Classic Redux

The master bathroom of this townhome is a study in understated luxury with crystal, mirrored glass, Carrara marble and clean white cabinetry.

Architect Jim Strickland, founder of Peachtree City-based Historical Concepts, worked with Marcia and Mike Taylor to fashion a home ideal for entertaining. Classical moldings, a raised panel door, and large windows make a strong architectural statement in the foyer.

Classic Redux, Jul 2015

A bombe chest, bergere armchair, and gilt Rococo mirror create a quietly elegant vignette.

“The exterior gates, doors, and iron work are some of my favorite elements of the townhouse,” says architect Jim Strickland of the Peachtree City development designed by his firm.

The façade features classic details that are hallmarks of Historical Concepts properties: perfect proportions, stately windows, handsome moldings, and an elegant gate leading to the beautiful front door door of a house that’s sited within mature landscaping.

A bronze bear sculpture holds court on one side of the pool.

The cream-colored palette continues throughout the house, creating a series of soft, inviting spaces, from a light-filled bedroom and seating area to a serene bathroom.

The cream-colored palette continues throughout the house, creating a series of soft, inviting spaces, from a light-filled bedroom and seating area to a serene bathroom.

Perfect proportions, stately windows, handsome moldings and an elegant gate leading to a regal front door: The façade of this Peachtree City home, which is sited within mature landscaping, features classic hallmarks of architecture firm Historical Concepts’ properties. Headquartered in Peachtree City, it’s one of the most comprehensive firms dedicated to interpreting a classic, traditional vernacular in multiple architectural styles, and its portfolio spans from exclusive residential developments to large community projects.

Homeowners Marcia and Mike Taylor are also longtime Peachtree City residents, where Marcia is the CEO of family-owned Bennett International Group and an executive of the Taylor Family Foundation, which issues grants to local nonprofit organizations. When a beautiful home in one of Historical Concepts’ proprietor Jim Strickland’s earlier developments came on the market, they determined that it needed a few architectural and landscape improvements. “We never entered the moving process expecting to fully renovate a home,” says Marcia, “but working with Jim, builder John Bynum, and our designers made the process a true pleasure.”

Strickland, renowned as one of the most prolific architects of historically referenced American architecture, agrees. “Although there were already many strong architectural elements, we simplified some things and added others to achieve a substantive whole,” he says. “Marcia and Mike are most gracious in opening their home to entertain so many people in so many various capacities, and they needed a home that reflected their wonderful hospitality.”

Architectural changes included adding beams to some of the ceilings to evoke a feeling of depth, substance and age. Trims and moldings were simplified to create strong but refined lines throughout. The new kitchen and updated master bathroom feel clean and inviting in crisp white cabinetry.

The Taylors have a ranch in Wyoming, so they asked Forsyth & Brown of Jackson to design the interiors of their Peachtree City home. “We incorporated Marcia’s extensive art collection and mixed it with antiques so that the aesthetic is more formal but as comfortable and inviting as her ranch,” says Amy Brown.

The result is that the classic house appears to have been arduously cared for by genteel owners while nestled in mature landscaping for centuries.

ARCHITECTURE Jim Strickland, Historical Concepts, 430 Prime Point, Suite 103, Peachtree City. (770) 487-8041. INTERIOR DESIGN Forsyth & Brown, Jackson, Wyoming. (307) 200-6608; forsythandbrown.com.