Liberty Estate: A Home Designed from a Lifetime of Memories
The Story Behind Liberty Estate
This project is a special one. Named for both the famous store in London as well as the word’s meaning of freedom, if Ashley were a home, this would be it. She was able to make all of the selections and derived inspiration from all of her favorite places tied to special memories during her life. She worked closely with Doorworks to make all of the door, paneling, surrounds, ceiling details and moulding - specific and custom to each area and room. Born out of love and designed with grit and determination and a resilient spirit to never ever give up, Liberty Estate was her dream and if her favorite moments could be preserved and transferred into interiors, this home is exactly that.
Inspired by Places & Memories
She provided specific inspiration for the exterior (modeled after estate homes in England) and the Pool House which differs greatly in style from the main home property - Ashley wanted a deep green structure, similar in tone to the PGA Golf Master’s (which Ashley visited once and wanted to capture that memory into this structure) with black steel grid floor to ceiling height doors and windows on all sides with a copper bell-shaped curve roof that will patina beautifully with time, like life’s favorite moments. The pool tile and furnishings will also be green and white in homage to the Master’s Golf Tournament, and the backyard area Ashley worked with the landscape architect, Landscape Resources, to plan - complete with citrus and olive trees, lavender, and a small herb garden area.
For the exterior pavers, Ashley selected a light taupe stone and for the driveway Ashley selected cobblestone like pavers - similar to ones in England. The home has Marvin windows and includes a few that are custom Antique seeded windows for the Pantry and a Closet.
Thoughtful Details, Room by Room
In the entry, Ashley selected light oak stain grade paneling with a ceiling medallion and antique brass sconces with flames - similar to the Statue of Liberty’s flame - that she selected at the Paris Flea Market. The Office is very masculine with cognac color cabinetry and walls painted a deep green hue with framed antique golf lithographs and brass lighting with knurled detail.
For the Teen Room, Ashley drew inspiration from Aspen and selected stain grade paneling, a large circular light fixture, and a limestone fireplace mantle in the Tudor style and hopes to give it somewhat of a lodge feel! The outdoor pool shower is a brass Kohler fixture and hand held faucet that are similar to ones you may find in England!
The Great Room built-ins are stain grade and correspond with the Kitchen Island and Hood in white oak. The coffered ceiling detail was custom selected for this space and is grand and beautiful. The oversize Kitchen hood is designed to be the star of the room with a custom carved olive wreath which is a powerful symbol of peace, victory and triumph.
The Dining Area has beautiful wainscoting and Schumacher wallpaper with an art piece by Jan Wier, an artist in Pennsylvania, selected specifically for this room as a reminder to family and guests to search for the good in each day! The Pantry features tile in a checkered pattern with brass inlay, olive hued cabinetry, and platter displays (of which Ashley collects antique platters). The Mud Room is a deep green hue similar to hunting rooms in England.
The Powder Bathroom features marble baseboards and a marble countertop with paneling on both the vanity area as well as the partition wall. The chinoiserie wallpaper in a light pink, green, and blue tones is beautiful and happy - how she hopes guests will feel when entering, and the mint green and brass pendant light ties in with it beautifully!
The Laundry Room is one of her favorite spaces in the home and Ashley drew inspiration from a trip to Paris. Each of the design elements were carefully thought out and curated - light muted blue cabinetry, a triangle detail above the washer and dryer, limestone backsplash tile installed to ceiling height, a farmhouse sink, an island with workspace, and two beautiful pendants for additional lighting. This room captures one of her favorite memories!
Designed with Family in Mind
The stairway includes a few surprises - one being some of the railings are hand carved as paintbrushes - an homage to Ashley’s children who have always loved to paint and artistry! And a hidden drawer for notes of adoration to her children.
The upstairs includes one of Ashley’s favorite spaces to design - the Loft - complete with a British storefront design of paneling, antiqued glass in a mushroom hue and the interior completely color-drenched in a muted pink (similar to a store in Manhattan) with curved cabinetry openings, LED lighting, and statement pendants that draw your eyes inward from the exterior of this room. The inner side of the storefront hallway includes a long bench with drawer storage underneath for toys - it is a kids playroom after all!
The hallway to the Kids Bedrooms includes column millwork - similar to an interior of a Manhattan brownstone. Each of the kids bedrooms has design details specific to each child and their beloved interests. Ashley’s hope is that when her children are going to bed and looking up at their ceiling details, they will know it was designed by their mom and stepmother and how loved they are!
A Personal Retreat
The Primary Suite includes entry doors that close into the walls when opened (a design detail found in homes in Europe) and His closet includes shoe storage for a Nike shoe collection. Exposed walls are covered in a sophisticated plaid wallpaper and complete with a masculine light fixture. Her closet, expansive with all taupe cabinetry and one piece also designed by Burdette and painted its own shade named “Georgetown Pink” - an area in DC where Ashley used to work.
The Primary Bedroom has a beautiful fireplace mantle, French in style by Visionmakers, with built-ins on both sides, a gorgeous chandelier, and millwork that is subtle and serene. The wellness room is also light and airy and houses a sauna and cold plunge.
The Primary Bathroom vanities were designed to look like antique dressers by Burdette Cabinetry and complete with marble countertops by Summit Stone. The floor has marble herringbone tile installed by LuxGroup that flows into the shower which has custom his and her benches made from the same material. This steam shower has a beautiful alcove entry. Burdette also made a hutch to look like an antique piece with custom doors and it is a beautiful statement piece in this area.
A Testament to Never Giving Up
While life may not always go as planned, similar to a building of any capacity, Liberty Estate is a testament of Ashley's love and adoration for those closest to her and to God, and the completed structure will stand as a symbol of her decision, and for others, to choose to never give up!