The 10 Most Beautiful Homes

Color enhances the details and architecture of each of our picks for this year’s portfolio of houses.

- Amy Burger, Rachel Maus, and Veronica Theodoro

NEIGHBORHOOD: Frontenac ARCHITECT: Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Unknown SIGNIFICANT STATS: 6,500 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 6 full baths and 2 half baths WHY WE CHOSE IT: “When you reach a certain age, you know what you like and what you don’t like,” says homeowner Melissa Haupt. This Dutch Colonial home, inspired by an affinity for the sea and reminiscent of the architecture of the Northeast, falls into the category of what Haupt loves. “I love the relaxed look and feel, the nostalgia it evokes of days gone by…but I wanted to put a contemporary twist on the design,” she says. First, she needed the approval of the neighborhood trustees, which took close to two years to obtain. “The original design called for a fully shingled house,” says designer Rachael Dolan, “but to serve the indentures of the neighborhood, we chose whitewashed brick and cedar shingle siding.” Each detail of the house has been meticulously placed: the corbels, the scalloped shingles above the gambrels, the copper roof accents above each porch. The front door is painted Fine Paints of Europe’s Navy Blue in an extra-glossy finish. Flanked by gas lanterns, it serves as an inviting focal point.