Home & Design

Living History

Purple Cherry Architects restores a grand waterfront home with modern amenities and a nod to the past

Project of the year
Purple Cherry Architects

Purple Cherry Architects was hired to renovate a turn-of-the-century, waterfront abode, tripling its size to 14,000 square feet. The owners wished to live in just one part of the house, but to be able to open the rest of it up for use when kids and grandkids are visiting.

Principal Cathy Purple Cherry and her team designed a harmonious plan that maximizes water views by retaining the home’s one-room-deep footprint and adding windows that look straight through upon approach. Highlights include an octagonal bedroom above a screened porch on the corner of the existing house. Chicago brick floors, built-ins and furniture made from reclaimed wood from trees removed during construction are a nod to the history and age of the site.

FACTS + STATS
Purple Cherry Architects has been in business for 22 years. Its staff of 15 executes 40 projects a year ranging from $1 million to $25 million.

1 Melvin Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401; 410-990-1700

701 Water Street E., Charlottesville, Virginia 22902; 434-245-2211

purplecherry.com

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