Villa Venezia

Lee Rumora, AIA, designed this home to capture the architecture of Italy at our client’s request. To do this, he borrowed details from Italian originals. These details include recessed entry front porches with arches above and a low-pitched roof with broad overhanging boxed eaves and decorative brackets beneath. Other details of note include quoins, roof line balustrades, molded cornices, belt courses, and stucco or masonry-veneer walls.

A private first floor laundry and mudroom stand across from the side and garage entries of the home. This design allows immediate access for homeowners with children. A separate stairway also descends to the basement from the spacious, three-car garage.

Upon entering this lovely Italian Renaissance style home through its front door, one gets an immediate sense of the space’s depth and detail. The first of two custom-built staircases lies directly ahead, boasting an over-the-post handrail and full volute. These are further complemented by powder-coated wrought iron balusters and poplar newel posts. Throughout the two-story foyer of this 4,160 square foot, 5 bedroom, 4 ½ half bath home, Italian porcelain tile flooring presents a first impression of sophistication and grace. 

High above the foyer, a vaulted ceiling carries over into the two-and-a-half story great room where 4” x 12” solid sugar pine ridge beams with 3” x 6” purlins frame aged poplar planks. The planks have been stained at 25% the strength of the stain used on the sugar pine beams to produce a two-tone effect.

On the right, French doors open out from a study with its own fireplace and exterior access. A spacious, 200-square-foot dining room lies on the left. Its custom-built columns include both flat and radius panels, routed staff bead, and carved wood moldings. The raised tray ceiling and recessed buffet are also trimmed with detailed crown and valance. 

Porcelain tile continues to guide foot traffic flow through a dazzling colonnade. From here, a first-floor master suite is accessible to the right. The great room, which includes a recessed masonry fireplace with a custom carved limestone mantel, legs, and hearth, beckons from the left.

The home’s second stairway provides easy access to the back of the home. Past the powder room and under an arch, a generous 18’ x 25’ kitchen and casual dining area wait to be utilized. The space boasts a true commercial double oven, broiler, and six burner gas stainless steel range framed by hickory cabinets. Granite countertops highlight a large island with an additional electric cooktop, vegetable prep sink, under-counter wine refrigerator, and seating for five. A recessed bay in the casual dining area provides extra seating room to accommodate any size of gathering. 

Visible throughout the home, poplar 4 ½” casing with custom back band, 7 ¼” baseboard and custom-made, three-panel poplar doors thread together a cohesive look from level to level.

Speaking of levels, the second floor contains an additional four bedrooms, three bathrooms (including one jack and jill), and a large 18’ x 21’ game room. On either side of its wide hallway, sweeping views of the great room and foyer serve to bolster the timeless magic of this lovely Italian Renaissance style home.