French-style estate with a circular gravel driveway, central fountain, clipped hedges, and orange front door.

1673 Dwight Street: French Estate in Redlands, CA

Lisa Warshaw Sheasby April 10, 2019

FRENCH ESTATE IN REDLANDS

1673 Dwight Street

Redlands, CA 92373

Grand foyer with wrought-iron staircase, carved double doors, and black-and-white tile floor.

Modeled after a 17th-18th century Bastide French Provencal house from Southern France, this home boasts old-world architecture with discerning modern updates. On many trips to Provence, the owners admired the beautiful houses. It was while dining at a local bistro that they sketched their dream home on a napkin, which can now be found displayed in the pool house. They collected architectural stone pieces for approximately 25 years prior to building and had them imported from France. The statues, corbels, pillars, and fountains are some of the antiques found during their travels through France, which now grace the house and grounds. A citrus grove scents the air while French-style manicured landscapes provide a sheltered retreat on more than two acres. A private drive leads to a generous motor court where one is greeted by the sounds of one of the two fountains found on the property.

Spacious kitchen with arched windows, warm wood cabinetry, and a yellow range against a colorful tile backsplash.

Designed and crafted in 2003 using exacting specifications of a 17th-century bastide, one feels transported ascending the limestone stairs, crossing the stone terrace, and approaching the solid French walnut handcrafted doors to Provence. Every detail was passionately attended to in the creation of this solid stone home, from the many imported features such as hand-carved walnut wood throughout, the stone floors, the authentic antique mantelpieces, the chef's kitchen fitted with the pièce de résistance—a La Cornue French range—hand-painted tiles, and windows.

Living room with a carved stone fireplace, ornate chandelier, arched doorways, and tall French doors.

The list of handcrafted features made by French artisans is seemingly endless. This timeless masterpiece also features: twelve-foot ceilings, no concrete on property (all is limestone imported from seven different French quarries), a library, a barrel-ceiling intimate dining room, a Master with retreat, dressing room, and Master Bathroom complete with solid Carrera Marble soaking tub.

French-style bathroom with a freestanding marble tub, arched window, and matching vanities.

The back parterre garden overlooks the pool and Greek-style pool house, which has a three-quarter bath and kitchenette. The landscape is beautiful beyond imagination.

Estate swimming pool with a yellow arched pool house, stone fountain, and palm-shaded cabana.