By Ashlee Duren | Photo by Amy J. Owen
Imagine waking up to views of the Savannah River every morning. That is the what Debbie and David Huguenin see each morning from their Evans home. Guests are greeted by those same breathtaking views of the river, complete with trees draped with Spanish moss. The scene is simply stunning making it easy to see why the Huguenins chose to build on this lot.
The Huguenins built the home in 2019 when they decided to downsize. Actually, Debbie and son, Patrick, own PDH Builders, and worked together to design the 5,900 square foot house.
When designing the home, Debbie knew she had to have a back porch.
“The focal point of the house for us is definitely the back porch,” she says. “This is our main entertaining space and the place we like to relax every night.”
The five bedroom house is perfect for hosting friends and family. In fact, one of her favorite things to do is decorate … for any occasion. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, the porch was decked out with red, white and blue decorations. The star of this year’s celebration however, will not be the décor or the food, but rather the couple’s newest grandson.
“He even has his own rocking chair,” Debbie says with a grin unique to doting grandmothers.
The Huguenins home is quintessential Southern, from the mixed wood and brick exterior to the exposed wooden beams and heart pine floors throughout. A double-sided brick fireplace accents the open concept kitchen, dining and living space.
The island in the kitchen is heart pine, which provides a warm contrast to the white cabinets that extend to the ceiling complete with seeded glass panes.
Custom design elements throughout the home provide a farm style feel. The kitchen island, table and fireplace mantles were built by Appling craftsman Lee Yelton. The upstairs landing offers yet another space for entertaining, complete with a bar area. A set of Murphy doors adds a stylish decor touch while providing functional access to attic storage space.
Throughout the home photographs of family and heirloom pieces from both sides of the family are prominent.
“I’ve filled our home with things that have lots of sentimental value, from furniture to photographs,” Debbie says. “We paired down, but we knew we were getting older,” she says. “It was time.”
From the looks of it, it appears they’ve settled into their new home quite well.
Appears in the July 2020 issue of Augusta Magazine.
