our miss June makes a graceful addition to the banks of the may river
With a nod to the J. Geils Band and an appreciation for fine publishing, our visit to this angelic retreat left us humming na-na, na-na, na-na….
Q:What are some unique design features that set you apart?
A: Having a sealed crawlspace with climate control and dehumidification allows for a comfortable wood floor system that’s not always the norm.
Q: Comfort is always key, in addition to dehumidification, what are some other elements that add to a good indoor environment?
A: A dual fuel heating system is essential if you’re not using geothermal. Our climatecan provide some chilly winter days and once the temperature drops below 40, your traditional heat pump just can’t keep up.
Q: True, but what about the other 9 months of the year, how do you combat the stresses of such a hot humid environment?
A: A tight thermal envelope is key, open cell foam in the walls and ceiling combined with closed cell at my foundation perimeter ensures that the makeup air is being introduced appropriately.
Q: Nothing like makeup air…
A: So true and incorporating an ERV system (Energy Recovery Ventilation) allows me to eliminate the traditional bath fans or centrally located systems that simply don’t have reliable springs in their dampers. These are some of the most notorious locations of mold and mildew created by a negatively pressured home.
Q: I’ve heard of ERV’s but always thought they were just a little too complex?
A: Not at all, they simply allow one to control the air coming into the house, keeping the home naturally pressurized all while removing the excess humidity in the process.
Q: Now that we’ve cleared the air, how about something to drink?
A: Well with my whole house filtration system paired with a reverse osmosis drinking water supply, I’m happy to offer my guest “tap” water that is cleaner that most bottled options. It also allows me to breath freely when enjoying the steam shower.
Q: Speaking of steam shower, let’s get out from “under-the-hood”. Tell us about some of your aesthetic highpoints.
A: Well let’s start from the bottom, our wood floor from the team at Burchette and Burchette was tweaked just to my liking.
Q: I must admit, I’ve had a difficult time keeping my eyes on the horizon.
A: But if you didn’t, you’d miss the beautiful plaster walls courtesy of Prestone and how nicely the marble surround, built by my friends at Creative Stone, compliments the natural tones. The cabinetry, by Mark of Excellence, was also curated locally and designed uniquely for me.
Q: No doubt a great deal of planning went into your design, tell me a little about your team.
A: Historical Concepts drafted the lines while Haviland Whitcombe provided my interior design, Hooten Landscape Design ensured a manicured exterior while complementing our rear entry with an amazing terrace.
Q: With such a great design team, who did you trust for the construction?
A: The team at Simpson Construction helped bring the vision to reality while offering their own contributions along the way.
Q: Now what would you say to those that consider a home of your caliber…high maintenance?
A: Oh dear, with the team at Simpson HomeCare, we always have something to not only assist when needed but stay ahead of issues before they occur, preventative maintenance is the surest bet to keeping me photo ready for years to come!
Pass through pantry armoire, finished in fine paints of Europe Hollandlac brilliant.
Minimal style and rail detailing required 1 1/4” thick doors for the lady of the houses’ vanity. Reeded glass panels for the uppers provide just enough opaqueness while maintaining an open feel.
