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French-born
designer Chantal Dussouchaud has an eye for a structure’s
inherent beauty and the skill to bring it to life. Working
with her equally talented husband, Harry Dolman, she restores
balance to proportions, creates a harmonious flow, and gives
a home a definitive personality. What started out for the
couple as another restoration project turned into a love affair
with the property. And after their daughter was born early
last year, it was time to set down real roots.
Originally designed by Austin Pierpont in 1933, the residence
has been expanded to a 2½-acre property that includes
two guesthouses, a tennis court with a cabaña, a pool,
and a fruit orchard. The newly designed formal stone entry
courtyard features a fountain typical of those found in small
French towns and instantly sets a tone of serenity. Given
how well the structures now form a coherent entity and blend
in with the landscape, it’s hard to believe that anything
at all has been changed over the past few decades. Despite
its large footprint, this French country-style residence feels
cozy and intimate.
Chantal is a great believer in recycling, efficiency as well
as comfort, and finding inexpensive furnishing. Old oak planks
were reclaimed during the remodeling process and used on the
floors in part of the house; the external shutters are more
than decorative and ward off the summer heat; and simple techniques
are used to upgrade reclaimed furniture. The interior is decorated
in cool colors and with art created by Chantal – stencils
of her favorite poetic or literary quotations adorn bare walls,
hang in frames, and even decorate a flag.
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