Keith Summerour: The Architect of Elegance at Sagee Manor

In the landscape of distinguished architects, Keith Summerour's name stands out as a beacon of innovation, elegance, and timeless design. A master in blending classical sensibilities with contemporary flair, Summerour's education at Auburn University and his extensive international exposure, including a year-long study abroad in London, Paris, and Florence, have significantly shaped his architectural journey. His crowning achievement, Sagee Manor, is a testament to this unique blend, where architectural finesse meets the serenity of nature in a symphony of design and environment.

Nestled in the picturesque highlands of North Carolina, Sagee Manor is more than a structure; it's an embodiment of Summerour's 'New Old House' philosophy – a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern sensibility. This philosophy was refined during Summerour's time spent under the Ritchie Fellowship, where he developed his distinctive style of architecture. This philosophy is rooted in Summerour's formative years in Atlanta, Georgia, and was further enhanced through his experiences interning at several renowned architecture firms both in the United States and internationally, such as the Ritchie Organization, Robert McAlpine, AIA, Herkommer Architectur and Plannungs Buro in Stuttgart, Germany, and Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart and Stewart Architects.

The genesis of Sagee Manor began with an intimate dialogue with former owner, Bob Fisher. “Walking through the rhododendron forests, we discovered a clearing in Horse Cove that whispered of potential,” Summerour recalls. In this moment, the vision for Sagee Manor was born, exemplifying his ethos of organic architecture. Each line and curve of the estate follows the natural topography, creating a dialogue between the built and the natural, evident in the cascading roof lines and intuitive spatial arrangements prioritizing natural light and scenic views.

Summerour's dedication to spaces that are not only visually stunning but emotionally resonant is palpable at Sagee Manor. “Architecture is about creating environments that evoke a feeling,” he notes. From the grand main hall to the cozy nooks, each space is designed to foster comfort and belonging. His attention to detail was honed through his diverse architectural experiences, including designing Olympic housing at the Georgia Institute of Technology and international projects for the Ritz Carlton Corporation in Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and Indonesia.

Working with figures like the esteemed landscape designer Rosemary Verey has enriched Summerour’s approach, ensuring Sagee Manor stands not just as a home, but as a legacy. His designs favor the tasteful and timeless over the ostentatious, creating a sanctuary that is both elegant and subtly grand.

Beyond Sagee Manor, Summerour's influence extends as the founder of Summerour Architects in Atlanta, a firm synonymous with exceptional design and integrity. His work redefines luxury real estate, merging historical accuracy with contemporary functionality, creating spaces that are not just structures but experiences. Summerour's work has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, including Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, Metropolitan Home, and Veranda. The firm has also been recognized as one of the top 100 architecture firms by the Institute of Classical Architecture.

At Sagee Manor, every detail harmonizes in a tapestry of design, inviting one to experience true luxury, measured not in opulence but in the harmony of environment and the essence of human experience. The Manor stands as a vivid illustration of Summerour's philosophy, a testament to a career built on creating spaces that are felt, cherished, and revered. In every stone, in every beam, Sagee Manor echoes Summerour's belief that architecture is not just about buildings, but about creating a legacy of beauty, comfort, and timeless elegance—a journey through a living, breathing piece of art that continues to inspire and captivate.