NATURE AND NURTURE The thoughtful evolution of a landmark Louisville estate occurred via a long-term collaboration between the homeowners and interior designer Libby Rush of Bittners. Written by Tracy Cottrell / Photos by Kate Leichhart We are all enticed by the promise of a fresh start and the opportunities that a change in life circumstances can offer. Most people would agree that getting married is a significant and joyous new beginning. Dreams abound of creating a shared home that reflects the newlyweds' creative vision, combined interests, and lifestyle —a welcoming abode to entertain family and friends. When it is time to transform those dreams into reality, discerning couples turn to Bittners. Such was the case with the owners of the house named Creggan, which is Gaelic for "Rocky Hill," located in Louisville's East End. This unique property is ensconced on four acres of exuberant gardens and an arborist's dream collection of native trees. The couple who owned the property were married in their sixties, but that was no deterrent to their desire for a home that was uniquely theirs. They were enchanted by Creggan and sought the help of Libby Rush, Bittners' Vice President of Residential Design, to restore and refurbish it. The owners and Rush quickly established shared design objectives to create an elegant family home that retained Creggan's unexpected charm and secrets. The project was jump-started with a buying trip to Italy, which proved hugely successful—frequent shared buying excursions followed during a relationship that would last nearly thirty years. Designed by Frederick Morgan, the elegant yet rugged stone structure with a gabled slate roof was built in 1928. Mullioned windows throughout invite the resplendence of the natural surroundings into every part of the home. Formal gardens, including a botanist-curated collection of plants and flowers, as well as an expansive variety of trees, frame the house. While offering all the luxuries of a resplendent country estate, Creggan merges seamlessly with the formal gardens and abundant greenery. The marriage of residence and nature is mirrored in every aspect. Starting at the front door, the glow of highly polished fittings creates a welcoming ambiance throughout the home. Bittners, for whom woodwork design and fabrication are a foundational element of the company's history, carried out the restoration of Creggan's woodwork and cabinetry, predominated by knotty pine and swamp gum. Hubert Schuwey, the lead craftsman at Bittners' woodworking shop, helped spearhead the restoration efforts at Creggan and later designed the dining room table and chairs, showcasing old-world craftsmanship and replicating the family's original set.
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