Description

Nestled within a lakefront Georgian estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, the Georgian Guest House is a testament to refined proportion, timeless craftsmanship, and architectural harmony. Designed as both a private guest residence and an entertainment pavilion overlooking the family’s tennis court, this new structure complements the owners’ adjacent Georgian Colonial home with grace and character.

Commissioned by a husband and wife with three children who frequently welcome family and friends for tennis matches and extended visits, the guest house is conceived as an elegant yet relaxed destination for leisure, gathering, and sport. Every architectural gesture, from the symmetrical façade to the custom tennis themed details speak to a deep respect for classical design principles and artisanal detail.

Rooted in the Georgian Colonial tradition, the design evokes the symmetry, order, and craftsmanship that define America’s most enduring architectural heritage. The guest house sits on one of three adjoining parcels on the family’s suburban Connecticut estate. The guest house was strategically positioned to frame views of both the lake and the tennis court.

At its core is a central entertainment pavilion, crowned by a lead-coated copper cupola that floods the vaulted interior with natural light. The pavilion houses a sitting room, bar, kitchenette, and bath, perfect for pre-match gatherings or evening cocktails. Two symmetrical wings flank the center volume, each containing a private guest suite, ensuring comfort and privacy for visitors while maintaining visual balance across the façade.

The exterior celebrates the timeless appeal of brick Georgian architecture through the use of a custom-blended red brick veneer, accented with sandstone quoins and granite terrace paving. A Vermont gray slate roof, graduated in size and thickness, caps the structure with a soft, natural patina that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.

Intricate classical wood and cellular PVC trim articulate the cornices, portico, and pilasters, each detail executed with exacting precision. Custom mahogany doors and windows, handcrafted by Artistic Doors & Windows, elevate the façade’s tactile richness while ensuring longevity and performance.

Above the entry portico, a carved sandstone panel featuring crossed tennis rackets pays homage to the family’s passion for the sport, while the circular gable window incorporates a stylized tennis-ball motif, a subtle yet playful emblem of the home’s purpose as a social and sporting retreat.

Topping the cupola, a polished horse weather vane in lead-coated copper catches the light and wind, an elegant nod to the equestrian heritage of the region.

The site plan, designed by Edmund Hollander Landscape Design, orchestrates a graceful sequence of arrival and circulation around the property. A granite paved entry courtyard welcomes guests, offering both convenience and formality, while manicured hedges and seasonal plantings soften the structure’s crisp geometry.

On the rear elevation, broad stone, steps rise to a covered porch overlooking the tennis court. The porch serves as a viewing terrace, offering shade, elevated sightlines, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Its alignment with the court establishes a dynamic connection between architecture and activity, an intentional interplay of repose and motion.

Inside, the architecture balances classical symmetry with a warm, livable ambiance. The central entertainment room, with interiors details contributed by Forehand + Lake, opens to the back terrace through three sets of French doors crowned by half-round transom windows. The vaulted ceiling, illuminated by the cupola above, bathes the space in diffuse daylight that shifts beautifully throughout the day.

The interiors continue the exterior’s refined palette with natural stone and wood surfaces, and beautifully crafted millwork crafted to achieve a quiet sense of luxury. The bar and kitchenette provide functional elegance for hosting, while each guest suite offers privacy, comfort, and views to the landscape beyond.

Every element of the Georgian Guest House reflects a commitment to architectural authenticity and modern performance. From the handcrafted lead-coated copper roofing and weathervane, to the carved stone detailing, the project integrates traditional craftsmanship with contemporary precision.

The result is a guest house that feels both enduring and new, a building that complements its historic neighbor while standing proudly on its own. Its proportional rigor, material richness, and seamless landscape integration create a retreat that honors the estate’s legacy and celebrates the family’s active, welcoming lifestyle.

For more information on Charles Hilton Architect’s Georgian architecture you are invited to read our blog https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/blog/designing-a-georgian-style-home and https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/new-homes to see more of our new home projects.