Rooted in Tradition

Designed by William T. Baker, a noted residential designer, the home takes its cues from English Regency architecture. In lieu of a front porch, Baker suggested intricate ironwork for a stunning point of entry.

A graceful gated archway offers entrée into the formal perennial garden. The lush backyard was the vision of landscape architect Alec Michaelides, principal of Land Plus Associates.

Sage green walls in the dining room offer the biggest dose of color. To complement the architecture, interior designer Joy McLean selected an antique-inspired table and chairs from Holland & Company. The rug is from Patrick James Inc.

A cozy nook in the foyer also features time-honed treasures, such as an old bench, a French table and a petite leather stool that has served as the “time-out stool” for many generations.

A wood-burning fireplace makes for a warm welcome in the foyer. It’s flanked by a rocking chair that once belonged to the husband’s grandmother and is one of the many heirloom furnishings throughout the house.

The couple requested a lily pond off the covered terrace for its soothing sound properties while relaxing outdoors.

In the master bedroom and bath, custom draperies in a luxe Cowtan & Tout fabric frame garden views.

In the master bedroom and bath, custom draperies in a luxe Cowtan & Tout fabric frame garden views.

McLean tapped kitchen designer Laurie Lehrich for this voluminous space. Given the room’s grand proportions, Lehrich extended the range hood up into the vaulted ceiling. Baker clad the ceiling in shiplap to achieve a relaxed, informal look. The cabinetry is by Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio. Stools, Holland & Company. Light fixtures, Circa Lighting.

The integrated breakfast nook offers impressive views of the gardens. It features antique chairs from the couple’s former abode and a new table from Holland & Company. Breakfast room views consist of immaculate gardens, including these ‘Nikko Blue’ hydrangeas with a Korean boxwood hedge.

The integrated breakfast nook offers impressive views of the gardens. It features antique chairs from the couple’s former abode and a new table from Holland & Company. Breakfast room views consist of immaculate gardens, including these ‘Nikko Blue’ hydrangeas with a Korean boxwood hedge.

An outdoor fountain and seating arrangement—reminiscent of a spa setting—is accessed from the master suite, a wish-list item from the homeowners.

The couple’s wish list included a separate workshop for the husband, whose passions include woodturning and furniture making. Often mistaken for a guesthouse, given its charming exterior, its interior boasts a state-of-the-art design for projects both small and large.

The covered porch, with both dining and living spaces, overlooks a pristine setting cultivated by Alec Michaelides.

The cold frame, located on the side of the greenhouse, houses seeds planted for germination during late winter/early spring. Beautiful, statement-making blooms include ‘Omega Skyrocket’ Stokes’ aster.

The cold frame, located on the side of the greenhouse, houses seeds planted for germination during late winter/early spring. Beautiful, statement-making blooms include ‘Omega Skyrocket’ Stokes’ aster.

The charming greenhouse was designed by Baker.

The sizable lot backs up to a 100-acre nature preserve, a treat for the homeowners, who are avid gardeners and enjoy being outdoors. Together with Michaelides, they dreamed up a fantastical backyard, which included this greenhouse designed by Baker.

In an era constantly defined by what’s new and next, there’s something to be said for taking a look back. It’s a sentiment shared by the homeowners of this new yet historically inspired Buckhead dwelling. They craved a graceful and understated home that could be enjoyed by several generations. Essentially, the couple was seeking an heirloom, not a trophy.

Happy to oblige was residential designer William T. Baker, who drew up a sprawling home with distinct English Regency nuances. “This style tends to be very comfortable and family friendly, which were priorities for the couple. They also wanted it to be timelessly elegant, and this particular style really lends itself to that aesthetic,” he explains.

The historical references begin with the striking exterior. Intricate ironwork, painted to match the white brick, greets visitors on the front porch. Through the entryway is a cozy foyer that plays host to plenty of conversations and gatherings thanks to a wood-burning fireplace. “It’s something you very much would have seen in an 18th- or 19th-century English house,” says Baker of the unique space complete with seating arrangements.    

Also adding to the home’s charm is Baker’s masterful design, which called for vaulted ceilings and a layout that’s virtually one room deep, allowing natural light to find its way into every corner. “That’s one of the reasons why this house feels so inviting,” he says. “You get light sources from two sides—even three in the master bedroom—which is quite rare and brings in great energy.”

To complement the warmth cultivated by Baker, the couple returned to interior designer Joy McLean, who had outfitted their previous two homes. A soft palette of creams and beiges, tempered by touches of green, acts as a neutral canvas for not only the stunning garden views visible from each room but also furnishings that hold great importance to the family. “Most of the wood furniture in the home was built over the years by the husband or his father,” says McLean. “It adds such a wonderful sense of familial history.

“The couple’s children are now grown, but they’re a very close family and they wanted this home to be a place where they can all gather,” she adds. Taking this into account, McLean’s furniture selections can accommodate a seated dinner for up to 24 people between the dining room and spacious kitchen.

Entertaining also often spills out onto the lush backyard, the vision of landscape architect Alec Michaelides and the home’s crowning jewel. It’s impossible to tell that the immaculate English-inspired gardens were only recently planted. “That’s the magic of working with Alec,” says Baker. “He and his team are very adept at creating special spaces. The property looks at least 10 years old.” That includes a charming greenhouse and workshop—both designed by Baker—that are seamlessly woven into the backyard’s verdant landscape.

“The clients gave each of us the luxury to do what we do best,” says McLean, noting the couple’s unwavering trust. “So when you have the right team in place, you end up with something spectacular.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Joy McLean, Joy McLean Interiors. (404) 237-8555; joymcleaninteriors.com. ARCHITECTURE William T. Baker, William T. Baker & Associates Ltd. (770) 846-5768; wtbaker.com LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Alec Michaelides, Land Plus Associates Ltd. (404) 238-9595; landplus.org. BUILDER AND CONTRACTOR James Cotton and Dan Mattox, Builders II. (404) 812-9401; builders2.com. KITCHEN DESIGNER Laurie Lehrich, formerly of Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio. (404) 261-0111; designgalleria.net.