November 13,2022

New Outlook on the Shingle Style

by David Stewart

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A 10,000-square-foot residence designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects sits at the rocky edge of an island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. "Part of the charm of the site," notes Stern, "is that the harbor is animated by the comings and goings of ferryboats and floatplanes."

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The driveway curves around the north side of the Shingle Style house.

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Clad in bluestone with Douglas fir trim, the octagonal tower, which has a 180-degree view of the water and neighboring islands, serves as a lighthouse of sorts.

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The breakfast porch is at the southeast corner of the main house. Cushion fabric, Perennials. Teak table and chairs, Sutherland.

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On the second floor of the tower, the study's dark walnut paneling and ceiling help accentuate the view. Kilim, FJ Hakimian.

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The painting, The Shepherd King by Diana Dean, "helped flesh out the palette of the living and dining areas," says architect John Gilmer, who did the interior design. Fonthill silk chenille on sofas at left, with Samuel Sons trim and Larsen silk velvet on pillows. Regency wing chair fabric, Donghia. Linen on caned chairs, Rogers Goffigon. Kidney sofa fabric, Scalamandré. Trim on Fortuny pillows, Clarence House. Antique rug, Sotheby's. Barley-twist table lamp, Vaughan. Low table, Holly Hunt.

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The bowed ceiling in the master bedroom is made of Douglas fir. Lumbar-pillow trim, Scalamandré. Early-20th-century Swedish rug, FJ Hakimian. Teak outdoor furniture, Sutherland. Bronze floor lamp, in corner, Paul Ferrante.

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The husband's bath features a hinoki tub. Grass-cloth wallcovering, Donghia. Mosaic shower tile, Artistic Tile. Fixtures, Lefroy Brooks. Steam shower, Steamist.

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Warm late-afternoon light falls across the spa building, which almost seems to be growing up out of the island's grass-covered rock outcropping.

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The chandelier in the spa provides a modern, sculptural counterpoint to the red cedar. The glass tile, from Anne Sacks, "was chosen to echo the water of the ocean," says Gilmer. Daybed cushion and chaise fabrics, Perennials. Dark pillow fabric, Donghia.

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The first-floor layout of the main house.

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The ancillary buildings were located "below the house, closer to the water, to draw you off the porch to really experience the wonderful site," says Stern. The teahouse is an optimal place to watch sunsets over the harbor.

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The roof of the boathouse recalls the cross section of an overturned boat. The floating dock also provides access to seaplanes.

  • David Stewart
  • November 13,2022

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