Interior designer Sara Story in her sprawling 400 acre retreat, SK Ranch, in the Texas Hill Country. Using natural materials in modern ways, the home is far from traditional expectations of what a Texas ranch would look like. Working with architecture firm Lake|Flato, a plan was set to design a home rooted in the landscape, reflecting the place with a sensitivity to scale, siting and materials. What I love is the expanse of the home, the scale of the rooms, and the flexibility to use all of the entertaining spaces. Bigger is better in Texas!
A loggia connects the main house to the children’s wing and sets the tone for the house…natural Texas limestone, sandblasted concrete, floor to ceiling windows…all in a low profile, unassuming footprint that fits right into the landscape.
Sheathed in Texas limestone, the residence is surrounded by wide open space dotted with live oaks and junipers.
The poolhouse is inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s 1929 Barcelona Pavilion.
Accents of black steel and iron on the fireplace, window frames and paneling is used throughout as a sharp contrast to a neutral pallette.
The kitchen is outfitted with a stainless Gaggenau refrigerator, Dornbracht faucets and a Lacanche range.
A leather banquette is paired with vintage bentwood cafe chairs in the open breakfast area shaded by louvered wood screens.
The master bedroom is a mix of custom and vintage pieces surrounded by walls of beige suede panels.
Steel framing and accents in the open master bath create an indoor/outdoor feel.
Indoor seating in the pool pavilion allows guests to escape the heat.
The children’s room doesn’t steer far from the style and decor of the house. Black accents and white lacquered bunks contrast nicely with bold pops of color in the drapery and chair.
Modern seating by Gloster surrounds a sculptural fire pit to enjoy the expansive views of the mesa beyond.
Turkish fringed towels are a rustic counterpoint to the gleaming polished floors in the Pool House bath.
Another outdoor area to take in the view…this time of the tennis courts. Outdoor seating by Gloster in the cedar ceiling-paneled Tennis Pavilion.
See the entire house designed by Lake|Flato Architects in ©Architectural Digest.
Photography by ©Pieter Estersohn
