Rowdy Meadow

A unique work of art-a stunning Cubism-inspired house set in a sculpture park

“The house . . . serves as a magnificent showcase for an important collection of design, from the Arts and Crafts era through today.” – Architectural Digest

Welcome to Rowdy Meadow, a visionary house that is a complete work of art, from its architecture, interior design, furnishings, and collection of contemporary art to its landscape architecture and private sculpture park. Inspired by Czech Cubism, it is unlike any other house, anywhere. Designed and decorated by Peter Pennoyer Architects in Hunting Valley, Ohio, it is a structure of tremendous complexity made to feel simple and calm by Pennoyer’s mastery of the language of this style-a short-lived movement notable for its use of prismatic forms.

Here, Anne Walker guides the reader through the house room by room, showcasing furnishings spanning the Arts and Crafts era through Art Deco, with pieces by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Josef Hoffmann, Dagobert Peche, Eileen Gray, and Gio Ponti, fine art by Walton Ford, James Lee Byars, and others, as well as bespoke installations so expertly woven into the design that they virtually become part of the fabric of the house. She discusses the Reed Hilderbrand-designed landscape and sculpture park-with works by Anish Kapoor and Andy Goldsworthy-spread throughout the 146-acre property. Illustrated with photographs taken throughout the seasons by Eric Piasecki that capture Rowdy Meadow’s unique detailing, imagination, and energy, as well as with renderings and drawings, the book itself is an extraordinary achievement.

About the Author

Architectural historian Anne Walker holds a master's degree in historic preservation from Columbia University and is the author of numerous books on historical and contemporary architecture and design, including Peter Pennoyer Architects: Apartments, Townhouses, Country Houses, A House in the Country, and Life at the Top: New York's Exceptional Apartment Buildings. She is an adjunct professor at New York University, where she teaches with Peter Pennoyer.

About the Photographer

Architecture and interiors photographer Eric Piasecki contributes regularly to Elle Decor, Architecturl Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications nationally and internationally. His books include Peter Pennoyer Architects, Katie Ridder: Rooms, Katie Ridder: More Rooms and A House in the Country.