The Heart of the Family Gathering
Keenly North Creek Farm became the focal point for their growing family of two, now four adult children, and they are counted with seven grandchildren. The house is put together so that it is integrated but with enough space for solitude moments. That makes it such a winter holiday destination as here, merriment and quiet reflection go hand in hand.
For Ed, formerly engaged with publication and now a biographer of renown, what attracted him about this place was the quiet–a quiet setting where he could work and relax, in contrast to much of Dolores’ past professional work with Polo Ralph Lauren in public relations traducing her with a flair for architecture, imagining a home that would blend the elegance of being with the ease of being at home.
“This house alone is perfect in quiet for the two of us,” says Dolores. “But it really comes to life when the family throws itself into the mix.”
Blending Old and New Redefining Traditional
To make that happen, they turned to interior designer Rob Southern, who crafted a space around the traditional charm of the home complex while introducing contemporary notes. It was pretty clear from the start: a true adaptable environment where the house could go effortlessly from relaxed weekends in the country to the boisterous festivities of family holidays.
“The key was a synthesis of old with the new,” Southern explains. “This is a house where heritage matters, but it also needed to work for a modern life-comfort, function, and room to play and work.”
Spaces for Every Mood
At complete North Creek Farm, those rooms have been designed and created for different functionality. The Game Room, where grandchildren play Monopoly or take time for some impromptu baby fashion shows, features walls in a delicate light blue and ivory from a bird-and-branch design from the 18th century. This living room is anchored by a crewel fabric that is bright, bold, handcrafted, which ties the eclectic, modern style of the room to the home’s very 19th-century origins.
Heirloom furniture-like the antique wooden dining table and upholstered chairs by Cowtan & Tout-are set in the dining area, which is often the site of raucous family dinners, while an elegant brass chandelier provides a splendid accompaniment. The design seeks beauty and practicality even in minimally decorated areas, like the white cabinetry and sleek black countertops found in the kitchen.
Natural Beauty In and Out
The thoroughfare of man and nature closely follows through on the materials and color-the interior design of the house. Every room in the house offers a charming view, not deprived of calming vistas of the gardens, big barns, or indeed, the placid lake adjacent to it. Keeping the color palette soft and neutral, Southern sought inspiration from the natural beauty enfolding the house.
“Outsiders dictated my insides,” were his words noting the soothing earth tones and floral patterns that filled the house. Spaces were designed with comfort kept in mind, with respect to the natural rhythm of seasons and a need for a home that could accommodate lazy winters flanked by riotous summers.
A Family Legacy
The things that really make North Creek Farm special are that it is this haven for the family as well as a space to come together. Be it informal weekend gatherings or red-letter holiday meals, the house has been where many moments of quiet family intimacy have been broken by great celebrations. Dolores, Ed, and their family relish every corner of the wonderful property, from the expanse of land that stretches out into the horizon to the cozy, thoughtful interiors.
“This is some place where everybody can just be. Where they can walk away from whatever their worries are and enjoy a little bit of fun and joy and create memories,” says Dolores. Most times working in his study with views over the farm, Ed finds that the serenity is beyond price. “There’s a quiet energy here,” he shares. “It’s perfect for writing, thinking, and being.”
North Creek Farm, as seasons progress and the family keeps expanding, remains to be an example of how beautifully one can blend tradition and modern sensibilities to achieve a timeless yet warm, serene yet alive home. Truly, a family legacy, which shall be preserved and cherished by future generations.
