French treasure

Remodeling and extending a grand residence can require a delicate balance on the one hand respecting and celebrating its refined origins, and on the other, making it a place you can call your very own.

The remodel of this French chateau-style 1960s residence comprised the introduction of two new wings to the rear, an upgrading of the existing exteriors, and an almost complete rework of the interiors by designer Nieves Millar. The work was substantial, with the house expanded from 6000sq ft to 10,000sq ft. One wing contains the master suite, home office and a poolhouse, the other a four-car garage.

On the exterior, the two new wings merge seamlessly with the original facades. The owners, Bruce and Sherry Burrow, went to great lengths to achieve this effect sourcing the manufacturers of the original brickwork and ordering recastings to use on the wings. Similarly, weathered slate for the new roofs was sourced to match the old. Planter boxes, landscaping walls and a garden courtyard were also introduced the garden is set at the rear, between the new additions.

On the interior, traditional elements such as French wall mouldings, casings and a reproduction Louis XV marble mantel were retained. Everything else was stripped back to the parquet floorboards, which were duly restored. Nieves Millar was given free rein throughout, creating diverse personalities for individual rooms that celebrated the old, introduced the surprising and new, and created a setting for the owners' prized art collection.

"I wanted exploring the house to be like going on a treasure hunt, with different jewels to discover in every room," says Nieves Millar.

Wallpaper in the double-height entrance foyer has a gold-metallic finish that works as a backdrop for other colors and, together with the glittering lights, bounces light around the room.

"I designed many of the lighting elements myself," says Nieves Millar. "A company in the Czech Republic was commissioned to make the hand-cut crystal chandelier and sconces to our specifications, and two installers flew out here to assemble the strands and hang them."

Off the foyer, the study retains its original custom millwork. The designer used the dark wood shelving as the inspiration for a playful Americana theme. The palette of red, white and blue can be seen in elements such as the white silk drapes and leather wing chairs, a red sofa and the blue club chairs. Gold is used as an accent in accessories such as the full-length mirror, gold side table and occasional lamp.

The upgrade in the living room was designed to complement the original French-style mouldings, wood flooring, and the Louis XV marble mantel.

"In this room, I used a soft blue color palette so the tailored and Asian furniture pieces would stand out," says the designer. "It also creates a beautiful backdrop for the baby grand piano."

The rooms in the extension to the home, including the master suite, are given a lighter, slightly more contemporary feel.

"Pale yellow tones in the bedroom achieve this in conjunction with neutral-toned ivory linens and furniture," says Nieves Millar. "Color accents include the dove-gray suede wing chair, deep-seated lounge chair and the paintings. The owners wanted their bedroom to be a calm, relaxing environment."

In the master bathroom, a rich, inviting feel is evoked through use of maple wood millwork. Emperador marble with lapidas gold granite inserts was employed for the tub surround.

While the restoration is rich in period detail and faithful to the home's beginnings, it also has a highly contemporary subtext. The owners requested every home automation advantage be included in the comprehensive refit.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Durston Saylor Extensions and dramatic room settings augment