Depth was an architectural issue in the interior plan too. Typical of its period, Mount Pleasant is essentially one room deep, but this house is two rooms deep. "We kept the strong axial connection from front to back with enfilades to provide uninterrupted sight lines," the architect explains. The aligned doorways are fully integrated into the authentic Georgian architecture, so they carry substance and richness throughout.

"Everything built was drawn," says Jones. "Every piece of window trim, each pilaster, all the cabinets and wainscoting, every door panel, the quoins to show where the special brick pieces are. We found some Historical American Building Survey drawings and were able to measure and photograph the house in detail, but all had to be redrawn or modified to fit this design."

One of the challenges in staying true to period is deciding how to incorporate modern elements, such as electrical controls and ductwork. "The key is to massage them so they don't overwhelm," says Ilex Construction president Delbert Adams. "The floor registers were made from heart pine and installed flush with the floor to minimize their appearance." As a result, the authenticity of the architecture is maintained.

Landscape architect Jay Graham worked with Jones on placing the house and developing the setting. "A grand Georgian house typically stood in an open setting at the crest of a hill, so this site helped meet that expectation," Jones says. Also true to period, there is no foundation planting along the core of the house, so as not to obscure how it rises from the ground. To the rear, though, the architect and landscape architect devised a raised terrace on the same level as the ground floor rooms that open onto it.

Classical Georgian style has endured for good reason. The details can be either humble or grand, but if the proportions are right, it always satisfies.