Courtyard House / D'WELL

This article highlights the interior design and garden renovation of a historic Tudor Revival home in Westhampton, owned by Christine and David Cottrell. The 8,000-square-foot house, built in 1924 and designed by architect William C. Noland, is situated on prime real estate overlooking the 18th green of the Country Club of Virginia. The Cottrells, who are the third owners since 1997, sought to preserve the home's historical integrity while updating its interiors and gardens to suit their lifestyle and entertaining needs. Interior designer Todd Yoggy was tasked with respecting the home's architecture, which features a combination of brick and half-timbering, a slate roof, and massive chimneys. Before the Cottrells moved in, a kitchen renovation was undertaken, removing walls from the old servant's quarters to create a more open space. Artist Philippe Faraut redesigned the kitchen and also created two hand-carved mantels for the living and dining rooms. Yoggy collaborated closely with the Cottrells to design interiors that complemented the historic structure, ensuring that the spaces were livable and reflective of the owners' personalities rather than appearing as museum exhibits. The Cottrells frequently host parties, a factor that influenced the design of the elegant living and dining rooms. The sunroom was transformed into a family room for their teenage daughter, Leah. The home's two-level entry maintains its original sconces, woodwork, beamed ceiling, and a hand-carved newel post. A custom-made rug from Woodward Grosvenor in England, inspired by carpets from the Rockefeller estate Kykuit, extends through the landings and stair runner, harmonizing with the existing colors of the house. The living room is anchored by a custom back-to-back sofa by George Smith furniture and features multiple seating areas. A large 1849 Persian carpet serves as the color inspiration for the room's rich, jewel-tone palette, having been a housewarming gift from the previous owner. The antique Steinway grand piano is a central feature for entertainment. The dining room, with its warm red color scheme, includes claret drapery panels and a custom Regency rug in a medallion pattern with red and plum shades. Custom George Smith, Regency-style chairs upholstered in rich red leather surround an antique table. Christine Cottrell's porcelain and silver collection is displayed in the breakfront, while a late-18th-century Irish cut-crystal chandelier hangs from a ceiling adorned with hand-molded plaster medallions in a Gothic tracery pattern. David's office on the upper level resembles an exclusive men's club, with camel hair walls and drapery, a pony-skin sofa, and Conley leather chairs. Dragon light fixtures from Christie's and an ocelot-print rug add a unique touch, complemented by military photographs, sportscar memorabilia, and images of Steve McQueen reflecting David's interests. The master bedroom continues the traditional aesthetic with Ralph Lauren's "1,000 Roses" wallpaper, featuring 10 shades of blue echoed in the velvet draperies and rugs, tempered by white bedding. The home's exterior also received significant attention. Although Charles Gillette designed the landscape plan in the 1920s, it was only executed after the Cottrells purchased the property. These plans are now the oldest Gillette plans held by the Virginia Historical Society. A salvaged reflecting pool from the Virginia Governor’s Mansion serves as a focal point in the side garden, featuring a bronze sculpture of the Cottrells' daughter by artist Faraut. The original wooden deck at the back of the house was replaced with bluestone terraces atop reclaimed granite blocks with limestone balustrades, providing a more fitting and elegant outdoor entertaining space with views of the 18th fairway and Huguenot Bridge. This project, representing the fourth home Yoggy designed for the Cottrells, emphasizes a long-term approach to design, focusing on custom-made, antique, and original pieces to create timeless interiors that complement the home's architecture. #TudorRevival #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #GardenRenovation #WesthamptonEstate #ToddYoggy #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalPreservation

Sallie Middleton Parker reminisces about her childhood summers at 'The Cove,' the whimsical Chunns Cove retreat built by her grand-uncle, architect Douglas Ellington. This home, described as both a fairytale cottage and an arts-and-crafts dream, was a hub of sparkling conversation and creativity, often hosting notable figures of twentieth-century Asheville. Its distinctive features include brick and field-stone chimneys, a central tower, hand-split wood shingles on a hip roof, Roycroft-red casement windows, and a rounded front door. The cottage's aesthetic is one of magic, with ivy climbing its walls giving it a hobbit-like appearance. Douglas Ellington, renowned for designing iconic Asheville buildings like City Hall, First Baptist Church, and Asheville High, conceived 'The Cove' as a more intimate and imaginative expression of his architectural ideals. He and his brother, Kenneth, settled in Asheville after Ellington’s success in the city’s booming years. The property, purchased by Kenneth, included a 19th-century log cabin that Douglas preserved and expanded upon. The interior features unique elements such as a living room resembling a ship's bow with hidden details, and an exterior adorned with medieval-inspired figures and a stained-glass door quoting Shakespeare. Local artists, many of whom worked on Ellington’s larger projects, contributed intricate wrought-iron hardware, chandeliers, and sconces to the home. Ellington was known for his hands-on approach and commitment to specific vision, often joining his construction crews. Ellington also embraced recycling, incorporating materials from demolished downtown structures, such as marble from City Hall, tiles from the S&W; cafeteria, and bricks from a pharmacy, into the mosaic of the living room floor. Stone from local fields and chestnut wood from the cove were also integral to the four-year construction. 'The Cove' was more than just an architectural marvel; it was a vibrant social and intellectual gathering place. Asheville’s artists and intelligentsia, including Thomas Wolfe, were frequent guests. The interior design fostered a bohemian elegance with local artisan furniture and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The home was a nurturing environment for learning, creativity, and imagination. Middleton Parker recounts tales of a 'witch’s rock,' a 'red fairy' leaving leaves on pillows, and 'fairy trees' showering children with toys, alongside Kenneth’s fantastical bedtime stories. Children often put on puppet shows, with Wolfe occasionally in attendance. The tradition of fresh flowers in the house continues to this day. Sallie Ellington Middleton, Kenneth's daughter and Middleton Parker's mother, found inspiration for her career as a watercolor artist and illustrator in the home and its natural surroundings. Her intimate knowledge of Chunns Cove's woods is reflected in her detailed renderings of local flora and fauna, published in 'The Magical Realm of Sallie Middleton.' Despite Douglas Ellington’s short time in Asheville before the Depression necessitated his move to Maryland, 'The Cove' has remained a cherished family gathering place. It has hosted various events, from Preservation Society meetings to family celebrations. Recently, the home has been selectively opened to the public for weddings and events, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The caretaker’s cottage has been converted into lodging, featuring Ellington Middleton’s art and Ellington’s signature Art Deco feather motif. The house is regarded by many, including the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County, as truly magical, seamlessly blending into its landscape with timeless charm. The article concludes by highlighting Douglas Ellington's significant impact on Asheville's architectural landscape during its boomtown era. His distinctive Art Deco designs, beginning with the First Baptist Church commission, rapidly shaped the city’s skyline. A list of his notable works in Asheville, including the Merrimon Avenue Fire Station, Lewis Memorial Park Office, Asheville City Building, Asheville High School, Historic S & W Building, Biltmore Hospital Extension, and his own house, is provided for those wishing to experience his enduring legacy firsthand. #FairytaleCottage #DouglasEllington #AshevilleArchitecture #ChunnsCove #ArtDecoDesign #HistoricHome #ArchitecturalLegacy #ArtsAndCrafts #HomeDesign

Chardin Hall at Seattle University provides housing for approximately 140 second-year students. Located on the south side of campus, adjacent to Campion Hall, this residence hall offers four-person suites, each featuring a private bathroom. Beyond typical living arrangements, Chardin Hall emphasizes a holistic student experience, integrating programming focused on service, social justice, and leadership development into residential life. The hall is well-equipped with academic and recreational facilities designed to support student success and well-being. Residents have access to a multimedia education center, which includes a computer lab, study lounge, and private study rooms. Additionally, each floor is furnished with student lounges and full kitchens, promoting community interaction and convenience. The building offers a range of amenities and services, such as a community kitchen, laundry room, and wireless internet access throughout the building. For leisure and social gatherings, there is a large-screen TV lounge, and recreational equipment is available for checkout at the front desk. Academic support is further enhanced by academic classroom spaces within the hall. Accommodation options in Chardin Hall primarily consist of two room types: two-person rooms and four-person rooms. Two-person rooms are approximately 243 square feet and include a private bathroom. These rooms are furnished with a bed and mattress, desk and chair, wardrobe, shelving, a sink, and a MicroFridge unit (combining a microwave and mini-fridge). Internet connectivity, both wired and wireless, and phone capabilities are also provided. Four-person rooms are larger, spanning about 585 square feet, and are configured as adjoining doubles that share a private bathroom. The furnishings in four-person rooms are similar to those in two-person rooms, providing individual beds, desks, chairs, wardrobes, shelving, sinks, and MicroFridges for each resident. The specific configuration and placement of furniture may vary between these larger rooms. Detailed furniture dimensions are provided to assist students with planning their living space. A standard bed measures 85 inches wide by 38 inches deep by 30 inches high, with the bed deck adjustable in three-inch increments, allowing for minimum heights of 2.895 inches and maximum heights of 30.790 inches from the finished floor to the top of the bed deck rail. The wardrobe dimensions are 41 inches wide by 24.75 inches deep by 74 inches high, with drawer interiors of 17 inches wide by 21 inches deep by 5.25 inches high and hanging spaces of 19.25 inches wide by 23 inches deep by 52.25 inches high. Desks are 42 inches wide by 38 inches deep by 30 inches high, featuring box drawer interiors of 12.25 inches wide by 18.75 inches deep by 3.25 inches high and a file drawer interior of 12.25 inches wide by 18.75 inches deep by 8.75 inches high. A downloadable PDF provides further details on these furniture dimensions. Beyond the physical infrastructure, Chardin Hall provides a supportive community environment through its staffing structure. Most floors benefit from the presence of a Jesuit in Residence, a member of the Seattle University Jesuit community. These individuals serve as a resource for advising, counseling, conflict resolution, or simply as a listening ear for students. Complementing this, a Residential Minister also lives within the hall, focusing on fostering pastoral care for students and staff, collaborating with Jesuits in Residence, Residence Hall Directors, Resident Assistants (RAs), and Campus Ministry staff. Essential services at the Chardin Front Desk include room lockout assistance, mailboxes and package notifications, lost and found services, and checkout for vacuums and carts. All utilities, including electricity, heat, water, sewer, compost, recycling, and trash, are included in the housing rates. #StudentHousing #UniversityLife #ResidenceHall #SeattleUniversity #StudentAmenities #CommunityLiving #JesuitEducation #RoomLayouts #CampusFacilities

Rowan House, located at 29 Moss Road in Waringstown, is a distinctive detached property celebrated for its individual design. Constructed just seven years ago, this bespoke home is situated on a generous site within walking distance of Waringstown Village, offering convenient access to local shops, amenities, and a primary school. The property has been meticulously finished to a high standard, with careful attention to its layout, natural light, and premium finishes throughout. The interior of Rowan House features a triple-aspect kitchen, dining, and living area that serves as the heart of the home. This welcoming space includes an extensive array of high and low storage units, a pantry, a beautiful peninsula island, and a full suite of integrated appliances, such as an electric AGA aubergine range cooker with double oven, single gas hob, electric oven, microwave/grill oven, integrated dishwasher, and fridge. The kitchen boasts solid wood doors, quartz worktops, upstands, and splashbacks in the range area. Adjacent to this open-plan area is a spacious lounge that offers views of the garden and flows seamlessly into a dining room. A utility room and a ground-floor WC complete the downstairs accommodations. On the first floor, a gallery-style landing leads to three double bedrooms. The master suite is a generous, dual-aspect room featuring a walk-in wardrobe, an en-suite bathroom, and built-in wardrobes. The en-suite includes a large walk-in shower with a mains-fed shower and additional rainfall showerhead, a dual-flush WC with a hidden cistern, a floating wash hand basin, and a heated towel rail. The second and third bedrooms share a Jack & Jill bathroom, which is equipped with a P-shaped bath, a dual-flush WC, and a floating wash hand basin. Bedroom three also includes a built-in wardrobe with shelving and lighting. The property's exterior is equally impressive, featuring a private rear garden with mature trees, planting, a generous lawn area, and a paved patio. A large detached garage with an electric roller door is situated to one side and is fitted with solar panels on its roof, which are owned outright, enhancing energy efficiency. Additional features include energy-efficient insulated plasterboard to internal walls and an air source pump heating system. The front garden is accessible via a pillared entrance with a gravel driveway, leading to a parking area and mature planting, with integral lighting along the front boundary wall. The overall design and amenities of Rowan House present a well-appointed and energy-conscious family home. #DetachedHouse #WaringstownVillage #BespokeDesign #ModernHome #EnergyEfficient #LuxuryKitchen #PrivateGarden #MasterSuite #DetachedGarage