Hawkesbury Residence Capturing Views Of Wanaka Valley:

Capturing the rural landscape of Wanaka Valley, the Hawkesbury Residence in Mt Barker, New Zealand, uses the landscape as an artistic, ever-changing art work as part of its architecture. Standing at the foot of the hill behind the property, the elongated shape of the residence allows all spaces to be flooded with the perfect amount of natural light. Los Angeles-based Marmol Radziner studio have completed this stunning 2,150 square foot residential project in 2011 and since then, the inhabitants have been enjoying the modern interiors and landscape beyond, framed by the roof line and cedar deck.

The interior program encompasses two volumes – social and private – connected by stairs. The volume containing the master bedroom and two additional bedrooms, the master and secondary bathrooms and two side decks sits slightly lower then the social volume. Here, a beautiful set of side-by-side fireplaces – one in the great room and the other one on the adjacent outside deck – provide relaxation and peaceful moments. All spaces are spread over one single story so that the interiors and the front side pool have unobstructed access to the landscape. Stone walls and timber details integrate the house in its surroundings, constructing the perfect home for its owners.

Original Post: http://freshome.com/2012/02/22/hawkesbury-residence-capturing-views-of-wanaka-valley/

Designer Wendy Bellissimo’s Home in Hidden Hills

by hookedonhouses on February 17, 2012

Wendy Bellissimo, who is known for designing nurseries for celebrities, is selling her nearly 7,000 square-foot home in Hidden Hills, California, for $3.495 million. It was built in the 1950s but she renovated it in 2008. Take a look!

There’s lots of stone both inside and out.

The listing describes it as a “Premier Long Valley cul de sac location set on a private, tree-studded knoll just steps from the breathtaking Ahmanson Ranch Preserve.”

The house has 7 solid limestone fireplaces.

There are 7 bedrooms and 7.5 baths.

I love the stone wall in the kitchen.

The house sits on an acre of land.

Wendy’s website has more information about her work and photos of adorable celebrity nurseries she has decorated. She also has her own line of baby care and nursery products.

Like it? For more photos and information check the listing by Dana Olmes of Sotheby’s. (Thanks to Kim for telling me about it!)

Original Post: http://hookedonhouses.net/2012/02/17/designer-wendy-bellissimos-home-in-hidden-hills/

Fairytale Mountain Retreat in Montana, USA: Slopeside Chalets

How fond are you of skiing? For today we would like to present a picturesque accommodation unit for the ones who know how to enjoy the essence of this winter sport. Slopeside Chalets is a two story ski lodge located in the exclusive Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, USA, and designed by studio Locati Architects. The project consists of two separate residences, each having unobstructed mountain views. The architects explain: “the primary focus of the clients was to build a mountain home that would be ideal for entertaining out-of-town family and friends; as well as a residence that would showcase the area’s world-class ski terrain and surrounding mountain vistas. Each chalet comes complete with all of the amenities required for luxury living along with many additional spaces such as a rec room, bar, ski room, library, and 6 guest suites”. Several cover patios are also available for various events. To us, this contemporary chalet seems sprung out of a fairytale. How does it look from where you’re standing?

Original Post: http://freshome.com/2012/02/13/fairytale-mountain-retreat-in-montana-usa-slopeside-chalets/

A Barn from the 1800s Becomes a House in Isleboro, Maine

by hookedonhouses on February 10, 2012

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a barn that’s been converted into a house, then take a look at this one. It was an old 1872 post and beam barn that was restored and transformed into a 4,200 square-foot home. It sits on nearly 13 scenic acres in Isleboro, Maine, near West Penobscot Bay, and it’s on the market for $1.19 million. Take a look!

The property surrounding the house is beautiful.

Like what they did with it? For more photos and information, check the listing by Donald Pendleton of Sotheby’s. (Thanks to Joanne for telling me about this one!)

Tagged as: barn houses, big houses for sale, converted barn, Isleboro, Maine real estate, million-dollar houses, Sotheby’s, unusual houses, West Penobscot Bay

Original Post: http://hookedonhouses.net/2012/02/10/a-barn-from-the-1800s-becomes-a-house-in-isleboro-maine/

Spacious Villa in Sweden with Mesmerizing Design Features

Welcome to a peaceful and inspiring property in Sweden, composed of a main residence, garage, stables and a large side building with four parking spaces and private offices. The exclusive main villa is surrounded by a lovely garden with large lawns and ornamental stone. With a total floor area of 450 square meters, the inhabitants of this home have plenty of space for relaxation and family activities. The interiors are mesmerizing and blend modern comfort with elegant traditional details. Once inside, a potential visitor is overwhelmed with the spacious entrance hall, which communicates with the living room, kitchen and library. A beautiful and well-placed fireplace provides light and heat, while contributing to a romantic atmosphere. The dining area is surrounded by a glass pavilion, with views towards the garden. This home found on Skeppsholmen is definitely worth analyzing in detail, and it is our pleasure to invite you to discover each and every inspiring design element the project puts on display.

Original Post: http://freshome.com/2012/02/02/spacious-villa-in-sweden-with-mesmerizing-design-features/

Picturesque Rural Villa Outside Aspen, Capturing Views of Ski Areas

We received a press release about a project designed by architects Lipkin Warner Planning and Design Associates and located just seven miles outside Aspen, Colorado. Here is the description we were sent: “The owners had specific goals: a warm, modern, luxurious ranch house with lots of entertaining areas, a horse barn and artist studio, capturing views of all four ski areas. Exteriors are of Pennsylvania lilac block cut stone, metal and pressure treated spruce. The interior is an open floor plan with Colorado sandstone and reclaimed Bavarian oak floors, acoustically designed wood ceilings and alder and wenge walls and built-ins, giving warmth to a modern design. The owner artists’ hand is reflected in custom furniture and wrap around fireplaces with mantles of glass, wood and steel provided by Andi-Le.

The owners’ mutual love of cooking and entertaining is reflected by the restaurant design kitchen, wine cellar and entertaining areas. Floor to ceiling windows and sliding floor to ceiling clad glass doors brings the magnificent views in and connects the outdoor living areas. Landscaping and water features assure absolute privacy. An open floor plan of this 6,200 sq.ft. home looks out upon horse pastures, 1400 sq.ft. barn and 1,000 sq.ft. artist studio where one of the owners designs and builds custom furniture of steel, acrylic glass, and wood. A full home audio visual system designed by Paragon Technology , a 1200 bottle wine cellar, music room, restaurant kitchen and three outdoor heated patio living areas, the home captures what Colorado living is about”. How do you fnd the overall design of this retreat?

Original Post: http://freshome.com/2012/01/31/picturesque-rural-villa-outside-austin-capturing-views-of-ski-areas/

It Only Looks Old: Dromborg Castle in Arkansas

by hookedonhouses on January 24, 2012

Ever dreamed of living in a castle? Well, here’s your chance! Dromborg Castle is only a few years old but looks like it’s been around much longer. The listing boasts that “it was built to reign 10,000 years.”

It sits on 100 acres overlooking the Ozark Mountains in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and it’s on the market for $14.3 million. Take a look!

 

“Magnificent iron gates open through beautifully crafted stone walls to the private driveway which gracefully winds up the mountain to the estate,” per the listing.

The dining room has seating for 14.

The details they put into this house are pretty incredible. The agent says, “Each room is detailed to perfection including exquisite hand-carved and hand-rubbed moldings, deeply fluted columns, coffered ceilings, antique lighting, and high ceilings.”

The house also comes with a Chapel, Men’s Lounge, Map Room, Wine Cellar, 4th floor Observation Deck, and a 6-car heated garage.

Oh, and there’s a 3,800 square-foot guest house, too. Lucky guests!

Want it? For more photos and information about Dromborg Castle, check the listing by Kristen Boozman of Portfolio Luxury Real Estate. (Thanks to Kim for telling me about it!)

Tagged as: Arkansas real estate, Big Houses, castles, Dromborg Castle, luxury real estate, mansions, million-dollar houses

Original Post: http://hookedonhouses.net/2012/01/24/it-only-looks-old-dromborg-castle-in-arkansas/

Perfect Californian Creekside Retreat by Amy Alper

Dreaming about a weekend retreat surrounded by appealing and enticing natural elements? Then this gorgeous architectural project including remodeling and additions will revive your inspiration. Recently send to us by architect Amy Alper, the Creekside Cabin located in Santa Rosa, California was a challenging project that brought a modern atmosphere in the old construction and opened up the interiors to receiving natural light and exceptional views. As described by the architect, the Creekside Cabin is an example of building alongside nature: “Beautifully situated among shady firs and redwoods, the layout of this 1920’s shingle-style cabin nonetheless precluded views to the nearby boulder-strewn creek. Stringent regulations limited new construction to only “previously disturbed” riparian areas around the existing cabin and no more than thirty-three percent additional conditioned space was allowed.

The new living room and hallway addition roughly follow the outline of an underutilized exterior deck. Structural steel beams and posts, set at deck support locations, carry a cantilevered floor, achieving maximum allowable new square footage with no increased site disturbance. The dismantled redwood deck members were reused on site as were two period windows removed to allow the connection between old and new. The original cabin exterior is preserved and featured as a backdrop to the new spaces. The living room is set under an extension of the existing roofline while the hallway is defined by a shallower roof pitch that gestures toward the creek. Smooth white walls contrast textured dark shingles, fireplace contrasts watercourse and reclaimed beams visually echo the surrounding woods. Large pane window walls maximize views to the ever changing natural setting beyond.”

Original Post: http://freshome.com/2012/01/24/perfect-californian-creekside-retreat-by-amy-alper/

Dark Skinned Light-Flooded Lake House in Nevada

 

Ever thought about building a home dark on the outside and filled with light on the inside? The Lake House is a perfect example of how these two elements can be successfully joined to shape a fantastic contemporary residential building. Designed by San Francisco-based Mark Dziewulski Architects, the  home was initially called the Cliff House, but the current owners refers to it as “The Lake House”. The 8,694 square foot home is made out of three main building materials: concrete, steal and glass. It took four years to complete this stunning residence and the architects designed the five stories in such a manner that the light-flooded interior spaces get the best views from the nearby Lake Tahoe. The four bedroom, four bathroom home, resting on a half acre property benefits from exciting moments spent by the private pier. Exceptional details like the glass elevator and stairwell make the home more than a comfortable collection of modern spaces – they transform it into a breathtaking contemporary home. Located in Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Nevada, the luxurious waterfront home is offered at $43 million, but its architectural and design details offer inspiration for free. My favorite space in this house is the pure white laundry room with the bicycle table in the middle.

Original Post: http://freshome.com/2012/01/17/dark-skinned-light-flooded-lake-house-in-nevada/

A Sweet Storybook Tudor Cottage in Oakland

by hookedonhouses on January 8, 2012

When I came across this sweet little Storybook Tudor Cottage in the real estate listings, I gasped so loudly that Lily called, “What’s wrong, Mom?” from the next room.  It was love at first sight. I immediately pinned it to my Pinterest page.

This 6-room cottage was built in 1930 in Oakland, California. Luckily for us, it’s on the market for $699,000, so we can take a look inside.

 

Here’s the agent’s description of the house:

Follow the winding brick path to the arched front door of this story book cottage. Magical curb appeal with wood shake roof and English country garden.

The entry room opens to an enchanting living room with high beam ceilings and wood-burning fireplace. Hardwood floors continue into the dining room and new high-end kitchen.

Enjoy outdoor entertaining on the wood deck or stone patio. Don’t miss the secret kid’s clubhouse above the garage!

Ooh, a secret clubhouse? Wish they’d gotten photos of that!

Looks like the house has been staged to sell–everything is very neutral. I would love to see some color and vintage pieces in here to charm the place up a bit.

It seems to be in great shape, though, and a perfect blank slate for whatever you wanted to do. How would you decorate it?

I like the white kitchen–but again, I’m itching to get some color in there, too.

The listing says there’s only 3 square feet in the house. I know the cottage is small, but that’s ridiculous. Ha. Must be a typo because property records show it’s more like 1,500.

A sunny study:

I could live very happily in a small cottage like this (maybe after my kids are grown and gone!). Could you? For more photos and info, check the listing with Anthony Riggins of Sotheby’s.

Tagged as: California, Cottages, houses for sale, Oakland, Real Estate, Storybook cottage, tudor

Original Post: http://hookedonhouses.net/2012/01/08/a-sweet-storybook-tudor-cottage-in-oakland/