133 leaping brook way

When the current owners of 133 Leaping Brook Way dreamed of their perfect waterfront sanctuary, they didn’t envision a typical lake house. They wanted—and infinitely achieved—something exceptional. This wonderfully serene Lake Keowee retreat is situated on a quintessential point property with stunning lake and mountain vistas. Inspired by the English Country tradition, the three-level home incorporates time-honored materials like limestone, slate, and iron, both inside and out, augmented by large windows and clean, simple lines. A consistently neutral color palette allows the structure - breathtaking in its own right - to spotlight the brilliantly hued waters that are visible from almost every room. The wrought iron arched entry door, salvaged from Argentina, introduces countless antique architectural elements that prevail throughout the residence. Above the foyer, dining area and kitchen, barrel-vaulted brick ceilings are punctuated by dramatic beams, while custom walnut floors provide warmth, underfoot. A monumental coursed limestone fireplace towers in the great room, embellished with a 19th century Italian door. Its mass is complemented by a wall of limestone-cased windows and French doors that capture views and lead to a deck with built-in grilling area. Ascending to the spacious loft (presently used as an office and library), a work-of-art staircase has limestone treads and custom-crafted iron railing. The kitchen is as uniquely beautiful as it is functional. Countertops of Carrara marble, center island of pewter, custom-designed zinc and steel range hood, and tile and antique firebrick backsplash surround a Lacanche steel and nickel range made in Burgundy, France. Gas and electric ovens, a warming cabinet, and adjacent butler’s pantry with second refrigerator, sink, and prep area are sure to gladden any gourmet. To the left, the kitchen transitions first to a keeping room, then to a dining porch with Apache bluestone floors, limestone fireplace, and spectacular, three-sided lake panorama. Attributes of the main-level master suite extol peace and calm: paneled walls painted in an aged finish, understated fireplace, antique crystal empire chandelier, private antique waterside balcony, and lavish his and hers closets and dressing rooms. In addition to double vanities and outsized shower, the adjoining bath contains a stainless-steel tub, ideally positioned before leaded windows for soaking cares away whilst enjoying views of the old-growth forest and lake, beyond. Ample guest accommodations are provided by a second main-level bedroom suite (with private balcony), as well as two generous suites on the lower level. Here, a large family room houses a rustic media cabinet embedded in a limestone wall, while the connected bar kitchen is accented with two imaginative, stained- glass porthole windows. Past a wall of floor-to-ceiling shelving, the grand media room features an immense screen with Art Deco-style surround. Entertaining venues seamlessly continue to the outdoor terrace, where breezy curtains border a living area with fireplace and TV. A spiral staircase links this terrace with the dining porch above. Exterior boulder steps on both sides of the home traverse the grounds, ultimately leading to the covered dock anchored in a deep-water cove that is out of the way of busier lake channels, yet affords open-water views and access. The home’s impressive elements extend beyond the visible to include efficiency and sustainability. It seamlessly utilizes geothermal, solar thermal, and solar photovoltaic technologies, which significantly reduce its energy demand, and employs a rainwater system for irrigating extensive landscaping. This magnificent estate was a collaborative work between Linda McDougald Design, Johnston Design Group, Seamon Whiteside + Associates, J. Dabney Peeples Design Associates of The Collins Group, Inc., and The Tutman Group.