For this expansive 140-acre waterfront compound near Tampa, Florida, design firm Taylor & Taylor paid homage to the impressive estates of the past, specifically the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, The Breakers in Rhode Island and Versailles, with interiors that are predominately in the French country style but with an understated splendor. Located on Lake Thonotosassa, the complex includes a three-story guest cottage, horse stables, barns, a dovecote and garages perfect for housing the client’s car collection. This impressive home is featured, along with 9 others, in a new monograph from the firm, Classic Florida Style: The Houses of Taylor & Taylor.
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| Louis XV bergères with embroidered backs are a focal point in the parlor. Other pieces include a linen rug, a pair of French Bombay chests with marble tops and a 1950's glass and brass coffee table. |
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| The walls in the dining room come to life thanks to a silk mural depicting oranges and palms. The Italian bench in the background features finely detailed carvings covered in gold leaf and upholstery of broad panels of tangerine and white silk. The French chandeliers sparkle thanks to triple rock crystal. Antique French country chairs, purchased at Cedric DuPont Antiques, are upholstered in checkered silk to complete the space. |
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| The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles inspired the long room. The walls are covered in Swedish milk paint in a gray-green hue with gold leaf detail while the floors are covered in custom carpets featuring a pattern of black-and-white flowers on an acid green field. |
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| A jute carpet by Doris Leslie Blau sits on a wood floor made of scrubbed oak and draws the eye into an adjacent pub room that boasts a mood-setting chandelier of alabaster. |
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| The fireplace in the hearth room is clad in Texas limestone. Window treatments depicting monochromatic sunflowers hang over two sets of French doors. The cocktail table is made of reclaimed wood and is by Dos Gallos. |
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| Black-and-white striped awnings and cushions in Sunbrella fabric bring a taste of the Côte d’Azur to an outdoor seating area. Resin Adirondack chairs in a lilac hue add a contemporary note to the ensemble. |
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| www.taylorntaylor.com Questions? You can find more info at https://www.facebook.com/DesignSenseFlorida |
