In the living room, a set of tailored chairs with an integrated walnut detail by Troscan through Jerry Pair illustrate the attention to detail that characterizes this lake home by architect Peter Block and interior designer Barbara Westbrook.
Tucked beneath a sofa table by Natasha Baradaran through R Hughes, a pair of contemporary stools upholstered in alpaca linen by Rosemary Hallgarten through Holland & Sherry provide additional seating in the living room.
The plaster walls in the stair hall softly reflect the changing daylight and the soft pools of light cast by a custom globe chandelier by Coup Studio through R Hughes.
Displayed over an oak console table by Jean de Merry through R Hughes, a gold leaf mixed-media artwork by Donna Mintz through Sandler Hudson Gallery creates a memorable first impression in the front foyer.
A nod to the property’s many trees, a branch-like chandelier by Christopher Boots illuminates a table by Jiun Ho and stylish chairs by Caste in the formal dining room. The artwork is by Catherine Erb.
Wood, plaster, soapstone and brass elements elevate one another in the bright and airy kitchen.
Double doors open to the primary bedroom, which includes an oak desk with a parchment inlay by Jiun Ho and a chair by Jean de Merry.
Upholstered in fabric by Holly Hunt’s Great Plains, a curvaceous custom bed by Dmitriy & Co. fosters the clean, contemporary and comfortable vibe the owners envisioned
Paired with a dark bronze side table, a chaise lounge makes an inviting spot to enjoy both the fireplace and fabulous view of Lake Keowee.
Elegant marble tile from Walker Zanger clads the walls, ceiling and floor in the primary bathroom’s tub and shower area. The rectangular vessel sinks are by Kohler.
Texture is the idea in the guest suite, where a chunky, handwoven area rug from Eve and Staron Studio and a woven bed by John Himmel through Ainsworth-Noah hold their own against the rough stone walls.
Wood clads the walls and ceiling in an enveloping bunk room outfitted with two built-in beds with integrated storage. The ceiling light is by Apparatus.
An entire wall of custom steel-framed doors and windows by Calhoun Design & Metalworks defines the lower-level wine cellar, which includes a tasting area furnished with oak tables with iron bases by Gregorius Pineo through Jerry Pair and curved back armchairs in sandblasted oak by Jiun Ho through R Hughes.
A custom sectional and vintage French-inspired leather chairs by Jean de Merry create a cozy spot for the owners to binge their favorite shows.
In the powder room, a wallcovering with a gold leaf detail by Gregorius Pineo through Jerry Pair establishes an elegant backdrop for a custom vanity with a black marble vessel sink by Kreoo.
Jaw-dropping views of Lake Keowee create a striking backdrop for conversation and laughter in a screened porch off the kitchen. The ceiling fans are by Matthews Fan Company through Design Lighting Group.
Bluestone pavers, stone walls and a wood ceiling live together easily in a lower-level bar with metal windows that slide away to create an indoor-outdoor living area.
An antique stone vessel from Architectural Accents has been repurposed as a sink in the pool bath, where Crab Orchard stone flooring complements the stone walls.
Built into a slope in the land overlooking the lake, the English Arts and Crafts-style home features stone walls punctuated by metal-framed windows by Calhoun Design & Metalworks and a cedar shake roof. The landscaping is by Alex Smith.
Seeking a relaxing retreat for gatherings big and small, a pair of empty nesters purchased a lush lot on a point overlooking Lake Keowee in South Carolina and commissioned architect Peter Block of Peter Block Architects to design a home that effortlessly combines historic and contemporary influences. “This is a building with two souls,” says Block. “It feels old, but it has a youthful enthusiasm.”
Reminiscent of the prominent camp clubhouses that dotted the White Mountains for generations, the two-and-a-half-story English Arts and Crafts-style stone dwelling is built into a hill, its lower-level bar’s giant arched windows opening to the swimming pool patio. “The stone walls give you a feeling of comfort, like you’re living in something substantial that will last generations,” says Block.
In deference to the prominent stone walls throughout the home, interior designer Barbara Westbrook and project designer Elizabeth Hanson of Westbrook Interiors established a neutral color palette enlivened by oodles of texture, pops of color and one-of-a-kind artwork. In addition, Westbrook designed much of the cabinetry, creating a bar in the living room, for example, and built-in beds in the top-floor bunk room.
The home’s mix of modern and historic elements begins in the wood-paneled foyer, where a collage made of gold leaf paper creates a moment of drama that teases at what’s to come. And a ribbon-like three-dimensional bentwood wall sculpture hangs on the plaster hood in the open kitchen, which is outfitted with handcrafted oak cabinetry accented by dark soapstone countertops and brass hardware. “It’s unexpected up at the lake,” says Westbrook. “Artwork gives the house personality.”
For example, she points to the vibrant illuminated piece depicting butterflies in the formal dining room, where a modern branch-like chandelier floats over a shapely dining table with a sandblasted oak and steel base that juxtaposes the stone walls. A prominent stone wall with a fireplace likewise defines the living area, which is furnished with plush tailored pieces in neutral hues that play off the colors in the stone. “These pretty warm tones feel very inviting,” she says.
As do the lush surroundings by landscape designer Alex Smith, who incorporated a mix of specimen trees and native plants that add texture and color throughout the year. “The house and landscape are so complementary of each other, and both have aged so well so quickly,” says Smith.
The house soon became a beloved retreat for the owners, who enjoy hosting family and friends for extended visits. After long weekends filled with swimming, karaoke and shuffleboard, the grandchildren have been known to shed tears when it’s time to head home. “It all feels right,” says Westbrook. “Like everything belongs and you can just relax.”
INTERIOR DESIGN Barbara Westbrook, Westbrook Interiors, (404) 355-9430; westbrookinteriors.com ARCHITECT Peter Block, Peter Block Architects, (404) 352-2422; peterblockarchitects.com landscape DESIGNER Alex Smith, Alex Smith Garden Design, (770) 455-8878; alexsmithgardendesign.com BUILDER Ken Berry, The Berry Group, (864) 868-2811; berrygroupllc.com
