patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!
Local Voices

Hearth & Home Kitchen Tour on Oct. 20 - House #5

This stately English Manor home was part of a large scale renovation project in 2010-2011 that included an overall expansion and restoration of the house and property.  

The renovation, designed by Blasi Architecture and executed by Anthony James Construction, focused on keeping the beauty and charm of the original house while adding more living space and improving the flow of the living areas.  Exterior materials including the stone walls, slate roof and limestone building adornments were matched to achieve a look and feel to this historical home that is authentic to the original.  

Upon entering the home, the tumbled marble floor provides the backdrop for the foyer and main hall areas. To the left, is the formal dining room with an oversized oak table, perfect for large gatherings. To the right, is the formal living room centered on an arched limestone mantle fireplace that mirrors the entrance to the room and draws the visitor in. As you move down the main hall past the dramatic center stair, you see the combination of dark wood and cream walls that reflect the Tudor features throughout the house. Notice the hand printed designs on the foyer walls that add sophistication to the space. The walls in the half bath and family room are also hand printed carrying forward the custom design of the home. 

As you continue towards the back of the house, you pass the family room - a favorite gathering spot of the family. This room opens up to the kitchen area with a center island and counter made of polished “hypnose” quartzite, providing color and texture that bring natural elements into the home. The custom copper hood over the stove was designed by the homeowner and is met by a bespoke Ann Sacks ceramic tile backsplash that gives the impression of a metallic finish. 

The cabinets are white washed and surrounded by a leather finish “titanium” granite counter top are complimented by a Sub Zero refrigerator and Wolf stove with pot filler. Leaded glass windows complete the look of this manor kitchen. A favorite space for the lady of the house is the custom “home office” desk designed by the homeowner and planned to meet all technical, esthetic and organizational needs while keeping with the gothic theme of the kitchen. 

One side of the kitchen opens to the extensive patio that is at the higher elevation of the property and has three distinct seating areas for family and guests to enjoy - fireplace lounging, group dining, and intimate seating with TV and BBQ. The rear of the kitchen opens to a mudroom with a center island topped in a river wash finish of “rainforest” marble, continuing the use of stone textures and colors throughout. A custom Dutch door leads you outside to the porte-cochere or “carriage porch” that connects the breezeway to the garage. This completes the expansion of the property in this beautifully mastered renovation.

Contributed by Daria MacDonald, a Westfield resident and past president of Holy Trinity Interparochial School Home & School Association. 

Glenn Fannick

9:12 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

This is a series of blog posts describing the houses on the 4th annual Hearth & Home Kitchen Tour of Westfield and Mountainside homes. For information and to purchase tickets for the tour, visit the website at htisnj.com.

Reply

Leave a comment