Federal Residence

Federal Residence

Originally designed by Mark Finlay Architects in 1993, this brick-clad Federal-style residence is set on two-and-a-half acres in Darien, Connecticut. Inspired by their Southern roots, the original owners envisioned a home rooted in a timeless, traditional aesthetic reminiscent of Dr. William Thornton’s Woodlawn Estate at Mount Vernon.

Nearly a decade later, new owners returned to MFA seeking a thoughtful renovation—one that would preserve the home’s Southern character while introducing a sense of modern elegance and more expansive, light-filled interiors. The scope of the redesign extended beyond the interiors renovations of the main residence to include new outbuildings and a comprehensive landscape strategy.

A carefully composed site plan organizes the outdoor amenities in a balanced, axial arrangement. The pool and pergola are positioned bilaterally on either side of the main house, framing a central lawn that serves as both a visual and functional extension of the residence. At the western edge of the property, a pool house anchors the composition, providing a sense of termination and architectural punctuation to the landscape.

Photography: Warren Jagger
Interiors: Bunny Williams
Featured In: American Style Villa, Athome in Fairfield County, Westport News
Recognition: Athome A-List Winner