holiday House, designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc. The Low Country-style cottage has cedar shake siding and a welcoming porch--it has been decorated for the holidays with natural greenery, wreaths, and illuminated garlands. Votive
candles light the path to the steps.
Beach Style Entry by Beaufort Architects & Building Designers Allison Ramsey Architects
According to the architect: "The cedar shakes are natural and have since turned darker and grayer. The Trim is "Aunt Bettys China" by Sherwin Williams, I believe."
According to the architect: "The cedar shakes are natural and have since turned darker and grayer. The Trim is "Aunt Bettys China" by Sherwin Williams, I believe."
What a great paint name for a Southern cottage. I couldn't find it in my fan deck, but after a little research, I saw it in the Sherwin Williams Colors of Historic Charleston Collection (Aunt Betty's China DCR 101).
I tried to find more photos, but this lot is all. I did learn that the roof was meant to be tin, but architectural shingles were used instead. I have been thinking of using a tin roof, but I'll need to research it. We have many old trees around the ranch house, and I wonder what what happen when a branch falls...but I digress!
Below, a look at the porch details.
Inside, we're greeted by Low Country charm. In addition to high ceilings, the house has an
open floor plan. The room has warm, earthy colors and interesting textures.
An adjoining room features a place to read by the fire.
Love the magnolia wreath in the window. Can you smell the rosemary on the counter?
We can do plenty of cooking: The kitchen has pro appliances and ample space.
An open concept floor plan makes sure that you won't be alone when you're making pies for Christmas.
Blue-green cabinets add so much personality to an otherwise ordinary laundry room.
White seems to be my go-to color for cabinets, and the green is refreshing. Wish I knew the color!
And in the bath, we see another painted cabinet. I like how it warms up the space.
The old fashioned window is charming.
A peek at the rear elevation.
It looks as if they are set up for a holiday party. Love the candles
beside the pool. For this party, I'd serve Carolina Caviar (made with black eyed peas), a Low Country Crab Boil, dirty rice, hush puppies, a seven layer salad, a lemon chess pie, and plenty of iced tea.
And a final peek at the house.
Let's move over to house #2--Baypoint Cottage at Bray Island.
I'm drawn to the tin roof, shed dormer, and the wide porch. A circle driveway is super practical if you entertain frequently, decreasing log-jams.
Inside, the rooms are neutral..but they aren't your Aunt Fanny's neutral!
This is a warm, cheery space.
The stained doors are fine-looking--and again, so different from the white on white that's everywhere. This is a hearth room, adjacent to the kitchen, and I'm a little wild over the green-and-white fabric on the chairs. This room just makes me smile!
The hearth room opens to the dining area, which is bright and sunny--love the windows. The room just wouldn't be the same if the windows were painted white--pretty, for sure, but different.
We have to replace a few at the ranch, and after looking at these photos, I'm thinking of staining the doors.
The old fashioned kitchen makes the most out of storage with double-decker cabinets and a built-in pantry between two windows. A marble-topped island separates the kitchen and hearth room.
I love the contrast of wood/painted cabinets.
What's for supper in this Low Country kitchen?
Benne wafers, oysters on the half shell and cocktail sauce, shrimp and grits, a fried green tomato salad, and peach cobbler---with white wine or gallons of sweet tea, your pick.
What's for supper in this Low Country kitchen?
Benne wafers, oysters on the half shell and cocktail sauce, shrimp and grits, a fried green tomato salad, and peach cobbler---with white wine or gallons of sweet tea, your pick.
On the bathroom floor, antique heart pine flooring was used instead of tile.
Other details: Marble tile shower, beadboard encased tub, wooden blinds.
I'm crushing on these windows--and what a view!
What a beautiful screened porch--and another great view. This house would be perfect for tablescapers and cooks--plenty of foraging in the woods for greenery.
The rear elevation evokes a feeling of Low Country living. I can imagine the smell of sunlight on the pines, and the faint odor of pluff mud. I think this house is my favorite. Maybe it's the land--all of that wide open space--or the charm of a screened porch.
Let's have mint juleps and talk about the houses. Here, have a few cheese straws.
Hope you enjoyed the coastal tour today. You can view previous tours HERE.
See you next Sunday.
Resources for House 1:
Architect Allison Ramsay Architects
Photography by Photos by Josh Savage for Coastal Living via Houzz.
Resources for House 2:
Architect Allison Ramsay Architects
olin redmon - photographer Heirloom Building Company - Builder
House plans
House plans
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