6 rustic homes in Wyoming

This article showcases six distinct properties across the United States, each embodying a modern farmhouse style with rustic elements. These homes are situated in various locations, including Washington, Connecticut; Garrison, New York; Bluffton, South Carolina; Sherman Oaks, California; Valley Village, California; and Atlanta, Georgia, offering a diverse range of settings from leafy, expansive acreage to more urban, tree-lined streets. The property in Washington, Connecticut, is a five-bedroom cedar-clad barn home constructed in 2008, set on eighty acres. It features a two-sided fireplace, a wood-beamed living room with glass doors opening to a covered porch, and views of a pond. The lower level includes a gym, game room, and an entertainment space with a bar. The estate also comprises a two-bedroom guesthouse, a pool, spa, patio, and an orchard, located near Lake Waramaug and New Preston. In Garrison, New York, a newly built four-bedroom home, known as The Garrison House, blends classic farmhouse details. Its interior is characterized by wide-plank wood floors, exposed reclaimed-timber beams, vintage fixtures, and a chef's farmhouse kitchen with a large, wood-topped island. The 2.74-acre lot provides a patio with a stone fireplace, grassy yards, mature trees, and a guest cottage, with proximity to hiking trails, a Metro-North train station, the Hudson River, and the cultural and dining amenities of Cold Spring. Bluffton, South Carolina, features an award-winning barn-inspired farmhouse from 2022, built with shou-sugi-ban charred cedar. This five-bedroom home highlights a living room with a shiplap ceiling, French doors, and a gas fireplace, adjoining an open kitchen-dining room. The property offers a private pool, firepit, gardens, and river views, within a resort community that provides various amenities such as restaurants, a spa, stables, and sports courts. A classic five-bedroom farm-style house from 1936 in Sherman Oaks, California, has been updated with contemporary features. This open-plan residence includes vaulted ceilings, four skylights, a floating central staircase, and a gourmet kitchen with Moroccan tiling, a glass-fronted bar, a large central island, and a built-in daybed. The exterior boasts a pergola, a gas grill and smoker, a salt-water pool, an outdoor theater, and a sports court, and is a short drive from the Getty Museum. In Valley Village, California, a 2019 four-bedroom farmhouse is distinguished by vertical board-and-batten siding and a front barn door. Its open-plan interior showcases exposed beams, shiplap ceilings, a chef's kitchen with quartz counters and a drinks refrigerator, and a living room with accordion glass doors leading to a covered patio. The landscaped property, situated 25 minutes from downtown L.A., includes a waterfall pool and spa, a built-in grill, and an orange tree. Finally, Atlanta, Georgia, presents a three-bedroom modern farmhouse built in 2021 on a tree-lined street in historic Oakland City. The home features an open main living space with a fireplace, a kitchen with an eat-in island, and a primary bedroom with sliding barn doors that open to a spa-like bathroom with marble tile and a soaker tub. The lot includes a covered patio and a large, fenced backyard, with downtown Atlanta located 15 minutes away by car. Each of these properties illustrates the enduring appeal and varied interpretations of the modern farmhouse aesthetic, combining rustic charm with contemporary living. #ModernFarmhouse #RusticHomes #PropertyShowcase #RealEstate #HomeDesign #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalStyle #FarmhouseRenovation #USProperties

The Ishawooa Mesa Ranch in Wyoming is home to a new architectural creation by Lake Flato, designed to be both a sanctuary and a tribute to its wild, majestic surroundings. Located within the Shoshone National Forest, near Yellowstone National Park, the ranch experiences extreme weather conditions, from scorching summers to harsh winters, necessitating a robust and thoughtfully constructed home for its owners and the diverse animal life on its 200-plus acres, including horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, and occasional bears. Steve Raike, a partner at Lake Flato, emphasizes that the design aims for 'thoughtful luxury' while acknowledging the area's inherent wildness. The inspiration for the ranch house draws from the traditional homestead-style log cabins prevalent in the region, which were historically built using locally sourced, readily available materials. This tradition is reinterpreted in the new home through the use of thick cedar wood for part of the façade, stained black to echo the creosote once used to protect older timber structures. Stone, sourced from Montana, further roots the house in its regional context, embodying a 'humble' conceptual approach to the exterior. Internally, the residence transitions into an environment of sophisticated comfort, a balance of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The interior layout features a central, double-height lounge, kitchen, and dining area, around which all other main rooms are arranged. A monumental fireplace serves as the focal point of this communal space. The homeowners collaborated with interior designer Marnie Wright to select furnishings that align with the home's aesthetic, heavily featuring wood, leather, and steel. The kitchen, notably, is equipped with a roaring fire and a built-in Argentinian grill, designed for large family gatherings. These cook-ups became a regular part of the construction process, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where the architectural team and owners discussed the evolving design. A significant aspect of the project was its commitment to sustainability, which Lake Flato refers to as 'building performance.' This philosophy, shared by the ranch's owners who manage their land organically and support local wildlife preservation, guided critical decisions. The property operates entirely on electricity, utilizing a ground-source pump for both heating and cooling, a choice that Raike proudly notes as a 'rejection of fossil fuels' in a region often associated with traditional energy sources. This approach reflects a forward-thinking environmental consciousness integrated into the home's core design. Adjacent to the main house and connected by a sheltered courtyard stands a large timber-framed barn. While primarily functional for equipment storage and crop processing, it has also served as an event venue, showcasing its versatility. The barn's design, with pull-back doors, allows for expansive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, which are also visible through the carefully positioned windows of the main residence. Raike highlights that the design enables occupants to 'appreciate and inhabit the landscape without feeling tiny, insignificant, and at the mercy of the elements,' underscoring the harmonious relationship between the architecture and its spectacular natural setting. #WyomingRanch #LakeFlato #SustainableArchitecture #RusticLuxury #RegionalDesign #EnvironmentalConsciousness #ShoshoneNationalForest #HighAltitudeLiving #ThoughtfulLuxury

This article showcases six distinctive homes located along the Oregon Coast, highlighting their unique architectural styles, interior features, and scenic surroundings. Each property offers a glimpse into diverse living experiences, ranging from historic Victorian charm to modern, energy-efficient designs. The first home featured is a four-bedroom Victorian in Astoria, built in 1863. This residence maintains its original painted-wood details, crown molding, chair-rail trim, built-ins, and patterned inlaid wood floors. It includes two gas fireplaces, a gas woodstove, an eat-in kitchen, a family room, a dining room, a library, and a covered wraparound porch. Situated on an oversized corner lot, the property boasts landscaped grounds with a lawn, paths, flowering shrubs, and garden beds. Its location offers walking distance to downtown Astoria and the Columbia River promenade, making it appealing for those seeking historical character and accessibility. Next, a three-bedroom mid-century modern home from 1969 is presented in Warrenton, within the Surf Pines community. This house is positioned a block from the beach and Sunset Lake, close to county parks. It features hardwood floors, oversized windows, a lower-level entry from the garage, floating stairs to the upper level, an eat-in open kitchen, a dining area, a living room with built-ins and a fireplace, and an art studio, complemented by a deck. The outdoor space includes trees and a grassy yard, offering a blend of modern design and natural surroundings. In Gleneden Beach, a three-bedroom beachfront Craftsman-style home, built in 1991, is highlighted. Located on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Siletz Bay, this furnished property provides sweeping views of both. Its interior boasts exposed beams and rafters, vaulted ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling basalt and limestone gas fireplace, a kitchen with a breakfast nook, a sunroom, and a main suite with a library loft. The exterior features a bayside deck and two oceanside decks, one equipped with a hot tub. The natural environment surrounding the home includes the sea and a national wildlife refuge, emphasizing its picturesque setting. Moving to Seal Rock, an 8-acre property with a three-bedroom home in a wilderness area is showcased, located 15 minutes from the ocean and 20 minutes from Newport. Constructed in 2005, this house features wood-clad interiors, a detailed carved door, a vaulted main space with exposed rafters and clerestory windows, and a kitchen with Craftsman-style cabinetry. The lower level includes a hot tub, sauna, and wine room. The wooded property further offers landscaped gardens and a horse barn and arena, catering to those desiring privacy and amenities. Bandon features a two-bedroom, open-plan, energy-efficient home built recently on a mountaintop lot, offering views of mountains and forest. This residence includes high ceilings, dark-bamboo floors, a wood-burning stove, two decks, an eat-in chef's kitchen, and a finished lower level with an infrared sauna. The 10.6-acre property is enhanced with gardens, lawns, wooded paths, a two-vehicle carport, and a unique hobbit house with its own fenced, landscaped yard, presenting a blend of modern living and whimsical charm. Finally, a four-bedroom Craftsman-style home from 1906 in North Bend is presented, situated on a southern Oregon peninsula one block from a large waterside park. This historic house preserves its original hardwood floors, wood trim, carved staircase, leaded-glass windows, and interior French doors. Its rooms comprise a living room with a woodstove, an eat-in kitchen, a reading nook, and a sunroom. The lot includes a lawn, a fenced patio with a fire pit, two garages, and a carport suitable for a boat or RV, combining historical character with practical features for coastal living. #OregonCoast #ScenicHomes #RealEstate #VictorianArchitecture #MidCenturyModern #CraftsmanStyle #LuxuryProperties #CoastalLiving #UniqueHomes

This article showcases six distinct homes across the United States, each characterized by its unique architectural style and meticulously landscaped gardens. The first property, located in Santa Rosa, California, is an 8-acre Mediterranean villa featuring a 26-foot octagonal tower that offers views of the surrounding forests and hills. The three-bedroom house includes marble floors, beamed ceilings, three fireplaces, a chef's kitchen, a breakfast room, a library, a wine cellar, and a sunroom. Its exterior boasts flagstone pathways connecting various patios, a courtyard, a wooded picnic area, a greenhouse, and diverse gardens, notably a rock garden. The second featured home is a five-bedroom modern Colonial in Harding Township, New Jersey. This residence opens with French doors onto a lawn adorned with two French-inspired stone patios. Inside, it presents an open kitchen-living room area with beamed ceilings and a central stone fireplace, a paneled study with coffered ceilings, a dining room, a media room, and a gym. The 3-acre property is extensively landscaped with shrubs and trees, further enhanced by a fountain, a small woods, and a turf putting green complete with two sand traps. Next is a four-bedroom Tidewater-style home in Weems, Virginia, whose formal gardens provide a scenic view of the Corrotoman River. The house is distinguished by heart-of-pine floors, custom cabinetry, crown moldings, multiple decks, and a chef's kitchen that seamlessly connects to a butler's pantry and the living room. The outdoor area features well-maintained lawns, vibrant flowers, shrubs, a fountain, oyster-shell walkways, and an arbor. Additional amenities include a screened porch with a pool and spa, and a deepwater dock equipped with boat lifts. A four-bedroom home in Minneapolis occupies a 0.23-acre lot, which is thoughtfully planted with flowers, vines, mature trees, and boxwoods. This updated 1926 house maintains its original French windows, interior arches, and glass-paned double doors, while also incorporating a modern open kitchen, a paneled study, and a master bedroom with a private porch. The exterior includes a small front patio overlooking Lake of the Isles, along with brick and stone garden patios in the back, one under an arbor, and a picnic patio with a grill. The fifth property, Bogardus Hall in Amenia, New York, is a six-bedroom Georgian house built in 1781 and expanded in 1871. It is set amidst wide lawns, mature trees, and extensive perennial beds. The house preserves historical details such as original fireplaces and a spiral staircase adorned with murals depicting life along the Hudson River. It also features a library-study, a full kitchen wing, a brick great room, and a wine cellar. The expansive 132-acre property encompasses woods, a trout creek, a two-bedroom guesthouse, and a three-car garage with an office, full bath, and car wash. Finally, a 1929 Normandy-style château in Mansfield, Ohio, stands on nearly 2 acres of landscaped grounds. This five-bedroom house has been modernized with a contemporary kitchen, wet bar, and security system, yet it retains its original central turret with a curved staircase, a steep slate roof, a Juliet balcony, frescoes, wormy chestnut-beamed ceilings, and a cellar room that once served as a speakeasy. The exterior boasts a sweeping front drive, a porch, garden beds, and a backyard with mature trees, a lawn, a patio, and carved-limestone elements, including a fountain. Each of these homes offers a blend of architectural charm and exceptional outdoor spaces, appealing to those who appreciate both refined interiors and extensive, beautiful gardens. #LuxuryHomes #LushGardens #ArchitecturalStyles #RealEstate #HomeDesign #LandscapeDesign #PropertyShowcase #OutdoorLiving #GardenHomes

This article showcases a curated selection of six unique, rounded homes across the United States, highlighting their distinctive architectural features and picturesque settings. Each property offers a blend of innovative design and comfortable living, set against diverse backdrops ranging from mountainous landscapes to oceanfront views. The first home, Azura Gardens in Weaverville, North Carolina, is a 2022 monolithic dome home nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This Moroccan-inspired residence spans two bedrooms and features arched doors and windows, intricate woodwork, and a kitchen equipped with Turkish lantern pendants and a live-edge island. The property extends over 28 acres, including two guest cottages, pollinator gardens, a year-round creek, wells, springs, and trails. This unique dome structure emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and a harmonious integration with its natural surroundings. Next, in New Marlborough, Massachusetts, a curvaceous 1989 shingle-style home sits on nearly 14 wooded acres in the Berkshires. This four-story, four-bedroom house is characterized by turrets and arched windows. Its interior boasts an open kitchen with a Tulikivi stove, a sunroom, an atrium, a bricked lounge area, and a large indoor pool illuminated by skylights. The exterior offers a river with a bridge, expansive yards, and multiple decks and terraces, providing a tranquil and luxurious living experience. The third featured property is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, approximately 15 minutes from the downtown area. This residence comprises a connected group of monolithic domes, built in 1977 by orthodontist Dr. Luther Bruce, and topped with copper-toned steel. The three-bedroom home, featuring seven orbs, includes arched windows, high ceilings, a contemporary kitchen, two living rooms, and a central spiral staircase crowned by a skylight. Outdoor amenities include a deck, a stone patio overlooking a pond, and an attached two-car garage. In Kilauea, Hawaii, a Balinese-style estate graces Kauai’s northeast coast, a short walk from Larsen’s Beach. Constructed in 2016, this home is a cluster of nine octagonal structures. Its five bedrooms are distributed across separate pods, connected by a covered breezeway. The main living areas, including the kitchen, living room, and dining room, are adorned with carved woodwork, decorative tile, French doors, sliders, and offer captivating ocean views. The nearly 3-acre property also features a botanical garden, a fruit orchard, and a yoga studio, encapsulating a serene and exotic living environment. The fifth home, built in 1975 in Nampa, Idaho, is a mid-century modern concrete structure with four bedrooms. This unique home showcases several curving walls and a partially spiraled green roof, alongside a circular library with a domed skylight. Spanning over 3,200 square feet, the interior includes cedar-lined ceilings, a glass-walled living room, and curled balconies. The property is surrounded by farmland and features a stock pond, raised garden beds, and a raspberry field. Finally, in Elk River, Minnesota, a renovated 1984 geodesic dome home is situated on 5 wooded acres, about 45 minutes north of Minneapolis. This three-bedroom residence features triangulated walls lined with light wood, skylights in the ceilings, and floating wood stairs leading to a loft. The downstairs area contains additional bedrooms and a second living room, while a screened porch provides views of the yard and mature trees. #RoundedHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #UniqueHomes #MonolithicDome #GeodesicDome #BalineseStyle #PropertyShowcase #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeDesign

This article explores six meticulously preserved homes constructed in the 1930s, showcasing a range of architectural styles and locations across the United States. Each property highlights original period details alongside modern updates, offering a glimpse into historical residential design. The first featured home is The Stone House in Phoenix, Arizona, a 1934 colonial that underwent a significant restoration in 2020. This four-bedroom residence boasts arched stone doorways, wooden ceilings, and wrought iron accents. Its chef's kitchen features reclaimed wood floors, while the primary bathroom includes a copper tub. Situated on a 0.38-acre lot across from the Encanto golf course, the property offers extensive yards, gardens, and a patio. In Los Angeles, California, a 1930 updated Spanish Revival home in West L.A.'s Little Holmby neighborhood is presented. This five-bedroom house is characterized by dark-toned herringbone and wide-plank floors, arched doorways, and a living room with distressed beams, built-in shelves, and a plaster fireplace. An upstairs suite includes a wrought iron Juliet balcony overlooking a pool, spa, and private yards. Atlanta, Georgia, features a French Normandy home, built in 1934 and later expanded, located within a gated community in Kingswood. The grand foyer showcases marble black-and-white tiles, leading to a barrel-ceiling living room with parquet floors, diamond-pane windows, and French doors. The lower level of this residence includes a wine cellar, gym, and billiards room. The 1.44-acre lot is professionally landscaped with a fountain and a pool. Mount Kisco, New York, is home to a 1936 colonial estate situated on over 11 acres in the historic Bedford area of Westchester County. This five-bedroom house features two chimneys, vine-wrapped columns, arched doorways, vertical shiplap walls, and dentil crown molding. An updated eat-in kitchen with sliders opens onto a stone terrace. The expansive property also includes a pool and mature trees. In New York City, a three-bedroom West Village co-op loft in the 1939 Waywest building, a former cold-storage warehouse, is highlighted. This loft boasts original brick walls, high ceilings, and cast-iron pillars. A 2022 renovation introduced wide-plank oak floors, updated plumbing and electrical systems, and an open kitchen equipped with a Sub-Zero fridge and marble counters. The apartment offers two terraces, and building amenities include door staff and a roof deck. Finally, Portland, Oregon, presents an updated 1930 English cottage in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood. This three-bedroom home retains original wood floors, features a dining room with leaded glass cabinets, and a galley kitchen with butcher-block counters. An unfinished basement provides additional space. The exterior includes a deck with a hot tub and pergola, leading to a backyard and garage. #HistoricHomes #1930sArchitecture #HomeRestoration #LuxuryRealEstate #ArchitecturalStyles #PropertyShowcase #InteriorDesign #RealEstate

Megan and Tyler Duncan, residing in Shakopee with their three young children, aspired to create a year-round lake retreat on Bone Lake in Luck, Wisconsin, near Tyler's parents' cabin. Their vision for the new home included ample shoreline views, a wooded lot, and an interior that would seamlessly blend the outdoors with natural materials and expansive windows. The couple sought a cozy and comfortable environment, with the kitchen as a central gathering space, alongside various quiet nooks for individual relaxation. In 2013, an existing one-room cabin adjacent to Tyler's parents' property became available, prompting the Duncans to accelerate their plans. The Duncans enlisted a collaborative team: Stonewood in Wayzata for design, B & H Builders in Cushing, Wisconsin, for construction, and Martha O’Hara Interiors in St. Louis Park for interior design and furnishings. The 5,000-square-foot home, completed in 2016, exemplifies rustic sophistication, incorporating reclaimed millwork, natural stone, and an airy, neutral color scheme. Martha O’Hara highlighted the textural and natural construction materials throughout the house, particularly the reclaimed barn wood used in the living room, dining room, and kitchen. These three open-plan rooms are unified by reclaimed wood beams, posts, and ceilings. A river rock fireplace in the living room complements the ceiling beams, while the kitchen features a hearth-like surround for the range. An open-weave rope chandelier above the dining table and wicker kitchen stools introduce additional natural textures. To prevent the windowless kitchen from feeling enclosed, interior designers Kristy Conlin, Andrea Surtel, and Bhavana Bhimavarapu opted for crisp white subway tiles on some walls and open shelving in place of upper cabinets, creating a spacious and light aesthetic. A dark gray soapstone island and hickory and oak cabinets add contrasting colors and textures, balancing the rugged beams. The adjacent hearth room, built with wood reclaimed from a shed on the property, offers a practical space for children. A screen porch with a fireplace provides an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying lake and wood views. The family room, featuring plaid, wool, fur, and reclaimed wood accents, offers a warm setting for movie nights. The house includes four bedrooms, with the master bedroom serving as a private retreat, complete with a natural stone fireplace, white wood panels, and a balcony overlooking the lake. The home also caters to children with a reading nook in the attic and a secret fort accessible through a child-sized door in one bedroom. The basement provides ample entertainment options, including video games, ping-pong, and movies, along with a guest bedroom and a spacious bunk room. Throughout the residence, wood is integrated with varied designs and finishes, such as blue-stained panels in one bathroom, horizontal striping in another, and log walls with chinking in the foyer. The design team aimed to give each space a distinct identity while maintaining overall coherence, ensuring material integrity and suitability for each area. The Duncans utilize the cabin year-round, finding it a favorite place for family and friends, offering both communal areas and individual spaces for relaxation, making it a true retreat. #RusticDesign #LakeHome #InteriorDesign #ReclaimedWood #NaturalMaterials #FamilyRetreat #WisconsinArchitecture #Stonewood #MarthaOHaraInteriors

This blog post highlights two historic and expansive properties in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, both constructed in the mid-1700s and offering distinct country living experiences. The first property, Still Point Farm, is a 45-acre estate emphasizing secluded enjoyment, described as a Walden Pond-esque setting with the Tinicum Creek running alongside. It features a 1740 stone farmhouse, complete with original wood floors, interior stone walls, fireplaces, Mercer tiles, and wood beams. The farm also includes a 1740s bank barn and a stable with six horse stalls, with the barn containing two guest quarters. Additional amenities for a less "Spartan-like" life include pastures with run-in sheds, a swimming pool, and a pool house. Still Point Farm offers four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and spans 5,128 square feet, with a price of $4.5 million. The second property, Licking Creek Farm, is a 58-acre estate distinguished by its modern additions, making it suitable for a bed-and-breakfast or a family compound. The main house retains its original character with features like a keeping room, 18th-century beams, exposed logs, random-width flooring, walk-in fireplaces, and a pie and ladder staircase. A sunroom addition offers views of a pond. The dining room was originally an 1800s log house, surrounded by a tiled sun porch, and the master suite was a log cabin built around 1780. The property also includes several refurbished outbuildings, all equipped with electricity. These outbuildings comprise a 1780 log guest house with living spaces, a kitchen, a bedroom loft, and a bath; a 1775 round-log barn with a 3-bay garage; and a 1760 plank house with 2.5 stories of viable living space. Licking Creek Farm has three bedrooms, three baths, and covers 3,761 square feet, priced at $1,775,000. Both properties are located in rural Bucks County, offering a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. #BucksCounty #HistoricHomes #CountryLiving #RealEstatePennsylvania #StillPointFarm #LickingCreekFarm #Farmhouse #EstateProperties #LuxuryRealEstate

This article highlights a 150-acre estate located at 313 Taylor Road, Peacham, VT, described as a rustic-chic farmhouse and family compound. The property offers an expansive living space of 5,500 square feet, featuring eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms. A central theme of the interior design is the artful use of worn wood, incorporating salvaged barn board walls, reclaimed pine flooring, and exposed hand-hewn timbers along the cathedral ceilings. This design choice contributes to a treehouse-esque ambiance, particularly appealing to younger residents for activities such as homeschooling. One of the estate's most notable features is its indoor pool, situated within a 40-by-60-foot solarium. This pool area is designed to resemble a waterpark, complete with faux and real rock and tree accents, waterfalls, and underwater lighting, offering both recreational and fitness opportunities. Beyond the main residence, the 150-acre grounds provide extensive outdoor amenities, including multiple porches, five ponds, miles of carriage roads, and natural trails. For equestrian enthusiasts, the property boasts paddocks and barn space capable of accommodating up to 20 horses, along with an indoor riding arena. In addition to the primary farmhouse, the estate includes three guest houses, one of which is a modernist cabin uniquely positioned above Ewell Pond. While the overall aesthetic leans towards rustic, the property also incorporates refined elements, such as mahogany entryways, cedar walk-in closets, French doors, and marble countertops. The interiors are further enhanced by hand-painted ceramic tiles in bathrooms and kitchens, contributing a Spanish farmhouse appeal, and a mix of modern glass globe light fixtures alongside antique pendant lights. The main house offers several inviting spaces for relaxation and gathering, including a double-sided fireplace, a completely skylit dining room, and a cozy reading nook. The generous expanse of the property allows for extensive outdoor activities, whether on horseback or on foot, providing a sense of seclusion and ample room to explore without needing to leave the premises. The article provides contact information for Wade Weathers at LandVest for further inquiries about the property. #VermontRealEstate #FarmhouseStyle #LuxuryProperty #RusticChic #IndoorPool #EquestrianProperty #FamilyCompound #HomeDesign #EstateLiving

Carson and Dori Boneck, former Wicker Park residents, initially envisioned themselves as city dwellers but shifted their perspective when searching for a suitable lot to build a new home. After two years of unsuccessful searching in the city for a sufficiently sized lot, they decided to move to Wilmette, seeking large, functional living spaces for their two young children. The result was a 4,600-square-foot modern farmhouse completed in 2013, featuring six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The interior architecture and design were handled by Kelley Audrain of Audrain Architecture and Cookie Weber of Inside Job. The design brief was to combine Dori's rural upbringing with their years of city living, aiming for a balance of rustic charm and urban edge. This fusion is evident in the home's exterior, which features traditional white board-and-batten siding punctuated by a black door and black window casings, giving the classic farmhouse a modern feel. This palette extends indoors, where one-inch-thick jambs around doors and windows are painted a deep gray, a design choice initially daunting but ultimately defining for the house. The designers emphasized creating a lived-in and comfortable atmosphere, incorporating rustic elements throughout the new construction. A sliding barn door connects Carson's office and the living room, adding texture. A woven-oak chandelier by Chicago artist Lucy Slivinski draws attention to exposed ceiling beams. In the dining room, a reclaimed wood mantel contrasts with contemporary metallic wall covering. Furnishings primarily consist of refurbished mid-century pieces from Knoll, Risom, and Eames, upholstered in kid-friendly fabrics, alongside new and custom items. The kitchen features a rustic table from Anthropologie paired with a bench and chairs from Skokie-based New Breed Furniture Network, a company also responsible for Carson's desk and the master suite's bedside tables. The Bonecks prioritized supporting local artisans and vendors over catalog purchases. A distinctive feature of the home is its bold use of wallpaper, much of it from the Dutch company Eijffinger. This is applied in the dining room, powder room, and children's rooms, introducing an element of surprise, layers of color, and depth that transform potentially quiet spaces. The overall design successfully achieves the Bonecks' goal of a home that blends city and country aesthetics, and modern and rustic styles, creating a unique and satisfying living environment. #ModernFarmhouse #WilmetteRealEstate #HomeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #RusticUrbanBlend #CustomFurniture #WallpaperDesign #SuburbanLiving

The article showcases a collection of six distinct brick houses across India, each celebrating the enduring appeal of brick as a building material and its integration with vernacular design principles. These homes demonstrate how brick's timeless texture, rich colors, and inherent strength contribute to spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and exceptionally durable, while also being climate-responsive. The first featured home, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was designed by Srijit Srinivas for a family of four. This 8000-square-foot residence utilizes exposed, load-bearing bricks not only for their traditional aesthetic but also for their ability to keep the interior cool in the local climate. The architect emphasized brick as a beautiful material with properties that reduce heat, and the desire for the house to be an "art piece in brick" by embracing its natural imperfections. Next, the article highlights the ancestral home of Gurmeet Sangha Rai in Nawanpind Sardaran, Punjab. This 125-year-old haveli, built by her great-great-grandfather, has been undergoing renovations and additions for 17 years. Its design incorporates elements from the vernacular architectural vocabulary of rural Punjab, evident in the exposed brick, absence of cladding and plaster, and the presence of large verandas, corridors, and arches, reflecting the architectural style of the Lahore region. In Solapur, an ancestral home was replaced with a new structure designed by Avinash Ankalge and Harshith Nayak of A Threshold. The family desired a new building that would retain the spirit and memories of its predecessor. The architects responded by integrating a contemporary framework and materiality with traditional wisdom, ensuring the new home seamlessly blends with its tightly packed neighborhood of traditional exposed basalt and brick houses, while also addressing the harsh regional climate. The fourth example, Villa Maati, is a farmhouse on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Designed as an ode to vernacular architecture and brick houses, it aims to provide a tranquil retreat amidst coconut plantations. The architects responded to the client's brief by incorporating traditional climate-responsive elements such as wide-open courtyards, interconnected verandas, and natural building materials, fostering a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. RLDA's design for a 4,365-square-foot farmhouse in New Delhi, named The Brick House, returns to fundamental architectural principles. The house’s primary material and aesthetic element is brick, rooted in the native craft of brickmaking. The architects, particularly Rahoul B. Singh, sought to explore space and light through this classical material, creating an interplay of light and shade with interior courtyards and expansive views. The material palette is simple, featuring brick, gravel (bajri), and concrete, with white cement tiles for the interior flooring. Finally, the article presents a ship-inspired villa in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, designed by Vignesh Sekar and Karthik Vasuki of Studio f/8. Drawing inspiration from Thoothukudi’s maritime heritage, the design features an exposed brick facade sculpted into wave-like parametric projections. The interior continues the nautical theme with marble plaster walls, metal columns, and handrails evocative of a steamship. The flooring uses Kota, Kadapa, and yellow Jaisalmer marble to mimic a tilting tide, and seashells adorn the roof as a metaphorical homage to the coastline. #BrickHouses #VernacularDesign #IndianArchitecture #ClimateResponsiveDesign #ExposedBrick #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeInteriors #TraditionalCraftsmanship

The article details the creation of Whimsy Valley, the Western North Carolina mountain retreat of photographer and historic preservationist Perry Vaile. Vaile and her husband embarked on a long journey to find and build their dream mountain home, ultimately settling on a property near Burnsville after a previous attempt in Chimney Rock was thwarted by a landslide specialist's warning, which proved prescient when the property was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. This experience highlighted the importance of thorough environmental assessments before purchasing land for construction. With the new property, Vaile collaborated with local contractor Chris Jarrett over two years to construct a home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Her background in historic preservation influenced the architectural choices, such as incorporating bark siding as a nod to late 1800s architect Henry Bacon, who popularized this style in Linville, North Carolina. This design decision aimed to give the new build vernacular sensitivity and integrate it respectfully into the region's architectural history. The interior design reflects Vaile's photography career, lending her an eye for creating visually compelling spaces. She combined antique pieces, diverse patterns, and a carefully curated color palette to achieve a timeless yet whimsical atmosphere. The living room features vaulted ceilings, providing a sense of grandeur and allowing for the inclusion of a stained-glass window sourced from a decommissioned church, which casts magical light when illuminated by the south-facing sun. The kitchen is designed to evoke warmth and character, channeling an "eccentric grandma" aesthetic. A William Morris patterned backsplash complements soft blue cupboards, adding texture and personality to the space. The master bedroom is built around a blue patterned wallpaper, inspired by an inn Vaile photographed, and features antique doors from an architectural salvage center in New Orleans. For her daughters' bedroom, Vaile aimed for a playful yet chic English bed and breakfast feel, incorporating gingham curtains and wallpaper from House of Hackney, with wood paneling completed by Vaile and her husband. Outdoor elements were also carefully considered. Vaile, who always desired to live near water, created an artificial stream that mimics natural rock formations and winds through the yard, providing a soothing soundscape and a scenic place to relax. The master bathroom features a copper tub as a focal point and an antique dresser with a marble countertop and stone sink, a resourceful find from Facebook Marketplace. The home also includes a wraparound deck equipped with rocking chairs, designed to offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The property is further enlivened by six miniature ponies, which roam the grounds, adding to the idyllic, storybook ambiance of Whimsy Valley, where Vaile's mother also resides in a nearby cabin, fostering a nostalgic, close-knit family environment. #MountainRetreat #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #WesternNorthCarolina #WhimsyValley #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHome #OutdoorLiving

Mandy and Randy Reeves, owners of Sketch + Co., embarked on building a new home in Franklin, Tennessee, despite Mandy's preference for older residences. Their goal was to infuse the new construction with the charm and character typically found in older homes, specifically avoiding the common open floor plan. They collaborated with Nashville architect Betsy Pogue to design a home with distinct cooking, dining, and living spaces, reflecting a more traditional layout. The design centers around a predominantly white color palette, chosen to create a bright yet warm atmosphere without feeling sterile or overly precious, even with two young children in the household. The homeowners aimed to demonstrate that a new, all-white build could possess significant heart and soul through careful design choices. Key design elements were implemented throughout the home to achieve this rustic, lived-in feel. The entryway features shiplap on both walls and ceiling, providing texture and warmth, complemented by a collection of 20 antique pressed botanicals. The living room emphasizes texture through salvaged warehouse beams, tufted velvet armchairs, and layered rugs. In the kitchen, shiplap paneling reinforces the farmhouse style, while honey-hued wooden accents like barstools and an antique high chair add warmth. Strategic black accents, such as globe pendants and silhouette portraits, introduce graphic interest against the white backdrop. The powder room highlights the owners' patience in sourcing unique pieces, featuring a curvy pistachio-green mirror found at a local antiques shop and vintage bookplates. A sitting nook offers a welcoming space with slipcovered armchairs and a rustic drop-leaf table, with walls painted in a custom flat white shade to evoke a historic feel. The main bedroom, designed in collaboration with Julie Couch, incorporates subtle pattern play with a block-print upholstered headboard, an indigo pillow, and a cable-knit throw. Indigo upholstery tape on linen curtains draws attention to an ornate bedside table. In the main bathroom, an antique mahogany china cabinet, inherited from Mandy's grandmother, serves as a striking focal point, alongside a cast-iron claw-foot tub from The Preservation Station. A Turkish rug adds warmth, and gauzy cafe curtains filter natural light. The children's rooms also reflect thoughtful design. Son Beau's room features gray-green poster twin beds, painted in Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams, alongside a fabric reindeer bust and dapper dog prints. Daughter Lizzie's nursery, painted in a shade referred to as Intimate White by Sherwin-Williams, includes a floral painting by Lulie Wallace, a Jenny Lind crib, pom-pom trimmed curtains, a beaded chandelier, and an antique Oushak rug, all selected to grow with her into her teenage years. The home successfully blends new construction with aged character through a consistent application of neutrals, varied textures, and carefully chosen antiques and farmhouse-inspired details. #RusticHomeDesign #WhiteInteriors #FarmhouseStyle #TennesseeHome #AntiqueDecor #Shiplap #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #NeutralPalette

The article showcases a 1954 cottage in Jackson, Wyoming, owned by Christian Burch and John Frechette, who also own local retail stores and a chocolate shop. The homeowners purchased the two-bedroom, two-bath property in 2017, drawn to its original character and history, a rarity in an area where many older homes have been replaced or extensively renovated. The house was originally built by a milkman, adding to its unique backstory. The design philosophy for the home revolves around collecting meaningful objects rather than adhering to specific measurements or trends. Burch emphasizes that "Everything has a story. I’ve never measured a thing for my house. It’s a collection, and if I like it, it’s going to work.” This approach has resulted in a home filled with personal items and cherished finds, many of which were acquired during road trips across the country. The living room exemplifies this philosophy with a vintage 1950s sofa, part mohair and part velvet, in a Dijon mustard yellow, purchased for $200 in Salt Lake City. The room also features a gallery wall displaying a mix of personal keepsakes and fine art, which Burch believes allows each piece to stand out individually while contributing to a larger narrative. The den, where the couple spends most of their time, originally had a wood stove, which they decided to keep due to the cold Wyoming winters. They modernized the Wyoming moss rock surround by painting it Sherwin-Williams’ On the Rocks to brighten the space. Custom-made bookshelves in the den accommodate an extensive book collection and various unique items, including a beaver top hat from Burch's grandfather's optometric office. The design of these bookshelves was inspired by Rick Owens' shelving systems. In the office, a roll-top desk, a family heirloom from Burch’s childhood ranch in Kansas, is paired with pegboard walls, creating a fresh and unconventional look. A velvet rope from Burch’s hometown movie theater adds another personal touch. Cowhides in the office were sourced from a West Virginia farm where Frechette once lived. The bedroom features a piece of art painted by Burch, a humorous nod to how his father would wake him up. An early-20th-century chair, despite its wear, is retained for its character. Curtains are from RH, Restoration Hardware, and the blanket is from Faribault Woolen Mill Co. The dining room, kitchen, and bar areas highlight the home’s original character with built-in maple cabinetry and pegboard walls installed by the milkman who originally built the house. A set of dining chairs, initially picked up at a Habitat ReStore, were later discovered to be Mies van der Rohe designs. A rotary-dial phone from Burch’s family optometry office further contributes to the home's collection of storied items. The black vase is by Theo Hirschfield, the white vase by A Question of Eagles, and the salad bowls by The Vermont Bowl Mill. The renovated bathroom is inspired by a locker room, featuring floor-to-ceiling tile, sculptural art, and a mirrored vanity with a quartz top leftover from the kitchen remodel. The double vanity and mirrors are from RH, Restoration Hardware, sconces from Retrospect Water & Light, a sheepskin rug from Auskin, a stool from Made Goods, and a sculpture titled _Complicit_ by Kara Roschi. Overall, the cottage serves as a curated display of cherished objects, each contributing to the home’s distinctive narrative and reflecting the owners' personal histories and shared experiences. #JacksonWyoming #CottageDesign #VintageDecor #CollectedHome #PersonalizedInteriors #RenovationStory #FoundObjects #EclecticStyle #MountainDandy

Exposed beams are an architectural feature that can add significant drama and character to a home's interior, whether made of wood, metal, or cement. This compilation showcases 25 diverse examples of modern homes that highlight this design element, ranging from rustic to contemporary styles. One notable example is Harry Gesner’s 1965 house for John Scantlin, where a single-ridge beam and its lateral, rib-like beams are prominently featured, extending upwards and outwards to frame the view. Such designs can sometimes be overlooked from inside a home, but when exposed, they offer a powerful visual statement. The article illustrates how exposed beam ceilings can create a sense of grandeur and reveal the underlying structural beauty of a building. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, exposed beams can also serve functional purposes, such as defining spaces or creating an illusion of height or intimacy. For instance, in one featured home, a cantilevered loft dramatically soars over the main living area, supported by exposed beams. Another example details the extensive effort involved in uncovering the original concrete columns of a building with an industrial past. These columns, unusually thick, were hidden beneath layers of white paint, and their exposure revealed the space's inherent gritty character. The collection also includes varied applications of exposed beams in different rooms and contexts. An open living and bedroom area in a rural retreat uses exposed beams in conjunction with a wall that rises from a master-suite platform, showcasing a blend of vintage and modern furniture. In an Italian Alpine home, local craftsmanship is celebrated through prominent larch wood accents and a custom fireplace, with the beams contributing to the rustic aesthetic. Kitchens also benefit from this design, with examples featuring custom LED lamps hanging above concrete islands, where beams are stained to oxidize over time, and restored wooden beam ceilings paired with polished cement floors in serene settings. Living spaces demonstrate the versatility of exposed beams: inverted trusses can subtly delineate areas in a great room, and original wooden rafters and window grids contribute to the authenticity of older houses. Some designs integrate modern elements, such as exposed ethanol burners replacing traditional fireplaces, or reclaimed oak beams defining an upstairs lounge. Historic renovations are also highlighted, including a circa-1884 former soap warehouse in Tribeca, where original 16-foot beam ceilings, brick walls, and timber columns are preserved and complemented by steel, glass, and modern finishes. The article further explores practical considerations, such as the use of high-performance tinted glass in skylights to regulate temperature in spaces with exposed structures, and the functional role of horizontal beams in barn houses to create the illusion of a lower ceiling while maintaining an open feel. Other examples include living areas with turquoise-painted beams that match contemporary furniture, master bedrooms with original roof undersides exposed, and bathrooms featuring massive pine beams or original wooden beams arching overhead in attic spaces. Universal design principles are also showcased, with cedar beams adding warmth alongside polished concrete floors for accessibility. Overall, the collection demonstrates how exposed beams, regardless of their material or style, contribute significantly to the architectural and interior design of modern homes, offering both visual interest and structural integrity. #ExposedBeams #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #InteriorDesign #ModernHomes #RusticDesign #StructuralElements #Renovation #WoodBeams

The Shingle style home, a unique American architectural development, emerged in the 1870s as a blend of Colonial American influences and European architectural styles, particularly from Normandy. This architectural style intentionally moved away from the ornate finishes of grand mansions of the 19th century, embracing a more informal aesthetic. Key characteristics include rambling, asymmetric structures with minimal exterior ornamentation, aside from their distinctive wood-shingle cladding. These homes often featured open floorplans centered around a central hall, and interiors could range from intricate wood paneling in public rooms to simpler beadboard and other finishes. The Shingle style became a popular choice for summer houses among the Northeastern elite, valued for its comfortable and less formal personality. Though many iconic examples, such as McKim, Mead & White’s Low House, have been demolished, some remain on the market, offering a glimpse into this historical period. Three examples of Shingle style homes currently for sale in New England illustrate the diversity within this architectural movement. The first, "The Boulders" in Jamestown, Rhode Island, built in 1888, exemplifies the eclectic and rambling nature of the style. Its exterior features a playful arrangement of gables, porches, and turrets, embodying the casual feeling the style aimed for. The interior maintains this informality with thoughtfully designed but roughly carved paneling in the main hall and simple, irregular finishes in the bedrooms, with fireplaces being a notable exception for their intricate ornamentation. This home encapsulates the comfortable, cobbled-together aesthetic popular at the end of the 19th century. A second example, an 1890 home in Edgartown, Massachusetts, demonstrates how the Shingle style was adapted for smaller-scale residences. This house features an open floorplan where the foyer seamlessly flows into the living room, leading to a dining room, all opening onto a back porch with ocean views. The design prioritizes air circulation and connection to the outdoors. Unlike larger Shingle style homes, its woodwork is kept simple, utilizing beadboard, diamond-paned windows, and modest door surrounds. At 3,700 square feet, this residence was conceived as an informal retreat, despite its current high valuation. The third property, located in Dublin, New Hampshire, illustrates that not all Shingle style homes were coastal. This estate showcases a purposeful asymmetry in its exterior, with elements like dormers, gables, and porches, and a main gable subtly shifted to the left. A notable aspect of this home is the visible influence of the Colonial Revival style, which was also popular in the late 19th century. The central hall, typical of Shingle style, is adorned with finely carved woodwork reminiscent of Colonial architecture, particularly around the fireplace, where the carvings are light and graceful, contrasting with the heavier paneling seen in the Jamestown house. These three homes collectively highlight the defining characteristics, regional adaptations, and evolutionary influences within the Shingle style architecture. #ShingleStyle #NewEnglandHomes #HistoricHomes #Architecture #RealEstate #RhodeIsland #Massachusetts #NewHampshire