Surrounded by orchards, fields and herb gardens, this country estate was the dream of a British couple who, after more than 20 years in the United States, decided to reconnect with nature to start a farm in the hills of the Midwest.
“The clients were looking for land to move from the city and return to their British roots. Initially it was just a farm, a beautiful plot with a forest and a natural stream running through it. I told the clients that if they didn't buy it, I would!” recounts landscape architect Hoerr Schaudt.
The architecture firm Northworks, together with landscape architect Hoerr Schaudt and interior design firm Skin, gave shape to this couple's wish: to create a country home, surrounded by a greenhouse, flowers and ample space for entertaining. "As an homage to their English culture. Our clients wanted to create a working farm that would be comfortable, where they could host family and friends. It was critical for them to prioritise nature while honouring the existing landscape. We began working with Hoerr Schaudt's team to create a cohesive whole: the main house is reminiscent of a traditional farmhouse, we created an irregular layout that would lead residents through the shared spaces. Each space, including the main bedroom and office, required a direct connection to the outdoors, which was achieved through the construction of a terrace that continues into the large lawn," Northworks architects recount.
The interior design involved leaning into British style: wallpapers, rich colours, flowers, natural hues, antiques and special pieces from the clients' travels. "Our goal was to ensure that all materials and architectural details took priority over the choice of furniture and fabrics, to allow for proper coordination," says Lauren Lozano Ziol, designer at Skin Interior, who continues, "my favourite room is the dining room; IKSEL's floral wallpaper lends a magical element to the home and creates an intimate space in which to dine. The wallpaper adjacent to the white chandelier with murano glass feathers creates a unique ambiance in the house. The recessed bar serves as a treasure chest to display the client's collection of vintage items."
The living room includes a wall full of artwork from the client's own collection, framed by antique furniture and classic English furnishings by George Smith. The panelled library and arched steel and glass doors, along with the metal and glass windows, create a continuous indoor-outdoor feel. Another great feature is the extensive use of stone: from the masonry fireplaces, to the exterior walls of the house and in the freestanding walls surrounding the estate.
"We planned the whole project over three years. The project represents a desire for an escape from the city in a hidden rural setting; it's really a working farm with alpacas, a lake with fish, a beautiful orchard, vegetables and herbs, and a garden with an outdoor fireplace. It's a piece of English countryside paradise tucked away in southeast Michigan," Hoerr Schaudt concludes.
