Alabama Stone Cottage House Tour
By Jane F ~ February 21st, 2010. Filed under: House Tours.
Calling a 5 bedroom 4-1/2 bathroom home sitting on 4-1/2 acres a European cottage is by way of describing the style of the house our very own Allison and her husband lovingly built on an Alabama lakefront lot.
Designed by Tulsa architect Jack Arnold – who the couple has never actually met – the house was three years in the planning. “I saw a house he’d done in a magazine years ago but never dreamed we would have a house designed by him,” Allison explains. “We sent off for his information and came up with a floor plan that would work with our lot. We tweaked the plan for a year on and off making interior changes. We wanted views [of the lake] across the whole back of the house.”
The house looks as deceptively small as a cottage from the front. “You don’t ever see the whole house from the front or the back. When you come in, you aren’t expecting it,” Allison says. She likes that element of surprise.
A local builder stick-built the house [see the garage, in progress, below], which is finished with a mix of three local stones. “We wanted low maintenance outside,” Allison says.
While the 3-car garage appears to have a room (traditionally used for guests) above it, this one does not. The couple eliminated that. The garage connects to the house via a short hallway that opens into the back of the kitchen.
The front veranda [above] has an overhanging porch that helps keep the house cool. The main entry is to the right of the Mexican-made bench Allison found at a local shop. The bentwood rocker [center back] is one of a pair purchased from an Amish wood worker on eBay.
Here’s the foundation for the front veranda area [above]. Because the house is on two levels, Allison wanted the foundation to be extra tall — 12 feet vs the usual 10 feet — to keep an airy feeling in the lower level rooms. That strategy paid off.
The front door opens into a foyer and beyond is the great room, which forms the heart of the house and has three sets of French doors [left of the photo, not in view] along one side affording light and views along the whole length. Local artisans crafted a wood and copper sliding screen that conceals a TV over the fireplace. The media closet, to the right of the fireplace, has a door fashioned from a wood and metal shutter by the same woodworkers. The entry to the master bedroom is to the left of the fireplace. Chair cushions are Uzbek suzanis purchased from a textile dealer in Tashkent who Allison found online.
Here at Atticmag, we have long had a tour of Allison’s beautiful French Gray Island Kitchen, which you can take by clicking on the link now, or later. The kitchen opens onto the back of the great room, for which Allison purchased a modern soumak rug with pale blue ground. The taupe colors in the rug coordinate with the fabric on the Henredon sofa and also with the Sherrill leather recliner which is her husband’s TV chair. Above the door [top right] is a French zinc butchershop horse head Allison found on a trip to San Francisco.
The formal dining room has antique walnut furniture, a Kalaty soumak rug, and a vitrine loaded with Allison’s grandmother’s crystal. Allison found the dining room’s German grandfather clock [below] the day after Christmas at an antique store that was going out of business and bought it for a song. Doesn’t every shopping editor love a bargain?
From the entrance to the dining room you can see across the great room and into the kitchen, which has a coffered beam ceiling which also extends into the breakfast room [below].
Stone flooring throughout the house helps reflect light from the lake. For the breakfast room, Allison asked the artisans who made her fireplace screen and shutter-door to repurpose an old table, distressing it and replacing the newish maple top with one made of reclaimed wood. The breakfast room chandelier, like most of the lighting fixtures in the house, is from Hubbardton Forge in Vermont.
“I spend a lot of time in the sunroom [above],” Allison says. “My computer’s there and the dogs and cats like to sleep in the sun as it has 3 walls of windows with water on 3 sides.” An old table that has been used in several different rooms over the years landed here and Allison recently added new, skirted chairs.
In the powder room, a copper lavabo from Stone Forest is paired with an oil-rubbed bronze Newport Brass wall-mounted faucet. The small chest belonged to Allison’s grandmother and the antique sconce is one of four Allison brought with her from her previous home. The mirror was made by a local framer with a copper-kissed frame that coordinates with the washbowl.
“I wanted a pretty laundry room because I had a basement laundry room for 23 years,” Allison says. To enlarge it, she stole space that had been allotted to a closet in an adjacent room. Her cabinets house “a lot of dog and cat supplies” — the couple has 3 dogs and 2 cats (who sometimes work their way into photos). While English-made cabinets were used in the kitchen, these were made by Jim Bishop in Montgomery, Ala. The sink (another internet purchase) and back panels are copper; counters are golden leaf granite.
See the second part of our Alabama Stone Cottage House Tour.
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February 21st, 2010 at 8:42 pm
What a joy to see Allison’s house. It’s serene and beautiful.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
So beautiful! I’ve seen your lovely kitchen before but to see the whole house is such a treat! You have really captured the charm and beauty of an old European cottage, something that is not easy to do with a new build, so kudos to you for creating such a beautiful and welcoming home!
Kat
February 21st, 2010 at 8:46 pm
That’s a beautiful house from ceiling to floor !
February 21st, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Wow, what a lovely cottage!! The laundry room alone would be a dream come true for me. I might actually enjoy doing the wash in there. Thanks for the tour!
February 21st, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Yes, I can see that the “cottage” is used loosely
. How gorgeous. I think one of my favorite things is the brass and wood hanging used to conceal the tv. And I can see why the sunroom is a favorite place to hang out. Love the table and chairs. How wonderful to live with views in every room! Thanks for sharing this!
February 21st, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Oh, my goodness! I’m picking my jaw up off the floor! This is a gorgeous home! Thank you so much for showing it.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
February 21st, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I always enjoy your posts, but this one is wonderful. What a beautiful home!
February 21st, 2010 at 9:39 pm
This is just beautiful, Allison! A dream house! Love the style, lay-out and openness.
Thanks for your coment on my table post!
February 21st, 2010 at 9:49 pm
STUNNING! and i really want that laundry room, with that giant chunky shelf above the wash/dry… LOVE IT!
February 21st, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I’m drooling over every room! I don’t know if I can go on living in my house after seeing this one.
I know I can’t keep using my laundry room…
Thanks for visiting me, by the way.
February 21st, 2010 at 10:41 pm
The cottage is absolutely beautiful!! Love everything about it and the location looks gorgeous.
February 21st, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Wow! I especially love the sunroom area. Surrounded by windows and water sounds amazing!!
February 21st, 2010 at 11:19 pm
What a beautiful home! Thanks for sharing!
Tania
February 21st, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Thanks for checking out my blog. Your home is just lovely. The copper sink is fabulous as is your entire home !
February 21st, 2010 at 11:32 pm
I am in awe of this cottage! It looks like a dream come true! The beamed ceiling are wonderful and the french grey island is fantastic! I hope I read right that there is more to come…I’ll be watching!
February 21st, 2010 at 11:41 pm
wow that drive up is absolutely breathtaking! Your house is beautiful! Thanks for sharing, I love it!
February 21st, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Love your home Allison! It has a soft French cottage feel that is so restful and inviting. Makes me want to sit down and stay a while.
Lovely pictures, thanks so much for sharing ~ Eileen @ Star’s Fault
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:08 am
Holy Smokes! Your home is breathtaking…so spacious and yet cozy!
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 am
What a home!! Oh my goodness, it is just gorgeous!
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:43 am
Oh my gosh! Your home is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for the tour. I can tell a lot of thought has gone into the planning and it paid off beautifully. Just incredible!
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:45 am
wOW, WHAT A FABULOUS HOME..
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 am
What a gorgeous home. It is beautiful inside and out. I am so jealous of the laundry room. Love the buffet/cupboard in the dining room/sunroom. Absolutely beautiful. Great job. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:31 am
That is very pretty.. I love it all.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 am
Wow! Thank you so much for visiting and leaving such nice comments – you’ve made my day! My blog list has grown so large, I need to clone myself to keep up with them all! I’m always amazed at the vast amount of creativity from so many people – from Peg’s MRB to Tania tags, and the sewing! I have got to learn more than just a straight line.
Michelle, I’m going to be doing something in the one-step crackle finish soon (and I agree about Tim x 3!).
Jamielyn, we spend a lot of time outdoors with our dogs and the view down the guest drive you mentioned is a favorite of mine when walking.
For those of you who commented on the laundry room, it is so much better than my dank, dark and dreary basement space we had for so long. The w/d is a semi-small pair and I love having the regular height counter above.
Thanks again for the lovely comments! I hope everyone returns to see Part 2 of our home tomorrow, and again on Wednesday to see the feature Jane is doing vignettes.
Take care,
Allison
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:32 am
Well, I’ve loved the kitchen for years. But to see the rest of the house was a pleasure and a privilege. What a beautiful place.
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 am
I love the wall of windows and the natural light in the sitting room. I think I’d spend most of my time there, too. So much thought has gone into your home’s design and decor. It’s just beautiful!
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:56 am
Absolutely stunning…every single room…just gorgeous!
♥, Susan
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:57 am
Gorgeous! I think my whole house fits in that living room!
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:00 am
Your house is amazing! I have, seriously, been a Jack Arnold fan for years! Tulsa has some of the most beautiful homes anywhere in the country and yours is no exception. You have some great furniture, as well. I love the table in the sunroom. ☺Celeste
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:05 am
what a lovely home! Looks so warm and inviting!
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:45 am
Beautiful home – Thanks for sharing with us.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:20 pm
I love, love your house. It reminds me of the houses found in House Beautiful magazine. Allison’s taste is exquisite! It was so sweet of Allison to stop by my blog too! I added this magazine to my Favorites.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:31 pm
OH Allison!! What a warm and fabulous home you have!! I love the sunroom..and your laundry room is to die for!! (I can barely turn around in mine)
Can’t wait for part two of your tour!!
Blessings!
Myrna
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:57 pm
I love this house! I really love the bright windows in the laundry room. Thanks for the comment on my blog too. I’ll be sure to visit back here often!
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Gorgeous home! Jack Arnold designs are fabulous. Your personal touches put this over the top! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
That is one beautiful home.
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Ooh! Love this home. The style is fantastic. Thanks so much for the tour…and for stopping by Nouveau Stitch!
Ellen
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Great post, Allison! I love this house! So much warmth and charm! I am drooling over those fabulous coffered beam ceilings! The wood floors are wonderful. Stunning home!
Thanks for visitng me!
Cheers!
Tina
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Wow. That is just stunning. I think my favorite part is the laundry room. I have a hideous, sometimes stinky laundry room and it looks like a dungeon compared to that beauty. I think I’ll have to print that photo and put it on my dream big board.
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I absolutely love the old world feel of your home. It’s very elegant, yet feels comfy and liveable. Gorgeous!
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:08 pm
WOW – what a fabulous home….I couldn’t begin to tell you what I like best ..it is just so lovely – everywhere -..but I TOO love the laundry room – mine is in my garage, those cars for a backdrop is just not very ‘lovely’…
thanks for stopping by to see my concrete floors today..
I’ll be coming back to see your continued tour…
Brenda
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Oh what a gorgeous house, and so many details so thoughtfully done — clearly a lot of love went into the design and decoration of this beautiful cottage. LOVE the stone exterior.
And how am I now going to do laundry in my dungeon basement with the notes from our resident ghosts scratched into the walls? I have serious Laundry Room Envy!
Cass
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
What a GREAT site! Thanks for commenting on my blog, so I could now follow you! LOL.
Shelley
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Merci Beaucoup for the tour!!! Beautiful surroundings and FAB home!
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Thank you for sharing a tour of your beautiful home with us! I especially love the sunroom and laundry! Everything is sooo beautiful!
Thanks for stopping by
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Wow – your home is beautiful. I want your laundry room!!!! LOL!
Thanks for stopping by Punkin Seed Productions.
Kristi
Punkin Seed Productions
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Allison – This.is.BEAUTIFUL!!!!! When can I come for a visit???
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Thanks for stopping by my blog! So glad I found this site. Great cottage… I especially love that coffered beam ceiling!
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:53 pm
I want to thank everyone for stopping by and leaving such nice comments. A big thanks to Jane for all her hard work. After my husband read the post, he said “she’s so good, she makes me want to live here.” ;D
I knew we loved our home, it’s nice to hear others do too. Jack Arnold posted a link to this post on his blog. You can find it here:
http://www.jackarnoldblog.com/2010/02/22/a-great-example-of-a-european-cottage
Thanks again and I hope you’ll visit AtticMag often.
Allison
PS Don’t miss Part 2 posted today and Details coming tomorrow.
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Answers to a thread on GW: Mamabird, Lisa is correct – the walls are SW Moderate White throughout most of the home. It’s a soft, warm white that tends to wash-out to a more white white in photographs. Or maybe it’s just me. lol I’m not sure which cabinets you’re asking about. The kitchen cabinetry is all FB paint, all but the black hutch have custom glazes (with different bases). There are some details on the French Gray Island post, so be sure to check it out.
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Oh my! What a breathtaking house! I’m a sucker for “stone cottages” – and even more so when the “stone cottage” is more a stone mansion. Beautiful place. I love the interior but I absolutely adore that stone-front exterior. Love all the windows you have got going inside also – and really like the stone floors throughout.
Thank you so much for sharing your space.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Oh, my! Thank you for sharing these fabulous photos of Allison’s house. This is one I could definitely move right into. What a delightful “stone cottage”.
February 25th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Gorgeous! I love everything about it!
February 26th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Allison, those are some great pics of your beautiful home. So glad I got to see it in person, you have done an outstanding job with it all. Truly a dream home, you’ve got to be so happy living there. Thanks for the tour, I’ll come back to see the rest!
February 26th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Thanks for stopping by and for the nice comments.
February 28th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
I’ve had the privilege of touring this absolutely serene, beautiful, and warm home in person!
Allison is every bit as gracious and charming as her home.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Thank you, Demi. I missed this last week – (sorry) I feel the same way about you.
March 4th, 2010 at 1:02 am
Jack Arnold is one of my favorite architects! I love everything he does. Allison, you have a beautiful home! The stonework, the kitchen, everything is just perfection! Thanks for leading me here for the tour. I enjoyed it so much!
March 5th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Allison-Your house is simply amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us.
March 11th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Allison,
That was just breathtaking! I am two weeks late but I finally got through my comments and came over to see your house tour. Wow! My favorite part is the coffered ceiling and exposed beams. So creative and lovely with a flourish of style yet comfort. Thanks for stopping by YogaGal!
March 12th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Thank you. I’m glad you all enjoyed the tour.