Rugged elegance highlights Orren Pickell's Scottish Manor
Orren Pickell Designers & Builders recently grand opened its Scottish Manor house located at the Tarns of the Moor community in Bannockburn.
The 9,000-square-foot Scottish Manor was named Chicago magazine and Chicago Home + Garden's 2008 Showhouse. The six-bedroom, five full and three half-bath concept home features magnificent tumbled stonework and radiant hardwoods.
"A versatile architectural plan drove our concept," Pickell said. "The home embraces two distinct and magnificently detailed living spaces-one elegantly refined and the other old-world, complete with stone walls and large-scale fireplaces. The dual design offers homeowners the ultimate setting for grand entertaining, as well as a relaxed atmosphere for everyday living."
The exterior features handsome tumbled stonework, highlighted by sweeping rooflines and arch-top windows. Four chimneys are topped with black glazed chimney pots. Majestic foyer with a handcrafted staircase dotted with pewter spindles greets guests as they enter the home. Dinner guests can see gorgeous wooded views in the architecturally innovative oval dining room. The cherry wood library offers an oasis of peace with a groin-vault ceiling. Stone and Acacia wood floors lead to an exquisite first-floor master suite with a dramatic fireplace and full spa bath.
A barrel-vaulted ceiling and wainscot details the gallery that leads to an expansive kitchen with a reclaimed barn-beam ceiling. The adjoining family room has many large windows, just-quarried stonewalls and a castle-scale fireplace.
Stone archways and a staircase beckon guests down to the light-filled lower level, which features an authentically styled Scottish Pub and wine cellar. The quaint and cozy pub features antique accessories and a kegerator. A leisure room and game area completes the lower level, creating a charming area reminiscent of the country's famous gathering spots, tucked into the countryside.
The second floor features five bedrooms, four baths and a fully equipped laundry room. The upstairs master suite comes compete with an oversized, one-of-a-kind wooded door with antique knocker, balcony and carved limestone fireplace.
All signs of 21st century technology are hidden behind stunning architectural details, in order to preserve the historical integrity of the home.
"A single, touch keypad controlling lights, music and temperature in each area of the home is discreetly hidden by paneling," said Kent DeReus, Pickell's lead architect on the project. "A 50-inch television is hidden behind the Scottish Pub's mirror, visible only when turned on. Another television pops out of a hand-detailed, wainscot credenza in the leisure room."
DeReus also noted that the home features energy-saving appliances and a soy-based insulation system, as well as plenty of natural light to promote healthy living.
The Tarns of the Moor community features 10 wooded estate homes for custom homes exclusively designed and built by Orren Pickell. Each home has a beautifully designed entry and drive with boulevard features. Small lakes, bridges and landscaping enhance the serene setting of the community, while walking paths connect to the village pathway and nearby park.
A grand raffle will be held throughout the summer at The Scottish Manor to support Children's Memorial Hospital, one of the nation's top pediatric research hospitals.
The Scottish Manor is located at 30 Aberdeen Court in Bannockburn. The manor and community's park-like setting can be viewed through September on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. or by private appointment.