Designing a Modern Equestrian Estate
Architect: In-Site Design Group; Annie Carruthers
Builder:Â Windham Builders
Interior Design:Â The Decorators Unlimited, Designer: Lisa Lalaounis
Photography: Hayley Ellen Day, Ron Rosenzweig
Welcome to Marigold Farms. Sitting on over five acres, this exceptional equestrian estate is located in Wellington, Florida. Imagined by architect Annie Carruthers, the clean lines and flat roofs of the midcentury style were the inspiration for the project. The interiors, designed by Lisa Lalaounis of The Decorators Unlimited, feature a neutral palette of luxe finishes with a chic minimalist look. This expansive property includes a private residence with a stunning pool and a spacious outdoor entertaining space. The barn complex is comprised of a caretaker’s apartment, grooms’ quarters, indoor and outdoor rings, stables, and paddocks. Marigold Farms is a modern equestrian estate that expertly blends high-end luxury design with purposeful function.
The front facade of the midcentury modern private residence
“The project began with the dual ambition of shaping bold, contemporary architecture and ensuring rigorous functional performance.” – Annie Carruthers, Architect
Unlike traditional designs with ornate detailing or vernacular references, modern equestrian estates emphasize clarity of form, material honesty, and seamless indoor-outdoor synergy. At Marigold, the design features clean, flat-roofed geometry, ample natural light, and integrated passive strategies, setting it apart through architectural intelligence rather than historical precedent. This fusion elevates an equestrian space from mere utility to a thoughtful, refined living environment.
The Private Residence
A dramatic stone fireplace in the comfortable living room
Sleek lighting and a neutral palette visually connect the kitchen and dining space
The primary residence was designed to seamlessly connect with the landscape. For the architecture, Annie utilized atriums and interior landscape focal points to draw daylight deep into living spaces, while also delivering tropical visual escapes. These spaces are simultaneously beautiful, climate-responsive, and emotionally uplifting. The approach was to adopt a modern equestrian aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and a minimalist interior, as opposed to the ornate, classic designs typically found in traditional equestrian interiors.
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A guest bedroom suite in the private residence
The primary suite designed in rich textures and luxury finishes
When designing the interiors for the residence, Lisa worked closely with the client to identify the primary functions of each space. For example, with furniture, the practical aspects of comfort and usability were planned before the aesthetics. The interior style complements the architectural design, and the two elements flow harmoniously throughout the property. Lisa believes that “style and function should coexist without compromising either.”
The home’s interior living spaces open to the pool and multiple outdoor entertaining options
 The Barn Complex
With details such as dramatic lighting and an organic wood ceiling, the barn blends high style and purposeful function
The tack room details include a hanging fixture and natural light
With a mix of modern metal and organic wood, the tack room showcases modern design elements
A feature that sets this modern equestrian project apart from traditional designs is the use of technology and the integration of automation for horse care and stable management. The team adopted a sustainability approach, with a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly practices, when selecting materials. In essence, a modern estate emphasizes innovative design, technology, and sustainability, making it distinct from traditional estates that may focus on aesthetics and historical elements.
The barn is replete with custom doors and a wide central aisle
An aesthetic solution for protecting against the tropical climate
The barn is defined by asymmetry tailored to the site and program, featuring stall-bay transoms and slit windows that, in concert with the exterior brise-soleil, deliver soft, filtered daylight—shaping a serene, breathable environment rich in architectural nuance. One of Annie’s favorite features of the design is the light in the barn. The brise soleil is one of the architect’s personal design passions. Its finely tuned louvers modulate light into the barn, creating elegant patterns of illumination while protecting from glare and heat. It’s a moment where aesthetic restraint and functional depth resonate most clearly. The brise soleil is both a pragmatic solution for Florida’s tropical climate and a sculptural façade expression that enriches sensory experience.
The Grooms’ Quarters, Caretaker’s Apartment, & Lounge
The mid-century modern-inspired grooms’ quarters
Annie designed the second-story groom’s quarters as a tribute to architect Paul Rudolph. This dynamic building incorporates sculptural concrete forms that span between the barn wings. This design balances a sculptural presence to form a courtyard below, melding mid-century ideals with modern living practicality.
A visitor peeks inside the barn lounge
The barn lounge is designed with durable, yet chic furnishings
Outdoor dining with a seamless flow to the barn lounge
With movable glass walls on two sides, the lounge offers a comfortable place to recharge. When selecting materials for the interiors throughout the property, it was crucial to choose the most durable finishes, including porcelain flooring, easy-to-clean area rugs, and fabrics, to ensure the longevity of the high-traffic, multifunctional facility and private residence.Â
The Grounds
The property includes indoor and outdoor riding rings
Symmetry in the landscaped paddocks
A tropical modern equestrian estate
“My favorite aspect of the project was being a part of an amazing team” – Lisa Lalounis, Interior Designer
The talented team that created this modern equestrian estate collaborated with the client on all aspects of the project. An equestrian estate of this scope required a multitude of trades and a high level of project management and communication. This premier equestrian farm is designed to support high-quality training and care for horses. In this project, the team had to consider an environment that fostered comfort not only for our client but also for their horses and groomsmen. It is very rewarding for the team to see that the project has evolved into a thriving, modern equestrian estate.
A talented team. Lisa Lalaounis & Annie Carruthers
Meet Lisa & Annie
Interior Designer Lisa Lalaounis is renowned for creating interior spaces that reflect her clients’ lifestyles. Lisa designs elevated interiors for her clients around the world, who all adore her. Architect Annie Carruthers is a leader in luxury equestrian design. Annie is highly regarded in the industry for her innovative ideas and meticulous attention to detail.
With such a talented team, we are thrilled to share the details of designing this modern equestrian estate.
