J. Elinor Lerch Michael Jacob

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The first thing you notice is the serenity of the setting. At the end of a picturesque lane, tucked into the base of a wooded slope capped with a deer run, this home is indeed happily situated. The graceful wildlife obviously find the setting most agreeable – as many as two dozen deer often gather at dusk in the backyard, unaware that their gentle presence provides the perfect finishing touch.

Admire the tranquil harmony of the scene, and then be prepared for the surprise that greets you just across the threshold, where the foyer delivers an elegant and exuberant welcome. You’ll smile at the comfortable familiarity of black-and-white check, and then be energized by the playful pop of raspberry and lime – a happy combination that provides a fun exclamation point in many of the classically inspired rooms.

Originally from the East Coast, homeowners Andi and Arnie (even their names are harmonious!) were looking to create a home that would remind them of their New England roots, while invoking the spirit of Key West and the British West Indies, two of their favorite destinations. Astonishingly, Andi made the initial design choices in just 48 hours. A veteran of the corporate move, she found the property and chose the design and all of the finishing touches from fireplace brick to light fixtures in a single weekend.

“I didn’t see the property again for eight months. When I returned to St. Louis, I drove down the street and just held my breath – and there it was – home!” Asked if she would have done anything differently in the whirlwind process, Andi was thoughtful for a moment, and replied with a smile, “There are a few things we altered along the way, but this home is truly a reflection of our shared memories of growing up on the East Coast and our travels throughout our lives. We love it!”

Andi’s absolute eye for detail has created a home that magically melds a neutral palette with the natural colors of the wooded setting. Taupe, cream and ivory in the great room harmonize perfectly with the view through an expanse of windows. And here, like in every room, there is colorful, whimsical detail in just the right amount. An English decoupage landscape, created in 13 layers by a Colorado artist, serves as a rich template for the British theme.

The home’s synergy with the outdoors is enhanced by the thoughtful design that permits an abundance of natural light. Plantation shutters, paired with simple valances, permit the surrounding views to permeate the interior spaces.

A hallway niche just outside the formal dining room showcases Andi’s collection of Droll pottery, a colorful line of hand-painted dishes from Salem, Massachusetts. The founder of Droll describes it as “A fresh visual vocabulary that speaks to our human experiences.” Andi’s collection, presented in a custom cabinet with glass doors, is yet another fresh visual surprise.

Despite its elegant perfection, this home is all about family and comfort. Even the library/study, a space who’s very name suggests austere formality, is bathed in a tranquil shade of soft grey-mauve that invites the visitor to curl up with a favorite narrative. The room draws its color scheme from a painting of a young woman at three stages of her life – an 1891 work that has been in Andi’s family for many years.

Several other family heirlooms provide a unique cadence that personalizes the home’s British accent. Some pieces, like the library painting, are presented in their traditional, original state. Others have a fresh and inventive twist, like the little girl’s boudoir chair from Andi’s grandmother, now upholstered in a decidedly non-boudoir leopard print.

It’s a short jaunt from the British West Indies to Key West, and Ernest Hemingway would feel right at home in the master bedroom. Inspired by a trip to the island paradise, the room features seafoam green on walls and accent pieces, forming a perfect backdrop for a stately burled wood four-poster bed awash in tasseled pillows. Family photos in unusual rope-and-burlap frames add to the seaside feeling. The Key West mood continues in the master bath, a serene haven punctuated with jungle prints and accessories.

The powder room is a trip to yet another warm climate, but instead of lions and leopards, this space inspires thoughts of tropical breezes and Margaritas. (Think hot pink and flip-flops!) It’s a whimsical place that delivers a warm glow on the chilliest of days. True to her enthusiastic approach, Andi dubbed it the “Hot Hot Hot!” bathroom.

A home with the feel of the New England countryside, happily situated, thoughtfully and beautifully brought to life – Miss Bennet would have approved, and Mr. Hemingway would have been inspired.