Sumptuous Speakeasy

Eva Lindsell Anderson

Teakwood Builders, Inc., Saratoga Springs, NY

Located in an 18th century house on a scenic horse farm, this basement bar was created as part of an entertainment space to be enjoyed by multiple generations of the owners’ family. Because the owners are world travelers and entrepreneurs, they also wanted to incorporate amenities that would appeal to their business guests, such as a billiards parlor, whiskey room, spa, golf simulator and this formal bar.

The objective for the project was to create a New Orleans-inspired setting that would elevate the space. By dropping the formerly lofty ceiling and raising the floor, designer Eva Lindsell Anderson of Teakwood Builders, Inc., along with Balzer + Tuck Architecture, was able to create a raised, more intimate space that overlooks the golf simulator through steel-framed tempered glass windows. The windows retract into a wall pocket beside the banquette.

The bar, featuring a brushed cast pewter bar top by La Bastille, offers seating for seven, and is flanked by warmly lit floating glass shelves by Fittings Metal Collection and Essex cabinets in Black Galaxy from QCCI. The banquette, set against a cushioned tartan wall, offers a club-inspired niche for additional seating. A polished metal fixture above the bar functions as both a stemware rack and an uplight chandelier. Silvery antiqued mirrored glass tile by Artistic Tile, Masia Nero subway tile, dark honed quartz countertops and warm wood accents round out the sophisticated yet edgy aesthetic. A Monogram Wine Reserve and undercounter icemaker, freezer and 30″ beverage column from True Residential add beauty and function, as do the Blanco Precis sink and Brizo Levoir wall-mount faucet.