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.