Stroud Residence

The bedroom, opening to the client’s beautiful garden, is a simple sanctuary. In the more public areas of this home, we opened up walls to connect spaces and allow for large gatherings of the client’s extended family and friends. The bedroom area is set apart for quiet and seclusion. A corner window catches morning sun.

A second bedroom was converted to an “away room”, a room with glass pocket doors that can be opened to the living room, or can be within view of the living room but quieter with closed doors, or can function as a guest bedroom with thick drapes drawn over the glass doors and entered from a second door from a more private hallway. The window seat can be pulled out to make a queen-sized bed. The “away room” gives the client flexibility for different times when different people are in the house.

Soft colors and natural materials in the bathrooms and a large bathroom window next to a private small area of the garden give a peaceful atmosphere.

“As I walk through my house now, every room has something beautiful: the living room, dining room and kitchen are connected by cherry counters (with storage underneath) and soaring arches; the study has built-in bookcases and file cabinets; the "away room" has a bumped-out window seat that doubles as a guest bed; and the master bedroom has a raised ceiling with striking wooden beams overhead. Alexandra managed to fit a jacuzzi tub, steam shower with bench, toilet & sink and a built-in dressing table into the 6' x 10' master bath.

The house has been wonderful for gatherings of my extended family. The connected core of the house has several areas where my family can cook, play table games, and sit around the fire, separated by counters, but all connected visually. In the "away room", someone can watch TV with the pocket doors closed for soundproofing, but still be able to see the fire in the living room fireplace. Nooks provide sleeping space for visitors when needed. Eight family members can now sleep in my small house with a modicum of privacy.

Friends who visit ask me how I can bear to leave the house to go to work! ”

--Client