Believe It: This Family's Colorful Ranch Is Home to 95 Animals

Sara Story Design, a New York City-based firm, collaborated with Lake|Flato Architects to create SK Ranch, a modern ranch retreat nestled in the Texas Hill Country. The expansive property spans 10 acres of rolling hills and encompasses a main house, a guest retreat, a pool house, and a tennis pavilion. The architectural design of the ranch skillfully merges modern aesthetics with classic ranch elements, incorporating both modern and vintage furnishings, clean lines, and an impressive collection of contemporary art. The construction prominently features massive blocks of Texas Lueders limestone, complemented by steel and glass walls, which allow for abundant natural light and offer expansive views of the surrounding green landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows. The main house features an open-concept living and dining area with double-height ceilings, creating a grand and spacious ambiance. A notable design element in this space is the Fragile Future chandelier by artists Lonneke Gordijn and Raph Nauta, crafted from dandelion seed heads, concrete, and phosphorus bronze. This unique lighting fixture is positioned in front of a surrealist painting by Tomasz Kowalski. Beyond the main living area, the house includes an eat-in kitchen, six bedrooms, and a master suite. The pool house provides a tranquil space with views of both the landscape and the pool, suggesting a serene environment for relaxation. Each of the bedrooms within the ranch is designed with a distinct character. The master suite, conveniently located adjacent to the great room, is characterized by perforated suede wall panels that impart a luxurious feel. This suite also features a vintage 1970s Eileen Gray Transat Chair and a painting by Kati Heck. The separate guesthouse offers additional accommodation, comprising two bedrooms, an indoor/outdoor living room, and a wine cellar, further enhancing the retreat's amenities. The overall design emphasizes a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living, capitalizing on the picturesque Texas landscape. The selection of materials, from local limestone to contemporary art, reflects a considered approach to creating a sophisticated yet comfortable family ranch. #ModernRanch #TexasArchitecture #LuxuryHomes #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryArt #SaraStoryDesign #LakeFlatoArchitects #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecor

Jenn Chiarelli, alongside her husband Pete and children Amelia and Theo, embarked on a journey to construct a new residence in Los Angeles, desiring a departure from their previous home's subdued aesthetic. Their prior dwelling featured a vintage grain-sack style characterized by creams, beiges, and navy tones. For their new home, Jenn envisioned a vibrant, cheerful space that genuinely reflected their family's personality. To achieve this, she enlisted the expertise of designer Alison Kandler, renowned for her use of cheerful checkered floors, colorful kitchen islands, and intricate patterns. Architect Joan Swartz also contributed to the project, culminating in a "polished farmhouse" design. While the exterior of the house evokes an understated Cape Cod charm, the interior seamlessly blends rustic elements such as exposed beams, vintage furniture, and extensive collections with a refined and radiant color scheme. The inspiration for the home's vibrant palette originated from a bold chinoiserie motif wallpaper swatch that Jenn discovered. This single piece served as the foundational design element for the entire house. In the serene sitting room, a unique approach to color selection was employed. Alison Kandler tasked Jenn and Pete with independently choosing paint chips that resonated with them. Jenn's selections predominantly featured corals, yellows, and pinks, while Pete gravitated towards whites and various shades of blue. Recognizing their shared appreciation for sky blue, Alison decided to incorporate this color throughout the design. In the sitting room, sky blue appears on wingback chairs, complemented by bright orange window cornices and ivory sheers. The bookcase in this space is lined with blue-and-white wallpaper, showcasing blue and green Bauer pottery, red vintage encyclopedias passed down from Jenn's great-grandparents, and a vintage portrait acquired from a local flea market. The kitchen design involved a collaborative effort between Jenn and Pete to select an island color. After initial differing preferences, they settled on a yellow-green blend, resulting in a kitchen that incorporates almost every color of the spectrum, with the exception of purple. The citron island is topped with honed statuary marble, and woven stools provide a grounding element. White custom cabinets offer a visual contrast to the colorful kitchen, accentuating striped Cornishware and jade and lemon Bauer pottery pieces. The kitchen's focal point is a stunning Delft Blue French range, adding a touch of sky blue to the space. For the pantry, Alison painted a salvaged screen door kelly green, matching a vintage breakfast table. The breakfast nook features a banquette adorned with light green, navy, and fuchsia throw pillows made from outdoor fabrics, and neutral wallpaper balances the bold furnishings. Tolix-style chairs are powder-coated in sky blue to complement the range. The living room integrates two tailored navy sofas and two pink wing chairs, all upholstered in durable outdoor fabrics, surrounding a distressed green coffee table crafted from a repurposed dining table. This combination epitomizes the "polished farmhouse" aesthetic. Throw pillows in bright yellow, navy, and multicolored block prints add layers of pattern. A citron side table echoes the kitchen island, and indigo curtains frame a backyard with artificial green grass. The home office features a pocket door painted in the same orange hue as the front door. The stairwell is adorned with a collection of vintage portraits, reflecting Jenn's diverse interests. In the children's area, comprising Theo and Amelia's bedrooms, bathrooms, and a playroom, Alison unified the spaces with a turquoise-and-lime painted floor. Amelia's bedroom has peach walls, a yellow bed, marigold window treatments, an orange-red side table, a coral chair, and pink, red, and navy linens. A blue lantern with scalloped trim adds a whimsical touch. The kids' bathroom includes a custom pomegranate-colored tub and a light blue, green, and orange patterned wallpaper. In the playroom, French doors are painted bright yellow, and bookshelves with navy wallpaper are illuminated by red sconces. The article concludes with an image of Jenn Chiarelli and her children at their vibrant front door. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #FarmhouseStyle #WallpaperInspiration #CustomInteriors #CaliforniaHome #AlisonKandler #FamilyHome

This article showcases a 7,448-square-foot ranch home in Lake Jackson, Texas, designed by Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design. The homeowner desired a dream house that was a welcoming gathering place for family and friends. The design's guiding force was the local landscape, characterized by moss-draped oaks and winding waterfront, aiming to create interiors that seamlessly flowed with the outdoors. This connection is immediately apparent upon entering the home, with uninterrupted views bringing the outside in. To manage the expansive scale of the house and ensure livability, Elias implemented her "three purposes" philosophy, meaning each room serves multiple functions. The nearly 22-foot great room exemplifies this approach, featuring distinct zones: two corner sofas for television viewing, a 17-foot banquette for family game nights, and clusters of swivel chairs offering lake views for conversation. Given the vastness of the walls, an 11-foot bookcase was incorporated as a prominent display unit for heirlooms and commissioned art, preventing the space from feeling cavernous. Elias emphasized that scale was crucial, as smaller pieces would have been dwarfed. While gathering spaces are vibrant, private areas prioritize tranquility. The primary suite is adorned with hand-painted wallpaper and coordinating drapery in calming watery blues. A guest wing on the opposite side of the house mirrors this serenity with a suite featuring leafy patterns. Moving down the hall, a bunk room designed for young visitors bursts with vibrant theatrics, including stage-like curtains for impromptu performances, offering a stark contrast to the quiet sophistication elsewhere. Throughout the home, lively colors and layered patterns are consistently used. Examples include lemon-printed tiles in the laundry room and plasterwork branches on the kitchen hood. The article highlights specific rooms and their design elements: The entryway features Aux Abris wallcovering, Oomph consoles, and custom House + Town ottomans. The great room boasts custom sectionals by House + Town in Kravet fabric with Brunschwig & Fils trim, along with M&M Lighting chandeliers. The dining room includes chairs from House + Town with Fanny Shorter and Holly Hunt fabrics, a Doorman dining table, a Stark rug, and Currey & Company chandeliers. The bar, a converted storage space, is painted in Sherwin-Williams Inland and Jocular Green, complemented by jewel-toned glassware. The kitchen features House + Town stools in Ferrick Mason fabric and a chandelier from The Urban Electric Co., with a custom Segreto Finishes plaster hood. The pantry, designed for entertaining, is painted in Sherwin-Williams Broccoflower with Morris & Co. wallpaper on the ceiling and Schumacher fabric-fronted cabinets. The guest suite incorporates Voutsa wallpaper, a Stray Dog Designs sconce, and Sherwin-Williams paints in Faded Flaxflower and Restful. The primary bedroom utilizes Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue paint, Gracie Studio wallpaper and drapery, and Doorman nightstands. The primary bath showcases Visual Comfort & Co. fixtures and Designer Stone Center stone, with a Statuario marble shower facade. The closet, a "ladies’ lounge," is lacquered in Sherwin-Williams Lighthearted Pink and features Olivia + Poppy wallpaper. The bunk room includes Serena & Lily bedding, Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper, and a Wildwood chandelier. The kids’ bath features Anna French wallpaper, Julian Chichester sconces with House + Town shades, and Ferguson Home faucets. The kids' shower has red-and-white striped walls and blue hex-tile floors. The laundry room, a multipurpose space, has a desk nook, a Grow House Grow lemon-print cement tile floor, and is painted in Sherwin-Williams Blissful Blue. The veranda, an outdoor living area, includes a custom coffee table, Serena & Lily sofas, and swivel chairs in Harlequin fabric, all chosen for durability in the Houston climate. Carrera Custom Homes and Rice Residential Design contributed to the home's construction. #HomeDesign #RanchHome #InteriorDesign #CreativeTonicDesign #LuxuryInteriors #ColorPalette #PatternPlay #TexasHomes #MultipurposeRooms

This article details the comprehensive renovation of a nearly 200-year-old Federal-style farmhouse located in Sharon, Connecticut. The property, which had remained unsold for years due to its dilapidated condition, eventually found new owners who recognized its inherent potential. Architect Rafe Churchill was enlisted to undertake a historically sensitive renovation, prioritizing the preservation of the home's original architectural integrity. Initially, discussions included adding a significant extension, but this idea was ultimately abandoned in favor of maintaining the existing footprint. Approximately half of the structure required gutting, and Churchill’s approach focused on repairs using traditional materials whenever feasible. Key structural and exterior envelope improvements included a new roof, a partial chimney, reinforced floor joists, and repairs to the wood clapboard siding and many original windows. Windows beyond repair were replaced with new Marvin windows, all equipped with triple-track storm windows. The interior spaces were reconfigured and updated while honoring the home’s historical context. The dining room was transformed into a rich blue library, featuring new pocket doors designed to appear original and custom-milled molding that matches existing trim throughout the house. Original wood floors in the library, dining room, front hall, and some bedrooms were meticulously saved and refurbished. Interior designer Heide Hendricks contributed a vintage orange sofa and designed the steel-frame ottoman and drapery, adding modern touches. The dining room, formerly a parlor, now showcases a new soapstone fireplace surround and mantel designed by Churchill. A unique artistic element in this room is the custom wallpaper, created by the homeowner, an artist, from scans of the town’s handwritten 1820 U.S. Census, printed on heavy paper and adhered to the walls. The living room, bright and airy, incorporates the homeowners' midcentury modern furniture. New southern yellow pine floors in this area and the kitchen were stained dark to seamlessly blend with the older flooring. The original fireplace remains a focal point, adorned with antique candlesticks. The kitchen, located at the rear of the house, retained its original position but underwent a significant reconfiguration. A previously existing large pantry and staircase, which had isolated the kitchen, were removed to maximize space for cabinets and counters and improve flow to the living room. The kitchen’s notably low ceiling was also raised to create a more open atmosphere. Modern elements are thoughtfully integrated, such as an LED chandelier chosen for the kitchen table due to its contemporary aesthetic and transparency, allowing views to the outside. The dining table in the kitchen is a custom piece by furniture designer Seth Churchill, the architect’s brother. Upstairs, the original wood flooring continues in the hallway and bedrooms. All doors were refitted, and their hardware repaired, with some trim components added to match existing historical details. A guest bedroom, situated in the rear addition above the kitchen, features a lower ceiling compared to the main house. An original structural wood beam is visible, adding character. Furnishings in this room were repurposed from the homeowners’ previous residence, and Hendricks resized drapery panels. Wood planks from the guest bedroom were used to repair flooring in the master bedroom, leading to the new pine flooring in the guest room being painted, a choice the architect noted as desirable in older homes, especially on upper floors. #FarmhouseRenovation #HistoricHome #FederalStyle #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #ConnecticutHomes #HomeRestoration #RafeChurchill #HeideHendricks

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

This article details the transformation of a Victorian cow byre, built in 1890 near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, into a vibrant and eclectic family home for textile designer Vanessa Arbuthnott, her architect husband Nicholas, their four children, and various pets. The property, initially an open, U-shaped farm building with a corrugated iron roof, was purchased 25 years ago after the cows had moved out. The conversion process began in 1993, with the family moving in after six months, despite the lack of basic finishes like doors and skirting boards. The early days of the transformation were challenging, with children sleeping on mattresses on the floor, but Vanessa credits this period with igniting her passion for interior design. She and Nicholas, who share a dislike for unpainted dark wood, embarked on a journey of decorating and personalizing their home, painting almost all the woodwork, including oak beams. The initial furniture consisted of bargain finds, which were gradually replaced with better pieces as their style evolved. The couple consciously opted for a colorful palette, incorporating scorching shades of tangerine, hot pink, rich mossy greens, celestial blues, and moody charcoals, which are also characteristic of Vanessa’s textile designs. The kitchen, a central hub of the home, features cozy orange walls, a range cooker, and a wood-burning stove, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It is filled with sculptures, pictures, and family treasures, reflecting the family's artistic inclinations. Vanessa’s daughter Rose often paints by the French windows in the kitchen, and both Rose and her sister Flora contribute designs and ideas to their mother’s textile business. The textiles used throughout the house, such as the Pretty Maids and Shibori fabrics on sofas, and the Dawn Chorus fabric for blinds, are often Vanessa’s own designs. Upstairs, where the bedrooms are located, the challenge involved concealing thick blue insulation with wallpaper before painting it white. The children were allowed to choose their own wall colors from a curated selection. Budget constraints led to the use of large, inexpensive rugs from auction rooms for the chipboard bedroom floors. Two years prior to the article, an old studio at the back of the property was converted into a contemporary living room, designed by Nicholas to include eco-features like full-height glazed doors. This extension offers views of a yew arch and lime avenue planted by Nicholas. The most recent update was the downstairs bathroom, redecorated in coastal blues and featuring a fabric designed by Nicholas. Vanessa's textile design process is continuously refreshed by new techniques, such as Japanese Shibori and cut paper methods. Her artistic endeavors extend beyond her home and business, as she runs workshops at her Cirencester showroom, including community projects for refugees and art therapy for the elderly, reflecting her passion for giving back to the community. #HomeTransformation #CowByreConversion #ColorfulInteriors #TextileDesign #FamilyHome #DIYHomeDecor #Upcycling #SustainableDesign #ArtisticLiving

This article showcases a collection of luxurious equestrian estates from around the world, highlighting properties that offer both high-end residential living and extensive facilities for horses and outdoor activities. Each featured estate presents a unique blend of architectural styles, natural settings, and equestrian amenities, appealing to horse enthusiasts and those seeking a grand outdoor lifestyle. The tour begins with Hana Ranch in Hawaii, USA, a 3,547-acre property on Maui known for its panoramic ocean and mountain views. This ranch features an 1,800-square-foot ranch house, numerous farm buildings, 1,000 acres of forest, rotational grazing fields, and tropical orchards. Equestrian facilities include a rodeo arena, a stable block, and miles of riding trails, alongside an active calf operation. Next, a sprawling country house in Kent, UK, spanning 15 acres, offers a charming traditional residence behind electric gates. The 4,213-square-foot house includes an open-plan family room, five bedrooms, and farmhouse-style interiors. Its grounds feature seven paddocks with shelters, mature woodlands, and three stable blocks, one with a groom's residence, a small horse arena, and extensive trails. In Wellington, Florida, USA, a tailor-made farm designed for horse enthusiasts sits on nearly six acres. A modern, ranch-style home provides 3,639 square feet of interior space with four bedrooms, contemporary amenities, and a guest house. The equestrian facilities are state-of-the-art, including a barn with 24 padded stalls, a vet stall, two tack rooms, an office, laundry facilities, a medical room, a large covered arena, and 11 paddocks. Perl-Borg, Germany, is home to Gestüt Peterhof, a prestigious 74-acre estate and world-renowned dressage stable. Valued at €65 million, it features Olympic-standard dressage and indoor arenas, a lunging ring, all-weather gallops, and an equine wellness center with an aqua-trainer and infrared heat cabin. The Baroque-inspired main residence, seven guest houses, and a two-story clubhouse with an 80-seat restaurant cater to human comfort. A modern farmhouse estate in Milton, Georgia, USA, built in 2023, showcases 8,947 square feet of exquisite interior space with dramatic floating staircases, a huge kitchen, six bedrooms, and an infinity-edge pool. Its expansive grounds include a barn-like stable block with a soaring cathedral ceiling, an outdoor arena, tack room, and fenced pastures. Briallyn Estate in Queensland, Australia, a 190-acre rural property, combines natural beauty with timeless craftsmanship. It features a main house built with Gympie limestone, chapel-like ceilings, and a rustic gatekeeper's cottage. The estate includes eight dams, 13 fenced paddocks for cattle, a stable, tack room, foaling pen, sick bay, wash bay, and exercise arena. Red Fox Stables in Schoharie, New York, USA, covers 106 acres, offering a four-bedroom stone house, a two-bedroom apartment, an indoor pool, spa, games room, and movie theatre. Equestrian amenities comprise indoor and outdoor arenas, a 14-stall barn, heated tack rooms, six fenced pastures, and scenic riding trails. Rancho el Arco Valle de Bravo, Mexico, is a 65-acre rural property on Lake Avándaro, featuring rivers, lakes, forests, and waterfalls. The Tuscan-inspired main house has rustic stonework, natural wood floors, and seven bedrooms. The ranch also boasts a 'Palapa' social area, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, soccer field, paddle court, a nine-hole golf green, two paddocks, a riding arena, and stables for 10 horses. Finally, Gisele Bündchen’s 7.5-acre equestrian property in Southwest Ranches, Florida, USA, purchased for $9.1 million, includes a 5,200-square-foot modern home with nine bedrooms, a floating glass staircase, and a gourmet kitchen. The magical grounds feature soccer facilities, tennis courts, an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, a 10-stall horse barn, a dressage arena, and extensive paddocks. Ardbraccan House in County Meath, Ireland, is a 250-acre stately home with an 18th-century Georgian mansion spanning 23,142 square feet. It includes a four-bedroom guest wing, a two-bedroom staff apartment, and four guest lodges, all featuring perfectly preserved original details. The grounds contain pleasure grounds, landscaped gardens, rolling pastures, and a historic renovated stable block, coach house, and stud farm. The article concludes with an equestrian paradise in Waikato, New Zealand, a 32-acre compound. It features a meticulously restored 1,959-square-foot villa with four bedrooms and 360-degree views. The estate's world-class equestrian facilities include a stable block with seven boxes, a wash-down area, a tack room, a large sand arena, a round pen, and 33 fenced paddocks. These properties represent the pinnacle of equestrian living, combining luxurious residences with comprehensive facilities designed for the care, training, and enjoyment of horses, set against stunning natural backdrops worldwide. #EquestrianProperties #LuxuryHomes #HorseRiding #CountryEstates #GlobalRealEstate #OutdoorLiving #FarmLife #ArchitecturalDesign