A Welcoming Wonderland in Windsor

What started as a renovation resulted in a spacious family mecca with a fanciful mural

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Michael and Virginia Johnson's Windsor home. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
Michael and Virginia Johnson’s Windsor home. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

When Michael and Virginia Johnson decided it was time to make a few changes to their home in Windsor, they contacted RCL Development, the firm that constructed the custom residence in 2007. Little did the couple know that the “few changes” they envisioned would end up doubling the square footage, reconfiguring spaces, and creating a courtyard where larger-than-life lemons, hummingbirds, and flowers brighten formerly pale walls.

As the saying goes, one thing often leads to another, and the Johnsons found that to be true throughout the redesign and rebuilding project that was prompted by the passing of years.

Large gathering areas for family to visit and enjoy were important for the Johnsons to incorporate into their plans. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
Large gathering areas for family to visit and enjoy were important for the Johnsons to incorporate into their plans. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

“We bought the house from the original owners back in 2011 when our kids were little,” Michael explains. “They’re now in their 20s and bring their significant others with them when they come. We’re anticipating grandchildren one day, so we were doing it for the next generation.”

He adds, “The house as it was really didn’t provide the living experience we wanted, so we started looking around, exclusively in Windsor. We wanted to be in the Village but we couldn’t find the balance of function, the number of bedrooms, and indoor and outdoor living spaces we wanted.”

Dining room. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
Dining room. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

But then opportunity knocked: “As luck would have it, the vacant lot next door, which had changed hands a couple of times over the years, became available right before COVID hit. We bought it knowing we could build what we had been looking for. Between the architect, my wife, her designer, and RCL, we had the dream team.”

Friend and designer Kendal Gaillard was called in to a be part of the visionary team. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
Friend and designer Kendal Gaillard was called in to a be part of the visionary team. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

The team was spearheaded by RCL president Alex Wells, who credits Bob Lyles, the firm’s founder and honorary chairman, for getting the ball rolling.

“One of the things I was able to do when I came on board was take all the pieces Bob and the parties involved had put together,” says Wells. “At any given time there were five or six of us who were constantly collaborating. We also have some 50 to 60 local vendors who have been working for RCL for a long time who were part of the project. There were a lot of moving parts.”

Architect Austin Dingwall can testify to that.

“When I first met with Michael and Virginia, it was clear that they really liked their original house; they just needed a little more space, so we started talking about options, did our exploration. A few months later I got a call from Michael saying that the vacant lot next door had just become available and he was going to buy it, so the project evolved,” Dingwall recalls.

The office space. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
The office space. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

“It was interesting—once we started designing, the Johnsons began to take a really good look at the house. They would say things like, ‘You know, I’m not actually thrilled with the space in the master suite, or the kitchen, or the living areas. I’d really like to see if maybe we could do this or that.’ The Johnsons had ideas but they were really open to new ones. Sometimes clients are set in what they want; they weren’t.”

“Basically, the addition turned into the main residence,” Dingwall says. “What I find exciting is that Michael and Virginia really enjoy their new house. There’s a great energy.”

The home expansion and renovation was done with a nod toward their growing generations of family. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
The home expansion and renovation was done with a nod toward their growing generations of family. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

Much of that energy can be credited to the couple, who were 100 percent engaged from conception to completion. When it came time to furnish and accessorize their new home, Virginia called on designer and friend Kendal Gaillard for her decorating expertise.

“I’m not a design person. Kendal has the vision; she did our first house 20 years ago when our children were little, and I loved it. One of my happiest times is working with her. She’s like my right-hand man,” Virginia enthuses.

The backyard. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
The backyard. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

“With the Windsor house, I told her how we wanted things to look and feel now that the kids are grown up and bring others with them. We wanted everyone to feel comfortable, have the privacy of their own room. We also wanted a large space where everyone could come together, watch football and basketball games, hang out, talk, laugh, and have fun.”

Mission accomplished. Throughout the residence, soft earth tones, varying shades of blue, and subtle splashes of color mix and mingle, while textures and patterns enhance custom bedding, upholstery, walls, and floors. There’s a charming sophistication that extends an invitation to come in and spend time. You’ll be glad you did.

A mural by Luis Valle of Nicaragua graces the walls of the courtyard. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
A mural by Luis Valle of Nicaragua graces the walls of the courtyard. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

The same can be said about the courtyard, where an elevated pool and sunken seating area with fire pit are like a magnet, drawing family and friends of all ages. Again, the Johnsons had an idea.

“We didn’t want the ‘same Jane’ pool; we wanted one that was raised, that would stand out,” says Michael. “When we told Alex, he thought we were crazy, but he went along with it, and it turned out great. Alex was great to work with. He met every challenge we threw at him. He’s one of the most loyal and honest people I know, and I would trust him with anything.”

Spacious outdoor living areas are used for meals, relaxation, and fun. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
Spacious outdoor living areas are used for meals, relaxation, and fun. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

Virginia feels much the same about the artist who brought the plain vanilla walls of the courtyard to life. It all began when she and two friends took a road trip to Miami, looking forward to seeing the sights and sounds of the Magic City.

Outdoor living area. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography
Outdoor living area. Photo by Owen McGoldrick Photography

“We went on a tour, and our guide was Luis Valle, an artist from Nicaragua. We loved him and his artwork, so when Michael and I started building the house, I knew I wanted Luis to paint a mural in the courtyard.

“I gave him a lot of range, and he came up with the idea of a lemon tree garden. We spend so much time in our outdoor living room, having breakfast and lunch, and when others are here that’s where you can find us,” Virginia says.

Michael nods in agreement. “I tell you, every person who comes into the house wants to see the mural. It’s so wonderful, so relaxing, so inspiring. We love how everything turned out. This is a welcoming house. It’s designed for people to get together, enjoy each other’s company, and make memories. We couldn’t be happier.”

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