HISTORIC HOME IN A GARDEN
Home Expansion & Renovation
Litchfield County, Connecticut
When our clients came to us seeking to take their country retreat to the next level, they had a charming original 1800s cape style home with an existing newer addition in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape setting.
The landscape’s beauty was also the project challenge. The entire back yard was wetlands, the structure was up against zoning set-back limits and the home is in an Historic District.
We always strive to achieve harmony between old and new on all our projects, so we started with a “massing study” of the existing structures and property. This provided an outline of how the large building could be situated within the landscape and blend with the existing home.
A post & beam structure from a dismantled Amish barn was combined with historic wide plank oak flooring to harmonize the new structure with the pre-existing historic vernacular.
The “new” timber framed structure provided for light-filled, double height living space incorporating a new primary suite with private bath and home office.
With breathtaking sunrise views across their stunning pond, we couldn’t imagine a better way for our clients to start or end their day!
The lower level entertainment and game room is bathed in nature light from carefully integrated windows. A wine cave, half bath and large hidden mechanical room were also incorporated on the lower level.
The existing garage was dismantled, redesigned and relocated on a new heated slab.
Key to achieving the project’s success was developing a ground water management system for the site that created a new “rain garden’ for drainage.
Our extensive experience with Historic District protocols and regulations also helped in both the design and approval phases.
Construction Services provided by one of our favorite Master Builders: SCW Custom Home Builders!
Photography Credit to Rachel Robshaw
Staging Credit to Rex Rogers
