Montecito Muse
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl01_thewarnergroup.jpg
The Montecito, California, residence of Alice Willfong, designer Craig Wright's partner in the antiques and reproductions firm Quatrain. Once the music pavilion of a historic estate, it gained a portico and columns from architect Jack Lionel Warner, of The Warner Group.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl02_thewarnergroup.jpg
"Most of the antiques and antiquities were used in the Willfongs' former homes," says Wright, who "edited, refined and combined the collection for this project." In the entrance hall, as throughout the house, Roman antiquities from Quatrain set the tone.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl05_thewarnergroup.jpg
"The morning room is different in spirit from the rest of the house," notes Wright. Both the 2nd-century Roman fragment and the Anglo-Indian chest are from Quatrain, as are the table—which was made for the space—and the 18th-century chairs, which the firm reproduces.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl03_thewarnergroup.jpg
The main room, which features an Italian Neoclassical mirror whose counterpart is in the city museum in Pistoia, Italy, is "clean, light, youthful—yet classical." The bust of Augustus was previously owned by designer Michael Taylor. Clarence House sofa damask.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl04_thewarnergroup.jpg
"Since we made surprisingly few new purchases," explains Wright, "what we did add was important and dramatic, giving the pieces a whole new look." Beyond the main room is a dining alcove, one of two identical areas flanking the space. J. Robert Scott leather on fauteuils.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl06_thewarnergroup.jpg
"Alice's collection was formed with her late husband, Donald, during many shopping trips we took together in Italy over the years," says Wright.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl07_thewarnergroup.jpg
The Temptation of Lot's Wife , a 17th-century work by Italian painter Francesco Liberti, hangs in the master bedroom.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl08_thewarnergroup.jpg
Gilt Neoclassical furniture, Roman marble sculptures and silk fabrics define the sitting area off the master bedroom. "Surrounded by windows with views to the gardens and mountains, it's an elegant place to nap, read and watch television in total privacy," says Wright.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl09_thewarnergroup.jpg
Wright found an apothecary cabinet in Rome, made an exact copy and placed them both in the master bath. Ann Sacks fixtures.
dam-images-architects-2005-12-group-arsl10_thewarnergroup.jpg
The Palm Court, where Willfong hosts large garden parties. The landscape architecture is by Santa Barbara-based Sydney Baumgartner.