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Old World Charm: The Lowys

08/27/2008 - By by Michael Berman

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Cottage -Style Home...
Old World Charm

The Lowys Make a Short Hop to a New Lifestyle

Keith Lowy moves people and their belongings for a living; in fact, his family has been in the moving business for more than 85 years. But when it came to moving his own family he didn’t need a truck. He has lived in three houses during his lifetime, and as his wife Gail likes to say, “my husband has moved 75 feet in 40 years.”

Keith grew up in Oakhurst and that is where he decided to build his family’s dream house 18 years ago – right next to his parents’ home where he grew up. Keith and Gail Lowy met while both attended college at Monmouth University. Gail had been raised in South Jersey, but is now proud to call Ocean Township her home. She says that this has been a wonderful place to live and raise a family – the fine school system, proximity to family, and access to the shore area have made living in Oakhurst an absolute pleasure.

The Lowy family had planned on moving from Keith’s childhood street after his parents relocated to Florida; they even sold the custom-built home in which they had raised their three children over the last 18 years. But a move away from there was just not meant to be when they realized that the lot right across the street from their just-sold home was available. The cul-de-sac location was very familiar to them, and in the end it turned out to be a perfect setting for their new construction plans. As a result, their home address number has changed, but the street name remains the same. The Lowys enjoy being the “new kids on the block” even though Keith remembers learning to ride his bike just about 75 feet away.

The Lowys’ new home exudes a cottage-like charm, combining stonework, natural materials, arched-top windows, working shutters, and a coppertopped cupola; all this combines to create a home with classic appeal. The 5,700-square-foot home is situated on a 150 x 200 square-foot lot and features a variety of roofline elevations and dormers, all adding to the architectural interest of the overall design. Keith and Gail found the layout and design of their new home on eplans.com; then they worked with a local architect to customize the design to their specific needs and lot requirements.

The stonework, rocking chairs, and manicured landscaping offer a formal foundation for the welcoming front entrance to the Lowy home. Gail loves to decorate, and she approached the design with the goal of “comfortable living” in every room.

The Lowys’ living room is grand, while maintaining an intimate charm through the use of upholstered love seats, warm natural colors, and archway details. The oak vintage phone booth belonged to Gail’s uncle, and has become quite the conversation piece. The iron scroll detail on the custom railing is decorative and sculptural at the same time, adding to the home’s vintage character.

The custom kitchen was designed by Erik Kitchen Designs of Avon. The travertine floor tiles are warmed by radiant heat, and offer a great foundation for the classic country kitchen design. A collection of porcine collectables add a bit of decorative whimsy to the space. The large granite-topped center island is truly a family gathering place. The bead-board, satin-finished cabinetry contrasts beautifully against the antiqued white cabinets installed throughout this open-kitchen design concept. Gail wanted her home to have an open floor plan so “everyone can be together.” The kitchen and living spaces in the Lowy home were put through the ultimate test when Gail’s and Keith’s three children – Adam, Max, and Tracy – hosted 75 people for their parents’ 25^th wedding anniversary party.

The elegant master bedroom is truly an intimate space that conveys warmth and comfort without sacrificing a strong sense of style. The four-poster iron scrollwork bed and the custom drapery, by Mary Weil of Ocean Township, combine to invite rest and relaxation after a hectic day. The master bath is spacious and comfortable. Gail believes that the “his-and-her” layout is the key to a successful marriage. The large walk-in shower has a unique double entry, and a window allows natural light in from outside.

The dining room has a strong country feel, featuring a chunky farm table, a lighted hutch, and a custom iron chandelier. Gail has a real appreciation for furniture that has a “lived-with” character; many pieces in their home, even if new, have a distressed finish, giving them an antique quality.  

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