by Robert C. Martin | Photography by Tre Dunham
Constructing a Mediterranean villa in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany region is a centuries-old undertaking, but proposing such a home in the middle of Texas is quite a different matter. That’s what Austin architect John Hathaway faced when he was first approached with such an offer. “Once clients Cody and Ashley Christianson asked me to design an authentic Tuscan estate that incorporated a modern feel, I knew exactly what they were looking for: something that was not only timeless but also rustic and well-grounded,” John says.
Joining the architect in bringing the Christiansons’ vision to fruition, interior decorator Glynis Wood added her own contemporary flair to the residence. “Since this was my second new-home project for this young family, my approach was to mix their rustic tastes with a more transitional style and updated color scheme,” she notes. Wood used a variety of unique finds, like leather-strap hardware pulls in the kitchen, along with a petrified wood vessel sink in the master bathroom, which hint at both an aged refinement and exotic sleekness.
Because Cody is also an avid outdoorsman, the design team sought to reflect this affinity by selecting a palette of natural materials and textured finishes. The Christiansons’ villa is also amazingly light and open, which further blurs the line between the interiors and surrounding property. “By incorporating elements such as brick archways and various ceiling treatments to distinguish the different spaces,” Christianson points out, “we created a relaxed flow between rooms, which further promotes an unhindered way of living for my family.”
The generous use of limestone, both inside and out, was another important feature that established the villa’s blended character. “We called for two different sizes and styles of laying stone; the larger ones were reserved for the main elements of the home, while a smaller rubble mix denotes secondary elements and features, such as the home’s courtyards walls,” Hathaway explains. Some of the exterior details were even inspired by the architect’s trip to Siena, Italy. Hathaway says this interplay of stone surfaces allows the villa to appear as though it evolved in size and shape over time.
Summing up the results, Hathaway adds the final assessment of his and the design team’s efforts. “We set out to create a modern take on a classic Italian estate—which, I think, we accomplished.”
