Country House in Virginia

Located about 50 miles from Washington, D.C, owner Diana Cummings, a horse enthusiast, worked with Virginia architect Mark Buchanan to build a French-inspired country house; and with interior designer Shoshana Datlow to make the interiors elegant but rustic and welcoming at the same time.


Buchanan was inspired by a 17th-century French single-stall-wide horse stable. He used local fieldstone for the exterior.


A pea-stone courtyard fronting the house is shaded by a black iron tonnelle, or arbor, with a bamboo roof.


A pet door in the mudroom allows the homeowner’s two dogs, two cats, and even visiting dogs to pop in and out on their own schedules.


An American chestnut farm table under a rustic antler chandelier in the kitchen. Architect Mark Buchanan incorporated natural elements such as weathered Douglas fir ceiling timbers and oak-plank or limestone-tile floors.


A Cordova cream limestone fireplace is flanked by Harden Furniture armchairs, with the backs covered in fabric from Kravet’s Museum of New Mexico Collection. Interior designer Shoshana Datlow finished the plaster walls with a three-color wash, creating a warm, mellow ambience. The classical bronze on the mantel is Woman with Deer, circa 1900, by Karl Bitter.


French doors in the den open to a sheltered courtyard and views of the Virginia countryside. An inviting gold armchair, floor lamp, and built-in bookshelves designed by architect Mark Buchanan make the room a cozy reading spot.


The spacious master bathroom with a lofty vaulted ceiling and windows that look out on the garden. Simple plantation shutters provide privacy and keep the space light and airy.

A pity there isn't a photograph of the bedrooms. This will have to do then, hope you enjoyed today's tour!

Photography by Ron Blunt
All images and information from here.