rustic elegance

On my last trip up north to visit my family, my aunt took me to a house her mother-in-law was in the process of renovating.  The home was where my uncle had lived from birth until he was ten, when his family outgrew the property and needed more space for their growing brood.  Forty years later, when the house went on the market, my uncle’s mother snatched it up quicker than you could say, “SOLD!” and promptly began restoring it back to its original character. 

The bedrooms on the third floor (of which I unfortunately don’t have pictures) still have the original four-poster twin beds my uncle and his brothers slept in, as well as etchings in the closet doors.  How amazing, not only to buy your home forty years after you sold it, but to still find some of the original furniture and details that made it your own, all those years ago!

The foyer boasts gorgeous wood beams, stone walls and hardwood floors, all orginal to the home.

The credenza is stunning and the gilt mirror and vintage sconces above are the perfect compliment.

  

The traditional kitchen’s cherry cabinetry and antique chandelier get a modern update with a glass subway tile backsplash and stainless steel countertops.

 

Wood beams continue into the living room…

…where the antique hutch is actually built in to the wall…

 

The master bedroom is a calming space with soft fabrics in pale celery and cream, more vintage sconces and distressed end tables.  That tufted bench and linen upholstered bed makes me weak in the knees!

   

Onto the grounds…flagstone patios, wrought iron gates and plenty of lush greenery…

 

Can you imagine growing up here and having all this room to run around?  I can only picture weddings and grand parties taking place here, lit up with thousands of white lights.  Beautiful!