Christmas House 2006
Conway Manor Design Overview

Christmas House 2006 embodies the beauty and spirit of merry old England. Conway Manor represents the quintessential combination of rustic materials, elegant geometry and understated proportions that are trademarks of England's timeless countryside estates. Guests immediately sense the shelter of carefully preserved woodlands as they drive through a stand of mature pine and oak trees to the circular cobblestone arrival court.

The home's angled front facade embraces the approach and enhances the feeling of continuity and balance between the house and grounds. The eye is drawn to the thoughtful artistry of the curving limestone entryway and hand-tooled, guillotine stonework, which illustrates the highest level of traditional masonry craftsmanship. Dovecote detailing and large corbelled stone eaves provide historical accents and added visual interest on the gables flanking the entry.

A brick and stone porte-cochere and timber-framed bay window to the left and a set of large French doors with a balcony of decorative ironwork on the right visually anchor the home to the site. A blend of brick and stone with herringbone details, slate roof and copper downspouts, and decorative ironwork and gas lanterns serve to enhance the warmth and authenticity of the design.

Traditionally, English manor homes represent the unity of a variety of indigenous materials located either on the site itself or from the region. Conway Manor is no exception. In addition to the use of locally quarried stone, the 9,000 square foot home incorporates timber framing throughout. Every column and beam at Conway Manor is structural and functional. Oak trees cut were cut on site for the framing of the loggia, further exemplifying the care taken by the builders to respect the connection between the house and its natural surroundings.

As one passes into the home, they are greeted by a rounded, two-story entry hall and gallery space, with a circular oak stairway and wrought iron railings. The hall is the core of the home from which the strong visual axis into the three main public rooms can be enjoyed: the living room, the dining room, and the library each with dramatic focal points. The living room features views of beech trees through French doors with transoms above. An expansive groin vault ceiling and dramatic art wall provide elegance and refinement in the dining room, while a large fireplace lends added warmth to the paneled aged-oak walls of the library.

Each room on the main level maximizes views of the surrounding old growth trees, as well as the creek at the back of the house. Rooms incorporate an imaginative combination of large windows, window walls, and transoms over French doors. The loggia in the keeping room and terrace level below provide easy access to the outdoors for entertaining.

Meticulously applied ceiling treatments define the distinct character of each room, from the rough timbered beams of the family and living rooms to the rich coffered oak ceiling of the library, the formal groin vault in the dining room and finally to the graceful lines of the master bedroom's barrel vault. The curves of the ceiling in the master bedroom repeat in the vestibule at the entry to the bath, bringing subtle continuity to the design of the master suite. Back-to-back vanities delineate between the dressing areas and give this home a modern sensibility.