Tour a rare British home with a pool surrounded by luscious greenery

Lynn and Ted Turner's century-old Victorian farmhouse in Whitefish Bay has undergone a series of significant renovations over the past three decades, transforming it into a personalized and functional living space. The most recent and extensive project involved installing an Endless Pool in their basement. Initially intended as an above-ground resistance pool for Lynn's hip replacement recovery, the low ceiling height necessitated a change of plans. This led to a major undertaking: a two-foot-deep excavation into the concrete basement floor to partially submerge the pool. The renovation, which took a year of planning and another year of construction, involved a team of five workers and extensive dirt removal, culminating in their first swim in December 2013. The basement, once a storage area for forgotten items, was transformed into a spa-like oasis. Original brickwork was left exposed, and neutral stone tile now surrounds the pool. A former doorway was converted into an alcove for a Buddha statue, and a new bathroom was added conveniently near the pool. Beyond the pool area, the basement now features an additional family room, which the Turners use for watching football games and playing cards. A storage closet was cleverly repurposed into a climate-controlled wine cellar, housing bottles from their travels and waiting for special occasions. A pantry area was also incorporated, providing extra refrigeration and storage for infrequently used kitchen appliances. The Turners, who celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary, have meticulously curated their belongings throughout their home, blending inherited pieces, travel finds, and art fair acquisitions. Approximately 90% of their furniture holds a family connection, reflecting a blend of old and new, modern and classic styles. Their renovation journey began 15 years ago, initially addressing hazardous winder stairs in the basement. This project expanded to include a family room addition off the kitchen and a tiled mudroom. Subsequent renovations involved converting a sun porch into a master bathroom with a steam shower and whirlpool tub, updating the main floor powder room, and tackling the home's four bedrooms, living room, and dining room. Lynn demonstrates a keen eye for maximizing space, incorporating pocket doors to separate rooms like the dining room and kitchen, and installing a hidden Zoom-Bed in her office cabinetry. The couple has worked with Bob Prindeville from Design Group Three for nearly all their renovation projects. While extensive, certain areas remain on their future renovation list, including replacing the home's siding and renovating the attic, which is described as a beautiful space as large as the entire house. When asked about design ideas, Lynn mentions Houzz as a valuable resource. The article concludes with an invitation for readers to submit their own unique living spaces to be featured in the 'At Home' series. #HomeRenovation #BasementRemodel #PoolInstallation #VictorianFarmhouse #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #FamilyHome #WineCellar #SpaceMaximization

Bungalow, located at 24 1st Ave., New York, NY, is a contemporary Indian restaurant that has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand award by the MICHELIN Guide, signifying good quality and good value cooking. Helmed by Chef Vikas Khanna, the establishment offers a distinctive dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is characterized by pale pink walls, vibrant murals, and a bar featuring intricate carved panels, creating an aesthetically pleasing setting. Securing a table at Bungalow can be challenging, as the restaurant is frequently bustling, and many diners line up early in hopes of getting a walk-in spot, given that reservations are not available through the MICHELIN Guide's platform. The culinary journey at Bungalow begins with a selection of unique cocktails, which incorporate innovative ingredients such as turmeric-infused tequila and chili-infused mezcal. The menu focuses on contemporary Indian cuisine, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary traditions from India's 28 states. This approach allows for a broad exploration of regional flavors and techniques, moving beyond more commonly known Indian dishes. Standout items highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide include the five-cheese kulcha, a stuffed flatbread, and yogurt kebabs. These kebabs are wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry and served with a bright pickled cabbage puree and a spicy mango coulis, illustrating the kitchen's creative and skillful execution. Bungalow operates from Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 5 PM and closing at 11 PM, with Mondays being its day off. The restaurant accepts various payment methods, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards, as well as debit cards. While it falls under the '$$$' price range, categorized as suitable for a 'Special occasion' by the MICHELIN Guide, its Bib Gourmand status implies that it offers excellent value for the quality of food provided. The restaurant is also noted as being family-friendly and is currently trending, further indicating its popularity among diners. Facilities and services include air conditioning. The restaurant is positioned within the New York State, New York area, specifically in a location accessible to a variety of nearby dining and lodging options. The MICHELIN Guide review for Bungalow was published on December 9, 2024, by a Michelin Inspector, who praised the chef's independent venture and the vibrant atmosphere. #MichelinGuide #BibGourmand #IndianCuisine #NewYorkRestaurants #ChefVikasKhanna #ContemporaryIndian #NYC

Villa Verde, a holiday home in Anjuna, Goa, belonging to property developer Nibhrant Shah, embodies a rustic aesthetic with an emphasis on natural light and airiness. Interior designer Meetu Akali, co-founder of Studio Momo Architecture & Interior Design, brought this vision to life. The design draws inspiration from coastal holiday homes found in Portugal, southern France, and Tuscany, Italy, reinterpreting these influences with a fresh, contemporary approach and a breezy color palette. The interiors are characterized by meticulous detailing, personalized touches, and a playful atmosphere. The 400-square-foot bedroom, accompanied by a 200-square-foot attached bathroom, maintains the simple, homely appeal seen throughout the villa. Studio Momo's team handpicked each piece of furniture during their travels, with a notable example being a sideboard cabinet discovered in a bazaar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. These pieces underwent careful restoration to integrate seamlessly into the villa's design. Sustainability was a key consideration in the project. Studio Momo, an environmentally conscious firm, utilized products from Chalk Barn, their in-house brand specializing in natural, chemical-free finishes. This commitment to eco-friendly materials extends to all elements within the villa, including flooring, furniture, upholstery, and accessories, each of which was customized to fit the overall design philosophy. The project involved several key collaborators. Meetu Akali of Studio Momo was the interior designer, responsible for the creative direction and execution. Carpenter services were provided by Kudai, while eco-friendly finishes came from Chalk Barn. Furniture restoration and reproduction were handled by White Sheep. Lotus Constructions, based in Mumbai, served as the contractor for the project. The combination of these efforts resulted in Villa Verde, a coastal retreat that successfully blends rustic charm with contemporary design and environmental consciousness. #GoanVilla #RusticDesign #CoastalLiving #InteriorDesign #StudioMomo #MeetuAkali #SustainableDesign #FurnitureRestoration #HolidayHome

This blog post introduces the "Backyard Retreat" house plan, a versatile tiny home designed to enhance outdoor living and entertaining. Developed by Southern Living Custom Builder Randy Schiltz of t-Olive Properties and residential designer Al Causey of The Village Studio, this plan aims to create a structure that complements a main home, embodying a "little sister" aesthetic. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing the 891-square-foot cottage to function as a pool house, guest quarters, a home office, or even a rental space. The article highlights the practical applications and charming features of the Backyard Retreat. It describes how the structure's tall sliding glass doors promote indoor-outdoor living, making it ideal for poolside gatherings and alfresco dining. The interior boasts ten-foot-tall ceilings, contributing to a light and airy feel, crucial for small spaces, especially during warmer months. The great room is large enough to accommodate recreational activities, such as a ping-pong table, alongside comfortable seating for movie nights. The inclusion of a fireplace by designer Al Causey ensures the living area remains inviting and functional year-round, as demonstrated by Schiltz, who incorporated the plan into his own backyard, utilizing it as a secondary space for his children and their friends to cook and watch movies. Beyond its use as a recreational area, the Backyard Retreat is presented as an excellent option for a guest house or an in-law suite. With a full kitchen and a private bath, it offers complete independence for occupants, making it suitable for aging parents or adult children. The article suggests that the large living space can serve dual purposes as a dining area and a post-dinner relaxation zone, enhancing entertaining capabilities. The potential to convert a side room into guest quarters adds to its versatility, allowing homeowners to host overnight guests comfortably. Alternatively, the plan is also framed as a personal sanctuary, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation and solitude, particularly appealing for those seeking a private retreat within their property. The overall message underscores the plan's ability to transform backyard entertainment and provide flexible living solutions. #PoolHouse #BackyardEntertaining #TinyHome #GuestHouse #HomeDesign #OutdoorLiving #HousePlans #SouthernLiving #BackyardRetreat

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome