On a late summer's afternoon, this comfortable poolside conservatory beckons
guests with the promise of a refreshing dip, an iced drink and a magnificent
sunset. When it rains, it becomes a quiet and introspective retreat.
T
his poolside conservatory retreat was commis-
sioned by its owners who wanted facilities next
to their pool which was set amid their mature
formal garden away from the house. A conservatory
seemed a perfect solution - a sculptural yet
functional design element that would fit well with
the surrounding fountains, statuary and urns. A
stylish freestanding glass room at the edge of the
landscape as well as a backdrop for the adjacent
terrace would certainly be a sought after venue.
Anthony Musso AIA, the architect had chosen a
site at the far end of the pool where the conserva-
tory would have access from a lower driveway.
The conservatory was planned to sit atop a full
suite of exercise rooms, sauna and showers and
be connected to the lower level by an interior
spiral staircase.
The classical design of this
iconic poolside conservatory
is directly related to the
heritage-era main house.
Inside and out, its playful
features speak to the classi-
cal proportions of the brick
mansion and are painted
bright white to match its trim.
Tony had sketched an elegant
concept for the conservatory
which was forwarded to
Tanglewood for refinement.
Keeping close to his original
scheme, the conservatory design
was sensitively adjusted paying
close attention to the details, the
proportions and the functionality
of the new construction. Since
the new conservatory was not conn-
ected to the main house,
exact details were not directly incorporated
but their
architectural relationship was closely scrutinized.
Inside, the decor conveys a casual elegance with simple white
cotton-draped furnishings, patterned pillows, and an old Country
French coffee table. A reading table with primitive looking chairs
made from bent tree limbs was included in the collection.
The room, which is frequently used by its owners and their many
guests, is hailed as the most inviting on the property.
