A weathered oak wood facade frames beautifully plush, contemporary interiors

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature
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To be able to escape the bustle of city life and sojourn off to some unspoilt faraway land for a break – or better yet, to start a new life in the countryside – is the dream of many urban dwellers.

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

And nestled on four acres in California’s Portola Valley, a suburban town filled with scenic trails, mountainous landscape and idyllic wildlife, a barn property designed by Walker Warner Architects provides the perfect balance between nature and luxury to do just that.

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

Framed by manicured lawns and gardens of planted California lilacs, coffee berry and strawberry trees, the facade itself is constructed in reclaimed oak wood sourced from Kentucky barns and ebonised mahogany wood, with its rural and weathered look blending seamlessly into the property’s surroundings.

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

Built right next to a separate main residence, this extended property comprises three quarters: a home office, a home theatre and a luxurious guest suite, and is envisioned for hosting friends, large-scale entertaining as well as utter relaxation. “Our clients reside next door to this project, but love their existing home and didn’t want to make substantial changes that would disrupt their current lifestyle,” says Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects. “They were able to acquire the adjacent property with the vision to design an annex of sorts, to accommodate this program without impacting their lifestyle. We intentionally pulled the complex apart to feature three distinct barn-like-pieces, each associated with the primary programmatic elements.”

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

Contrasting to its facade, the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open up to reveal interiors that are freshly contemporary. Crisp white walls, streamlined furnishing, a neutral colour palette and polished surfaces create a bright and airy atmosphere, accessorised with artworks purposefully chosen to blend in with the furniture, rather than stand out. “We didn’t want a lot of bold colours in the art to distract from the views,” says Elizabeth Hill of Selby House Ltd. An expansive great room sets the scene for many family gatherings and relaxing in front of its 13-foot-wide television, while the rest of the home including the recreation room and a sleek master bedroom outfitted in refreshing whites and complementary greys all enjoy a similarly pared-back, lushly tranquil decorating style – which in turn allows you to ease into the surrounding picturesque landscape and a relaxed state of mind without any distractions.

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

Scroll through the gallery below to see more of the Portola Valley Barn (photography by Matthew Millman):

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The home boasts exterior walls in oak and mahogany, while the roofs are constructed in standing-seam metal that has been painted to resemble zinc

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The externally weathered and rustic property blends beautifully into its surroundings

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The reclaimed oak used on the exterior have been sourced from Kentucky barns

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The focal point of the plush great room is a large, 13-foot-wide television

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The kitchen features Caesarstone counters, Wood-Mode cabinets and backsplash tiles from Ann Sacks

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The living spaces are defined by a warm, neutral palette and cosy European-style furniture

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The minimally decorated bathroom offers a calming and restful ambience to achieve peace of mind

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

Foliage accents decorate the bathroom

Country Home: A Picturesque Californian Barn that Blends into Nature

The barn illuminates beautifully at twilight

Tags: CaliforniaUS
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