White Marsh Residence in Blue Bell
Designed for an Irish stonemason and his family, the White Marsh Residence blends European Country influences with the texture and character of Shingle Style architecture, resulting in a new residence that feels distinctive yet enduring. From the outset, the design process was a close collaboration, allowing the homeowner’s masonry to become a defining feature throughout the home.
Resting upon a long, linear site, the home is carefully composed to balance a gracious public presence with privacy for everyday family life. A U-shaped entry and garden courtyard soften the scale of the façade while creating a welcoming threshold, buffered from the busy street by low stone walls and lush greenery. The arrival sequence is further defined by an arching wraparound driveway that provides both a sense of ceremony and accommodation for guest parking.
From its steeply pitched rooflines with cross gables to the deep overhangs supported by curving brackets, the exterior composition reflects careful attention to detail. White cedar shingle siding and a cedar shake roof are paired with barn dash stone, brick detailing, and European-inspired chimneys with terracotta chimney pots. Shingle-Style motifs, including diamond patterns in cedar shingles, railings, and leaded glass, lend texture and continuity across the elevations. Flared siding and roofs smooth the transitions between materials while also introducing moments of asymmetry and visual interest.
Inside, the home is designed to foster gathering and connection. At the center, a windowed stair tower vertically links all four floors of the home, drawing natural light into the interior. The family room and Shaker-style kitchen form the heart of daily life, united by a stone and brick masonry arch that defines the transition between spaces while maintaining openness. Paneled millwork, herringbone detailing, and tall, beamed ceilings create a layered interior environment derived from tradition. Secondary spaces, such as the children’s art room and a mudroom with dog run access, are incorporated into the floor plan to support work, play, and the everyday routines of an active family.
Daily life at the White Marsh Residence extends naturally to the rear of the property, where outdoor areas are designed to support both family activity and year-round enjoyment of the land. A covered porch with built-in grill and fireplace overlooks the grasses beyond, creating an ideal setting for entertaining outside. Terraces and walkways lead to the pool house and backyard with space set aside for beekeeping, enhancing the family’s connection to the landscape and its rhythms. What emerges is a deeply personal new home design, rooted in craftsmanship and intended to inspire for generations.
