Classic House. Windy Hill: Ken Tate Architect

The first in IMAGES' series of building monographs, The Classic House takes an in-depth look at one of Ken Tate's magnificent classical homes. Testament to Tate's faithful attention to period details, Windy Hill appears to have evolved over centuries, rather than just a few years, and is a spectacular example of classical architecture when combined with the talents of skilled specialists, including landscape architects, interior designers, and master craftsmen. Exquisite detailing is captured in close-up photography. No detail escapes the camera's critical eye, from the grand scale of the home and its surrounding gardens to the minutiae of architectural details. Through detailed site, floor, and architectural plans, the various components of the house, its outbuildings and landscaped gardens are revealed to the reader. Superbly rendered drawings add an artistic dimension to a book already brimming with impressive detail.

Ken Tate's firm designs new houses along classical lines - this one is a French-inspired estate built in a small Mississippi town. The photos are nice and include images of the house inside and out as well as the grounds. Numerous photos show small details of the design and workmanship. Simple floor plans as well as elevations of the house and details are included. Credits are provided for craftsmen and companies that did much of the work. I'ts nice to see that someone still cares about the details and craftsmen are still arround to build something like this even in an out of the way location.