Text: Emily Jackson
Every city has a well-kept secret. For Atlantans, it is their neighborhood parks—enveloped in a verdant canopy of grand oaks and Southern pines—that make the urban hustle and bustle seem like a world away. One such hidden gem, known to Buckhead area locals as the “Duck Pond,” preserves its idyllic 1922 landscape that includes a lake with an island, stone bridges, and meandering pathways. Nestled in a century-old neighborhood, the Duck Pond is flanked by a breadth of architectural styles from Tudors to Cape Cod-inspired homes that take advantage of the park’s placid view.
When a corner lot overlooking the peaceful surroundings became available, designer Christy Dillard Kratzer’s clients seized the opportunity to build a primary residence that paid homage to their roots. “The homeowners are originally from Louisiana, and the house reflects that in its beautiful Greek Revival style. Since their children are grown, they wanted a home with classical proportions and spaces that they use all the time,” says Kratzer.
The home, heavily influenced by the work of renowned Baton Rouge architect A. Hays Town, incorporates his signature elements. The architecture firm of Pritchett and Dixon was tasked with designing a house reminiscent of traditional Louisiana homes while creating interest in the newly constructed quarters. Authentic materials, such as a slate roof, reclaimed heart pine wood floors, and pecky cypress pocket doors, establish a sense of permanence.
A charming pigeonniere and a brick courtyard, humming with the soft sway of banana palms, offer a transportive experience. The front facade is a study in symmetry with raised stairs leading to a wide porch that can be accessed by four sets of triple-hung windows. “The design of the house is such that when you open the front door, you can see all the way to the back courtyard. In creating the spatial arrangement of furniture, I was careful to make sure that the sight line flows,” says the designer.
Lofty 12-foot ceilings and an abundance of natural light are complemented by Kratzer’s airy interiors. “The design reflects the style and personality of my clients. The goal was to make it beautiful but comfortable and timeless yet fresh and up to date,” she says. To bridge the traditional architecture with a footprint conducive to modern living, Kratzer employed an understated verve that is carried throughout the home. White walls with cream undertones play off the warmth of the heart pine floors, while richer hues, such as marigold and cranberry, are featured in artwork and upholstery.
A collection of well-appointed antiques and thoughtful details, like the kitchen’s painted floors by artist Brian Carter, lend a layer of history. The kitchen and dining room share an exposed brick wall with an inset glass cabinet to display heirloom china and crystal, creating a connection between the two spaces.
“A big, open kitchen that flows easily into the dining and living spaces makes sense for entertaining and functionality. The home’s center hall design keeps their most used spaces conveniently located,” she says. The dining room leads to the outdoor living area, a natural extension of the welcoming interiors from which to appreciate each of Atlanta’s seasons comfortably. The home is often the setting for all manner of events from neighborhood fundraisers to intimate gatherings that reflect the gracious Louisiana hospitality of its owners. “The couple loves to entertain, and the house is designed with that in mind,” she says. “Their daughter was recently married, and they were able to have their family and friends over to enjoy the warm, relaxed, and inviting feel of the home.”
