Friday Favorites-This House Had Me At The Staircase!

It's not often I get to do design work in a mansion, let alone one that is, not only on the register of historic places, but was owned by a past governor of our state!  I had the opportunity this past week to consult with fellow designers concerning window treatments at Lounsbury House in Ridgefield, CT and was mesmerized by this beautiful and historic home!

Lounsbury House, as it is called now, was built by Phineas Chapman Lounsbury, the 53rd governor of CT who served from 1887-1889.  Phineas was born in Ridgefield in 1841 where he was raised and worked on his fathers farm.  He later went on to become governor and successful business man. 

From the moment I drove up I new this was going to be a great experience!  The home was designed and built in 1895 by  Charles C. Northrop and is in the Classic Revival style.  It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

As I stated in the title of this post, the staircase is what really had me from the start!  From the moment I walked through the front door it just drew me in, and since I knew I had to meet my colleagues on the second floor, up I went.  There was a meeting going on in one of the large rooms on the main level and many people mulling around in the expansive front hall so I wasn't able to get a shot of the stairs from the bottom.  A double staircase always makes a grand appearance and this one was no disappointment!

The home is now owned by the town of Ridgefield and is used as a community center as well as a venue for weddings and gatherings of all kinds.  It has a beautiful grounds and gardens which make a great backdrop for wedding photos.

 As I went up the sweeping stairs I had to stop to admire the detail and craftsmanship of the railing, balustrade and spindles.  I believe the wood used is mahogany. Fabulous light floods the space from the leaded glass windows from both front and back of the upper hallway. I can just imagine a beautiful bride coming down these stairs to meet her groom!

I found an old photo of one of the rooms on the Lounsbury House website showing a sideboard from the Empire period that is still there today and being incorporated into a more updated meeting room design. 

Dining Room-Lounsbury House

I am very happy to be a part of this project and hope to share more of the project as it progresses!

Thanks for stopping by, until next time!

Tina