This project was a surprise to us. It came to us via a bid sent to the wrong house by a fledgling realtor. A monument to 1990’s suburban architecture, it is nestled amidst 7.4 acres of parklike landscaping backed by nearly impenetrable forest. The house was a survey course in architectural elements through the ages. Clearly a challenge. The exterior reflected a northern French influence by way of a Southern Living blueprint. Inside was all 90’s luxe: gold fixtures, a great room with an undersized early American fireplace mantle with an open bar to the kitchen, diagonal cuts across corners to create that castle turret look, a sunken lawsuit waiting to happen livingroom/diningroom combo and oceans of railings up stairs and across an upstairs bridge. We unified it all in a contempory statement made somewhat eclectic by surface choices resulting in a soaring public space, a joyous kitchen and 5 private and lovely bedrooms with ensuite baths. This house went from being a house we never would have lived in to a house we’re having a hard time leaving. Things are never what they seem.