Romantic nature

An architecturally superior residence is about much more than the walls, windows and roof. Between architect, interior designer and builder, something magical has to rise from the practical.

The client for this project asked architect William Harrison, principal of Harrison Design Associates, and design team Steven Markey and Chad Goehring, to create a romantic house that would weave through the ancient oaks and inlets of its idyllic peninsular setting. An Arts and Crafts-style was chosen as it sits lightly on the land and emphasizes natural materials that connect to the environment, says Harrison.

"This residence is a place to entertain but it also offers the pleasure of wandering away from the public arena to a remote corner," says Harrison. "Large hurricane-strength windows the largest the manufacturer had installed at this grade bring the feeling that you are at one with the woods and immediate water views."

The house is designed in three main forms, connected by glass corridors or galleries. From the front it has a symmetrical appeal, leading the eye naturally to its entry. Inside the solid-wood entry doors, the home opens into the Marsh Room,' a soaring, dramatic entertainment space that offers panoramic vistas from three enormous segmental arches. From here, the dining room and breakfast sitting room provide an attractive transition to the more functional spaces, including the kitchen, laundry and three-car garage. A screened porch off the kitchen offers a family retreat, complete with access to a secluded lap pool. To the right of the Marsh Room, the open stair tower, anchored by a curving bar, is the central feature. Upstairs there are three guest suites with access to covered and uncovered porches and a private sitting room.

From this building, a glazed corridor leads to the second pavilion, a semi-private volume with a library and offices. Then a second corridor leads further back to the master suite and studio.

"Being given an almost fairy-tale setting and the freedom to create a grand yet understated house that responds to that environment offered true emotional satisfaction," says Harrison.

Harrison Design Associates specialises in architecture for high-end, custom residences.

For more details, contact Harrison Design Associates, 3198 Cains Hill Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, phone (404) 365 7760. Or visit the website: www.harrisondesignassociates.com

Story by: Trendsideas