This new construction home was built on an untouched estate field on the Charles River. Abutting classic and historic mansion grounds and undeveloped open fields, the goal was to nestle the home into the landscape, shield it from the winding main road and break down the massing, so that the scale would evoke the feel of the farm vernacular on surrounding properties.
The environmentally sensitive home is a series of four cedar barns with glass connectors. Each building is set to capture daylight and frame the surrounding views of fields, river, wild flower pastures, vegitable gardens, bee hives and formal gardens.
The goal was to hide the home from the busy road and create a property that unfolds as one approaches and engages with it. A large pivot front door opens to reveal a soaring foyer with floating glass, steel and oak stair along with 16’ sliding doors to the rear deck, pool and yard. The natural wood,reclaimed New England Granite, oak beams and floors, low profile European picture windows and soaring volumes offer a nod to the simple farm vernacular forms, but offer a clean lined modernism of a European family home.
An active family with many visitors, the home is designed for family gathering, cooking, game nights and togetherness. All rooms frame views of the natural landscape and draw on the colors and textures seen in the landscape. With very few doors and interior art walls, a gallery approach for display of art and a whimsical use of color drove the interior design. A dual island Siematic kitchen, with gloss white, bronze glass and multiple cooking and gathering zones is the hub of the home.
The interior design and décor is decidedly European, with texture, form and comfort front and center. Playful fabrics, lighting and textures are applied in each space to create memorable but comfortable interior décor.
