Property University Park (United States)
Comfortable elegance exemplified in custom built home designed in the Low Country vernacular by classicist Richard Drummond Davis, Architect. To quote the architect, the home is “a Greek Revival lower Mississippi River Valley plantation house.” The house was constructed by Douglas Lueckemeyer, constructor, on a custom basis for his mother in 1997. It is a nod to the deceased owner’s Mississippi lineage and association with the foundations of Southern Living Magazine; origins trace this publication back to the owner’s grandfather and The Progressive Farmer publication. In keeping with historical accuracy, the floor plan follows the dictates of a central axis. It is introduced by a Greek Revival façade, with wrap around northern and eastern oriented verandas. Haint blue beadboard pervades the ceilings, protecting the home on both levels. Plantation plank flooring is consistent throughout most of the first floor which consists of formal Library, formal Dining Room, Butlery, Kitchen with Breakfast-Keeping Room, and a Great Room occupying the central southern space. The Primary Suite is circuitously situated off a back hall, it completes the floor. The library features floor-to-ceiling shelving and twin sets of French doors opening to the lower veranda. The rich mahogany mantlepiece was carved by renown artisan, Gregor. Walls of bookcases define the space and reflect an era gone by. The Dining Room is generously scaled, transom windows and French doors, and dentil moldings contribute to its tall ceiling heights. Nearby the Kitchen and Butlery are on the assist. Beadboard ceiling treatments and knotty pine cabinetry built on site are hallmarks of the room. A magnificent fireplace warms the Breakfast-Keeping Room. Service hallways lead to twin offices, storage, full-service laundry, and a service bath. The service bath contains a piece of nostalgia; the porthole hearkens to the home’s central thesis, The Progressive Farmer publication. The offices are trimmed in grass cloth walls above a knotty pine wainscot. A three-bay garage is attached for convenience; an attic above provides abundant storage. The side hall also opens to ancillary parking and the Porte cochere. The Great Room, perfect for family gatherings, completes the flow. French doors lead to the rear grounds; a formidable stone fireplace anchors the east wall, lined with knotty pine bookcases. The adjoining Powder Room, brilliantly adorned in wallpaper accents, is situated off the slate surfaced foyer. The Primary Suite is circuitously situated for privacy. 12’ ceilings are authentic to the period. The fireplace with marble surround is a focal point. Access to the west lawn and garden is provided via a French door. Two baths, ensuite, serve the primary. “Her” bath is equipped with Bain Ultra tub, Water Works hardware, vanities, and a substantial walk-in closet. The “His” bath houses a handsome shower and similar walk-in closet. The suite views the south portico. Stone pillars support a wood board on board fence along the south lawn’s perimeter. The second floor, following a four-square footprint, consists of three ensuite bedrooms, occupying the SW, NW, and NE sections. Each bedroom has a unique fireplace! The north fronts open to the wrap around veranda and the southwest suite features a vaulted ceiling and an adjoining wrapping room. Plantation plank flooring maintains its footing throughout the floor. Built in desks are conducive to Faulknerian literary pursuits and each suite has a walk-in closet. A common landing leads to the north veranda, which surveys the surrounding Volk Estates neighborhood.
… $8,995,000
By Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
