July 2003 - Home Discovery Island Architect Finds a Home in Berkeley Hall John Pittman built his home. He dreamt it, designed it and contracted for what he intended to be a calling card reflecting his expertise. As an architect, AIA, NCARB, and a licensed interior designer, Pittman is uniquely qualified. Design-wise, he said, "This is where I am now. I build a new place for myself every two years or so.This is a department store of wares." This is "Courtwood," a Gothic farmhouse set in Berkeley Hall. Approached by a driveway of pavers reminiscent of cobblestone, the home features 8,000 sq. ft. of heated space; 10,000 sq. ft. under roof. The main structure, with exterior trimmed in decorative woodwork, is flanked by two smaller buildings connected by covered walkways. The European-style courtyard is made of identical pavers with a Berkeley Hall shield in the center. Enter through double glass doors of mahogany, and the interior echoes the outside. The foyer, marked by square columns with decorative woodwork, leads to a formal dining room wrapped in rich raspberry, faux finish walls and English pine, including a 125-year-old heart pine mantelpiece. Opposite is the similarily outfitted study. This combination of warm wood tones and deep red and olive shades is repeated throughout. Just beyond is the living room, which rises two stories to become the courtyard for the interior. Space flows from adjacent rooms at both levels with shutters creating privacy upstairs. Pittman's fascination with things theatrical begins here - locale for one of three in-home theatres. A high-definition TV is framed by a "reredos," similar to those used to screen altars in large basilicas. With a stuccoed faux finish, inspired by Spanish galleons, it blends with other materials to create a look from 150 years ago. The result is a design with three-dimensional tactile quality. Lap siding used backwards on walls is faux finished in a light tone. Tabby comprises the fireplace hood complete with an old brick hearth. Comfortable leather pieces invite visitors to linger, while tea-stained oriental carpets visually contain furniture on heart pine floors. Above, a pair of horizontal T-bar paddle fans, like ships' screw propellers, hang. Elegant French doors lead to a screened porch where the double-sided nature of the fireplace is immediately evident and the tabby hood repeats. Boat-grade mahogany offers ideal flooring for an inviting hot tub, while unusual directional fans of old fashioned looking metal adorn the ceiling. Boasting a volleyball court, a horseshoe area and koi pond with waterfall, the backyard beckons those seeking recreation or relaxation. Connected by a path of pavers is the picnic pavilion. Perfect for entertaining, this pole barn, modeled after old tobacco drying barns, features a fire pit big enough to cook a whole pig. The porch is also accessible from the master bedroom, located to the right of the living room. Dark olive walls and a celadon damask spread are offset by white woodwork and a pine bed and chest of drawers, while plantation shutters provide privacy. This room, adjacent to the master bath and closet, showcases the second theatre with a large, thin TV screen. Pittman prefers an open closet plan where all contents are visible and accessible. The bath area features Carrera marble tile, a combination shower and steam room and "loo" with toilet/bidet by Toto and a separate urinal. Opposite the living room is the kitchen with breakfast nook. Grey beadboard comprises walls and cabinet fronts, and counters are polished granite. A pot filler, faucet and spout set on the countertop, has its own drain and is ideal for filling cookware. Around the corner is a separate pantry with second frig, a laundry and utility room where the dog enjoys its own marble-tiled bath and shower. A wrapping room houses Ms. Pittman's sewing machine, and a safe room contains the programmable, computerized panels which control security and lighting. Upstairs access is possible via a handsome staircase or beautiful cherry woodlined elevator. Entrances to the girls' bedrooms with bath, the in-house guest room with bath and climatized storage complete this floor. Up a story is the pièce de résistance - a complete theatre with 14-ft. diagonal screen and LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) projector from Maxx, a stage, dressing room, kitchen, bath and footlights. The family enjoys a piano for karaoke plus several sets of drums. Pittman said, "When my daughters have sleep-overs, they prefer to crash up here rather than use the bedrooms." One carriage house, which can accommodate two cars and a studio, features a charming guest apartment. Repeating details such as beadboard and lap siding, it contains a living area with convertible sofa, kitchen, laundry, bath and an adjoining bedroom. It is an area designed "to make guests comfortable without staying too long," Pittman said. The second carriage house serves as an office for John Pittman, whose home reflects his personality. Which he says is as it should be. For above all, Pittman said, "Home is a sense of place." ™