Named after the families of deer that roam the grounds, and a silhouette that recalls the dogtrot style of house, this home is one of harmony and duality. Deertrot has a modest appearance from the front and uses unassuming materials on the exterior so as to stay true to its neighborhood's suburban character. By contrast, the interior of the home showcases the owners' treasures gathered from their world travels, and thoughtfully highlights their Indian-American heritage. At the rear of the home, large, more modern fenestration and vaulted living spaces provide ample natural light and bring the outdoors in. Roofs on each of the two volumes extend the interior to covered outdoor living spaces divided by a serene, low-maintenance Japanese-inspired rock garden.
Every detail of the home was carefully considered and precisely crafted so as to preserve and enhance the couple's lifestyle well into their golden years. It features an elegant and tranquil primary suite on the ground floor, situated so as to provide unobstructed views of their deep yard. Flattened thresholds provide seamless passages from one area to another, and the primary bathroom makes use of mosaic tile to invoke a traditional tribal pattern runner rug.
The house balances a modern sensibility with a respect for tradition, and invites conversation at every turn, which lends itself easily to the owners' love of entertaining. Custom millwork throughout the home elevates the owners' eclectic art and sculpture collection. CNC routers were used to fabricate a modern take on traditional jali screens--a common ornamental latticework in traditional Indian architecture--which create private nooks on the ground floor apart from the entry and main living space. The simple cabinetry complements the wide-plank engineered white oak floors throughout, forming a refined canvas for the owners' rotating collection of Indian rugs.
The grand living space and open chef's kitchen are contrasted by a concealed butler pantry and mudroom and a compact second floor with guest bedrooms. The home also features a comfortable lower level, perfect for relaxed gatherings and cozy nights spent reading or watching movies. These different zones are connected by a spectacular stair featuring large, south-facing windows spanning all three floors, which generously illuminate the home's interior and grants a feeling of airiness from top to bottom. The home is heated and cooled through a geothermal system.
Designed for connection and conversation, this living space is all about bringing people together. The centerpiece? A stunning linear gas fireplace set against bookmatched striated marble, perfectly complementing the vaulted ceiling above. Custom white oak millwork on either side showcases the homeowners’ curated collection of art from their travels—turning personal expression into an elegant display. With no television in sight, the focus remains on the warmth of gatherings and meaningful moments.
This striking steel and white oak open riser staircase anchors a triple-height, south-facing space that elegantly connects the basement, ground, and first floors. By inviting natural light to cascade through the stairwell, even the basement feels bright and welcoming throughout the day. In the evening, a stunning chandelier casts a soft, artful glow, transforming this functional feature into a centerpiece of design.
The front door of the Deertrot House hints at the thoughtful design and personal touches within. Inspired by a door the client photographed in India, its dark finish and oiled brass handle will gracefully patina over time, offering a glimpse of the treasures and personalized experiences awaiting inside this seemingly understated home.
Visitors are welcomed with a thoughtful invitation to take a seat and remove their shoes, setting the tone for comfort and care. A modern interpretation of a traditional Indian jali screen offers a glimpse through the main living space and into the lush rear yard. A custom-designed marble tabletop from Agra, embedded with semiprecious stones, has been transformed into a glowing framed lamp, highlighting the intricate depth and vibrant colors of the stones.
The primary bathroom suite features a heated tile floor, designed with a striking tribal rug runner motif that adds warmth and character. The vaulted ceiling floods the space with natural light, while varied glass transparencies ensure privacy without compromising brightness. A zero-threshold shower offers seamless access, allowing the homeowner to comfortably age in place with ease and elegance.
The chef's kitchen boasts an XL island, perfect for hosting friends and family while preparing meals. The thoughtfully designed cabinetry combines warm wood base cabinets with sleek back-painted glass uppers, seamlessly tying together the material palette of the open floor plan for a cohesive and inviting space.
The custom closets in the primary bedroom are designed to be as functional as they are beautiful. Each features personalized storage configurations tailored to the homeowner's needs.
Rattan inset panels bring warmth and texture to the design, while brass handles add a timeless elegance. This thoughtful combination of materials elevates the closets beyond mere storage, turning them into a refined element of the room's design.
Seamlessly integrated into the main kitchen cabinetry, the hidden butler’s pantry is a refined surprise.
Designed to showcase the owner’s wine collection, the room takes inspiration from the deep, rich tones of wine itself, creating a space that feels both elegant and intimate. This pantry offers functionality and sophistication, elevating the kitchen experience while keeping entertaining essentials close at hand.
Designed with ease of access and aging in place in mind, the primary bedroom is a generous retreat located on the ground floor.
This vaulted space features stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that invite natural light and frame views of the surrounding landscape. A cozy seating area offers a private escape for quiet moments, away from the activity of the main living spaces, making this suite both functional and serene.
The den at the Deer Trot House was designed to reflect how the homeowner connects with his family. During large gatherings, he prefers a quiet space to read, staying within earshot without being in the center of the conversation.
To honor this, the den is set just off the main living area, connected through a modern interpretation of an Indian jali screen—a traditional element from Indian fortresses and temples. This screen balances privacy and inclusion, creating a retreat where he can unwind while staying connected.
A custom hanging bench, perfectly centered with the window, fills the space with natural light for reading, while a grasscloth accent wall adds texture and warmth. This den is more than a design—it’s an elegant and personal reflection of the homeowner’s lifestyle.
The powder room embraces a more traditional aesthetic, highlighted by a cherished mirror the homeowner has treasured since childhood. The arabesque-themed tile adds a subtle nod to the homeowner's heritage, weaving personal history and cultural significance into the space. This thoughtful design creates a room that feels intimate, meaningful, and connected to the homeowner’s story.