A Coastal Retreat in the Heart
WHEN YOU ARRIVE at the Upton’s home nestled between tall pines in the heavily wooded Tchefuncta Country Club, you know this house would be just as well suited on a vast expanse of beach overlooking the sunset. The Upton’s home design resulted from a family trip to Jumby Bay in Antigua where Tricia and Tim fell in love with the architectural style and serene interiors, showed a photo to their interior designer, and the rest is history.
The entire home took on a relaxed coastal vibe with the help of architect Mike Piazza and interior designer Maria Barcelona. Entering the cottage’s foyer, you are welcomed into a whitewashed wooden paneled room and pulled in to the adjoining living room where you can see straight out through the French doors to the home’s outdoor space. The foyer’s white horizontal plank wood siding is carried through in all of the archways in the main living areas.
The antique heart pine floors flow throughout the house through each perfectly appointed and designed room. The living room is modern, comfortable and chic with a neutral, turquoise and golden color palette accented by subtle blue glass shelves and a custom geometric iron stair rail.
Two narrow bookcases accentuate the entrance into the living area, expertly styled with sea glass, abstract art and coral. But these are no ordinary bookcases. They swing outward, revealing two enormous closet spaces hidden behind the doors! “I didn’t want to see two doors when you first walked in,” said Maria, “the bookcases are much more welcoming and secret doorways are always fun.”
