George Graves World-class Artist
World-class Artist George Graves of Port Townsend built this home. For privacy reasons I won't share the address. The artistry in the home was so mesmerizing, my clients bought the home. It was exactly what they were looking for. Their young son called it a "Birdhouse to his soul." The terms used by the new owners were "The Hobbit House", "The Secret Garden", "Avatar", a place to make music, a place to rejuvenate, a place to get creative, a great place to raise their kids, a place to call Home, a place to meet neighbors.
As a tribute to George Graves I have included examples of his artistry from this home and hopefully, my readers will identify other works of his art I can also share.
The entrance to house has this beautifully ornate door carved with flowers and framed by stonework. The door creates a magical portal into the house. Being a seaman you will see touches of nautical themes throughout.Just inside the door, you see an Amoire' used for coats.
To the left of the entrance is a uniquely crafted stairwell. The handrails have multicolored inlaid wood with smooth ending.
The railings have colored glass circles embedded in the wood.
The landing at the bottom and middle of the stairs have inlaid wood.
To the right of the stairs is a built-in curio cabinet and down the hall is a bathroom with a burl wood sink.
At the top of the stairs you look across at a propane stove with a wood hearth and you can also see the inlays in the floor.
In a cozy sitting area adjacent to the kitchen are these beautiful cabinets carefully matched with the heart of the tree on each side. It can be used as a liquor cabinet or food pantry.
In the living room is this desk and hutch made with burl wood.
The living room has wood carved leaf fan in the ceiling blending the outside with the inside.
Schooner George sailed around the world single-handed three times, doing elegant carvings on his boat as he sailed. He came ashore in St. John, sold his boat, and began building.
His exhibition of carvings at David Knight's specialty lumber company is still remembered, including such pieces as "Can of Worms.
George Graves Obituary
George Graves, international sailor and world-class artist, died Nov. 4, 2003 at his home in Port Townsend, WA. "Schooner George", as he was known, lived in St. John in the 1980s, where he built a home on Bordeaux Mountain. Born in New York City, Graves was raised in Denmark and subsequently had a career in set construction and design in New York City.
Schooner George sailed around the world single-handed three times, doing elegant carvings on his boat as he sailed. He came ashore in St. John, sold his boat, and began building.
His exhibition of carvings at David Knight's specialty lumber company is still remembered, including such pieces as "Can of Worms.
In recent years (sic. bef 2003), he built and sold custom houses in Port Townsend..."
I need to remember to add a photo of the library which you had to climb a ladder to reach and was in the balcony above large bay windows.
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