This house for a pair of “empty nesters”, and engineer and potter, rose from the ashes of their earlier home, the victim of an electrical fire. Their insurance-proscribed budget limited the size and finish of the house. Their wonderful old landscape – large trees, an orchard, and gardens survived, making it easier to nestle the new house into the site.
The old basement was not suitable for reuse, but the front of the old house complete with living room fireplace remains as a memorial of sorts. The new master bedroom wing parallels the stone wall; but the rest of the house swings away 15 degrees to form an entry court, with the roof sliced across at the shift. Thus, a simple shape becomes rich and interesting.
The gable roof’s large overhangs protect substantial floor-to-ceiling glass for views and indirect daylight, and for breezes even when rainy.
Beside the entry path to the front door a garden of grasses and thyme steps down in the entry court to a gravel terrace with an espaliered pear tree and a stone seat with storage for wood for the outdoor fireplace. The charred side of the memorial wall now has a lattice of cedar stick-work, with patterns reminiscent of Swiss fencing. Vines are starting up it.
The entry door leads to a grand two-story space that combines an entry hall, living room, dining room, music area, and the eckbank, or breakfast bench, that backs up on a free-standing pantry “aedicule” (little building). Although the functional areas are separated by the pantry and fireplace, light and a sense of openness infuse the house.
The kitchen is in an alcove to the west. Above it are open “windows” looking down into the great room from the second floor. Behind them a balcony office and two guest bedrooms sit above the kitchen and garage.
Photography © Albert Vecerka/Esto