A Toast To Good Taste
| Taking instruction from the chateaus and villages of Europe, the LeCronÆs design for this 15,000-square-foot home features architecture that is true to the function of the rooms inside.
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ItÆs often said that a manÆs house is his castle. This 15,000-square-foot residence in Southern California brings that adage to life, casting a regal presence over the changing palette of the surrounding vineyards.
The homeÆs eye-catching exterior features a castle-like charm, accented by circular stone towers, crenellated trim and formal gardensùsans the dragon.
"It really is unlike any other house in the area," says its builder Mark Hemming.
Capitalizing on a prime location in the Santa Ynez Valley, the very heart of Santa BarbaraÆs wine country, the homeÆs architects, Jim and Karen LeCron, drew inspiration from another area noted for its vineyards and fine wines: FranceÆs Loire Valley. The LeCrons toured the region in order to capture the authentic flavor of the French countryside in their design.
| Providing a second-floor haven for the homeowners, the master suite actually includes sleeping quarters, custom designed closet space, a separate sitting room and lavish bath.
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"What we found was that the grand style of the typical French Chateau was much too formal for our clientÆs tastes," says Jim LeCron. Rather, it was the architecture of the local villages that served as the inspiration for the 29-room homeÆs unique style.
"We couldnÆt escape the fact that this house was going to be very large, so we broke up its mass into a variety of pieces and parts. Then we spread that mass around," he says.
The homeÆs exterior features a variety of finishes, including board and batten-style accents and a combination of stone and stucco. Varied rooflines and dormers add character from every perspective. Circular towers attest to its European heritage. An arched bridge serves as both a unique porte cocherT and the base for a glassed-in walkway that connects the main residence and the spacious in-law quarters above the homeÆs six-car garage.
| A full-width window above the master bath offers a spectacular view of its own. Carefully selected finishes in this private retreat complement the homeÆs rich, European style.
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Grand though it may be, the home has a very comfortable feel to it, according to Hemming. "When you approach it," he says, "you expect it to be very ostentatious. But once you step inside, it has a real warmth."
The homeÆs secondary bedrooms are located on its main floor. Two guest suites offer privacy and comfort, one even includes a wet bar and a separate entry from the outside. "The homeowners wanted their guests to feel as though they were on vacation when they spend time here," says LeCron. "This way they can come and go as they please."
In addition to formal entertaining space, the main floor features a library, media room and vineyard office.
Occupying its own wing on the second floor, the master suite includes a spacious bedroom, sitting room, private balcony, customized dressing space and a lavish bath and exercise room.
| Casual and comfortable, the spacious kitchen features custom cabinetry and a wide combination of natural materials including granite, marble, limestone and slate. This area extends into its own mini-great room to be used when entertaining informally.
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The second floor also includes a Neverland-themed room, designed exclusively for the familyÆs young children to enjoy.
And this modern day castle features the latest in home automation, including computer outlets in each of the bedrooms.
The homeÆs rear-entry garage creates an interior courtyard, true to the style of the house. "You donÆt have to look at a massive garage as you drive up," says LeCron.
Completed in July 1999, the home had hard costs of $300 per square foot.
Builder | Mark Hemming, MHIC Construction, Santa Ynez, Calif.
Architect | Jim and Karen LeCron, Arri/LeCron Design Associates, Santa Barbara, Calif.
Major Products Used | Appliances: Viking | Cabinetry: Walker Zanger | Doors: Custom-Valley Oak Sash & Door | Exterior: Three-Coat Plaster | Fireplaces: Masonry | Flooring: Custom Walnut, Oshkosh Design Borders | Home Controls/Automation: Lutron | HVAC: Carrier | Lighting: Hans Duus Blacksmith | Plumbing Fixtures: Kohler | Roofing: American State | Windows: Weather Shield.
Also See:
Floorplan #1