Oakley Farm

A large, elegant white mansion stands in the distance, partially framed by sprawling tree branches and surrounded by green lawn and mature trees on a cloudy day.
Large, two-story white Victorian house with lit windows, ornate trim, front porch with columns, and stairs leading to a dark driveway. The house is surrounded by lush green bushes and trees, photographed at dusk with a soft blue sky in the background.
Large historic house with cream stucco walls, tall windows, and a two-story porch featuring white columns and railings. The roof has ornate brick chimneys. Lush lawn, shrubs, and a stone wall are in the foreground; cloudy sky above.
A low-angle shot of a white Southern antebellum-style mansion with tall columns and dual-level wraparound porches. The house sits above a stone wall and grass lawn, reached by a central gravel path and stone steps. Framed by tree branches against a clear blue sky.
Large white house with tall columns, arched windows, and two balconies with decorative railings. The lower level has brick walls and three sets of white double doors. A green lawn and brick walkway are visible in front, with blue sky above.
A large house with a red metal roof and white siding sits behind a rectangular pool. There are lounge chairs and tables with flowers and chairs around the pool, surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes and trees. A similar house is partially visible to the left.
A small beige house with a red metal roof and stone chimney. The front features a columned round porch, white steps, and railing. Bushes line the house, and a large tree is visible on the left. The sky is overcast, and the lawn is green and well-kept.
A curved staircase with white spindles and a dark wooden handrail stands in a warmly lit foyer with yellow wallpaper. A round table, open book, and vase of flowers sit on a patterned rug. A large lantern hangs from the ceiling.
A grand hallway with gold damask wallpaper, a wooden railing, and white trim. A large skylight dome and ornate hanging lantern are above. A portrait hangs on the wall, and open doors reveal a plush room with armchairs and large windows.
View looking up at an ornate white plaster dome skylight with decorative molding. Natural light shines through arched windows. A black metal chandelier hangs from the center, suspended by a long chain. Shadows highlight the curved architectural details.
Elegant living room with a red sofa, yellow pillows, ornate chairs, vintage lamps, two portraits, large window with drapes, crystal chandelier, and a detailed rug. Soft yellow walls and classic decor create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.
Spacious, elegant living room with classic furniture, gold walls, large windows with green curtains, a crystal chandelier, and framed portraits. Two sofas and armchairs surround a wooden coffee table with flowers, bathed in natural light.
A formal, sunlit dining room features a large wood table with high-backed upholstered chairs. A crystal chandelier hangs above, and an ornate mirror rests on a mantel. Gold curtains drape over windows, and floral art hangs on beige walls over a patterned rug. Elegant, traditional decor.
A bright, elegant kitchen features pale green cabinetry with glass-front uppers and a rolling library ladder. A stainless range sits beneath a vent hood. A marble-topped island with a sink, two dark wood chairs, and a round bistro table with two woven chairs are set before large French doors.
A sunlit foyer with a curved staircase featuring a textured beige runner. The floor is tiled with a tan and blue diamond pattern. Two wall sconces flank a glass-paneled door. Riding boots and a crop rest near a wall, and a black riding helmet sits on a ledge, highlighting a classic aesthetic.
Elegant bedroom with a four-poster canopy bed, ornate headboard, vintage armchairs, writing desk by tall arched windows, lamps, art, and patterned rug. Soft, warm lighting enhances the inviting, classic decor.
A cozy bedroom with floral wallpaper, two single beds with tan headboards, two plaid armchairs, white geometric side tables, striped rug, and large windows with beige curtains. The room is softly lit by lamps on each bedside table.
A small, elegant bathroom features floral wallpaper, a gold-framed ornate mirror, twin wall sconces, and a round, green, bamboo-style vanity with a sink. A small vase with pink flowers sits on the vanity. The door is partially open.
Elegant living room with a crystal chandelier, cream walls, red fireplace, blue and red armchairs, round white table, and French doors. Flowers are on the table, lamps are on a console, and hardwood floors add warmth to the space.
Elegant living room with blue sofas, patterned chairs, red pillows, and a dark wood coffee table. Two large chandeliers hang from a high ceiling. Tall windows line the walls, and a red fireplace sits at the far end, flanked by blue and red armchairs.

Oakley Farm

When PPA started on this project, the property’s 1857 Italianate villa, based on a pattern book by Samuel Sloan, had fallen into a retired state and its interiors, once decorated by Sister Parish, needed an overhaul. The house, as originally designed after Sloan’s model, was incomplete and haphazard additions over time had left the rear of the house an awkward jumble. In resuscitating the house, PPA preserved its iconic Italianate character and nineteenth-century quirks but modernized it to accommodate a family with young children. In some cases, the design entailed improving on what had been there or re-establishing what had been compromised through the progression of time. Inside, new moldings, cornices and decorative ceilings give the rooms, decorated by Katie Ridder, a compositional order and scale. A new arched lantern embellished with oaks leaves and anthemia, inspired more by Sir John Soane than Samuel Sloan, replaced a third-floor laundry and fills the center stair hall — previously a dark space — with light. The grounds include a new guest cottage — a renovated 1930s summer kitchen — and a new pool house; their new red painted tern roofs, reflecting the local vernacular, knit all the building together. 

Partner-in-Charge: Thomas P. R. Nugent 

Design Director: Gregory Gilmartin 

Associate-in-Charge: Nebojsa Savic

Associates: Anton Glikin, Pui Ng, Eero Schultz, Elizabeth Graziolo, Andrew Davis, Anthony Goldsby, James Taylor, Kira Wilson

Landscape Design: Madison Cox Associates

Interior Design: Katie Ridder Inc.

Photography: Scott Frances


Peter Pennoyer Architects