Showing posts with label Home Decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Decor. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

CLASSIC SEASIDE HOMES BY ASHER ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS

”Classic

We first came across Asher Associates Architects, LLC when this fabulous beach house by Mark Asher, the firm's principal, was featured in the October / November 2010 issue of Design NJ Magazine.  We've provided a few screenshots, but you can visit asherarchitects.com to see the full portfolio.

Here's why we're a fan of their work...



We love that Mr. Asher and his associates design classic shore houses.  They're rooted in historic tradition, and from the exterior, they blend well with the surrounding architecture; they appear as if they were perhaps built a hundred years earlier.  The interiors are quite different, however, since these homes are open, full of light and designed in a very livable manner.

”Classic
We love the gambrel roof, the porch above the front door, the huge windows (which still manage to maintain a classic look in spite of their massive size), the bright interior with its interesting ceilings and sense of space, the superb craftsmanship..... We could go on and on....

Mr. Asher's homes are quietly elegant and feature classic architectural detail and superb craftsmanship.  "The firm’s design ideology is rooted in 'New Urbanist' philosophies which assert that buildings should be designed as good neighbors, deliberately intended to have a gentle impact on the streetscape and community." -- asherarchitects.com

”Classic
Another screenshot from Mr. Asher's portfolio.  This home feels like a New England Colonial at the beach!
”Great
Here's an interior screenshot of a living room or great room.  Notice the beautiful windows and the ceiling details.  Too many times you'll see new homes with spaces that are open, but seem out of proportion or cavernous.  Mr. Asher pays attention to scale and builds in such intricate architectural details so that his rooms, while large and spacious, still manage to feel intimate.

If you're in the market to build or renovate a home -- especially at the beach -- why not look into Asher Associates, LLC?

For more information:


Asher Associates, LLC
Mark Asher, AIA, Principal

115 West Avenue, Suite 202
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Tel. 215.576.1413
Fax 215.576.0879
asherinfo@asherarchitects.com

9723 Second Avenue
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Tel. 609.368.1411
Fax 609.368.0099




Monday, December 6, 2010

Windermere on the Lake: Luxury "Green" Living in Fairfield County, CT

About Windermere on the Lake
Today, we’re featuring Windermere on the Lake, a luxury “green” community of twenty-four homes, set on seventy-four park-like acres in North Stamford (Fairfield County, Connecticut).  This private, gated-community, which has caught the attention of numerous publications, including EcoHome Magazine, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, and even CNN, “provides secure and maintenance-free living, resort-style amenities, environmental stewardship and the tranquility of a classic village.”

Cumbria House at Windermere on the Lake, designed by Bartels-Pagliaro Architects (BPA).
NRDC Residential, a division of National Realty & Development Corp., selected top-notch talent to assist them in executing their vision.  The homes, designed by award-winning Bartels-Pagliaro Architects (BPA), were inspired by the work of C. F. A. Voysey and the English Arts & Crafts movement.  “BPA’s attention to place, space, light, scale and natural materials results in design unity with the environment and a Windermere lifestyle of warmth, comfort and integrity with the land.”

Evening view of Cumbria House, designed by Bartels-Pagliaro Architects (BPA).
Interior designer, Karen Houghton, created “comfortable, sophisticated, and natural interiors,” that complement the clean lines of the architecture; and the gardens, by noted landscape architect, Simon Johnson, are “an imaginative and contemporary reworking of the English Arts & Crafts idiom, using local materials and a range of plants suited to the climate and soil of New England.”

Interior design by Karen Houghton.  The exposed wooden beams of the ceiling add warmth to the light-filled room. 
The entry hall with its dramatic staircase.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room.  Interior design by Karen Houghton.
The ultimate chef's kitchen -- bespoke cabinetry by Christopher Peacock Cabinetry, carrara marble countertops, stainless steel top-of-the-line appliances
Another view of the Christopher Peacock kitchen at Windermere on the Lake 
The carrara marble island countertop, built-in cabinetry and kitchen pantry.
Luxury Amenities
Windermere on the Lake is truly a luxury community, which caters to its residents’ needs:
“Convenience enhances all aspects of Windermere life, from owner services at the gatehouse to professionally maintained grounds. The resort-style community includes a swimming pool, tennis court, clubhouse with fitness room, walking trail, and lakefront fishing dock. And (the) gated, village-like setting ensures security and comfort.”

Residents can enjoy the resort-style amenities, which include a swimming pool, tennis court, and clubhouse with fitness room.
Residents and their guests enter the community via the Gatehouse, which provides homeowners with security and privacy.
The Homes
The light-filled homes have been carefully sited to “provide sweeping lake, woodland, or meadow views.”  They feature porches, stone walls and cedar roofs, and are luxuriously appointed; standard amenities include: “bespoke cabinetry, Waterworks fixtures, hardwood floors, masonry fireplaces, sports-equipment rooms, Marvin Windows, acoustic insulation and a comprehensive security system.”

Luxurious marble bathroom with Waterworks fixtures and bespoke cabinetry.
Options include the ability to incorporate an “elevator, wine cellar, home theater, exercise room, balconies, his/hers offices, steam shower, radiant heat, cedar closets, custom library and ground floor bedroom suites.”

Homeowners have the option of designing their home to include a state-of-the-art home theater.
Homeowners can also work with Simon Johnson to create custom English-country gardens, outdoor entertainment areas, and individual swimming pools (although residents also have access to the community swimming pool, clubhouse and tennis courts).

"Renowned English landscape architect Simon Johnson has developed the Robinson, Mawson, and Triggs garden options, which range in design from simple to elaborate (includes a lap pool) and can be customized for each owner."
Gardens by noted landscape architect Simon Johns
Gardens by noted landscape architect Simon Johnson.
“Green by Design
The homes are “green by design,” and feature a wide-range of standard ‘green’ features, such as “Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified flooring, EnergyStar rated Marvin windows, EnergyStar rated appliances, energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems, high performance AprilAire filtration, low-VOC paints and carpets, water conserving fixtures. In addition, all of the lumber used in the construction is certified sustainable under Weyerhaeuser's ILEVEL program. Owners at Windermere will also have a wide range of ‘green’ options, which include: geothermal heating and cooling, polyurethane foam insulation, drought tolerant plantings, rainwater harvesting systems.”

Living in Harmony with Nature: Windermere’s Extensive Environmental Planning
While Windermere’s architecture and design is certainly striking, these elements are further enhanced by the community’s serene setting, where “native wildlife (is encouraged) to thrive, with wildflower and butterfly plantings, bluebird nesting boxes, and a log-crib habitat structure for fish in one of (the community’s) picturesque ponds.”

Windermere’s “Habitat Management Plan includes wetland restoration and preservation features that naturally improve water quality and prevent erosion. Buffer zones of enriched topsoil, ferns, and other plantings protect specific habitats. Where necessary, invasive plants are removed and replaced with native species that promote the long-term health of the environment.”

Residents can enjoy such activities as canoeing; fishing at the lakefront dock; jogging or hiking along the community trails; or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the park-like setting.

For More Information
For more information, you can visit the Windermere by the Lake website at www.windermereonthelake.com.  Potential buyers can contact Susan Smith of William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty to arrange a private tour.

Resources
Susan Smith
William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty
203.979.2629 (mobile)
203.322.1688 (office)
susan.smith@sothebysrealty.com

Windermere on the Lake
191 Erskine Road
Stamford, CT 06903
203.322.0055
www.windermereonthelake.com

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Discover Why An Indoor Fountain Make an Ideal Spiritual Gift This Holiday Season


Indoor Fountains make a great spiritual gift for the holiday season. We can all use some support on our lives and this is a great way to make sure people you love and care about have it around them.

Variety and options - When you start to look at the different types of indoor fountains offered. You can get a lovely nature scene with a garden and a beautiful blue sky. You can also get those that have angels on them in various poses. Angels are definitely a huge part of spirituality for your home decor.

Along with the theme of angels you may want to consider the gentle and fun loving cherubs. They are often offered as part of a display with trees and rocks on indoor fountains. Since you know the person well that you will be buying the fountain for you can customize your search to something that they will love.

People need a Reminder - The economy is tough all over right now and that is making it hard for people to get passed their day-to-day requirements. They may be losing their faith but need a gentle reminder about the importance of it. The spiritual guidance that they can find when they look at that indoor fountain can be just what they need on any given day to really appreciate their blessings.

They are Durable - You want to give a wonderful gift that someone can proudly display in their home or office. An indoor foundation is durable and so they can benefit from such a gift for many years. The overall value in outstanding.

Relaxation - There is no denying that indoor fountains are beautiful to look at. They help a person to be able to relax. The sound of the water can be a great way to focus on clearing the mind or on having a few minutes of peace and quiet. Such relaxation techniques are a great benefit when an indoor fountain is on display.

You can afford it! - A common frustration with many gifts out there is you want to give them but you can’t afford to do so. Indoor fountains are very reasonably priced so you won’t have to worry about spending too much in order to provide someone with a fun spiritual gift that they will really appreciate.

With all of the great overall value from indoor fountains, you definitely want to put them on your list for this holiday season. A lovely looking one can provide the spiritual link that the recipient needs in their life as a daily reminder.