It has been over two years since my dear friend and “Miami Mom” Deirdre Critchlow passed away after a 10-year battle with breast cancer, and I still miss her every single day. Last year, I shared a sneak peek inside her beautiful and historic home, which was also featured in the March/April 2019 Southern Home. Today, I’m sharing a full tour with previously unpublished images, as captured by Carmel Brantley of Brantley Photography. Below is the delightful history of the home, along with captions I wrote with Deirdre before she passed. It is one of the prettiest homes I have ever seen!
The exterior of the home is painted Chippendale Rose Tone by Benjamin Moore and the shutters are Benjamin Moore’s Essex Green. The oak trees were planted in 1926. Gardens designed by Susan Hall, landscape architect.
Tucked amongst the hustle and bustle of Miami, Florida lies Coral Gables, a city within the city otherwise known as “The City Beautiful.” In the 1920s, Coral Gables founder George Merrick began “The Village Project” to showcase architectural styles from around the world to include the Chinese Village, the Italian Village, the Dutch South African Village, the French Provincial Village, the French Country Village, the French City Village, and the Florida Pioneer/Colonial Village. Sadly, only 80 of the 1,000 planned residences were built, as Merrick’s vision was devastated by the Hurricane of 1926 and the ensuing Great Depression. But fortunately, many of these homes remain today, and they are highly coveted, carefully guarded jewels within the Coral Gables community.
When homeowners Deirdre and Rick Critchlow discovered a home for sale in the Florida Pioneer/Colonial Village, they immediately knew they had found a gem. Built in 1925, the designated historic landmark was built the same year Coral Gables was incorporated. “It was originally green and in rough shape, but I see houses through rose-colored glasses,” said Deirdre Critchlow. “Maybe that’s why I painted it pink! I’m always looking at the potential.”
The couple lived in the house with their two daughters for several years before renovating so they had time to think about what they wanted it to be. The side-entrance and columned front reminded Deirdre of the Charleston houses that had so greatly influenced her passion for historic homes and architecture. “I fell in love with all the architectural detail in those homes and knew that this house wanted to be that fancy as well,” she said. Under the guidance of architect Jorge L. Hernandez and interior designer Marisel Diaz, an extensive renovation and expansion ensued. Some original moldings were matched and kept, and in some rooms more detailed moldings that were consistent with the period of the home were added.
After the couple’s children left for college, the empty nesters found they were spending more and more time out of town, and they decided to downsize to a condo. While they loved the carefree lifestyle, they realized their space limitations and started looking at houses again.
During an exhaustive and fruitless search, the couple learned that the owners of their old home wanted to sell. “We immediately went over and fell in love all over again. Everything was just the right size and it had all the architectural charm we had added to it. Within days we had a contract,” said Deirdre.
Deirdre brought in friend and interior designer Eileen Plasky of EPDesign Group to help fulfill her vision for the interiors with a keen attention to detail. The couple had a lot of antiques to work with, as they both enjoyed going to antique shops and shows. But they also love to incorporate new and custom pieces, creating an individual and personal look. “The decor now is a reflection of my love for detail, traditional furnishings, color, and antiques,” Deirdre said.
Located in Florida Pioneer/Colonial Village of Coral Gables, Florida, the home was built in 1926 by architect Coulton Skinner. Additions, front and back, by the current owners and Jorge Hernandez took place in the 1990s.
The home backs up to the Riviera Golf Course. The umbrella is from Santa Barbara Designs and the patio furniture, upholstered in Sunbrella, is by Summer Classics.
The mirror and blue hurricanes belonged to Deirdre’s mother.
In the entry hall, Chiri on Sisal & Cotton by Brunschwig & Fils line the walls. The 19th century French Empire recamier is upholstered in gold moire.The 19th century dog paintings, from the School of Abraham Cooper, were found at The Gilded Age Antiques in North Carolina.The Chinoiserie Long Case clock is from the late 1880s, and the staircase runner is by Stark.The gilt console and two chairs are antique. The mirror is reproduction, the sconces are from Marvin Alexander, and the hurricanes are by Saint Louis.
Wainscoting and mirrored French doors designed by Eileen Plasky.The walls in the living room are upholstered in silk grasscloth from Jerry Pair and the curtains fabric is from J Nelson. The rugs are Stark. Child’s chair, commode, and mirror are antique. The wing chair is by Dennis & Leen and upholstered in Fortuny. The pair of white chairs are Reading Chairs by Century and the pair of gilt chairs are antique. The ceiling design is by Eileen Plasky.Deirdre was an avid collector of Staffordshire and Chinese export. An antique oil painting hangs above the fireplace.The walls are upholstered in Scalamandre damask and trimmed with gimp. The table and chairs are from EJ Victor. The chair fronts are covered in Romeo & Civlietta velvet and the backs are horse hair from Clarence House. The design for the silk curtains was inspired by John Fowler. The rug is Stark.The elegant tablescape includes glasses by Saint Louis, china by Anna Weathertherly, and antique Baccarat candelabras.Deirdre collected French jardinieres which she uses to display fresh flowers throughout the house. The pagoda salt and pepper shakers are by L’object.
In the sitting room, the curtains are Lee Jofa Kitley Print with Décor de Paris trim. Antique wing chairs from Alhambra Antiques in Miami are upholstered in Scalamandre’s Vivaldi. The George Smith sofa is upholstered in Donghia Pollack in cinnamon. The vintage cocktail table is from Antique and Artisan Center in Stamford CT. And an antique oil portrait of a gentleman holding a telescope keeps a watchful eye over the room.An antique English smoking chair with Velours Irelande by Clarence House fabric and Décor de Paris trim. The grasscloth wallpaper is Phillip Jeffries Holly Hunt, and the trim is painted Liberty Park by Benjamin Moore.The family room is full of accessories inherited from Deirdre’s mother who traveled extensively by yacht in the Caribbean. The drapery fabric is GP&J Baker (Lee Jofa) and the wallpaper is Lee Jofa.
Antique French chairs flank a pair of antique chests that showcase the owner’s shell, Chinese export, and Delft collections.
Fly Fishing wallpaper by Lewis & Wood lines the powder room. An antique commode was converted into a sink, and the glass window was custom designed for privacy.
In the master bedroom, Eileen Plasky custom designed and constructed a pop-up television at the foot of the bed. The curtains are Pierre Frey, the wallpaper is Fir Trees by Zoffany, and the chandelier and empire chest of drawers are antique. A pair of Jansen chests flank the chairs. The rug is Stark.
Eileen Plasky designed the cabinetry in the study, and French lead soldiers march across the bookcase. The writing table is antique Louix XVI. Cowtan & Tout fabric covers the sides of the pair of chairs with Christopher Hyland on front. The executive chair is covered in J Nelson Velutto. Paint is Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore and carpet is Stark.
In the guest room, curtains are Parnham by Brunschwig & Fils. The wallpaper is Manuel Canovas. Lamps are vintage Murano with custom silk shades and carpet is Stark. The paintings are by Richard Segelman.Eileen Plasky designed beautiful custom cabinetry for the guest bath. The wallpaper is Zoffany, the Roman shade is Hill Brown, and the custom shower curtain is Brunschwig & Fils.Gillian’s Zebra by Brunschwig & Fils sets the theme for the grandchildren’s room. Custom artwork by Paige Gemmel and a collection of Staffordshire zebras add whimsy. The curtains are Rose Cumming taffeta plaid and the carpet is Stark.Zebras are even embroidered on the sheets.A mid-century zebra and a print that belonged to Deirdre’s mother.Deirdre fell in love with this blue and white toile from Potery Barn and had the curtains reconstructed and trimmed in Houles. The sheers are Scalamandre. Art from Richard Segelman and an antique dog painting above the bed. Elieen Plasky designed the concealed television cabinet at the foot of the bed.
Jewel tones create a rich palette for this bedroom with wallcoverings in Rangoon by Pierre Frey. The bed is from Hickory Chair. Linens are from Hamburg House, and the parrots are from One Kings Lane.
The guest suite above the garage is lined with Tyler Hall’s Sunday in the Park custom hand-blocked wallpaper. The pagoda lantern is from Colleen & Company and the antique clock is from Deirdre’s mother. Drapery fabric is Jane Shelton Bolivar check, the Roman Shades are Hill Brown, and the corners are Burmese by John Rosseli & Associates. Euro shams are Bloomsbury by Lee Jofa, pillows are from One Kings Lane, and the coverlet is Schumacher. The rug is Patterson, Flynn & Martin.
This is one of my all-time favorite homes, and it belonged to a very, very special lady with the most beautiful soul. I hope you enjoyed the tour. 🙂 Thank you Carmel Brantley for the wonderful photography.
