Initially he saw the house as a temporary residence. He was already working with architects Greg Tankersley and Bobby McAlpine and designer Rochelle Warner on plans for a new home to be built a few miles away. However, he soon shelved that project and committed to an ambitious renovation of the old house.
Warner recommended the Alabama-based architectural duo to Gordon, having admired their work when she was living in England. “When we moved back to Salt Lake, I called to inquire about hiring them for our own home,” Warner says. “That didn’t work out, but I remembered how nice they were.” This time, it was a fit.
The foyer with a vintage rug leads to the formal dining room where antique English chairs surround a custom mahogany table.
Antique Arts and Crafts oak chairs line the 1910 oak refectory table. Painted demilune panels from England date to 1870. “Westminster Square” lanterns are reproductions from Empire Lighting.
The light well introduces natural light into this transitional space, which connects the formal rooms of the original house with the new conservatory. Chairs are upholstered in “Petite Fleur” fabric from Kerry Joyce. Wallpaper is “Trellis” by Morris & Co. through Zoffany.
Facing sofas are upholstered in “Spencer Velvet” from George Spencer Designs. The custom rug is from Regency Royale. The open book is a portfolio of Annie Leibovitz photographs.
Gordon’s home office features a Gothic English Oak library table with an original William Morris chair (at left).
Painted wainscoting and a medley of antique and reproduction furnishings and fabrics in the bedroom speak to the historic roots of the house. Fabric for the draperies, bedcover, pillow shams, and rocking chair is “The Ballad” by C.F.A. Voysey from J.R. Burrows & Co.
A focal point in the landscape, the Rapunzel tower was built as a playhouse but doubles as guest quarters. It is surrounded by perennial gardens with lavender, blue, and pastel blooms that complement the trim colors.
Abundant windows, a sparkly chandelier, and plenty of purple accents make up a pretty space.
