Portfolio / Transitional Homes

Wooded Hill Estate

Set up high on a hill, this estate is an eclectic mix of Arts and Crafts-style elements that work together to create a house that is at once engaging and comfortable. The deep eaves and recessed front entry cast shadows that give depth and interest to the architecture. On the right wing, a cantilevered fireplace hangs in mid-air supported by heavy brackets. The long window to the right of the entry is in front of the main stairs and floods the interior with light.

The house has the feel of a house one might find in Santa Barbara and would be right at home there. Yet it has found its place in Georgia and nestles in among the pine trees and other hardwoods. The buff-colored, hard coat stucco and Vermont slate roof lending a texture and quality to the house that gives it a feeling of substance.

read more about this home...

The front entry hall is bisected by a gallery hall that to the right leads to a dramatic, elliptical two-story study. The wraparound balcony creates an opening in the oval that pulls the eye upward. The purpose of the balcony is suggested by the desk chair that is just visible over the railing. The cantilevered chimney seen on the front elevation serves this upper balcony area. In addition to being a study, this room also serves as a music room; the family's love of guitar and piano is evident in the house.

Off the kitchen and family room is a vaulted screen porch that provides a year-round outdoor entertainment space. It is large enough to contain both a seating area and dining table for casual suppers. The formal living room also opens out to an open-air side porch and this in turn looks out into the woods beyond and the swimming pool and pool house. Above this side porch is a private, cantilevered balcony that serves the master suite.
  
For Baker, this house represents a departure from his more traditional work and displays the depth of his ability as a designer. While he is known for his more historically inspired house designs, when presented with the opportunity to design architecture of a more eclectic nature, his natural talent as a designer becomes evident in his successful massing and incorporation of fresh elements of style.  
  
{collapse text}

Featured

A cantilevered chimney provides architecture interest to the end of the study wing.

A colorful garden anchors the front corner of the driveway.

Reclaimed timbers and boards give the foyer texture, while the arched opening frame the stair hall with its grand piano.

Large windows flood the kitchen with ample light and offer views across the gardens.

Bottom and opposite Cool grays and whites accent the living room.

Off the kitchen and family room is a vaulted screen porch that provides a year-round outdoor entertainment space.

A wraparound balcony adds interest to the oval-shaped, two story study. In addition to being a study, this room also serves as a music room; the family's love of guitar and piano is evident in the house.

The formal living room also opens out to an open-air side porch and this in turn looks out into the woods beyond and the swimming pool and pool house.

The connection to outdoor living spaces is evident throughout the home. Here, we see an upper balcony rising above a covered terrace and a patio leading out to the lawn. The pool and pool house beyond provide further opportunities to enjoy outdoor living.