It is a well-known fact that wine and some cheeses get better with age. Well, here is a house that RDDA designed ten years ago that will undoubtedly get even better with age–and not just because of its timeless classical design.  From the start, Richard Davis and the client knew that only cut limestone would be good enough for this elegant home in Highland Park.  Cast stone was never a consideration.

Cut limestone has a rich, smooth texture, which weathers naturally over time with the color mellowing and blending into a lovely patina.  Because it contains no artificial coloring agents that could fade and no reinforcement rods that could rust, the appearance of the stone actually improves with age.

RDDA pared down the complexity of detail in the exterior stonework in order to make using an entire limestone exterior fit within the client’s budget. But the reduced ornamentation stopped there.

Immediately inside the front doors, ornamentation abounds.  The central feature of the house is an elliptical dome that soars above the elliptical-shaped entry hall.

Sumptuously ornate plasterwork in the French Classical style of Louis XIV fills the entry hall.

RDDA drew detailed designs for the entry hall, dining room, stair hall, and front living area.

The firm designed and selected the molding, millwork, paneling, and ceilings for the primary rooms, including the elegant plaster moldings that surround the dining room.  RDDA worked in concert with interior designer Barry Williams, whose expertise in French architectural interiors enhanced RDDA’s design.

Typically a home of this level of grandeur would have a formal sitting area at the front of the house.  The client for this project had a different idea and chose to use the living area at the front of the house to create a “tavern in a library.” The space still maintains a certain level of formality, yet evokes a warm, welcoming area for entertaining that contrasts with the elegant formality of dining room.

The kitchen and adjacent family room provide a comfortable area for the family to spend their leisure time.

The master bedroom and bath are a sanctuary in and of themselves.

The climate-controlled, five-car garage is tucked neatly underneath the house with an elevator for easy access to the upper floors.

An outdoor living area overlooks the pool and manicured lawn.

The rear facade is every bit as beautiful and imposing as the front. Richard Davis notes that the roof line is foreshortened due to the zoning restrictions limiting height in Highland Park. If he had had his way, the roof would be taller with a steeper pitch.

The builder for the project was Jim Reilly.

The house is currently for sale, listed with Julie Boren of Dave Perry-Miller Realtors.