This Chester County Home Boasts English Manor Allure

Photos by Jason Sandy / Angle Eye Photography

A country house inspired by tradition is a perfect fit for the rolling hills of Chester County.

Karen and Michael D’Allaird’s artfully conceived 5,800-square-foot Chester County home may be a recent build. But it has the look and feel of a centuries-old English Georgian country house, its large central stone core flanked by thoughtfully sited wings. Working with Period Architecture, the D’Allairds hit on just the right balance of 21st-century efficiency and European manor ambience. “The house is functional for the modern lifestyle yet feels timeless,” says Karen, a noted artist who draws inspiration from the natural world.

family room

Arched doorways on either side of the family room’s fireplace lead to the large eat-in kitchen, which has its own fireplace.

kitchen

It’s a home truly in harmony with its surroundings. “The siting of the residence played an important role in the overall feel,” says Jeffrey Dolan, Period’s cofounder and vice president. “By placing it within the natural contours of the rolling hills, the design captures a feeling of place like most country homes found in the European countryside.”

fireplace

In the family room, timber trusses and millwork create a vibe that’s grand yet cozy.

breakfast nook

Inside the home, natural light is ushered in through expansive windows. “Our home benefits from the morning sun, with views from every room and window,” the owner says.

Inside the home, natural light is ushered in through expansive windows. “Our home benefits from the morning sun, with views from every room and window,” Karen says.

bathroom

A thoughtful mix of wood, metals, plaster and stone provides warmth and texture throughout the interior. In the family room, timber trusses and millwork create a vibe that’s grand yet cozy. Just through the arched doorways on either side of the family room’s fireplace, the large eat-in kitchen has a fireplace of its own. “The receding arches make for an optimal and seamless flow,” says Karen.

Located above the garage, Karen D’Allaird’s studio is large enough for events and art classes.

art room

Located above the garage, Karen’s art studio is the ultimate work-from-home site. Designed to capture tableaus of the Pennsylvania countryside, it’s large enough for events and art classes.

The exterior of this Chester County home looks like an English manor
The couple originally planned to have an open breezeway connecting the garage to the house, with the option of enclosing it with a series of sliding glass doors later on. Period cofounder and president Joseph Mackin and his team persuaded the couple not to postpone the project. Large stacking doors open the breezeway to the pool on one side and the entry courtyard on the other. “With little extra cost and a few simple modifications, they elevated the breezeway to the same level of finish as the rest of the house,” Karen says. “We’re glad we listened.”