Travelers' tales

It is often said that travel broadens the mind, but its influence goes a lot further it can impact on the very way we choose to live.

For the owners of this ranch house, designed by architect Peter Witter of Axia Architects, it was their trips to exotic resorts in Thailand and Africa that made a particularly lasting impression.

Witter says the house has a unique character that reflects the input of the owners.

"It has a look that is not highly resolved, ordered or designed," he says. "It is more indigenous and evolved, as though the home has been remodeled over time."

One of the key features is the close connection forged between the interior and the landscape. In the master suite, tall windows and a glazed door open up the room to the outdoors. There is even an outside shower set among rocks and trees overlooking the Sonoma Valley.

In keeping with the resort feel, the bedroom is open to the bathroom a huge eucalyptus beam, cut from wood milled on the property, straddles the opening.

The vanity continues the natural palette. This features canary wood, chosen for its distinctive graining and color.

"The look is more rustic than milled," says Witter. "The ceiling and windows are also canary wood."

Other features include a refurbished clawfoot tub, positioned so the owners can enjoy the view. Limestone floor tiles and matching vanity tops provide a light counterpoint to the darker materials.

Story by: Trendsideas