Culligan’s Castle
Victorian Restoration and Carriage House Addition
Petaluma, California
Exterior
Interior
before
after
Originally built in 1870 on 160 acres, this historic landmark was showing its age. The plan was to resurrect, restore and remodel the classic farmhouse into a 21st century “castle” while retaining its historic Victorian charm. On both levels, the interior was restored and opened up for more contemporary living. The front entry featured a grand staircase, which was completely restored to become the focus of the entire home. New double doors lead guests from the entry foyer to the formal dining room. The kitchen was redesigned into a gourmet workspace with an informal family/dining area opening onto the pool patio. Granite counters, cherry cabinetry, stainless steel, designer lighting and inlaid hardwood floors accentuate the home’s elegant aesthetics. A utility room was converted to a home office or au-pair’s quarters with separate entrance yet connected to the main house. Upstairs, a small bedroom was converted into an elegant master suite, bathroom and dressing area with limestone, glass, mirrors and skylights. In the rear, an old barn was restored into a “carriage house” for use as a separate one-bedroom guest suite, rental unit or home office, separate from the main house. Sloping, volumetric ceilings with exposed wood beams and skylights and a private, enclosed yard enhance the feeling of light, air and openness. Outside, the grounds were totally redesigned with new fencing, gates, paving, brickwork and landscaping installed. The pool area was also visually opened up to become the focus of the estate.