Southern California and Southern Europe formed the architectural and design inspiration for Harold and Peggy Lee’s home which they built two years ago at The Horizons in Ooltewah. Those two influences are evident as you approach the stucco clad, red-tiled roof house from the driveway. Cresting the top of the driveway, a motor court appears, a feature of early European homes which allows ample parking and turning room. A common element of European homes before the advent of the automobile, this area was where a carriage approached before stopping in front of a residence. This is in contrast to a more traditional American-style home which has a sidewalk leading from a driveway to the front entrance. To the right of the main entrance is the Lees’ two-car garage which is connected to the main house by a porte-cochere (coach door or carriage porch) which allows for protected passage from the garage to a side entrance.
Large, gas lanterns flank the main entrance which is comprised of a metal gate leading to a covered porch. One then enters the house through an arched doorway made of Brazilian mahogany which leads into the foyer where the European influence is immediately evident. To the left is a large, marble-topped console table, graced with candelabra and an antique gold gilt clock purchased in New Orleans. An alabaster and gold chandelier hangs from the second floor ceiling. To the right of the foyer is the formal dining room, and to the left is the library/music room furnished with a comfortable sofa and a piano. Books are housed in built-in shelves and cabinets that frame a travertine surround fireplace.
To the rear of the house facing west is the living room, furnished with a soft, off-white, over-stuffed sofa and chairs, along with a large, marble-topped coffee and side table purchased in California. Two French doors lead outside first to a wrap-around, arcaded porch with steps that then lead down to a terrace surrounded by lush lawn. From this vantage point, sweeping views of the nearby mountains, business and residential areas, and, in the evening, spectacular sunsets can be seen. The same views can also be enjoyed through large windows and doors from the kitchen and breakfast room which are also at the rear of the house. The kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops, custom-stained cherry cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen and breakfast room flow into a cozy sitting area with fireplace and flat screen TV above. In addition, there is an office/study area just off the sitting room, as well as a butler’s pantry with built-in storage cabinets off the kitchen.
On the landing at the top of the stairs on the second floor, is a small, but cozy sitting room which can be accessed from either of the two guest rooms. The sitting room has built-in shelves and cabinets on each side and a balcony on the front of the house facing east. Each guest room has its own bathroom with European, half-glass shower doors that swing out on the bathtubs. One guest room has French doors opening to a balcony facing eastward from which views of the nearby rolling hills and mountains can be enjoyed.
From the brow of the hill where the house is situated, the Lees are fortunate to enjoy both east and west facing views. To the west they can often see Lookout Mountain and to the east, Big Frog at Ocoee. A contrast exists in the nature of the views. Looking westward from the back of the house, more “man-made” sights are evident and are most beautiful at night with lights twinkling in the distance. From the front of the house gazing eastward, a mountain vista, unobstructed by
man-made elements, reveals itself. But it is the fantastic sunrises and sunsets that mark the most special times of the day. One of Harold and Peggy’s favorite places to view evening sunsets is from a swing on their porch off the master suite on the second floor. The master bath has travertine floors and walls, a garden tub, and a huge, walk-in closet with ample, custom-made storage space.
With the exception of draperies on bedroom and front windows for privacy, there are no window coverings on other windows and also no screens. The Lees wanted to take full advantage of the light and soft breezes they enjoy on the brow. Mr. Lee explains they often do not need the air conditioner in the evening and adds that there really aren’t “too many bugs” which he attributes to the breezes. Sometimes those breezes can get very strong as thunderstorms roll in from the west. Mrs. Lee was careful to choose outdoor furniture that was heavy and sturdy enough to withstand stronger gusts of wind. Not only does the house have a light and airy quality due to the breezes and plentiful light, but also from the hardwood floors (with exception of travertine bathroom floors) and the taupe-colored walls, accented with slightly darker, but contrasting taupe moldings. Mrs. Lee selected the same floor covering and wall colors throughout to unify and accent the design elements, as well as to enhance the visual flow of the house. Decorative accessories also lend a unifying element to the décor as European statuary and artwork are used throughout the house. Many pieces are reproductions of Italian Renaissance art. Not unlike an Italian garden, terra cotta statuary and flower pots are placed in the yard and on porches. Covered porches and balconies have travertine floors while the back terrace features stamped concrete. The porch ceilings are stained walnut and have ceiling fans.
Two influences brought the Lees from Dalton to Ooltewah two years ago, one personal and one professional. Mr. Lee’s business is located in Dalton, but his customers are in Chattanooga. They also had a good friend who built a house in The Horizons, but it was the location and orientation of the lot that sold them on the development. They found a house plan that reflected the “something different” architectural style they were looking for which was less traditional American and more European and which appealed to them as a result of visits to Southern California and Italy. Working with their builder, Dexter White, they modified the original plan to suit their lifestyle. As a result, they are extremely happy with their decision both from a location and design aspect. The Horizons is conveniently located to Hamilton Place, Enterprise South, downtown Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Dalton. The Lees’ home and other properties at The Horizons are being marketed by Linda Brock of Prudential Realty.