Janet Butler
On Castro Design Studio’s “Process” page, the designers show the steps of a project from “chicken scratch” to finished product — a project that happens to be Redding, the Atlanta home featured here. At the end are the whimsical photos and comments, “House is used as a movie set (this part is optional),” and “…and featured in a magazine (this part is also optional).” It might not be the “norm” for every home, but this modern stone home deserves its “face time”: its distinctive design is a series of squares and rectangles that avoids a “boxlike” appearance through skilled use of landscaping. Graceful plantings soften the lines at the front entrance; a corner raised bed with feathery foliage helps set off any angles as you approach the back yard.
There you’ll find the shimmering pool, with a cascade flowing from its accompanying spa, and terraced steps that give owners outdoor options on multiple levels. Here are loungers with a cool green umbrella…there is a table and chairs, up two steps or so, with another bright cream umbrella, perfect for al fresco dining. The white stone exterior is uplit for romantic detail, even as the interior is easily seen from the exterior. And what an interior! Wide plank walnut flooring throughout; open plan with kitchen, granite-topped island, and seating area with fireplace and entertainment steps from one another. Around the corner is a formal dining room with “informal” centerpiece art…and even a library, complete with matching antique chairs. It’s no surprise that “Redding” ended up on the silver screen; this is a house with “star quality” through and through.
