This past Sunday, Sally and I attended a champagne reception at Seawinds, 30 Folly  Point Road in Gloucester, hosted by John and Cindy Farrell of Boston North Real Estate. While the address is a Gloucester address, the feel is much more Annisquam and Lanesville. Or, as I said to Sally as we drove up the drive, “We could just as easily be looking out over oyster beds at the mouth of the Loire River, as be in Gloucester”.

A closer shot of the entry. Check out the bell with the rope pull…

The terrace looking toward Ipswich Bay…

To my delight, oysters on the half shell were served as an accompaniment to the Champagne. (along with many other yummy treats and appetizers…) While we were there, we had a nice chat with the contractor who has worked on the house for the past 10 years, Rocky Neck Associates (Their work is impeccable!) and Katharine Pickering, manager of Beverly’s Coldwell Banker office, and her husband, Richard.

Sally with the guys from Rocky Neck.

The home’s interior was a feast for the eyes, particularly the great room, dining room and master bath. Originally built as a three season summer home, the views are to die for.

When the house was original built in the 1920′s, the dining room was designed around 16th Century English paneling imported from England.

A close up of the fireplace…

Isn’t it spectacular?

The wood trusses, doors and hardware were imported to the project site from England and Europe.

A detail shot of the fireplace… The tile as fantastic!

There is a tiny bay window room off the great room that is to die for.

Sally and I were so taken by the detailing and paint work in the room. Great stuff going on here!

Note the roping and the painted dentils.

And check out the antique doors. Mortise and tenon and pegged together. Chamfered door stiles. Mmmmm.

Awesome pull, yes?

One last shot of the ocean thru little port hole windows that were in the upstairs bedrooms…

Wouldn’t you, love to wake up here???

Cheers,

Oh… This weekend the Wenham Museum’s North Shore Design Show opens. We’re bringing a little Belgian Style to the show. On Tuesday the 15th and Thursday the 17th, the Museum will remain open until 7 PM. I will be there from about 5 – 7. Sally and I are hosting a Home Styling Seminar on the 17th at 6 PM, where we will completely change the look and feel of our vignette using rugs, accessories and artwork. Hope to see you there!

If you’d like us to bring a little Belgian Style into your home, contact us here.

While working on one of our new projects, I came across this antique bureau in the 2011 Jan/Feb issue of Veranda.

It reminded me of an idea sketch I had done for a foyer on a project about two years ago. The proposal was turned down for another idea…

I think it was the Chihuly style chandelier that made the client nervous.

  Stylistically, I love the juxtaposition and tension created by modern chandeliers and light fixtures in beautiful old spaces and rooms. I do have an important qualifier. It must capture the spirit of an appropriate period light fixture. The “crystal Chihuly” did this is spades. Our new project has similar high ceilings, gorgeous original plaster moldings and marble fireplaces. I’ve found myself wondering…. If not the foyer, then perhaps the dining room????

Cheers,

PS: More of my design sketches can be seen here. 

If you’d like Sally and me to assist you with your interior design project or receive our e-newsletter, please contact us here.