Greenville: Marie-Charlotte Piro and William Harbour, known for their luxury real estate ventures, have reimagined a 1970s ranch-style home in South Carolina, combining their art collection with original furnishings to create an inviting family abode that pays homage to their aesthetic roots.
Marie-Charlotte Piro and William Harbour, a husband-and-wife duo known for their ventures in international luxury real estate, have transitioned from the vibrant lifestyle of Miami to a more family-oriented setting in Greenville, South Carolina. After spending over two decades in Miami, where their clientele ranged from New York City to Rome, the couple decided in 2021 to settle down in Greenville, a location they had often passed through on their way to their second home in Lake George, New York.
Both Piro and Harbour have roots in historic homes, with Harbour hailing from Albany, New York, and Piro from southwestern France. Their interest was piqued by the traditional Greenville Country Club area, leading them to procure a ranch-style house built in 1968. Although the home initially did not meet their expectations, the breathtaking views from the back deck—comprising a stream, a pond, and a bird sanctuary—compelled them to make the purchase. The house had been remodelled in 1990 but required substantial renovation to fit their aesthetic sensibilities.
Emphasising their design philosophy, the couple aimed to reimagine their new property in line with its 1970s roots, similar to their previous projects, which included an 1884 farmhouse in Lake George and a 1930s Miami residence adorned with Art Deco elements. “You can find a lot of mid-century modern furniture and reproductions, because that’s incredibly popular, but you can’t find a lot of 1970s reproductions because it’s not as trendy. That was great for us, because we wanted to purchase original pieces anyway,” Piro said.
The couple’s four-bedroom, four-bath home is now a unique blend of their extensive art collection, much of which has been gathered during their time in Miami, creating an inviting atmosphere that is conducive to entertaining. The property features a sunken library, a grand dining area that accommodates ten, an open kitchen, and a multi-tiered outdoor deck, reminiscent of a more glamorous era.
The sunken library showcases a cognac-coloured original 1970s Togo sofa designed in France by Michel Ducaroy, serving as the design anchor for the house. The space is decorated with burnt-orange grasscloth wallpaper typical of that decade and features a rug with a rich history, having been brought back from Egypt by Piro’s grandparents in the 1960s. The sitting room is adorned in a dark, cosy shade called Green Smoke from Farrow & Ball, highlighted by artwork including two originals by Jean Cocteau and an 18th-century baroness portrait from Marie Antoinette’s court.
In the kitchen, interior decorator Everett King crafted a modern space using unique oval tiles for the backsplash and striated granite for an island topped with a waterfall edge. The dining area continues the elegant theme with a sleek black dining table juxtaposed by whimsical French wallpaper. The primary bedroom, also designed by King, impresses with its St. Thomas wallpaper, extensive natural light, and views of a calming rock waterfall.
An airy primary bathroom features a shower flooded with natural light from three skylights, while the floor retains its original pine, painstakingly restored. A geometric design wallpaper from a store in the Netherlands adds a distinctive touch to the space.
With a combination of original furnishings, eclectic art, and thoughtful design, Piro and Harbour have transformed their Greenville home into an enduring style statement that reflects their life’s journey and passion for beautiful interiors.
Source: Noah Wire Services
