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 Today, I’m sharing a full tour with previously unpublished images, as captured by Carmel Brantley of Brantley Photography.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.
Photography by Carmel Brantley.
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.
A Weekend at The Greenbrier with Carleton Varney
Blue de Gournay and Gracie Wallpapered Dining Rooms
The Truth Behind Ivy-Covered Houses
The Historic Villages of Coral Gables
Love this house and the story craftily with great interest and creativity by you!!! The personal touch of you knowing such a charming lady goes very well with the presentation. Thank you so much for posting! I love blues, reds and the fog accents. ♥️♥️❤️ Please keep on sharing! Kudis🥰😘😍🥳
Stunning.
Such a beautiful and timeless home! Love the pink! Happy Wednesday, Andrea~
An absolutely lovely home. I can’t get enough of the beautiful details and her exquisite antiques collection. I have to confess I’ve saved almost your entire post on my Pinterest page! Thank you, thank you for always sharing the most stunning and inspiring interiors!
One of the most glorious interiors I’ve ever seen!! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this wonderful tour! What a sublime home. I am sorry for the loss of your friend.💗
Beautiful – I would never leave!
Every room was delightful and delicious. I crave the fabrics used. It’s like a jewel box. It’s such an inspiration for me today to tackle some shelved projects around my petit masion.
Thank you
What a patrician and elegant home, and yet so warm and welcoming. Just like its mistress, I’m sure. It must have given her great joy to share with friends and family. Extraordinarily beautiful. I can see how it would be one of your favourites. It’s perfect.
Quite often I think I’ll stop and comment about how wonderful all that you share is….but I’m assuming (hoping?) that you know because you keep gifting us with more fabulousness. Thank you for this blog/work of passion. Your touching admiration and love for your dear friend Deirdre along with this utterly gorgeous, basically perfect in every detail, home has moved me to say that I’m almost speechless (if that makes sense) or perhaps better to say moved and breathless. Thank you Andrea.
Dear Jane,
I cannot thank you enough for your kind words! The Glam Pad has always been my “happy place” – especially during troubling times – and it made my day to hear you say that. I assure you, this home is a true reflection of Deirdre. She was practically perfect in every way. 🙂
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
Sorry for the loss of your friend who’s lovely style lives on through your friendship and in sharing her home with your readers. Ellen Easton
Absolutely off the charts……..beautiful furniture and fabrics done really really well!
Pure perfection. Especially love the ‘Fly Fishing’ Powder Room and Study!
A stunning home with exquisite details. You are so fortunate to have visited it.
Thank you, Denise. 🙂 I wish I could capture the way this home “feels”… it is just such a happy home, filled with love and joy, and you feel that the instant you walk inside.
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
I remember this house from my childhood! I would walk by it while playing golf. Such a beautiful home. Thank you for sharing!
I know this house. In the ’80’s, it was owned by the then president of Barnett Bank of South Florida, with whom I had the pleasure of working for many years. It looked much different when he and his wonderful family lived there, but it has always been a beautiful home in one of the loveliest areas of Miami.
Dearest Andrea, I acn just look at thepink facade of this scrumptious house and know that you two were close friends. What she must have meant to you in Miami! I’m so sorry to hear that she is nolongeramong us, but still in our hearts.
We owe each other a phone chat….I’ll DM you. xB
This house is stunning! I was not going to look at the pic when I saw the pink outside, but wow…So glad I did!!!
What’s the name of the flooring in entryway?
This house is perfection! Thanks for sharing, Andrea. And I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend.
This is possibly one of the most beautiful homes I’ve seen on The Glam Pad. I adore her use of colour the most out of any home interior I’ve seen: pink with blue, Terracotta with green or blue, green with amethyst, and so on. She didn’t just pair a colour with a neutral and I think that’s so clever and visually stunning. Thank you so much Andrea, you must miss your dear friend very much. Best wishes to you always, Maria.
Dear Maria,
Your kind words warm my heart! Thank you so much, I am so pleased that you love this home as much as I do. 🙂
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
As Anton Chekhov said in one of his plays, “In a human being everything should be beautiful: the face, the clothes, the soul, the thoughts. . . .” This seems to apply to Deirdre, if we also add a beautiful home to that.
Beautiful words, Irina, and yes they absolutely apply to Deirdre! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely quote.
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
Wandered in from Pinterest. I am so sorry you lost your good friend, as I know what that is like. I have many beautiful things that my friend gave me, and it is bittersweet using them. Thank you for letting us glimpse her wonderful house. She had a beautiful soul.
Thank you for the kind words, Margaret. 🙂 Deirdre was an amazing lady!
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
I have had the pleasure of seeing some of this house in person, and it is just as beautiful and welcoming in person, if not more so. A truly special home.