Portfolio / French Houses

*Architectural Rendering by William T. Baker & Associates*

Limestone Chateau

The beauty of classicism is its ability to transcend time and place and speak with a new voice in whatever context it finds itself. Architecture that successfully shows itself to have this kind of versatility is repeated over many years and cultures and evolves to meet the needs of each new society it encounters.

Thus, when this residence was conceived as a house echoing French classicism, an architectural program was developed to incorporate the best of this historic style. Classicism is most successful when its various elements are carefully considered and care is taken in the selection of materials. This was especially true for this residence.

The exterior cladding is a Texas limestone that has a soft color similar to that of French limestone. The architectural details of repeating fluted Ionic pilasters define the projecting bays while the horizontal entablatures divide the building’s massing.

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The main cornice with its delicate modillions is also of stone completing the authenticity of the original style. Gray Vermont slate roofing is complimented by the zinc dormers and gutters and downspouts. All the doors and windows were made to order and replicate the profiles found on 18th century French examples.

As always, the fresh interpretation of a historical style within the context of modern society poses special challenges for the architect. The needs and wants of a 21st century household differ dramatically from those of three hundred years earlier. Thus, there can be tension between the exterior façade and the interior floor plan. This residence resolves these differences with a successful blend of the old and new.

The floor plan is based on a symmetry that runs along two axis. The primary axis runs through the center of the house beginning at the front garden walk, through the entry door, and ending at the rear lawn. The need for a secondary axis was created upon the owner’s purchase of an important leaded glass window for the library. This window was made circa 1904 and is nine feet wide and tall. It is the focal point of the library. This second axis begins with this window and runs longitudinally through the house and concludes at the owner’s chair in the dining room. At all times, the emphasis of the floor plan and architecture is the ultimate pleasure and enjoyment of the owner. This goal continued in the library with the addition of 19th century walnut panels purchased from a house in Paris. These panels represent the best of French artistry in wood.

It is a special moment when an architect has the pleasure to work with a client of taste and means in the creation of an architectural treasure. When all the forces of the architect’s creativity are combined with an owner’s zeal and vision, a special magic occurs which produces a work of enduring quality. This home represents such a moment in time and now stands as a testimony to the timelessness of French classicism and its ability to adapt itself to a new time and place in the world. 
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The exterior cladding is a Texas limestone that has a soft color similar to that of French limestone.

The architectural details of repeating fluted Ionic pilasters define the projecting bays while the horizontal entablatures divide the building’s massing.

Gray Vermont slate roofing is complimented by the zinc dormers and gutters and downspouts.

The main cornice with its delicate modillions is also of stone completing the authenticity of the original style.

This welcoming space draws the eyes up with a barrel-vaulted coffered ceiling. Dark stained hardwood floors & a limestone fireplace surround ground the room and add intimacy to this grand space.

The spacious kitchen provides an abundance of storage by way of soft gray cabinetry. Two expansive islands offer generous workspaces for food preparation, entertaining and family gatherings.

Drenched in natural light, the breakfast room offers sensational views of the terrace beyond the French doors.

Just off the main axis, the home office boasts hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry and French doors opening to the beautiful scene outside.

The cabinetry and design elements from the kitchen are carried through into the laundry room. French doors bring in light and can be opened to allow the room to breathe.

Just off the central axis of the home, the staircase features custom ironwork and gracious, wide plank steps.

The ideal spot for displaying treasures and cherished acquisitions.

Leaded glass windows bring light into the butler's pantry.

A beautiful groin vaulted ceiling plays well off a stained herringbone hardwood floor in this hall leading to the kitchen.

This space enjoys towering two-story high ceiling and numerous classical architectural elements. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the rear terrace when the French doors are closed. On milder days, the doors can be opened to allow flow between the indoors and out.

The white carved limestone fireplace surround adds classical appeal with reliefs of garland, rosettes and acanthus leaves.

There can be tension between the exterior façade and the interior floor plan, this is visible in the sun-filled family room that overlooks the rear lawn.

This graceful stairway features an elegant ironwork railing and is designed with expansive walls and landings which create ideal locations for art collections and other personal treasures.

The primary axis runs through the center of the house beginning at the front garden walk, through the entry door, and ending at the rear lawn.

The need for a secondary axis was created upon the owner’s purchase of an important leaded glass window for the library. This window was made circa 1904 and is nine feet wide and tall. It is the focal point of the library. 19th century walnut panels purchased from a house in Paris are also present in this room. These panels represent the best of French artistry in wood.

This sunlit bedroom benefits from a bank of paned windows. The thoughtful layout provides ample room for a reading nook that looks over the rear lawn.

Barrel vaulted ceilings and fine finishes like marble & high-shine mosaic tile on the floor add to the spa-like experience in the master bath.

This second axis begins with this window and runs longitudinally through the house and concludes at the owner’s chair in the dining room.

High ceilings, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and scale make this master suite a welcome escape from the world.

The upper hallway follows the central axis of the home and is illuminated by natural light on both sides. An arcade offers excellent views of the the family room below.

French doors connect this airy bedroom to the outdoors.

Anchored by French doors, this space is perfect for impromptu game of cards or board game. The design of the room accommodates a generous space for displaying a collection of art.

This generously sized guest room can be used as a reading space, overnight accommodations or simply a space to unwind.

The architecture and deep grey tones of this room create an air of masculine warmth, perfect as an escape from the day.

This guest suite features an inviting reading nook created by alcoves at the dormer window

This more informal space for entertaining is elevated by the elegant architectural pattern contained within the tray ceiling ceiling.