WHEN LISA AND JAY MCCASLIN opted to open the doors of their Lowcountry home for “An Isle of Hope Christmas,” they knew they would decorate as they always have.  They would make Christmas at their house family-friendly with loads of natural greenery, a children’s tree and a touch of whimsy here and there.
     “We’re more oyster roast than silver and china,” Lisa said of the family’s taste in both decorating and entertaining.  Moreover, with two children — Alston and Mary Page — under the age of 5, the McCaslins’ aim always has been to make their home a happy place.
     The McCaslins built their home five years ago on two tree-shaded acres bordering the Herb River Creek. The front yard is filled with camellias, azaleas and magnolia trees nestled in pine straw.  Out back, a sprawling lawn leads to a dock that crosses the marsh.  
     The home features a circular driveway, wraparound porches, a breezeway connecting the house to the garages and other touches that make it a true Southern charmer.
     Additionally, the home’s interior takes advantage of the lush location.  Huge windows, mostly without treatments, offer the family of four and their guests drop-dead gorgeous views of Mother Nature’s coastal landscape.
     Helping the McCaslins with interior design were Robert Vargas and Shauna Kucera of Guenzi-Vargas Studios, who conformed the “interior to (the McCaslins’) taste,” Vargas said.
     “We believe we gave them the details they were looking for,” he added.  Those details included custom cherry cabinetry in the kitchen and family room, unique tile work in the bathrooms and heart-pine floors that were reclaimed from an old cotton mill.

A SHOWPLACE FOR THE DESIGNERS    
     Vargas often shows the house to potential clients who usually want to know how an old home was made to look new, when it was exactly the opposite, he said.
     No doubt, Lisa’s favorite part of the home is the screened porch stretching across the back of the house.  For the tour, Lisa created a tablescape of greenery, topiaries made of red berries and red candles on the farm-style table on the porch.
      “I tried to bring a lot of the outside in,” she explained.  An abundance of fresh garland and wreaths accented with red bows and stockings were hung swag-style along the railing leading upstairs and around to the children’s second-floor play area.
     For the exterior of their home, Lisa ordered poinsettias from Hester & Zipperer Lawn & Garden Center and truly was taken aback when the plants were delivered.
     “They were taller than I am,” she said.  “They were like poinsettia trees.”
Fresh greenery and wreaths also were hung from the railing of the home’s wraparound porches.
     Inside, an artificial tree — a “shiny, happy tree,” Lisa said — was placed at the top of the stairs in the children’s den.  Each year, the tree is decorated with treasured ornaments made by Alston and Mary Page, including paper plates transformed into wreaths.  German glass ornaments are hung out of harm’s way at the top of the tree, which is lit with white Santa Claus lights.
     Another of the McCaslins’ traditions involves a pair of tiny elves that magically move around the home during the holidays (with the assistance of Mom and Dad).  Every day becomes a game for the children as they search the house for the elves’ newest locations.
    
AN ARCHITECT'S DREAM COUPLE
     The couple was more than pleased with the work done by Scott Barnard and John Clegg of Barnard Architects, who designed the house.  They were equally as enthusiastic about their dealings with the couple.
     “This was truly a great project to work on,” Barnard said.  “They are a great client couple and a wonderful family!”
     Possibly the most important factor in making this a first-rate project was Jay’s and Lisa’s enthusiasm and ability to both communicate and work with the design team, Barnard said.
     To the left of the foyer is a “man” room where Jay has a pool table, a collection of antique rods and reels, as well as an impressive display of animal mounts from his various hunting trips.  To the right of the foyer is the dining room, where the focal point is a brilliant colored marsh scene painting by local artist Lori Keith Robinson.
     Through the foyer is the family room with its breathtaking views of the marsh and stunning custom cabinets.  Ironwork with a coastal theme was forged by blacksmith Ivan Bailey and separates the room from a cozy bar.  The fireplace screen also was created by Bailey.  
     The McCaslins have collected several paintings by artist Bellamy Murphy, a favorite who lives and works in Savannah.  
     The kitchen, breakfast room and breakfast bar are situated at one end of the family room, which affords the family plenty of space to tend to daily doings.  Off the family room is the master bedroom with a sitting area and master bath.
     Although the bedroom furniture is somewhat formal, the room takes on a casual look because of the wall treatment — horizontal boards painted a soft yellow.  Black-and-white framed photos and sketches of the children are displayed throughout the room.
     The stairs in the foyer empty out to the second floor and the children’s den and sitting area, complete with captivating arched ceilings.  To the right are Mary Page’s bright pink bedroom and bath, and a guest room.  To the left are Alston’s blue room and bath, and an additional guest room.
     The McCaslins plan to continue their simple Southern Christmas traditions in the years to come and may add a few more to the family-friendly holidays that they enjoy.  

Editor’s note: This story has been condensed for online viewing. For the full story, pick up a copy of the November/December 2008 Savannah Magazine.