Outgoing Bedroom

Southern Living, May 2004 by Martin, Robert

This South Carolina couple let their surroundings guide them to create a sunny and relaxing space.

Asite with great views deserves a house that openly responds to its surroundings. Alan and Billie Houghton's new homestead fulfills this ideal pairing. Situated along the edge of beautiful and lush marshlands, their Pawleys Island, South Carolina, dwelling embraces all the sights and sounds that the Lowcountry has to offer.

Mix of Old and New

Among the rooms catering to the outdoors, the Houghtons' master bedroom is no exception. Graced with French doors that connect it to an ample wraparound porch, this tranquil spot serves many functions. In addition to an elegant four-poster bed with a lace canopy, there's a cozy sitting area for reading and a blacklacquered secretary for handling paperwork. Speaking of reading, both Alan and Billie keep several books going at one time-and their bedside tables attest to this. These drop-leaf pieces are far better choices for stacking novels and other materials than most modest nightstands.

It's also important to note that while their house is indeed new, most all of the couple's furniture is either inherited pieces, items they bought through the years, or antiques. "Because Alan and I liked what we already had, we didn't see the need to replace much," Billie explains. Originally from the Mississippi Delta, she's also collected an impressive array of folk art, which is sprinkled around the bedroom and other areas. "Between their ideas and collections, the Houghtons made this house a pleasure to design," says architect Steve Goggans. "They had extraordinary art and antiques with which to appoint the home."

Birds of a Feather

Alan and Billie enjoy bird watching as well. The marshlands are a natural aviary, so Steve's decision to put their bedroom in an outside corner-facing the marshes-proved right on track. To further fuse the room with the outdoors, he called for large, mullionless double-hung windows that provide unobstructed views.

As a result, these homeowners remain in constant communion with the Lowcountry. ROBERT MARTIN