Nestled in picturesque Litchfield County, around two hours' drive northeast of New York City, this Cotswold-style estate home blends rich history and craftsmanship with luxurious modern comforts. Revitalized by a father-daughter team through a COVID-era renovation, the elegant residence is a warm nod to European country estate living and a haven for lazing, cooking, reading, and creating memories.
House: @argyll.house I Flowers: @lejardinflowerfarm I Photography: @awmjonesTaking its name from family ancestors, Argyll House has been thoughtfully reimagined by soon-to-be-architect Deirdre McMullen. It features a curation of unique art, heirloom textiles and handcrafted furnishings that will stand the test of time. "My dad Robert, my younger sister Beatrice and I purchased the home together during COVID," says Deirdre. "Our dad was navigating a divorce and cancer treatment at the time, and in many ways, this home brought us back together."
While appreciative of her design decisions, Deirdre says he was not too involved at age 77 and still working full-time as a psychiatrist. However, enlisting her close circle of Brooklyn friends, who populated the home for the second half of the pandemic while working remotely, made the design process highly collaborative. "My interior design friend Katie helped Beatrice and I decide on window treatment fabrics, while my friend Adam, who designed the walking trails in the backyard, helped me lay out the art," she says.
House: @argyll.house I Flowers: @lejardinflowerfarm I Photography: @awmjonesWith a serene, light-filled kitchen, a plush library and six elegant bedrooms, the home is designed for relaxation, recreation, and making memories with loved ones. Outside, a storybook-red barn is encircled by manicured grounds, tranquil patios and terraces, and an inviting saltwater swimming pool, while the broader landscape comprises gently rolling hills, verdant forests, and pristine lakes and ponds.
The town of Harwinton itself features architecture mainly dating from the 18th to the early 20th century. The region has a strong farming history, which is celebrated at the annual country fair and through a focus on locally made supplies such as pitchforks, whetstones and barrels. Visitors can enjoy nature preserves for hiking, visit the local cider mill or a quaint cafe, and hunt for treasure in a smattering of antique shops where many of the home's furnishings were sourced.
House: @argyll.house I Flowers: @lejardinflowerfarm I Photography: @awmjones I Featured: Flocca Linen Euro Pillowcase in Azzura
These secondhand finds have been considerately paired with modern touches throughout Argyll House, alongside gem-toned upholstery and richly patterned wallpapers that beautifully offset exposed stone, stained timber, and wood and slate floors. "Beatrice, a family therapist with great taste, essentially served as my client, as well as a design collaborator when at a crossroads," says Deirdre. "She pushed me to be bold. We’re so delighted with the playful layering of colors, patterns, textures and objects."
House: @argyll.house I Flowers: @lejardinflowerfarm I Photography: @awmjones I Flocca Linen Euro Pillowcase in Floss, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Petra
Throughout the bedrooms, a soothing color palette reflects the natural surroundings, with everything from warm rust and muted gold evoking sunlit autumnal foliage to soft blue and earthy pink mirroring clear spring skies and dusky sunsets. "I played the role of lead designer, creative director and project manager," says Deirdre of the home’s romantic transformation. "But it’s the collaboration with family and friends that made this design process so fulfilling."
Visit the website to find out more or to book your next stay.
