Living in the Country: The House that was designed as a romantic getaway
A couple wanted to redesign their house in a way that would reflect their memories and experiences of travelling abroad. This classically designed house opens onto a spacious garden that offers a sense of freedom and calm.
Planning & Design: Halel architecture & interior design, Shira Muskal and Hadas Roth
Location: Ramot Hashavim (a village in central Israel)
Space: 200 sqm
Photography: Oded Smadar
A young and dynamic couple sought to create a house that would exude a sense of freedom and pay tribute, through its design, to their wonderful experiences travelling the globe. The renovation was inspired by the international locations visited by the couple and designed in a way that would address their functional needs and their aesthetic taste.
The original property was partly enclosed by the garden, and the internal spaces were small and disorganized. The design plan focused on strengthening the advantages of the property whilst masking its flaws. The main goal was to make the most of the property’s potential and turn it into a whole and harmonious creation, along with its beautiful outdoor space.
Creating space in the right areas, straightening corners, and re-designing of the stairwell, all contributed to making the interior more spacious and organized. Along with a unique choice of materials and furnishings, the space was given an elegant and harmonious new look.
The renovated property, built on 200 sqm out of a 900 sqm land, has the classic characteristics of a small mansion overlooking a beautiful garden. A pebbled pathway leads to the property entrance giving the place a romantic and endearing feel.
A single light blue door leads to an inviting hallway. From the first step, the authentic and textured wooden floor can be seen in all its glory. Bit by bit, step by step, the rest of the house is slowly revealed.
A look to the left reveals the family room, a working space, and a staircase. Look straight ahead and the beautiful main living space is exposed, offering a view of the garden. Next to the main living space is a well-organized and unique guest toilet in shades of blue and black.
The family area is a cozy intimate space, home to an inviting blue velvet sofa and a soft rug. Surrounding the family area are two bedrooms, the children’s bathroom, and a well-planned utility room. The master bedroom is located further along and can be accessed from the main living space. The bedroom looks as though it was taken out of a romantic movie scene or a dreamy luxury vacation resort. The sloping beam ceiling, the swimming pool visible from the window and the windows themselves emphasize the sense of peace and calm. The en-suite is a direct continuation of the bedroom, with wooden floorboards, a sculpted bathtub, and a harmony of white decor.
The main living space includes a living room to the left and a dining area to the right. The original ceiling beams were replaced with new white-painted ones. Large windows give the space a sense of continuity that extends into the outdoors.
A gas fireplace is positioned in the lounge with bookcases on either side. The carpet, the inviting sofa and the richness of textiles complete this special design experience.
The dining area is adjacent to the kitchen and overlooks the back garden, whilst the kitchen overlooks the front garden. Both areas open onto the herb garden located alongside the property.
A walk up the stairs to the second floor offers additional surprising views of the space. This level includes an impressive guest unit that includes a classic bathroom and a bedroom that overlooks the garden. A small gym is situated next door, which overlooks the garden and swimming pool.
The garden can be accessed from the dining area, the living room, and the bedroom via a white deck-effect concrete path. The path continues to surround the grey marbelite pool.
The light pergola, the outdoor furniture, and the custom-made swing complete the design theme and stretch the experience from the property interior to its external surroundings. The large abundant garden was planned and created with much love and expertise by Robin Forman.
The house is rich in details, textures, and materials that were all carefully selected along with the client and represent her exquisite and impeccable taste.
Soft shades of white dominate the property while light blue, dark blue and black add touches of color throughout.