French country style inspires an idyllic retreat.
California Cool
Grandeur need not be measured in square feet and ornate details. "There's a certain nobility in simplicity," says Greg Stewart, principal at Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates (ODADA), of this pared-down French country–style home on 34 acres in Carmel Valley, California. "The mountain view is so inspiring and peaceful that I wanted the interiors to carry that feeling through with understated colors, finishes, and furnishings. The most luxurious rooms are, after all, the ones that relax you."
Sycamore trees flank the entrance.
Noble and Simplistic
The house was an encore for the San Francisco design firm, which had previously worked with the architect, the late Andrew Batey, on a residence in Napa. "Andrew knew how to translate the materials and attitudes of a traditional building into the kind of home people want to live in today," says Diaz-Azcuy.
Door Painted in Litchfield Gray, Benjamin Moore Aura.
Inspiring and Peaceful
The homeowners are an outdoorsy couple who had purchased their parcel—once part of a large preserve they loved to hike through—from developers who envisioned a Western community.
Antique painted chest.
European Flair
"We wanted our home to have creativity and an intellect, not to be what one might expect on a ranch-type property," the husband explains. "A California country house with European flair."
Custom sofa in Calvin Fabrics mohair. Pillows in Rose Tarlow Melrose House linens. 18th-c. Flemish tapestry.
Streamlined and Stately
The architect and interior design team sought to produce a contemporary version of French neoclassical design, at once streamlined and stately. "The inspiration came from the work of Louis XIV's military engineer, who modernized all the forts in the country," Stewart explains.
Antique Oushak rug, ABC Carpet & Home. Art, David Simpson.
Invitingly Gracious
Built at the base of a rolling hillside, the curved, windowless facade of the house does have the austere appearance of a garrison. But inside, the house is invitingly gracious.
Custom-made table expands to seat more than a dozen for fireside dining. Formations wingback chairs with cushions in Jerry Pair leather. Chandelier, Therien.
Defined Seating
With two distinct seating areas anchored by plush contemporary upholstery and Old World chairs in pale linen and leather, the living room doubles as a great hall for entertaining.
Antique Oushak rugs define seating areas in the spacious living room. 19th-c. Belgian chair in Jerry Pair leather. Formations ottoman in Loro Piana linen. 19th-c. English wing chair inCowtan & Tout linen. Antique Chinese coffee table. Curtains of Rogers & Goffigon linen. Art, David Simpson.
Showcased View
Stewart eliminated a formal dining area and instead placed a custom-designed circular table that expands to seat a dozen or more in the center of the living room.
Muted furnishings showcase the view from the master bedroom. Gustavian bed, Lief Almont. Linens, Sferra. 19th-c. French chairs and custom ottoman in Rogers & Goffigon linen. Side table, Gregorius Pineo. Jute rug, Merida Meridian. Throw, Loro Piana. Curtains of Calvin Fabrics linen.
Cloud-like Symphony
First and foremost, the house was designed for repose—whether in the master suite, a cloud-like symphony of white and gray, or in the cozy library, with its brown mohair sofa and jewel tone Flemish tapestry.
Soft Contemporary
Stewart's selection of materials—honed marbles, painted furniture, antiqued mirrors, and faded antique Oushak rugs—strike a balance between the strong architecture and the wife's desire for a home that is "feminine but not froufrou." The result is a "soft, contemporary take on Continental," the designer says.
Antiqued mirror bring subtle sparkle to the master bedroom. Chests and mirrors, C. Mariani Antiques.
Elegant and Rustic
"You can be elegant no matter where you are, but this is a rustic setting," explains Stewart, who selected a rock crystal chandelier with branch-like arms in the living room. "You don't need things that are too shiny or to have too much color or pattern in the country."
Custom mirror. Sconces, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy for Boyd Lighting. Kohler sink with Waterworks fittings. Urn, Soane.
Neutral Palette
Stewart enlivened the mostly neutral palette with accents from the panoramic views: gold from the native grasses, the green of the leaves on the backyard's ancient oak, and the deep teal of the surrounding Big Sur mountains.
Simple and Natural
"I wanted this house to bring in the beautiful colors of the landscape," he says. "In this setting, the simpler and more natural, the better."
Chairs, Rose Tarlow Melrose House in Jane Churchill linen. Light fixture, Dessin Fournir. Range, Wolf. Regrigerator, Sub-Zero. Sink faucet, Franke.
Panoramic Views
The limestone flooring extends out to the terrace for a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Mirak sofas in Donghia fabric. Mirak chairs in Sunbrella fabric.
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