House Love

A special thank you to everyone who gave me their honest feedback for my questions in yesterday's post, I really appreciate it!  It's great to hear all the different perspectives so that I can make a more informed choice about whether to open an Etsy shop or not.

I sometimes get asked if I have a favorite house among the ones I've written about over the years.  And I have to say that it's a tough question to answer.  I see so many different styles, from contemporary to all out Victorians, that to pick a favorite would be like saying you love strawberries more than peaches...I love them both!

But there are a few notable homes which come to mind when I think of the type of home I would want to create if given a blank canvas to work from, and the house I'm about to show you would be one that would surely be at the top of my list!

I have to honestly say that sometimes it is not only the house that I love, but also the homeowners.  In my career as a writer I'm happy to say that I've never come across an unfriendly owner, which makes my job much easier.  But there are some owners who you connect with better than others, and who you end up staying in contact with over the years.

The moment I set foot inside this gorgeous waterfront home I knew it would be something special.  Even from the outside you could tell it wasn't your typical house.  And it didn't take long for me to figure out that the owners were special people too, an added bonus for me!

Because I have so many photos to share with you, and because the house truly is the star of the show, I'll try and keep my comments to a minimum and just let you enjoy the beauty of this very unique and special place.

What's not to love about a house that has a boat hanging from the ceiling...

And a graceful floating curved staircase...

I love the stained treads, handrail, and detailed tread brackets against the crisp white spindles which resemble rope.

Lots of windows, including skylights, fill the entryway with beautiful natural light.

Off of the foyer is a round game table, grounded by a colorful rug.  To the right and down a few steps is an intimate sitting area with a one of a kind fireplace clad in old barn wood and created by local artisans.

Comfortable furnishings make this a perfect spot to read a book or simply enjoy the view.  French doors lead to one of the many decks found on the water side of the home.

Also located just off the gaming area is a small bar with a beautiful stained glass window depicting the view from the house to the opposite shoreline.

A large great room is the centerpiece of the main level of the home, featuring lovely antiques, soaring ceilings, and colorful furnishings.  Beautiful artwork and sculptures can be found everywhere in the house, and a series of french doors frame one of the prettiest pieces of art, the view to the water.

One of the homeowners is an artist, with a keen eye for beautiful things.

Located just off the great room is the spacious dining room.  A large custom made table, which comfortably seats 10, boasts a correctly oriented compass rose in the center.  A catwalk accessed from the master bedroom upstairs creates a unique ceiling and french doors flood the room with additional light, highlighting this beautiful handmade chandelier constructed from driftwood the homeowners collected during their travels!

A gourmet kitchen flows off the dining area and features a mix of stained and painted shaker style cabinetry.  Dark granite counters, professional style appliances, and two large islands make this a chef's dream kitchen!  I love the way wood and tile were used to create the unique diamond patterned floor, it's both stylish and practical!

As you head up the grand staircase you get a unique perspective on the first floor, and breathtaking views of the grounds and water beyond.  

No detail was overlooked, even the boat sports a vintage life ring, not seen from below.  And the white built-in bookcase holds a secret too...it is actually a secret door that leads to the downstairs powder room...I love that!

The entire upstairs is comprised of a lovely master suite and office area.  Soft yellow walls, punctuated by beautiful white trim highlight the curves of the room.  A semi circular headboard floats in the middle of the room orienting the bed toward the windows and water views, while providing built-in nightstands.

Narrow doors and luxurious draperies in the bedroom close the catwalk off from the dining room below, allowing for extra privacy.  But with just a step through either door, you can wind your way out to an upper level deck to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, or you can always put in your breakfast order to someone downstairs in the kitchen. 

 

Dormers create a light filled hallway which leads from the master bedroom to the bathroom and office/studio area.  

The bathroom is made up of his and her spaces connected by a sumptuous dressing area and ample glass fronted closets.  "His" side of the bath houses a large glass fronted shower with a television, while "Hers" features a deep tub for long relaxing bubble baths.  I love the ornate mirror and beautiful sconces which give a feminine feel to the space.

If any of you are avid golfers, this will tickle your fancy.  An upstairs balcony located off of the office area sports a gate which can be opened, allowing you to practice your swing out to the green located on the property's side yard.

Even the outbuildings on this property were carefully thought out and executed! 

Believe it or not there is even a large basement area with guest rooms, a covered stone patio, and a wine cellar...swoon!

If lounging is more your style, why not wile away the hours soaking up the sun by the pool, or laying in the hammock taking in that view?!

And if you grow tired of your surroundings you can even head out for an afternoon on the boat...for a little added relaxation.

I hope you've enjoyed touring this beautiful one of a kind home as much as I did when I photographed it.  The homeowners are both extremely hardworking people who appreciate every square inch of this home and I'm so happy they let me share it with all of you!  Thanks A & M!