by John Griffin
he Polynesian
islands are the ultimate getaway. Architecturally, they've contributed little
to our culture, though, being noted only for simple huts clustered by the
water's edge. This house, however, mimics the roof forms of three connected
huts, with major peaks delineating bedroom wing, public rooms, and the rear
double carport. The entry falls naturally between the two front pavilions.
Cezanne
abandoned Parisian studio painting and moved to Provence, where he painted
outdoors to capture shifting light on his canvasses. Gauguin did him one
better by packing off to Polynesia for their exotic settings and lushness
of color. This house makes a valiant stab at the exotic setting, but forgoes
the lush colors for a restrained palette of neutrals and very understated
interiors. Gauguin wouldn't approve.
But even after only one quick tour of this elegant home, you may not be able to imagine living any other way. The entry floor is a marble-chip terrazzo that wears well forever. The living and dining rooms are memorable for their spaciousness and abundant natural light. Windows wrapping the corners contribute to this open feeling. Plantation shutters complement the clean lines.
Behind the living room is an even bigger den with a wood-burning fireplace and glass overlooking a two-level terrace. Open to the den is a wraparound kitchen with counters on four sides surrounding a larger center island. A custom hood above the island repeats the signature roof forms. Large windows on the sink wall admit even north painterly light while you practice culinary arts.
An intimate breakfast room is pleasantly separate from the kitchen, with its own views of the terrace framed by trees in the background. The opposite wall is devoted to deep storage closets. In fact, the hallmark of this house (a requisite actually to its understated interiors) is an overabundance of storage areas, everywhere, so that necessities are always at hand but never visually intrusive.
This is best illustrated in the master bedroom. The entry has closets on each side. One whole wall of the bedrooms contains three more, and the marble-vanitied, heated-floored master bath has yet another. It leaves the sleeping area needing only a bed and nightstands. Storage pieces are superfluous. The terrace is again the focus, and electronic controls allow you to open the drapes and greet the morning without leaving bed. Easy island living updated.
The terraces are stained, stone-textured concrete. The upper is the larger, with plenty of seating room and a marble counter that doubles as bar or buffet. A mid-level planting bed contains a stoned-edged ornamental pool with bubbler, which adds the sound of water to this subarctic retreat.
The house backs up to the eastern I-240 beltway near Walnut Grove. An immense utility easement separates the two visually and acoustically and is maintained as permanent meadow, giving the sense of greater acreage. The planting outside is as restrained as the interiors. Though I'd be hard-pressed to change anything inside, I think a bit more lushness outside could be an appropriate addition. Tall sweeps of grasses interplanted with hardy hibiscus might be enough. Gauguin liked hibiscus, you know.
Approx. 2,700 square feet; 3 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths;
$209,500
Realtor: Sowell & Co., 278-4380
Agents: Sonny Shankman, 324-7907; Janet Evans, 680-0555