It’s home tour season – that time of year when we get to peek into beautiful homes, be inspired and dream of what we might do in our own homes. So, an entire book dedicated to the stunning homes designed by one of the most preeminent architects, Connecticut based, Mark P. Finlay, was more than I could resist.
Country Houses: The Architecture of Mark P. Finlay highlights 12 of his projects and gives the reader a detailed architectural account of how they came to be. These are not the type of homes that are on your typical home tour, so it’s as if Mark has ushered us past the gates and granted us access to a world most of us only dream of.
Finlay does not strive to have a style attributed to him, but rather wants each home to reflect it’s owners. In his own words, his work is to create “a place that is a genuine and enduring celebration of the families who live there and not a structure done in a predictable signature.”
Of particular note, one of the 12 properties is located in my town of Rye, NY. Originally a summer residence of a New York City society family and its servants, the building was abandoned by the time his client discovered it. (The home has since changed hands). Finlay’s approach to the home’s historic fabric was to carefully restore surviving elements of the house and to blend new with old so thoughtfully that both appear devised by the original architect, the legendary Stanford White.
The other homes in the book are beautifully photographed, making this a thoughtful addition to your design library or as a gift for that person who appreciates great style!
I think most of us strive for what is important to Finlay when designing a home…”comfort, livability, utility and above all….joy”! I have no doubt that all of his clients are jumping for joy when he brings their dreams to reality!
Gorgeous!!!!!