Home Tour: an American holiday house inspired by the arts and crafts movement

This unique waterfront home is a grand fusion of contemporary touches and beautiful elements inspired by the arts and crafts movement and shingle-style architecture

If first impressions indeed count as the popular saying goes, this impressive abode would tick all the right boxes in terms of instant curb appeal. Its imposing facade is simultaneously grand and inviting, and it immediately sets the tone for the entire property in creating a characterful atmosphere that beckons passers-by to step through its front doors for a closer look.

Featuring elements of American shingle-style architecture and the arts and crafts movement, this 9,000 sq ft home in Westchester County, New York, was a joint effort between architectural firm Ike Baker Velten, interior design practice Stacey Gendelman Designs, and Janice Parker Landscape Architects.

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Above A view of the welcoming living room

The four-level house sports an exterior clad in wood shingles; it also features an irregular roofline and multiple window groupings characteristic of the architectural style. The generous use of wood and a liberal application of earthy tones also pays homage to its arts and crafts influences.

The property is owned by a couple in their 50s with three grown children in their 20s; the husband himself works in real estate. They already own an apartment in New York, and use this house as a retreat on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. Sitting pretty in a natural setting with open spaces and expansive views overlooking Long Island Sound, the home is the perfect getaway with its Hamptons-like feel, rocky shores, and beautiful inlets.

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Photo 1 of 4 A view of the exterior facade of the home

Photo 2 of 4 The outdoor area adopts a colour scheme similar to that in the open-plan living room. It features sofas from Kettal, a custom table from Italy and dining chairs from Spain.

Photo 3 of 4 Down by the fire pit are David Sutherland’s collection of Adirondack chairs

Photo 4 of 4 The swimming pool

The home’s landscaping incorporates various native trees as well as ornamental plants. These include European Beech and Red Oak trees near the front of the residence, along with ornamental grasses, limelight hydrangea, and Thalictrum and Agastache perennials on the lawn and terraces. Near the pool terrace, pleached little leaf linden trees form shaded spaces the family can lounge under; these also shelter and enclose an outdoor shower. A trellis set against the outer wall of the upper patio overlooking the pool terrace features magnificent Southern magnolias.

Photo 1 of 4 A close-up of the beautiful starburst window and stained glass details in the living room

Photo 2 of 4 A close-up of the games table

Photo 3 of 4 The beautiful stained glass window on the first storey

Photo 4 of 4 A view of the dining area in the same room

The owners had intended to renovate the turn-of-the-century Georgian house when they acquired it, but ultimately decided to demolish it and rebuild a new, smaller house that matched their needs. “The old home had a huge old formal living room, for example, and it wasn’t how the owners lived,” says John Ike, principal at Ike Baker Velten. “The new house is more modern and more open.” Stacey Gendelman, principal of Stacey Gendelman Designs, adds that the owners’ main aim was to “build a home their children, future grandchildren, family, and friends would want to gather in”.

On the first floor are spaces such as the family room, dining room, kitchen, study and billiards room; the second floor houses the primary bedroom and four guest rooms. The home also features an attic as well as a basement level that leads to the swimming pool.

Photo 1 of 6 A view of the billiards table and the large Minotti sectional sofa in the family room

Photo 2 of 6 The home bar in the home

Photo 3 of 6 The antique finish of the mirrored wall adds a characterful touch to the space

Photo 4 of 6 The Apparatus oversized sconces in the entryway

Photo 5 of 6 Close-up details of the pocket door, which features circular decorative plates

Photo 6 of 6 The Georgian house takes inspiration from the arts and crafts movement

The bright and airy family room is dominated by a large Minotti sectional sofa. This multi-use space was designed to act as a place to watch TV and deal a hand at the cards table, as well as an informal dining room where up to 12 people can have their breakfast, or a morning coffee can be enjoyed by two.

A bespoke dining table and chairs are hallmarks of the dining room, which Gendelman describes as one of her favourite rooms in the house with its panoramic ocean views. “I love working with multi-mediums, and the combination of metal, glass, wood, and soft furnishings here is a winning combination,” she declares.

Photo 1 of 7 The dining room

Photo 2 of 7 Various architectural elements create enchanting shadow play at different times of the day

Photo 3 of 7 A view of the staircase area

Photo 4 of 7 The staircase and the sea view beyond

Photo 5 of 7 The staircase and the sea view beyond

Photo 6 of 7 Every area of the home presents details to be admired

Photo 7 of 7 The glass elevator

The three-year project was completed in June 2022. Ike describes the homeowners as “thrilled” at the end result; “even the husband, who is in the real estate business”, said the interior designer.

“It’s always a surprise when clients see the finished home, which they have developed an emotional connection with [throughout the building and design process].” “I still get texts about how much they love their home,” adds Gendelman. “Every weekend is filled with lots of family and friends gatherings, which is exactly what they wanted.”