Eclectic Shingle Style – designed by Alex Papachristidis

The formality of the house—with its traditional cedar shingles is offset by a cast aluminum Ugo Rondinone tree sculpture that dominates the front drive; Edmund Hollander designed the landscaping. I love the Georgian style symmetry. There is a sweeping gravel drive across the front and formally trimmed hedges lend to the formality. Inside the house color palette is taupe and rich browns with blue and white punches throughout.

The walls are papered with a Rose Tarlow wallpaper and the floors are hand stenciled. Although it looks like the results of the entire decor was rigorously planned and executed, it was more a casual approach where Alex used cherished family pieces gathered from family and previous home. Alex insists that despite the formal looking rooms that they are all quite the opposite, living informally to the degree that they are always in PJ’s when here when not swimming, playing tennis or playing card games all day. Every piece has sentimental value.

In the living room, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Linen White, 19th-century gilded stools are placed next to sofas upholstered in a Clarence House fabric, with pillows of a silk velvet from Le Décor Français; a Charles Arnoldi ink drawing surmounts the fireplace, and the curtains are of a Larsen fabric from Cowtan & Tout. The sofas were originally in the Rudin’s old apartment in NY. I love those pillows.

Another view of the living room and those pillows! On the wall are two small Roman bronze busts from Kentshire and a photograph of Venice by Mona Kuhn; the leopard-print silk velvet on the armchairs is by Brunschwig & Fils.

The loggia’s Cowtan & Tout wall covering serves as a backdrop for two 18th-century grisaille paintings, each hanging above a Bielecky Brothers wicker daybed with cushions of a Clarence House fabric. I imagine that these daybeds are used frequently by the string of visitors as they offer just the kind of comfort for relaxing on a lazy weekend.

In the family room, the sectional sofa, clad in a Fortuny fabric, frames a pair of Papachristidis-designed tables; a Colefax and Fowler fabric from Cowtan & Tout was used for the window shades, and the rug is from Beauvais Carpets. The tables can serve as double duty as extra seating. Such a warm and comfortable looking room.

A Prussian chandelier illuminates the dining room. The table is a 19th-century French table from R. Louis Bofferding; the chairs are from Philippe Farley Antiques, the walls are sheathed in a Nobilis faux-bois paper, and the rug is by Stark. I really like the feel of this room, and the uniqueness of the dining room chair fabric choice. The bookcase on the right, loaded with books, adds a warm cast to the warm colors and finishes.

Bright, well designed kitchen with a stove that can handle the cooking chores for the influx of visitors.

The wall color is Benjamin Moore’s Pleasant Valley. The pop of color and contrast is provided by an Adam Ball canvas in the master bedroom; the cabinets are 18th century, and the bed is upholstered in a Brunschwig & Fils silk velvet. Velvet seems to be trending this year. There is an additional punch of color over the bed.

Teddy, a Yorkshire terrier, perches on leopard-spot bed steps in Papachristidis’s room; the commode is 18th-century French, the throw is by Anichini, and the carpeting is by David Easton for Beauvais. I am a huge fan of patterned carpet in bedrooms. Today there are so many choices available.

In a guest room, the antique quilt and Clarence House–fabric canopy on the British Khaki Collection bed by Robert Lighton share a leafy motif; the carpeting is from Beauvais. Isn’t the bed beautiful?

Two 19th-century Italian stone statues stand watch on each side of the outdoor pool.

Claude Lalanne’s bronze Pomme graces the lawn. I appreciate the artistry of Claude and Francois Xavier LaLanne, celebrated for their whimsical style in metal sculptures, furniture and jewelry. Claude’s husband was inspired more by animals, and she by nature, plants and flowers. Below is a bit more about their art.

circa 1970 Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne.  Collectively they were known as the artist duo Les LaLalanne. He was born in France 1927 and died in 2008. She was born in France in 1924 and to this day she is very active in her art at 90 years old!!

Their famous sheep in an art installation in the Chelsea area of Manhattan at an old Getty Gas Station. source

Close up view. Gotta love it!

One of his sculptures in Chatworth Gardens in UK

At age 80, Ms. Lalanne finishing a piece of furniture back in 1998. photo – Ben Brown Fine Arts, London