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P R O F I L E | B E T S Y B R O W N | P A U L B AT E S
C
reated for a couple of gardening
enthusiasts, this home epitomizes
country living at its best. A fresh,
modern take on Mediterranean
style presents a soft beige palette
complemented by materials such as mohair,
velvet and cashmere. With its loggias
and garden, this retreat, which reflects
the aesthetic of the very design-oriented
homeowners, is an invitation to indoor-
outdoor living with a perfect mix of antique,
vintage and contemporary pieces in a
pleasant atmosphere surrounded by nature.
With architecture by Paul Bates and interiors
by Betsy Brown, the 5,500-square-foot,
two-level, three-bedroom house — which
sits on 2.5 acres — is located in Mountain
Brook, in the countryside just south of
Birmingham, Alabama.
"In the 1920s, wealthy people from
Birmingham would build summer homes
on large parcels of land, where they could
have horses," says Bates. "This was a time
when families would travel to Europe and
be inspired by the beautiful presence of the
architecture of England, France, Spain and
other countries. The houses were strong
and had substance. It was the first time
Americans began to be inspired by the
history of Europe. The connection to the
landscape was obvious, and the two could
not be separated."
The homeowners, Patsy and Chuck, are an
empty nest couple and avid gardeners who
were first inspired by Spanish architecture
while living in California. "Mediterranean
architecture is often about connecting the
indoor rooms to the landscape and giving
importance to the outdoor spaces," says
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