Rookwood
Rookwood: :
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nternational by design, this superb ten acre mountaintop estate offers an unobstructed 270 degree view of the valley below. This estate has had a love affair with two families: one, the client and one, the architect:a love affair with the mountain, the view and the home. This magnificent oriental inspired residence is a peaceful place surrounded by waterfalls, koi ponds and gardens that are stunning throughout the year. There is quite a story to tell about this exquisite residence on a mountaintop in Greenville, South Carolina. In the late 1980’s Ben Rook, a commercial architect, and CEO of Odell Associates, Inc. a global architectural firm, was approached by a prominent client to design a residence for his family. Ben did not do residential design work and declined, but this particular client was very
A Love Affair
insistent, and eventually Mr. Rook agreed. The site for the residence was atop Paris Mountain in Greenville, South Carolina. Using the Japanese design and theme of Feng Shui, Ben eventually created a central pavilion and five pavilions connecting each other. The final result comes from years of labor, and it was well worth the wait. As you round the bend in the road you do not immediately see the home. In fact it is a surprise that quietly and beautifully unfolds like a new spring flower. The entrance is framed gently and tastefully by seasonal flowers and the koi are your only greeters. The waterfall announces your arrival yet beckons you to stay. There is no doubt of the entrance ringed in dominant red. Upon entering, the magnificent view of the valley draws you immediately outside. The expansive grassy lawn unfolds to unending
woods that stretch for miles below. Ben never guessed that he would one day have the opportunity to own the home, but he did. Only the second owner, Ben and his wife, Becca, have enjoyed the house and gardens. “ What I love so about the house, “Becca says “ is the open feeling of the glass walls and sensing that the outside can come in.” “I can never grow tired of the incredible feeling of peace here.” The home has over 7,000 square feet with a magnificent indoor and outdoor swimming pool as well as a hot tub . Part of the evolution of the property under the care of the Rooks has been the magnificent gardens which are seasonal in nature and really quite low maintenance. You will notice more grassy areas mingled with plantings at the entry of the drive , and then transitioned to a more finished landscape above the waterfall. The green house is the envy of every gardener! The entire house takes advantage of the breathtaking view including all of the bedrooms, the living room, dining room, library, and the kitchen. The dining room and living room share a stunning open fireplace. A detached studio features a soaring ceiling and fireplace and could be used as an office or separate guest quarters.
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