Post by senca marie valyntine on Jul 12, 2011 20:54:10 GMT -5
Grand fireplace in Ball Room: hand carved Baroque design in limestone with wood panel insert. Two way fireplace to Family Room. Barrel vault coffered ceiling. A gray tile roof generally pitched with hip elements grows from the undulating façade marked by stucco and stone accents. A small turret, high to the right, completes the illusion. A large covered porch traced by three graceful arches beckons to the entry door – a beautiful wood and wrought iron design framed by carved stone. Inside, stone and plaster details abound; with hand carved stained wood and synthetic materials cleverly woven together. The classical theme permeates the structure. Arches and columns delineate passageways and frame views. Beautiful wood floors contrast with marble and stone. Breathtaking crown moldings and vaulted ceilings arrest the eye. It is a study of classical proportion in plan and elevation. Foyer showcases carved stone details, two story plus skylit vault, wine cellar under stair with large stone newel post. The highly decorative and stone faced double height sky-lit Foyer with grand stairway impresses the visitor, while looking straight ahead through a hand carved Palladian Arch (left), the lake view is apparent through the breathtaking 29 foot high south exposure Living Room with barrel coffered ceiling. The pride of the Living or Ball Room is the nearly 24’ high stone detailed baroque fireplace. On the opposite wall is a Music Niche trimmed in complementary stone. Under the Grand Stair is a wrought iron gate with access from both the Foyer and Dining into a Wine Cellar. A glimpse down to the Elliptical Dining Room is possible as one ascends the dramatic L shaped Grand Stair to secondary bedrooms above. The Dining Room has delicate moldings set off slightly from the warm toned plaster finished curved walls. It is connected to the Kitchen via Butler Pantry. Master Bath with center tub and cabinets trimmed with cherry paneling. Two way shower is behind ceramic tile wall. Island Kitchen: granite tops on cherry cabinets. Formal Dining is based on elliptical plan with direct access to Wine Cellar via wrought iron door. Notice niches and trim work. Formal Living, Study, and Family rooms; Kitchen, Dining, Billiard, Play, Exercise and Master Suite are located on the first level. Hammerhead beams evoke the Gothic cathedral ceiling of the double height Children’s Play Room. A long transverse corridor is the central circulation spine. An easy and interesting flow of space permeates through interior balconies and walkways. Despite the formal stance, the house feels like home. Strategically spaced windows and doors can be opened during the cooler months to allow free-flowing breezes to waft through the house from the lake. The sun permeates the water view rear decks and pool on the south year round. Rear elevation with upper view decks and covered porches. Gate house/ Guest quarters at right connected to main house by porte cochere. Notice dormers and lantern on roof line. Foyer. Stone detailing and wrought iron contrasts, marble inlaid flooring, arch at stair w/ overlook into Dining, niches, wrought iron gate to Wine Cellar, magnificent domed leaded glass ceiling. The house took approximately 14 months to plan and 21/2 years to build. Such an undertaking cannot be possible without close cooperation among the Owner, Architect and Builder. The excellent workmanship throughout is a credit to the trim crews assigned this project and finish trades. Built of concrete on the first floor and wood framing on the second with open web trusses, the house is 145’wide by 118’ deep.
