Houzz Tour: Spacious Farmhouse in Virginia
A historically inspired farmhouse welcomes a host of foster horses, dogs and cats along with bountiful Virginia sunlight all day long
This historically inspired manor is home to a retired couple who have a serious love for animals. They wanted to build a home where horses, dogs and cats had room to roam until they found permanent homes.
The house sits on a 1,000-acre piece of land in the Green Springs Historic District, a protected agricultural landscape sprinkled with historic farmhouses and manors, and the couple wanted to make sure their home would blend in. Joel Barkley, John Ike and Thomas Kligerman of Ike Kilgerman Barkley Architects worked with interior designer Renée O'Leary to create a colorful, cheerful and light-filled home that looks as if it's been there for generations.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their foster horses, cats and dogs
Location: Louisa, Virginia
Size: 5,000 square feet on 1,000 acres
That's interesting: The house is an irregular H shape to allow for maximum natural light.
The house sits on a 1,000-acre piece of land in the Green Springs Historic District, a protected agricultural landscape sprinkled with historic farmhouses and manors, and the couple wanted to make sure their home would blend in. Joel Barkley, John Ike and Thomas Kligerman of Ike Kilgerman Barkley Architects worked with interior designer Renée O'Leary to create a colorful, cheerful and light-filled home that looks as if it's been there for generations.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their foster horses, cats and dogs
Location: Louisa, Virginia
Size: 5,000 square feet on 1,000 acres
That's interesting: The house is an irregular H shape to allow for maximum natural light.
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| The entire Green Springs Historic District is a protected agricultural landscape. It's made up of more than 14,000 acres of extremely fertile land (a sharp contrast to the poor soil surrounding it), and historic manors and farmhouses. |
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| Since this was one of the largest homes built in the area since the late 19th century, it was vital that the house blend in with its surroundings. Barkley and his team wanted the house to stay within the identity of this historic district but still reflect the design style of the clients. |
A columned entry portico greets the homeowners at the end of a long driveway around the 1,000-acre property. The house is in an irregular H shape, which designed in part to allow for the constant flow of light.
Windows: Marvin; columns: Chadsworth; benches: Weatherend
Windows: Marvin; columns: Chadsworth; benches: Weatherend
The stable was a vital part of the couple's wish list. Since part of the reason they built this home was to care for retired horses, they needed enough space to house the animals and their caretakers. Ike Kilgerman Barkley created the design based on an old English profile that they admired for its timeless and functional look. The stable can accommodate up to 28 horses, and its center peak has living quarters for the horses' keepers.
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| Indoor-outdoor living was a big priority on this project. A "service" porch with a fireplace and a screened-in dining porch allow the couple to enjoy the expansive grounds year-round. |
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| Interior designer Renee O'Leary wanted the home to feel traditional but have a cheerful, open, colorful and laid-back vibe that would reflect its farmhouse roots. Earthy tones, exposed woods and large windows in every room help achieve this look. Black and white marble floors give the entry a splash of formality. |
The bunk hall bridge over the porte cochere (the arched structure over the driveway, also called a carriage porch) is Barkley's favorite room in the house. Here, daybeds are placed at either end of the space with bookshelves tucked below and at each end. "The way the steps in the hall isolate this area make it cozy, protected and nap inducing," says Barkley.
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| A country-style kitchen feels current but reflects the timeless quality of the home. Granite countertops were installed for ultimate durability, and glass-faced upper cabinets provide extra storage without restricting the open quality of the space. A large window over the sink opens to a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. |
"The single-room depth of the floor plan lets sunlight all day into the house. The triple-hung windows let you thrust up the sash and walk right out anywhere you'd like," says Barkley.
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| A casual living room area bathed in oranges and yellows sits outside the kitchen. A fireplace keeps it cozy in winter, while open access to the back porch allows for an indoor-outdoor living space during the summer. Loveseat fabric: Nobilis; armchair fabric: Bergamo; orange rug: Odegard; lamp: Holly Hunt |
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| O'Leary was passionate about her color choices. "She knew the living room and library had to be Clydesdale Brown by Benjamin Moore," says Barkley. "She loves horses." The boxed bay and white bookshelves in this room create a bright focal point against the earthy brown paint. Couch: Donghia; carpet: Stark |
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| An upstairs gallery alongside the master bedroom hallway allows for clear views to the Blue Ridge Mountains. A golden grass-cloth wall covering maintains the warm interior vibe and complements the brilliant greenery outside. Artwork over mantel: Ted Larsen; curtains: Cowtan & Tout; wall covering: Decorators Walk All photography by Durston Saylor More: Get the Look: Sophisticated Country Style Country Modern: A Balancing Act 10 Wonderful Farmhouses |
Comments
krissyb92603 Love it! They're definitely living the dream!
15 months ago · Like
jekcheers Wow.. Beautiful!
15 months ago · Like
Texas Lightsmith incredible home! Thank you for the tour!
15 months ago · Like
CAROLE MEYER A truly stunning home inside and out. Thanks for the view!
15 months ago · Like
marmey Love this home! Love that these folks are living my dream and theirs!
15 months ago · Like
hockeymom WOW! As said This is really living the dream. I hope they know how blessed they are. I could live in this horse barn in a heart beat. BEAUTIFUL!!
15 months ago · Like
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mrsben Lucky foster-critters!!!! Indeed a beautiful home.
15 months ago · Like
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patscats2 Wow, yes I could get use to that. Simply gorgeous inside and out.
15 months ago · Like
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Stephanie Farley That's more than spacious! Gi-normous I say!
15 months ago · Like
ritalombardi This is my dream!!
15 months ago · Like
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soupkitchin you are heroes for dedicating such a loving home to the fostered ones
15 months ago · Like
Mykonos Panormos Villas Simply sublime!
15 months ago · Like
liberrylad My ancestors settled in the area of Louisa, Virginia in the early 1700's. Now, I know why they chose that area. It is breathtakingly beautiful!
12 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on March 12, 2012.
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