An Architect’s Dream: A Timeless Tuscan Estate in Old Preston Hollow

This article highlights a modern neoclassical mansion located in Old Preston Hollow, designed by Lisa Luby Ryan of Lisa Luby Ryan Design & Build. The home emphasizes texture, scale, and detail to create a luxurious yet livable space, addressing the challenge of adding character to new construction. The design team included architect Richard Drummond Davis and builder Mark L. Rose, with Harold Leidner responsible for the landscape. A key aspect of Ryan's design philosophy is the integration of old and new elements to create a sense of timelessness. This is immediately apparent upon entering the mansion at 5522 Falls Road, where a large foyer features full paneling and 18th-century reclaimed limestone floors sourced from the south of France. The staircase also incorporates limestone and custom iron railings, achieving a classic yet transitional aesthetic. The wine room further exemplifies this blend, featuring 18th-century stone walls from the south of France and custom, floating wine racks. The main living areas on the ground floor boast fourteen-foot ceilings. Ryan meticulously sourced fireplace mantels from Europe, designed custom light fixtures, and utilized Venetian plaster throughout the home. A significant design choice was the extensive use of molding, which Ryan believes adds anchor, weight, and character to a house. All moldings are custom-designed, with consistent elements across baseboards and crown moldings to ensure cohesion. The mansion spans 9,843 square feet, encompassing five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a powder bath. The master bedroom, situated downstairs, offers a tranquil view of the rear grounds and pool. Additionally, there is a substantial pool cabana, currently configured as a gym, that is finished to the same high standards as the main house, making it suitable for guest quarters. Despite its elegant and sophisticated design, the home maintains a sense of comfort and livability. This is achieved through the incorporation of antique elements and a sensible application of color and fabric, designed to make the house feel like a permanent, welcoming home. The property is described as private and livable, fulfilling the objective of a "forever house." Joan Eleazer with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is responsible for marketing this property, which is listed at $6.295 million. Karen Eubank, the author, is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design and a professional home stager and writer. #ModernNeoclassical #LuxuryHome #OldPrestonHollow #LisaLubyRyanDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #DallasRealEstate #CustomHome #HistoricElements

The 'Trullo GT' project by reisarchitettura involves the renovation and expansion of a traditional dry-stone 'trulli' structure located in the Itria Valley of Apulia, southern Italy. This holiday home is designed to provide a serene retreat immersed in rural nature and typical Apulian architecture, offering an escape from urban environments. The architectural firm, reisarchitettura, focused on integrating the new design with the local vernacular, emphasizing both aesthetic continuity and functional improvements. The final layout of the Trullo GT includes two distinct living areas. The main residence comprises an entrance, a kitchen, a living room, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Adjacent to this, an independent guest house is situated within a stone vault, known locally as a 'lamia,' featuring its own living room, bedroom, and bathroom. This separation provides privacy and flexibility, catering to a holiday home's needs. A key aspect of the project was the meticulous attention paid to materials and construction techniques characteristic of the Apulian region. The reisarchitettura team engaged a 'maestro trullaro,' a specialist in these traditional vernacular building methods. This expert was instrumental in constructing the very thick dry-stone walls, which are a hallmark of trulli structures. These walls are not only structurally sound but also serve a crucial climatic purpose, providing natural insulation that protects the interiors from the intense heat of the Apulian summer. In addition to the walls, the roofs were specifically designed to facilitate rainwater collection, a sustainable practice that has been part of regional building traditions for centuries. The adherence to these traditional principles ensures indoor comfort and maintains a pleasant temperature even during the hottest months, showcasing a blend of historical knowledge and modern living needs. The outdoor spaces were carefully integrated into the terraced landscape, which is supported by dry-stone retaining walls. Facing the main trullo, a swimming pool has been incorporated, alongside sand-colored concrete paving that is seamlessly set into the terrace. This area offers views of the surrounding natural landscape, including olive groves. To further enhance the outdoor living experience, a gazebo was integrated into the existing rock formations at the rear of the property, creating a dedicated outdoor dining space. Inside the Trullo GT, the material palette reflects a blend of natural elements and traditional finishes. Natural stone is combined with typical lime plaster, creating a rustic yet refined aesthetic. The flooring consists of bare concrete, which offers a contemporary contrast to the historic stone and plaster. Painted wooden doors and windows, along with the chosen décor and furnishings, were selected to reflect the vernacular style of local agricultural craftsmanship, thereby maintaining a cohesive and authentic Apulian character throughout the home. The project successfully marries traditional building practices with the demands of a modern holiday residence, creating a unique and comfortable living environment that is deeply rooted in its regional context. #ApulianArchitecture #TrulloGT #DryStoneStructure #Renovation #HolidayHome #Reisarchitettura #ItalianDesign #SustainableBuilding #VernacularArchitecture

Studio Andrew Trotter, based in Barcelona, has completed the renovation of a historic property named 'Casolare Scarani' in the countryside of Puglia, Italy. The project began serendipitously when architect Andrew Trotter and a friend stumbled upon the neglected but charming farmhouse while driving through Carovigno. They recognized its unique character, including rusticated stonework and dramatic interior vaulting, despite years of abandonment. The house, which had once served as a girls' school until the early 1960s, presented an unusual blend of a 'masseria' (large historic farmhouse) style with the more intimate scale of a small villa. Initially, Trotter and his friend decided against purchasing the property for themselves, instead recommending it to clients who shared their appreciation for its historical value and potential. The renovation process for Casolare Scarani spanned nine months, during which Studio Andrew Trotter focused on a sensitive revitalization that preserved the farmhouse's antique quality while elevating it to modern standards. A key aspect of this approach was maintaining the exterior patina, which involved meticulously scraping off layers of old paint to reveal the original stone of the portico. For the interiors, the team opted for a traditional yet refined aesthetic, fully plastering the surfaces. A local artisan was commissioned to create bespoke lime plaster and lime paints, contributing to an authentic and breathable finish that respects the building's heritage. Material preservation and careful integration of new elements were central to the design. The existing old stones on the flooring were carefully repositioned, and new 'chianca' stones were added to seamlessly match the original material, ensuring continuity and structural integrity. The functional layout of the farmhouse was also rethought to accommodate contemporary living needs. The original garage space was ingeniously converted into a modern kitchen, maximizing existing structures. Similarly, a former donkey house was transformed into a practical laundry room, demonstrating a commitment to repurposing and efficiency. To expand the living quarters, two new blocks were strategically added to the rear of the house, providing two additional bedroom suites. These extensions were designed to blend harmoniously with the existing architecture, maintaining the overall aesthetic coherence of Casolare Scarani. The project ultimately transformed the historic farmhouse into a serene and functional retreat that honors its past while offering modern comforts in the picturesque Italian countryside. #HistoricRenovation #ItalianArchitecture #Puglia #FarmhouseDesign #StudioAndrewTrotter #ArchitecturalPreservation #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LimePlaster

This article highlights a unique property, described as a pristine "Byrd house," located in a prime Studio City location. The residence, reminiscent of Robert Byrd's architectural style from the 1920s to the 1950s, offers an enchanting cottage aesthetic, ideal for an artist. The approach to the home features a charming stone pathway, leading to a facade adorned with window planters, lush vegetation, shutters, and original lead windows, contributing to its historical appeal. Upon entering, the living space is characterized by a stunning fireplace and a window seat equipped with storage and original built-ins, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The dining room, which allows direct access to the kitchen, is designed for ease of entertaining. The home includes two bedrooms, both featuring ample closet space and charming decorative touches. An additional finished attic provides significant extra storage capacity. Further into the home, the den showcases architectural details such as wood beams, original paneled detailing, and a brick wood-burning fireplace, adding to the rustic charm. Descending from the den, a marvelous sunroom awaits, enveloped by large windows and opening skylights that fill the space with natural light. Outdoors, the property boasts an oversized pool, mature landscaping, and private seating areas, leading to a dedicated artist's sanctuary. This sanctuary is a two-story studio/office space featuring a vaulted ceiling and skylights. It offers gorgeous views of the property and ample room for creative pursuits or expansion. The article emphasizes the property's unique characteristics, making it a one-of-a-kind offering. The post was contributed by Alan Taylor, an Estate Agent. #HomeDesign #StudioCity #RealEstate #ArchitecturalStyle #ArtistRetreat #VintageHome #PropertyDescription #UniqueHomes

The increasing popularity of second homes has led many Nashville residents to seek serene retreats outside the bustling city. One couple discovered Overton Retreat, an exclusive gated community in McMinnville, Tennessee, situated on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, near a lake and forest. This upscale mountaintop community on Long Mountain is less than two hours from Nashville, offering proximity to the Caney Fork River and Fall Creek Falls. This particular home, designed by Interior Anthology, exemplifies a fusion of rustic cabin charm and modern sophistication. The craftsman-style residence spans over 7,000 square feet, featuring five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Its interior design prominently embraces the biophilic trend, evident in details like woven rhododendron handrails and a grand stone fireplace. The home's soaring ceilings and natural aesthetic draw inspiration from Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn. Jennefer Guthrie, owner of Interior Anthology, explained that the design consistently maintained its initial rustic mountain home concept, with some elements evolving during the process. An interior elevator with a hidden access door highlights the home's blend of remote tranquility with advanced amenities, underscoring its thoughtfully curated features and subtle design details. Guthrie dedicated years to sourcing decor, art, and accessories, often finding unique pieces during trips to Asheville with the intention of incorporating them into the mountain house. Her involvement extended to selecting everything from the exterior stone to the doorknobs, demonstrating extensive procurement for the project. In the kitchen, custom stools with a branch and twig motif complement a curved island, designed to enhance elbow room for guests. A unique artistic backsplash, custom-made by a pottery collective in Philadelphia, serves as a prominent focal point upon entering the home, creatively addressing the lack of space for traditional wall art. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light, and smaller rectangular windows that pay homage to the craftsman style. A custom chandelier, recreated by an artisan after the client discovered a vintage piece, boasts wire and crystal globes. The owner's bedroom, the largest in the home, provides ample space and a sunset view. Its en-suite bathroom includes a curved shower and birch tree-adorned wallpaper, designed to evoke the feeling of being immersed in nature. The grand entryway features an overhead catwalk leading to an expansive great room dominated by a Tennessee fieldstone fireplace. Notable details include columns with bark inlay and rhododendron railings, both sourced from Asheville, NC. The fireplace mantel is a reclaimed wood piece from Littlebranch Farm, and the local stone for the fireplace was sourced from a nearby quarry. An art piece by Emily Leonard above the fireplace adds warmth and depth. The great room is further enhanced by a striking, six-by-six-foot handmade light fixture from Wish Designs. The catwalk, adorned with rhododendron branch railings from Mountain Laurel Handrail, connects different sections of the upstairs. Reclaimed barn wood creates an inset on the hickory floor leading to the great room. The front entry features an ornate antique bench, personally acquired by Guthrie and now a prominent design element. Thoughtfully curated collections, such as a hall table with a mirror and twig sconces, create engaging vignettes throughout the house. Guest accommodations include a serene “Couple’s Suite” with moody blue walls, a birch bed from La Lune Collection, and a sophisticated chandelier from Troy Lighting. A Navajo-inspired rug by Ralph Lauren adds texture, while an original oil painting by Jason A. Saunders provides a touch of color. Upstairs amenities also include a wine and snack bar, an exercise area, and a billiard room for entertainment. The home also boasts approximately 2,200 square feet of decking, encompassing a sunporch and a master suite deck, offering impressive views. Other guest rooms include a bunk room with custom-made bunks from La Lune Collection and a faux antler light fixture. Its adjacent bathroom features whimsical stag wallpaper from Kravet and a mirror from Pottery Barn Kids. An office space, deemed essential by the semi-retired client, provides a handsome and productive oasis. The powder room is considered one of the most unique spaces, featuring a tree trunk vanity base from Littlebranch Farms, handmade birch panels from Arden Creek, and custom floor tiles from Karen Amies of MacMillan Amies Studio, which incorporate acorns and other natural motifs. A screened-in porch with a fireplace and a custom porch swing from La Lune Collection offers a cozy spot to enjoy the views year-round, even after reupholstering the original furniture. This custom-designed home provides a luxurious, nature-inspired retreat, meticulously crafted for comfort and aesthetic appeal. #ElevatedRusticDesign #OvertonRetreat #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #BiophilicDesign #LuxuryHomes #TennesseeArchitecture #MountainHome #SecondHome