Lewis / Schulze Residence

2004 art and architecture tour

LEWIS / Schulze Residence

Nestled within the vibrant beachside community of  Bayshores amidst an eclectic palette of architecture ranging from beach cottages to French inspired chateaus lies a thoroughly modern yet timeless West Indies Plantation style residence designed by Cynthia Childs, Architect. The owner’s sought out Ms. Childs in an effort to secure the perfect blend of style, charm and function for their growing family.  Partnering with Contractor Neil Longman and Interior Designer Brenda Fox Wilson, Ms. Child’s vision of the elegant simplicity of the island life style has been masterfully executed.

GARDEN

The grounds are characterized by:

  • tropical landscaping with lush foliage including one of the oldest varieties of bognevillia in a unique shade of yellow, selected by Landscape Architect Rick Katzmaier.
  • 2 vintage sugar kettles which were used widely in the sugar caning industry in the Caribbean Islands were purchased by the architect for the gardens and are used as decorative planters.
  • the walkways, porches and loggias are laid with a beautiful rustic golden flagstone to compliment the stone on the house.

ARCHITECTURE

The architectural style and material selections for the residence were inspired by the French influence on West Indies Architecture. It is best reflected in the French Norman inspired roof line and in the selection and setting of the first story stonework.

  • The terra cotta roof tiles, made in a rare French profile, found by the architect were crafted by “Ludowici Roof Tile”, one of Europe’s oldest tile manufacturers and salvaged for use here from the burned out remains of an historical train station in Iowa.
  • The first floor stone is rustic gold rubble harvested from a quarry in Kansas; hand selected by the architect and meticulously laid by the stone masons in a roughly rectangular pattern with tight grout joints consistent with the French Normandy style.
  • The second story utilizes custom run clear cedar siding designed by the architect with an old world profile.
  • The weathered siding finish highlights the rich custom crafted Honduran mahogany doors and windows, stained in a rich reddish brown stain to enhance the natural wood tones.
  • The Bermuda shutters with thru-style louvers, designed for the tropics provide the necessary sun screening and moderate storm protection that a typical island house would require.
  • The trellis work, railings and columns follow the design traditions of the islands but were modernized to comply with today’s building codes.
  • The garage doors were designed to appear as carriage doors and are crafted from mahogany, enhanced with antique door pulls.

Architectural Interiors

As one enters through the home’s signature island style glass transom you immediately notice the extensive architectural detailing the architect provided to insure the homes beauty and warmth:

ENTRY

  • The architectural details include:
    • 6 inch wide plank hand distressed pecan wood flooring.
    • Matching architectural niches with custom metal trim piece which highlight the owner’s coral collection selected by the interior designer.
    • The main stair is open to an interior courtyard which features a water garden, fountain and fireplace providing a warm gathering spot for friends and family.
    • The grand central staircase has custom wainscoting along its walls, uniquely styled stair pickets and faceted crystal finials from P. E. Guerin, New York’s oldest and most prestigious hardware company.
    • The pond yacht racing sailboat which rests prominently in the stair hall is an English antique from the 19th century.
    • The entry hall includes an antique French walnut and iron door which conceals access to the future elevator space. The antique mahogany door to the elevator on the second floor was imported   from Spain.
    • The engraved copper plate map by Dutch artist Abraham Ortelius hangs above the wine tasting table in the stair hall was originally featured in the 1580 edition of “Ortelius Great Atlas”. The plate was used for the first printed map of “New Spain”, now known as Southern California.

GENTLEMAN’S PUB

  • The owner’s desire to have a  designated room to cheer on his college football team provided the motivation for the gentlemen’s pub:
    • This special room is covered with Honduran mahogany wood paneling with grass cloth insets. The custom fret work at the crown molding is unique and helps to maintain the island style.
    • An antique French mahogany fireplace mantle provides interest and warmth. The unusual terra cotta tile surround with a burgundy glazed flower motif was purchased from Concept Studio in Corona del Mar.
    • The large louvered doors through which one enters the pub were custom designed by the architect as were the personalized door pulls with horse shoes intertwined with the owners initials
    • The bar top is a honed marble with a rich red color.
    • The pewter bar sink and faucet were hand tooled from P.E. Guerin and reflect the owner’s love for horses and horse racing.

GREAT ROOM

  • The walls are painted a rich terra cotta color which accents the extensive off white woodwork.
  • Painted exposed paneled beams and custom crafted crown molding add rich texture to the room.
  • The fireplace mantle is an antique carved limestone imported from France with a flower motif.
  • The entertainment center is custom designed by the architect, built from distressed walnut and conceals a vast array of electronics for the family’s enjoyment.

LIBRARY /OFFICE

  • The owner’s library/office is concealed by pocket doors from the Great Room. These unique doors were custom designed with a diamond detail made from distressed alder.
  • The library’s layout provides ample working space for the owner and is painted a lovely shade of green to provide a peaceful and soothing environment.

KITCHEN

  • The kitchen reveals the casual contemporary lifestyle of the owners and is kept open to enhance family gatherings
    • The flooring is 8×14 French antique terra cotta parefeuille pavers imported for from France.
    • The exposed beams are reclaimed and are hand waxed to reveal the natural patina.
    • The kitchen’s islands are for preparation and serving and provide seating for informal lunches, children’s homework or late night snacks.
    • The upper kitchen cabinets are designed with a diamond patterned center and a roushing detail at the border. The lower kitchen cabinets have an island style louver.
    • The counter tops are hand dished Camargue French limestone hand selected for the owner and has a custom laminated edge detail.
    • The back splash is 6×6 Camargue French limestone, hand painted with a terra cotta wash and antiqued.
    • The sink was hand carved and acid etched from a solid block of limestone by local artisans.

SUNROOM/DINING ROOM

  • The sunroom/dining room is designed to capture the remarkable view along Newport Bay and accomplishes the goal.
  • The owner’s felt that a separate formal Dining Room would go largely unused so this room was designed with flexibility in mind. The family regularly gathers here for their daily meals and the room can be converted (by elongating the large mahogany table) to accommodate the entire extended family for special occasions.
  • The large scale botanicals that set the tone for this lovely room are hand painted water colors which were purchased from Rose Tarlow in Los Angeles.

POWDER ROOM

  • The powder room includes an antique French bamboo cabinet adapted for use as the sink base and custom painted by a local artist
  • The plank flooring pattern was changed here to parquet flooring to permit the introduction of a French tile insert.
  • The open fret work at the ceiling line was designed by the architect
  • The water color paintings of sea shells are by local artist Lin Smith

MASTER SUITE

  • The master bedroom has one of the best views in the home and continues the first floor’s use of exposed vintage beams
  • The fireplace mantle is painted wood with a limestone surround.
  • The functionality of the homes design is reflected here by the electronically controlled drapes and black out shades.

 

MASTER BATHROOM

  • The master bath utilizes natural light through two large skylights hidden by milk glass panels to conceal any dirt that may accumulate
  • The large tub is set in French “founteney clair” limestone honed and hand dished on the tub deck. The edge detail is hand carved in a flower pattern
  • The shower door is made of iron and antiqued. This detail is replicated in the tub alcove which is inset with antique mirrors.
  • The pullmans have an aged black finish with hand painted palm leaves by a local specialty painter.
  • The 3-way mirrors are custom designed by the architect and made to appear like natural bamboo

HER OFFICE

  • This room is painted a lovely and unusual shade of blue complimented with a wall paper by Rose Tarlow.
  • The wood wainscoting is tongue and groove vertical boards and the custom cabinetry has cane panels.
  • The unique hardware is from J. Nicolas Antique Hardware in Corona del Mar
  • The bath countertop limestone is imported from Jerusalem

BOYS ROOM

  • This wonderfully playful room has two antique ship’s doors in bleached walnut which conceal 2 small closets that frame the bed alcove.
  • The door hardware are antique knobs of marble and steel
  • The bath has 2 antique train lanterns for lighting
  • The bath tile is set vertically for a picket fence/outdoor shower feel

GIRL’S ROOM

  • The walls in this room are entirely covered with wood siding
  • She has a place to do her homework and plenty of shelves for books and collectibles
  • The bath is made more feminine by the use of diamond shaped ceramic tiles
  • The vanity is custom designed by the architect to appear like an antique table
  • The lantern and sconces in the bath are from the original set of Ozzie and Harriet
  • The flooring is limestone with custom hand painted ceramic tiles at the corners

MUSIC ROOM

  • This small space is kept free of architectural elements in order to amplify the beauty of the owner’s upright Steinway piano.
  • The set of 4 large chorus manuscripts are Italian, circa 1768
  • The set of 4 small operatic scores are Italian, circa 1795

GUEST ROOM

Anyone would love to be a guest in these accommodations:

  • The Unique exposed beams at the ceiling add to the sense of a tropical locale
  • The bed is mahogany and cane
  • The wall paper is by Rose Tarlow
  • The bath is honed walnut Travertine with decorative tile inserts

PLAY ROOM

  • The playroom is where the family gathers for popcorn and movie nights.
  • The flat TV is set on a custom cabinet with Madagascar grass cloth panels.
  • The walls are made up of wood beams and columns which frame the Madagascar grass cloth panels.
  • The room opens to a partially covered second floor deck above the garage

LAUNDRY ROOM

  • The laundry was custom designed by the architect with plenty of closed storage and open shelving
  • The countertops are poured concrete and the floor is painted concrete
  • The stainless steel farm sink is by Waterworks and the faucet is by Herbeau
  • The stainless steel front loading washer and dryer are the latest in European design

ROOF DECK

  • Spectacular! Don’t miss the view.

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