CHAPEL HILL - "Fairmont," a 4,500-square-foot house designed by Chapel Hill architect Phil Szostak, for Somerhill Gallery owner Joseph Rowand, will be open for public touring on Saturday, July 24, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The tour is part of Triangle Modernist Houses' ongoing tours of significant architecture.

Designed as a "country home without yielding to literal historicism," according to the architect, Fairmont is a sleek yet simply proportioned residence sited on a hilltop between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough.

The 22.5-acre estate includes a separate guest quarters, a salt-water swimming pool, a trellised garden and storage shed.

The interior features Rowand's extensive collection of fine art.

"Naturally, Joe's beautiful home is a reflection of his gallery with volumes of exceptional paintings, sculpture, fine art glass, and other works by nationally recognized artists and craftspeople," said TMH founder and director George Smart. "The quality of the art alone is worth a visit."

Photography is allowed both inside and outside the house.

Fairmont also features landscape design by master landscape architect Richard D. Bell.

Punctuated by Rowand's collection of outdoor sculpture, the landscape is integrated into the house's interior through an abundance of windows that frame vistas of the surroundings.

Szostak was also careful to site to house to take advantage of passive solar heat gain in winter and natural lighting and ventilation.

The house was built by Chuck Lewis Construction and completed in 2000. The pool addition was completed in 2003.

Szostak will be on site during the tour to talk about the design of the house, which is currently for sale. Listing agent Susan Peak will also be on hand to take questions.

Triangle Modernist Houses is a nonprofit established in 2007 to restore and grow modernist architecture in the Triangle.

For more information on the Rowand residence or to reserve advance tickets ($5.95), go to www.trianglemodernisthouses.com/register.htm.

For more information on Triangle Modernist Houses, visit www.trianglemodernisthouses.com.