The house is a year round residence set on the crest of a hill bounded by ancient stone walls on all sides. The property is 9.7 acres and is approached on a steep uphill road that is a half-mile from the main road. The wonderful views of the surrounding fields and stone walls are only fully realized when entering the house.
The central space of the house is entered by half-level steps that start at the driveway and land under the expressed staircase into the gallery. The garage and painting studio are at the driveway level. that runs the entire length of the front. The kitchen, dining room and living room/family room as well as the master bedroom suite are off the gallery that runs the entire length of the front. Every space on this level enjoys the view of the open landscape to the west. Simultaneously, the upper level of the house, containing 2 bedrooms and 2 offices, rises up and floats above the gallery below.
The interior space of the house flows outdoors through a terrace off the kitchen, an alley of apple trees off of the master bedroom and a fenced flower and vegetable garden also off the master bedroom.
The house is a hybrid structure constructed of a wood and steel frame sitting on a concrete base. Windows and doors set through the masonry isolate independent views of the landscape. The interior walls are treated as free elements within this masonry and steel shell and sit on a stone floor that is radiant-heated. The second floor is a floating tube that is shaped in a trapezoid shape and sits on the rectangular shapes of the living area and master bedroom area.