New Beginnings

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House Rupert Interior Design Studio begins a phased redesign of an expansive villa in Solvang

Oak cabinets in the wetbar add warmth to the walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Casa Blanca. The hardware is by Armac Martin. Photos by Erin Feinblatt.

Nestled in the heart of Ballard Canyon of Solvang, Bailee Roberts—designer and founder of House Rupert design studio—was hired by the owners of Stolpman Vineyards to transform their 8,500-square-foot home known as The Villa Angeli. Originally built in 2008 and designed by William Hefner, Roberts and her team started the process with a rethinking of the second floor. “I met the homeowner Jess Stolpman, at a ladies luncheon years ago and we hit it off right away as neither of us have time for facades and we had a very transparent relationships from the beginning,” says Roberts. “Jess always joked that she wanted me to help complete their villa and then one day she called to ask if I was willing to take on the project in earnest. I couldn’t have been more honored or thrilled to be entrusted with the task. The Stolpman’s have been an absolute pleasure to work with, giving me a free license to create my vision within their scope.”

In a guest bedroom, the Lola Chandelier by Lostine, the bed is custom designed by House Rupert, the rug is an heirloom owned by her clients, the table lamps are by Amber Interiors and the tables and bench are by Four Hands. Photos by Erin Feinblatt.
In the guest bathroom the plumbing fixtures are by Kohler, the hardware is from Rejuvenation.
Photos by Erin Feinblatt.

House Rupert worked with Juan Roca of Juliana Construction to complete the build, focused primarily on the unfinished second floor. They used the client’s Italian heritage coupled with her love of California as the guiding lights for design inspiration. “This is particularly evident in the hand-blown lighting featured throughout,” says Roberts. “Our goal was to create a luxurious space for guests that seamlessly integrates with the rest of the home. The clients’ long-term goal is to use the space for winery events, so we wanted it to be warm, inviting and able to accommodate large gatherings.”

A secondary guest suite features a leather-clad bed designed by House Rupert. Photos by Erin Feinblatt.

The goal was to harmonize the interiors with the Spanish-style architecture designed by William Hefner that sits atop a vineyard with endless views of the Santa Ynez Valley. “We were thoughtful in designing to enhance these views and not take away from them,” she recalls. “Every room features a small balcony with glass doors and sheer window treatments that feel very open and airy, allowing the natural light and the views to pour into the space.”

The team delivered this vision through the installation of soft oak flooring and cabinetry, clay and Zellige tiles, Calacatta Vagli and Calacatta Oro slabs, and furniture covered in leather, linen, silk and wool. They also modified original details like framing in a guest bedroom where a fireplace placement created an awkward box on the external wall. “We brought out the wall to hide the ducts, created built-in shelves and a small study area, making use of the space and adding to the architectural charm,” Roberts says. There is always an elegant solution.”

In the primary bedroom, the four poster bed is by Pottery Barn, the side tables are from Noir, rug is by Loloi the sconces are by Soho Home. Photos by Erin Feinblatt.
The primary bedroom is lined with tile from Alexander James. The lighting is from Arteriors and the plumbing fixtures are by Rohl. Photos by Erin Feinblatt.

The finished result is a soft, subtle landing space where the family can rest and relax. “This is a perfect example of the quiet luxury we aim to infuse into every project,” Roberts remarks. “These subtle details truly elevate the space.” The clients were so happy with the first phase that now work on the first floor is underway. “From start to finish, working with Bailee was an exceptional experience,” says Pete Stolpman. “She attentively listened to our needs and transformed our villa into the sophisticated, modern Italian home we envisioned.”