Monday, May 28, 2012

A Beautiful French Country House

I have a few photos I want to share with you of a friend's very beautiful French Country House. It has a wonderful flow from inside to out, and is the very definition of comfortable elegance.


A wonderful courtyard at the entrance warms up the front of the house, and functions more like a terrace, than a driveway.


My gardener friend worked with landscape architect ,Chip Callaway, of Callaway and Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina, to recreate the charm of the French countryside. Architect Gregory Koester  currently of  A Classical Studio in Atlanta, collaborated with the owner to achieve a new, old house. Lawrence Snively, of Acanthus Architecture in Winston Salem worked extensively on the interior and exterior architectural designs. I think you will agree that he demonstrates a stunning sense of scale, that is so often out of kilter in modern interpretations of traditional European style homes.


The scene is set using traditional stone in the entry way and artisanal wrought iron on a gracious, yet unimposing scale. Muted antique area carpets of different patterns contribute to the patina new houses require to feel like a home--consistency balanced with a subtle variety.  Perhaps the art of parenting applies to design.

 

The architectural integrity found in reclaimed timber floors and beams counterbalance the newness of the house, endowing the space with a sense of continuity so vital to home life. I love the harmony and comfort of these rooms. Slip covers cohabitate sensibly with a few precious pieces. 


It is a real space saver to combine the living and dining areas of house. In the end you get one airier, multi-tasking room that actually gets used.


The contrast of a rustic chair in a relaxed office brings the piece to life. When furniture is properly balanced between high and low, all the pieces are visible while seamlessly flowing together.



Nobody is arguing about the kitchen/ T.V. space. It is here to stay, and this pretty rendition complete with clean subway tile and wrought iron pot rack flows perfectly with the rest of the house.


As the house is united to the outdoors via terraces, double French doors and double hung windows, the covered porch areas on the rear of the house continue the transitions.


I am standing on one porch looking at the other, which extends from the master bedroom. My friend says the Japanese boxwood, new to me, has been a hardy evergreen choice for containers.


Use mirrors outdoors in your porch areas. They bring the lush greens and blues of the landscape back into perspective. They are also well positioned in the house opposite a window to draw the outside--in.



We will be photographing the garden as it progresses 
through the seasons. 

Don't forget to visit our online store or call for that certain, 
Je ne sais quoi! 




15 comments:

  1. A beautiful tasteful home. The architect and landscape set the stage and then the owners added their beautiful collectibles. I love the original and varied art pieces. No doubt pieces collected with love, over time.

    Helen

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  2. That's the thing, isn't it - having rooms that get used. Not as easy as it seems.

    Lots of things grabbing me from your friend's house, but especially the books and the garden.

    ((I'm going to try to link properly, but with no great hope of succeeding!))

    PP

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  3. The exterior architecture is lovely, as are the gardens. Japanese boxwood seems to be popular here in the south. I look forward to seeing more garden images of this tastefully appointed home.
    Best...Victoria

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  4. Liz-
    This home is stunning. Difficult as it is to make a decorated home comfortable, it has ben accomplished here, and the gardens are beautiful.
    Can't wait to see more images.
    Happy Tuesday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  5. Liz a really lovely home. Adore the reclaimed hardwoods and the stone entry. The wrought iron staircase is perfect!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  6. What a wonderfully welcoming home!
    Yes, you were correct, the open floor plan does speak to me.
    The gardens look lovely.
    Thank you for sharing.

    xo
    Brooke

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  7. What a beautiful home! I love the harmony between interior and exterior! I love all the layers of furniture, antiques and art.....very warm and welcoming. Also, the staircase is very gracious. Thank you and your friend for the tour.
    Loi

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  8. What a lovely, welcoming home - the outdoor spaces extend that softness outside too - it's beautiful!

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  9. What a beautiful house! I love the kitchen-family room and would love to see more.

    xo, Lissy

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  10. What a welcoming home, love how there is a nice mix of original art and family photographs adorning the various rooms. And the outdoor areas are so inviting!

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  11. This was fantastic. Probably one of my favorite posts today because it resembles what we are preparing to build so much. Thanks for the info on the landscape designer. It is always good to have references to turn to when we get to that point. Thanks!

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  12. A lovely home. I especially love the outdoor spaces - looking forward to seeing more of them!!

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