Mainhouse

Don Francois Roban architect N.C.A.R.B.

Entering the estate from the Japanese car-bridge and driving to the main house you pass by this newly developed lake. The lake is a part of the site that is spring-fed but was little more than a marsh when we first began development. Every evening at sunset, when the Koi * in the upper lakes have been fed, the family gathers on the bridge to feed the turtles and visit with the swans. When you design with shibui concepts in mind you can alter and integrate the landscaping with the architecture. The end result adds new dimensions to the lifestyles of those involved within this world. * Koi are Japanese colored carp.

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Swan lake near Main House

On the drive to the main residence you pass this spring-fed pond. The roadway can be seen on the right. Until this time the visitor has not been allowed to see the residence and this is part of the adventure.

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On arrival at the front entry there is a broad landing-walk for cars. Two cars at a time can stop to let out guests here. A large copper lantern is set on a pedestal and it casts a warm glow over the walk in the evening. Two hanging copper lights are supported by outstretched beams at the entry gates. The surrounding giant oak tree are illuminated, with special moon-lighting fixtures attached to their top most branches. At night the site appears, as though bathed under a full moon.

Main Residence front entry

Main entry and landing :

Earth colored bricks of the driveway lead from the main gates of the estate, in a long winding path to the front entry of the residence. The house is intentionally set back from the landing. This was done to provide wide gentle steps leading up to the covered cloister entry. When you arrive at the inner patio and the gates close behind you, there is a sense of security. The front cloister wall is made of the same brick as the house but in a decorative pattern with openings between the bricks large enough to provide a good view of arriving guests. The low walls of the planters at each side of the steps are slanted in from the car landing making the width of the steps smaller as you approach the top. This design theory was called the welcoming arms and was frequently used at the entries of Bermuda houses.

Gardens looking from the front
photography by Don F. Roban

This is a view from the front of the house looking towards the guest house and the pond areas. The driveways can be seen running under the trees. The giant oaks are permanent residents of this site but the palms and flowering plants are new arrivals.

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