home of distinction
the perfect paths for sea breezes to travel.
travel: “I don’t want to have to turn on the air conditioning,” Richard says. “It’s all
about the transoms and windows and views and land and breezes.” He sits back and
relaxes into an explanation of details that illustrate the couple’s deliberate dedication.
“This is where we spend all our time,” says Carole as she opens a door to a screened
outdoor kitchen and living room complete with a fireplace and a window that rises
and falls on a pulley system. Devised by Richard, it allows the passage of food from
the grill to the porch.
“We wanted it to be casual but with touches of traditional formality,” Carole says.
She worked with designer Julie Robinson of Airlie Moon to help marry the two styles.
“I love how there are parts of the house that are quite traditional and formal, but I
like that it’s not too precious and that everything is livable,” Robinson says. “It’s not a
don’t-touch house.”
i
n fact, much of the house has a genteel feel that was achieved
by the addition of older elements. Refurbished vintage chandeliers
by Louise Gaskill light the way and SAC Art provided scores of old
doors that wear the patina of time like a treasured piece of driftwood.
The doors were sanded but otherwise left distressed with bits of paint and nicks and
scratches. They hang throughout the house, creating a cast of characters that are as
interesting as the views they open to.
“If we were in a different place, we would have designed a different house,” Richard
says. “But this is an interactive view. It calls you out to embrace life on the water.”
An upstairs landing, above, is a transition area for the family’s sleeping rooms. Opposite,
the screened porch and outdoor kitchen looks over the grounds and swimming pool. Lively
touches include a custom made screened window that slides up and down so food can be passed
from grill to table.
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