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by Beth S. Buxbaum
James and Sharon Maida and their children made their home in an expanded colonial in Hopewell Township for 22 years. Things change—the children are grown and have moved out. It is time for a change. They were intrigued with the idea of living across the river in Bucks County. “We were always attracted to Bucks County,” explains Sharon, “especially its beauty and neighborhoods.”
The Hopewell house was long and narrow, and not conducive to larger gatherings with their extended family and friends. Their interest in Bucks County and their desire to have a more expansive living space lead them to check out the opportunities. “We began searching online to see what was available in Bucks County,” Sharon adds, “and we saw this house.”
After selecting a realtor, they began looking at some of the homes they saw online. “We went to see this house in Newtown Township in Ely Farm Estates,” Sharon explains. It was a stone and stucco home built in 2001 and was in a Trueblood development adjacent to Ely Farms. “We saw leaves changing and spectacular views,” she continues, “and were immediately taken by the home’s grandeur and vistas.” Viewing the property’s exterior they appreciated not only the landscape, but also the structure’s style and grace. “We walked in and the views from the many windows and French doors sold us,” Sharon adds.
Inside the home the couple were drawn to the masterfully appointed details and accents, from the sweeping ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, to the intricate architectural details. They noticed that this home overflowed with quality materials and craftsmanship. “It was reminiscent of a European chateau,” Sharon continues. For them, the house had a very European appeal that reminded them of their many travels abroad. Also this home would be the ideal setting for their extensive antique collection.
“Making the move to Bucks County five years ago was unexpected, but it felt like home to me,” Sharon reveals. Moving into their new home was somewhat uncomplicated. Sharon and James were so taken by the design, decor and accents in the home they decided to change very little. Wall colors, wall papers, custom wall and ceiling murals all enhanced the living space, and Sharon and James were happy to keep it that way. They agreed to repaint the dining room, two of the bedrooms and one bathroom. Aside from those aesthetic changes, their new home was untouched. Much of the original decor elements had an old world charm that they cherish from their trips abroad.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Sharon and James have admired the art, architecture and history of other cultures on their many trips to Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. James is the founder and CEO of Gaming Laboratories International, GLI, a gaming company that tests and certifies gaming, lottery and voting equipment for more than 700 governments around the world. Sharon is a child psychologist who worked for the state of New Jersey with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind. Eventually she started her own private practice, Maida Mobility, in the field of orientation and mobility for the blind. Both of their professions involve international connections and business relationships.
That European connection is an interesting part of their story. From their travels and the name of their home, to many of the pieces inside the home, they have developed an affinity for European architecture, furniture, history and art. As the second owners of this custom built home, they inherited not only the original custom accents of the home, but also its name. As Sharon explains, the prior owners were of Scottish decent and their ancestors bought land in Scotland in 1427 and called it Almagill. When the original owners purchased this custom home they named it Almagill. Finding this home and all of its direct or indirect connections to Europe was a perfect fit. With their love of old world charm, they were drawn to the European feel of this house’s exterior and interior elements.
Beginning with the meandering gravel driveway, Sharon explains that it “captures the sensibility and design aesthetic of a home found in the south of France.” They both felt that the exterior details are reminiscent of a French chateau. A grand entranceway sets the stage for what lies ahead. A sweeping staircase and understated chandelier fill the space, embellished only with a beautifully crafted wrought iron and marble table. This piece was in the same spot when they purchased the property. Too heavy to move, Sharon and James agreed that it was perfect for the space. Throughout the first floor living space, the architectural embellishment of archways, columns and high ceilings define the flow and the open spaces. A focus of the first floor is the easy flow from room to room, blended with that European flavor.
What is more old world than a rustically appointed country kitchen awash in earth tones. The cabinets and center island have a weathered finish and are accented with French limestone countertops, with actual fossils in the stone. Also in this space is an eating area for smaller, more informal meals and a tiny alcove with a desk. Flowing from this space is a family room with French doors leading out to the pool. The family room has a wood beamed ceiling and a fireplace flanked by a built-in bookshelf with cabinets and a window seat to enjoy the views. Sharon loves the way you can enjoy views of the landscape from any room and any window or French door. These architectural elements have been orchestrated to give the feel of a great expanse and flow, while infusing the living space with an airiness and an abundance of light.
Despite its grand scale, the house maintains a warm, cozy feel, appointed with crown moldings, wainscoting, oak floors covered with a variety of oriental carpets and tapestried window drapes. Soft, subtle prints adorn the wallpaper in the formal living room. In this expansive, two-story space, a wall of windows and French doors share breathtaking views of the landscape beyond. A floor-to-ceiling fireplace is treated with a faux brick facade motif. Another architectural appointment in this space is the balcony above leading to the four bedrooms. The formal dining room, where many a holiday or family gathering has taken place, is embellished with a trompe l’oeil mural on the ceiling by Bucks County artist Lisa Schuler Hickey from Pipersville, PA. With its muted tones and delicate motif, it has an ethereal quality that blends perfectly with the room’s appointments.
Blending and complementing the European quality of the home’s design are the many furniture pieces Sharon and James purchased and shipped back during their travels. Some of these pieces are antiques and are interspersed with several family heirlooms, all enhancing the old world feel. The walls are adorned with a variety of art, a few that are family heirlooms that Sharon re-did in more ornate frames. While deciding to live with the interior embellishments of the prior owner, Sharon and James infused the living space with their heirlooms and travel purchases to make the house their home. Not only have they showcased their European collections, they also brought back items from several other continents.
One interesting addition to the story is their connection to Africa. Both Sharon and James have been involved in work in Africa. This connection sparked their interest to work with two schools for the blind in Kenya. “We built a girl’s dormitory at one of the schools and provide long canes for independent travel for many of the blind children,” Sharon adds. With this connection Sharon’s professional writing took a turn and she began writing children’s books, in large print and braille. “I wanted to highlight characters who had different types of visual impairments and their independence in life,” she explains. With their good fortune to create the opportunities for travel and the experience of other cultures, Sharon and James look forward to returning to their home. It is a home that reflects their many life experiences, pleasures and memories.
Built with the grandeur and styling of another time, their home is their oasis. Now as the winter blanket has uncovered their landscape, James and Sharon are again viewing their landscape. Spring unfolds from every window with bursts of color. “We have blooms everywhere and views from any room or outdoor area,” Sharon says. Outside they can relax on the slate patio shaded by the wisteria covered pergola. “We call this our Shangri La, our modern paradise.”
Beth S. Buxbaum is a freelance writer from the Philadelphia area.