Family dream home in heart of Buckhead

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Renee and Jim Schwarzkopf were able to expand their property in the Castlewood neighborhood of Buckhead to allow room for their growing family.

"As newlyweds, we loved looking at homes in the Castlewood neighborhood. We love its charm, older homes, wooded lots and true neighborhood feel," shares Renee Schwarzkopf. "The Castlewood neighborhood sits in the heart of Buckhead. We have a large wooded lot, a wonderful neighborhood elementary school, Morris Brandon, within steps of our front door, and a lovely neighborhood park, recently adopted by Park Pride and newly landscaped."

Renee and Jim Schwarzkopf originally "bought the house next door 14 years ago, prior to children. When our elderly neighbor moved a couple of years ago, we purchased the home, tore it down, and built our dream home," explains Jim. "We love this neighborhood but our home needs were changing as the children were growing," adds Renee. Mounted above the mantel is an impressionistic painting by Susie Rose of Mary Rose, Anna and Megan Schwarzkopf.

The foyer features smoke globes sourced at Lamp Art and a chest of drawers is from European Collections (formerly Moulin Rouge), according to interior designer Joanne Fitzgerald. The Schwarzkopf's home occupies 7,000 square feet and is appointed with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half-baths.

"Building a custom home enabled us to be involved in all decisions. Our decorator, Joanne Fitzgerald, has extensive experience and knowledge in the construction process, which helped us with pre-construction decisions, as well as post-construction designing. She was involved throughout the entire process. Our goal was an updated, sophisticated look. Joanne helped give our home an urban look with an old world European feel," offers Renee. The ceiling beams come from Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring.

Joanne Fitzgerald, principal designer at longfield-fitzgerald design, incorporated many suppliers over the two years she's worked on the Schwarzkopf residence. The floor lamp in the great room was customized using a huge base Fitzgerald sourced at Scott's Antique Market.

"We enjoy casual entertaining with friends and family often," says Jim. Renee says their decorating style is "eclectic with a French influence."

"Having renovated the house next door nine years ago, we went into [this] home with set ideas on how we wanted to design based on our lifestyle needs of a family of five," notes Jim. Pictured is the keeping room; on display is an oil painting by Tracy Sharp. Michael Tucker of Sweetbriar Architects executed the elliptical arches that frame the great room.

"Thanks to our EarthCraft certified builder, Michael LaBelle of AFG Builders, we were able to improve our home with eco-friendly products and processes such as solar hot water by Vetux, greywater system by Brac, foundation walls by Superior Wall Systems, Icynene insulation and a rainwater collection tank with an irrigation system," details Jim. Countertops by Marc Granberry of Stone Systems of Atlanta. Insidesign crafted the cabinets, millwork, floors and doors.

"Warm and inviting with each room having a unique attribute making it unexpected without being overstated," is how Renee describes their home to folks who have yet to visit.

The home of Renee and Jim Schwarzkopf has influences from France, according to Renee. Architect Michael Tucker of Sweetbriar Architects executed the elliptical arches that frame the great room which were influenced by A. Hayes Town architecture style as seen in the book "The Louisiana House of A. Hayes Town."

Seen here is the master suite in the home of Renee and Jim Schwarzkopf.The room's tasteful, soothing color palette is illuminated by the wall of windows.

The bedroom of 12-year-old Megan fits the "warm and inviting" cue the Schwarzkopfs provided to their designer Joanne Fitzgerald.

Renee says, "not a thing" is missing from their home, "except maybe a pet dog for the Schwarzkopf girls." Pictured is 10-year-old Anna's room.

"Everyone gathers in the kitchen, but the basement is gaining interest with the guys with the pool table and wine cellar (pictured)," offers Jim, a wine aficionado and chief financial officer for Empire Distributors.

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"As newlyweds, we loved looking at homes in the Castlewood neighborhood. We love its charm, older homes, wooded lots and true neighborhood feel," shares Renee Schwarzkopf. "The Castlewood neighborhood sits in the heart of Buckhead. We have a large wooded lot, a wonderful neighborhood elementary school, Morris Brandon, within steps of our front door, and a lovely neighborhood park, recently adopted by Park Pride and newly landscaped."

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