The owners of this residence approached GuernseyTingle to maximize the spectacular views of their riverfront property. Consultation with the clients illuminated the desire to feature river views from all rooms and a traditionally oriented interior that would display a mix of furnishings ranging from family pieces to Victorian accents.

In the style of historic James River plantations, the home is positioned back from the river to provided a foreground for the extensive water views. The Georgian-influenced street elevation matches both the owners’ preference and aligns with neighboring 2-story traditional houses. To reduce scale, a two-car garage and storage building was detached and linked to the main house by an auto courtyard.

The interior of the home includes a fully functional kitchen and breakfast nook. While located internally within the floor plan, clerestory windows provide natural light through a traditionally detailed luminous ceiling. The living room is sheltered from direct sunlight by the porch room, providing a cozier space for TV viewing and reading.

While the owner’s “back porch” extends the length of the house as requested, the river room projects through the plane of the porch to provide a 180-degree view of the water. Ultimately, the home combines an understated Georgian style with open, flowing spaces and views, providing an elegant contrast to the owner’s bold, stylized furnishings.

View more projects in: