Italian Farmhouse Meets Tuscan Villa in Littleton

Ornately scrolled iron doors open onto the Grand Hall, revealing a barreled ceiling lined with rustic brick in a herringbone pattern. The entry’s arch is mirrored in the living room’s trio of windows overlooking the patio. | Photography by Eric Lucero

Homeowners Scott and Sophia Theodore dreamed of creating a forever home that would capture the magic of their travels abroad and reflect their love affair with the architecture and aesthetic of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Envisioning a warm, inviting retreat— somewhere between Italian farmhouse and Tuscan villa—that was comfortable to live in with room to accommodate visits from their four grown children, the couple teamed up with designer Miranda Cullen, founder and principal designer of Inside Stories, who created the 8,800-square-foot home in Littleton’s classic Tuscan-style neighborhood Ravenna from top to bottom.

Massive iron lanterns by Laura Lee descend over dual islands— one topped in Calcutta marble, the other in dark butcher block. Hand-rubbed cabinets with raised panel detail flank a custom stone range hood.

Oozing Old World elegance, the home exudes luxury, warmth and antiquity at every turn. “What mattered most to the homeowners,” says Cullen, “was designing the home to look like the bones of it had been around for a hundred years while creating interiors thoughtfully placed to complement that.”

A creamy neutral palette serves as background for layer upon layer of earthy, weathered finishes. A foundation of weathered brick, stone, terra cotta tile and reclaimed wood on the floors is crowned by massive beams, aged and gnarled, spanning the ceilings.

Heavier elements—the rugged barnwood ceiling beams, an imposing carved headboard and weathered shutters— are masterfully balanced by layers of feminine touches—beaded lamps atop mirrored nightstands, an airy iron chandelier, gauzy linen bedding and sumptuous drapery.

The space is softened by luxurious fabrics, leather, bespoke furniture and beautiful accessories throughout. “For every piece that feels a little heavy, a little more masculine, there’s a more feminine element that offsets it and creates balance,” explains Cullen. Every inch of space was thoughtfully curated. “It was one of the most challenging designs we’ve worked on to date,” she says. “It took an army of talented artisans to execute the designs.”

The en suite bath is luxury defined, grounded by overscale tumbled limestone tile underfoot and crowned by an exquisite beaded chandelier overhead. Creamy his-and-her vanities merge into hefty custom armoires on either side. Timber beams frame the grotto where a tiny chandelier perches over a copper tub beneath leaded glass windows.

Among the home’s many unique features is a wine grotto settled between the lower and upper levels (complete with a secret game room) and patios and decks galore. But the homeowners’ favorite spot is a dreamy aerie with sweeping views perched above the primary bedroom; a luxurious spa retreat with a cozy sitting area. “Every single morning, we meet up there for coffee,” says Sophia Theodore. “In summer we look over the hogback—all greenery and flowers—and in the winter we cozy up to the fireplace—snow falling, baskets of blankets. It’s perfect.”

United in their vision, the Theodores worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Cullen and general contractor Larry Bennett, Sterling Custom Homes, through every step of the process. “It just became a dream project—we actually enjoyed every bit of it. There are thousands of decisions to make, and I can’t think of even one that we disagreed on,” says Scott Theodore. “I wouldn’t change a thing about it.” Sophia agrees: “We pinch ourselves all the time.”

DESIGN DETAILS
INTERIOR DESIGN Inside Stories
BUILDER Sterling Custom Homes
PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Lucero