This Greek Revival Home Built in 1820 Might Have the Prettiest Outdoor Space We've Ever Seen
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During the pandemic, we spent so much time in our homes that no one was immune to desiring a design refresh. But this “COVID project,” as Caroline Rafferty of Caroline Rafferty Interiors calls it, was a far cry from the small tweaks the rest of us made in our homes. It involved updating a 9500-square-foot historic landmark on the East Coast that was built over 200 years ago. With seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, this was certainly a pandemic project of epic proportions.
But Rafferty and her team pulled off this undertaking flawlessly. Starting in the spring of 2021 and installing in fall of 2022, the renovation didn’t involve any heavy construction; instead the design team made cosmetic, yet impactful changes throughout the home. They switched out the overhead lighting, painted and refinished the entire home, and renovated the attic and two bathrooms. And it was a “full house redecoration,” as Rafferty describes it.
This timeless home features several bespoke touches, along with a colorfully contemporary feel, but its thoughtful and beautiful juxtapositions are what elevate it to star status. Rafferty and her team breathed new life into the home's Greek Revival architecture, and though the home is undoubtedly historical and traditional, the decor can easily be described as “fun.”
“Given that the canvas or home itself was traditional, we imagined a more European way of designing,” Rafferty says. “We pictured old historical rooms with more contemporary or modern furniture. Bold colors and modern furniture shapes within a traditional setting is a winning combination for me.”
The decor found within the home’s interiors is tailored and highly curated. For instance, a bespoke Rosie Li chandelier takes center stage in the living room alongside hand-stenciled Farrow & Ball wallpaper. Holland & Sherry, the company known for both their apparel and interiors, lends texture through rugs in the den and primary bedroom. And there is an impressive and extensive, collection of 1970s furniture displayed throughout the home.
“The assignment for us in this house was more about sourcing new collector items to juxtapose the classic architecture,” Rafferty says. She adds that that they used some “really interesting vintage lighting” from John Salibello [211 Showroom] and Donzella, which were “the perfect combination of matching the formality of the architectural style and the whimsy of the furniture.”
The house features personal collections of accessories and art, including a stunning collection from modern Mexican artists. Rafferty turned to these pieces as inspiration in the breakfast room, with a subtle, warm undertone that was enhanced by pulling in earthy tones, from the terracotta table base to the wallpaper featuring rose gold speckles. In the home, you’ll also find a family collection of Royal Copenhagen pottery.
Many of the original details were kept during the renovation process, like the Greek Revival trim work and hand-hewn wood floors.
“Given the historical nature of the home, we wanted to make sure that we honored the original details while giving them new life through unexpected color choices and furniture juxtaposition,” Rafferty says.
Rafferty shares the goal of this project: “to create an inviting and fun family home that was equally sophisticated and whimsical.” And we’d say that was accomplished in spades.
Exterior
Featuring a Greek Revival design and originally constructed in 1820, the historic home is framed by towering mature trees. Looking pristine and refreshed, the exterior wasn’t altered during the renovation process. As Rafferty says, it was “only enhanced to its original glory.”
Foyer
In the entryway, bold black-and-white flooring was fully embraced, which contrasts flawlessly and unexpectedly with the stunningly patterned Farrow and Ball wallpaper. Rafferty says that this juxtaposition “gives the old-new mix the owner was looking for.”
Stair Hall
“The light in the stairwell was made by a contemporary artist from France, Simone Crestani,” Rafferty says. “I have loved Simone’s work for many years and was thrilled that a client was brave enough to go with such a statement piece.”
Living Room
Another juxtaposition spotted in this home? Contemporary furnishings paired with trim work that’s original to the home. Coffee table, DeMuro Das.
Den
The den is a study in mixing traditional and contemporary design. Area rug, Holland & Sherry.
Dining Room
Gleaming gemstone-inspired pendant lights beautifully punctuate the dining room. Rafferty details, “The lights are by a contemporary Swedish artist, Frida Fjellman, that we purchased through Hostler Burrows. We knew we wanted something sculptural and colorful to juxtapose the more serious wall paneling.”
Family Room
With a pair of Rua Ipanema Swivel Chairs and a custom L-shaped Tufty-Time armless sectional, the family room manages to look simultaneously contemporary and classic.
Breakfast Area
The vintage dining room chairs in the breakfast room have been reupholstered in functional Sunbrella fabric, which look right at home next to an oak-topped dining table with a custom specialty finish base, crafted by Mary Kuzma Finishing.
Kitchen
The gorgeous wood floors in the kitchen are entirely original to the home. Elements like the oversized apron-front sink and butcher block island add to the patina and charm.
Powder Room
The existing wallpaper in the powder room, made by de Gournay, looks striking against new lighting and a dark marble countertop. Vintage sconces (sourced from Jules Leleu on 1stDibs) and an antique gilt bronze mirror bought on a trip to France add a dose of glamour.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom is “a calming retreat from the rest of the home,” Rafferty says. “Here, with the lower ceilings, we knew we wanted to keep the room light, airy, and soft. There is a lush mohair area rug underfoot, a cascading custom embroidery on the roman shades, and a classic Jansen-style bed.”
The designer had the installer cut the wallpaper (Cowtan & Tout's “Like Linen II”) and layer it into a subtle checkerboard pattern to add dimension. A geometric ceiling pendant (Form A from Gaspare) adds a contemporary edge, while custom embroidered bedding from Pioneer Linens Palm Beach lends a bespoke feel to the space.
Pool
Rafferty explains, “The existing pool area with the plantings existed in the home, and were absolutely stunning. We changed nothing in the exterior besides bringing in our clients’ collection of McKinnon and Harris Furniture and setting it up in a simple layout to allow the sightlines to sing. We loved that the furniture bought in another happy shade of blue.”
Garden
A turquoise pool is flanked by blossoming flowers and verdant greenery.
Exterior
The home is ideal for outdoor entertaining. Rafferty shares, “The way the house is situated, every room has an opening to the outside leading you out. There’s a place to have a conversation, a quiet moment with a coffee, or to meander through the gardens.”
Garden
The charming fountain is original to the grounds, nestled within fragrant plantings.
Garden
Throughout the property, there’s a variety of rose bushes, peonies, wisteria, begonias, and lilacs.
Tennis Court
An on-site tennis court allows for outdoor games in the midst of elegant surroundings. Verdant vines drape over the outdoor structure to add a natural respite from the sun.
Patio
The outdoor stone fireplace sets the scene for cozy evening conversations.
Photography by Manu Rodriguez (ManuFoto) | Styling by Benjamin Reynaert
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