Seventy Acres
The Story of Seventy Acres
Situated on the site of what was once a farm in the historic Borough of Pennington, my client purchased a 20-year-old home. The intention was to refurbish all the interior spaces and add on a 3,000 square foot addition to create a final home of 8,000 square feet.
This was a whole house redesign with the structure taken down to the studs. The additional square footage was created to be a study for the husband, a first-floor guest suite, and a second-floor suite for the children with lower-level living that included the Tavern Room, wine room and golf simulator room.
Partnering with Historical Concepts, an Atlanta & New York based architectural firm, this project was one year in the making. The collaboration yielded a fantastic synergy of creative energy. The team worked in tandem to create custom architectural details, designated new rooms, designed specific cabinetry to work within the spaces suited to this residential environment and the homeowner’s dreams and goals.
It was a joy to have been included in this prestigious group. The highest of standards in the arena of architecture and design are the results that you see here at Seventy Acres.
Situated between the family room and kitchen this nook is a favorite spot for informal meals and leisurely week-end brunches.
At the first meeting with my client’s I asked,” Why this house?” to which they quickly replied, “It had the largest dining and kitchen space we had seen while house shopping.” “Do you cook, I asked?” “NO!” (To which we all had a good laugh) The reasoning was simple- my client was at the center of extended family dinners, event hosting and holiday gatherings. They loved to entertain!
Double dishwashers, a stack with oven, microwave & warming drawer make entertaining a breeze. Embracing some of the open concept that is so popular these days the Family Room is situated off the kitchen.
Opposite the island a beverage center was created with ice maker, fridge drawers and cabinetry above to hold glass ware.
The utensils drawer keeps everything handy and in order.
Working closely with the architect and within the existing footprint, the kitchen was reimagined. We added a Wolf 48” range anchoring the central part of the space, a sink located in the island and a second farm sink under the sunny window to help with the workflow.
The homeowners love of Symmetry was taken into consideration each step of the way. Determining the function, selection of beautiful finishes such as the 2” buildup of Carrera marble counters, a variety of lighting, the addition of transoms, pocket doors and architectural details (such as the lambs tongue detail on island edge) gave this kitchen the style and look the homeowners had on their wish list!
In the family room design our goal was to clean it up and create a fresh and inviting living space. Removing the trusses, built in TV cabinet, heavy cornice and dark color pallet, light spilled into the space and the oval window was showcased. To add dimension and character V Groove board was used on the ceiling terminating into a crown that encompasses the entire room.
Swivel chairs, lush fabrics and linen print pillows are the comfort factors that keep the family room approachable. The television has a lift system that allows for the TV to be lowered while viewing.
An antique English desk with Sepia prints of Cotswold makes for a spot to work on laptop or a bit of homework at the end of the day.
A landscape oil painting over the cozy sofa gives depth to this wall opposite the television.
A fanlight window, glass sidelights and extensive millwork make a striking statement in the Entry Foyer
An Empire style round marble top table tucks nicely under the main staircase. I recommended reproduction push button electrical switches throughout the house to maintain a sense of authenticity in this New-Old house.
This living room detail showcases the American Tall Case Chippendale Clock. The clock, from Pennsylvania, sports a paint grain finish popular in 1795 -1810. Pierpont candlesticks, art decoupage on musical paper, Regency style andirons and a vintage mirror add a sense of history to this corner of the room.
The dining room niche displays- Coalport “Parrot” plates, crystal champagne coups and Chinese import porcelain Bison Boxes. Note the main staircase in the background.
Part of the draw of this house for the homeowner was the size of the dining room, which can seat up to 14, hosting holidays & events with extended family and friends a joy!
Charming wallpaper, a cache of flowers and a glimpse of painting by Jean Pierre of a French beach scene create an interesting composition of delicacy.
Reflected in this antique Queen Ann mirror in the dining room is the custom niche with the Coalport “Parrot” plates and foyer beyond. The vintage English style sideboard is home to a brass serving tray, engraved Victorian Lemonade set and cut crystal biscuit box.
Details always make the difference so accurately noted here in the beaded embroidered curtain trim by Scalamandre.
A Circa 1810 flip top card table by noted Boston cabinet maker Thomas Seymour gracefully takes it’s place between the Dining Room windows. The oil painting by Herbert Wiley, English barley twist candlesticks and a silver wine caddy complete the vignette.
The Renovated Hall was indeed just that and the name stuck. This hall leads to the entirely new study, in which you can see a glimpse, and a newly created guest room (not shown). Original pine floors were restored and stained a warmer dark walnut. Antique rug, furniture and accessories were used to make this new space have a warm ambiance of age.
The Formal Powder room, just off the renovated hall, carries through the antique theme by using an old English chest as a vanity. The leaf wallpaper resonates the homeowners love for blues and greens. Contemporary sconces, a Louie Phillipe mirror keeps the space eclectic and fresh.
With a seven-step crown, transoms, doors with concealed Harmon hinges and other keynote features create the aura of classic timelessness that you feel upon crossing the threshold.
Traditional elements layered upon a traditional framework creates a masculine feel here. The Study, built out of reclaimed flat cut long leaf yellow pine makes for a cohesive and warm environment. It was a dream of the homeowner to recreate the “Old World” study that you see in English & Southern style homes of 200 years ago.
Pared down décor- leather, strie` velvet and a stylized paisley textiles allows these features to shine and complement each other. The architectural prints are from the family’s personal collection.
Swathed in a deep taupe grass cloth wallcovering – we play with the masculine and feminine vibes in this master suite. Soft blues and a stylized floral pull it all together with an “easy on the eye” attitude.
The sitting room had once been a balcony. Something the husband & wife knew they would never take advantage of. By closing the area in and making it part of the master suite, suited their needs much more. Now this space is a cozy reading area and a spot to close out the day with comfortable conversation.
This make-up/dressing table area was requested by the wife and we were able to carve out a spot for the perfect set up. Natural light was an asset.
One of a his and her bath vanity –
We gutted the entire Hall Bath, but thought the pedestal sink was an interesting design so it was reintroduced after final construction. Wallpaper draws notice to the dormer details in the room while an antique illustration by the French artist Icart titled “The Ballerina” looks over the space.
An Uba Tuba honed granite sink, counter, and high style faucet in this mud room it makes for easy clean ups. Subtle details such as v-groove board, schoolhouse lighting, transoms and shaker style cabinetry add visual layers.
The Back Powder rooms whimsical wallpaper was an immediate choice as it echo’s the herds of deer that inhabit the Seventy Acres property. The Star light fixture and furniture style vanity add to the charm.
The Mud Room had originally been a garage bay. Integrating into the house as a mud area gave the homeowner a dream room. We selected a slate floor, laid in a Versailles patten, to be the indestructible foundation for this high traffic area. Ample storage house’s this busy family’s gear in style.
I found a portfolio of Botanical drawings at an estate sale and knew immediately where they would go once framed. Flanking the window, they create a focal point with the Queen Ann bench and English glass jug. These charming decor bits reinforce the intent of the Potting Room!
The Potting Room is situated by a step up into the Mud room. This space acts as a transition area from the interior of the house to the exterior. A natural progression of informality and casualness created here differentiates this room from others as you travel through the house. A custom designed cabinet houses all the items needed for flower arranging and plant care.
The lower level was the perfect spot to create this Tavern Room. Just a flight of stairs down from the main foyer, it makes for an easy segue while entertaining guest. I designed the lead glass window with Rondels for a touch of Authenticity. The brick floor adds a rustic flavor while the custom cabinetry hides a refrigerator, icemaker, dishwasher, and extra storage. The design elements are a reference to what an 18th century tavern could have felt like.
The Wine Room was designed to compliment the tavern room with its reclaimed rustic center beam and continuous brick floor. The lanterns add framework to the space drawing the eye forward and giving ambiance of warm light. Temperature controlled, the homeowner can store his entire collection of wines from all regions.
Architecture by Historical Concepts