Expanses of glass in steel-framed windows and a mono-slope roof that rises to 17 feet allow this James Island house, overlooking the Stono River, to capture epic sunsets.
Wide Open: The inspiration for this James Island home was the homeowners’ traditional colonial-style house in West Ashley, with a modern steel-and-glass addition designed by famous architects Clark + Menefee. “That was our favorite part of the house,” says the homeowner, who hired architects Rush and Judy Dixon, disciples of the now-defunct firm, for their new project. Signature features are its mono-slope roof and steel doors and windows that welcome in views of the Stono River.
Warming Trend: The open plan living room/dining room/kitchen is dominated by a shapely Thayer Coggin sectional, selected by designer Allison Elebash to break up the space and create a more intimate seating area. The camel-colored mohair sofa is complemented by a circa-1970 Enrique Garcel coconut shell coffee table. The warm, natural colors align with the cypress ceiling and views of the oak trees beyond.
The Light Fantastic: The play of light in the home is part of the design, highlighting intentional, uncluttered pieces such as the custom walnut bookcase by Spiridon. The sculptural Lumfardo chandelier adds contrast.
Kitchen Confidence: A honed Calacatta Namibia marble backsplash creates a dramatic focal point. A charcoal suede soapstone countertop from Silestone provides a durable work space for the wife, who loves to cook on the La Cornue range. Pale blue bar stools designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, a Danish-designed Moller Trolley, and vintage 1960s Prague bentwood chairs add serious mid-century style cred.
A Room of One’s Own: A green jute grass-cloth wall covering envelopes the wife’s office, creating a calming, inspiring space. A custom walnut bookcase houses her antique book collection, and the round white quartz coffee table from CB2 balances the space.
The husband’s more understated office, takes advantage of river views from the Thayer Coggin sofa, while the Italian coffee table from Elizabeth Stuart Design adds flair.
Both offices have en-suites and can double as bedrooms. The honed mosaic shower tile in the wife’s office bath is artfully reflected in the mirror flanked by two vintage-inspired sconces.
An accent wall covered in Phillip Jeffries’ “The Grove” in “Majestic Frond” creates a tropical vibe in the primary bedroom. “It makes it feel like an extension of the outside,” says Elebash.
A wall of polished mosaic marble from Italy provides a similar statement piece in the en-suite bathroom, where custom mirrors from Artisan Woodworks reflect elegant Workstead “Tower Pendants.”
Upstairs, a large den is the ideal hangout for the couple’s three adult sons, complete with a wet bar, mini fridge, and views of the Stono. The “Parasol Stitch” wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries accents the natural scene outside.
The three bedrooms in this wing have a stylish feel, highlighted by key pieces such as a burl wood desk and “Marte” lounge chair from Urban Outfitters.
“Capri” teak sofas and chairs from Restoration Hardware on the expansive bluestone patio are just one of many spots to take in the view.
The infinity pool installed by Atkinson Pools sinks seamlessly into the garden, designed by landscape architect Steve Dudash.
A minimalist, modern home on the banks of the Stono River marries the beauty of the Lowcountry with stylish practicality for one couple’s golden years
