Connected to the earth, of the earth, this house balances Yin and Yang, unabashedly. The interior includes an atrium for the cultivation of citrus while providing solar heat for the house. The interior and exterior details delight and extol the virtues of natural wood. High atop the home an aerie is perched to provide views of the surrounding stream and woods. The only access to this delightful room comes from a secret spiral staircase hidden behind a movable bookcase with a hidden latch. This house represents an enjoyment of the natural characteristics of materials and a fascination with the spirits in things natural.

A house that belongs

The following 13 images provide views and details of a house wedded to its location by its careful positioning, material and color selections. Its "rightness" also results from a play of horizontal and vertical heavy beams and columns that anchor the building firmly to the land.

Presentation

The approach to the house emerging from the wood was designed to present the house dramatically. The house parallels the pond shoreline with gardens between the house and shore. The owner enjoys views of the pond from the rooms she employs the most. As architects we are particularly proud of the natural fit of the house to its setting.

Service

The open carport deliberately maintains the timbered look while providing the typical conveniences of automobile shelter and covered passage for deliveries.

The Entry

Guests park at the service side of the house, enter under a covered porch and enjoy a view of the garden and pond just beyond the front door.

A Play of Woods

The majority of the owner's finest antique furniture is in use in the music room located just to the right of the entry. The warmth of the lighter wood provides a background for the dark antiques. The fir and maple used throughout the house reflects light admitted through the many windows.

"A room of one's own"

The owner's most precious and private aerie is reached from a concealed stair. The "room at the top" enjoys a 360-degree view of wetland and woods, barn and pond and the prize goat pen. Here the owner can nap, meditate, write or spin as the muse dictates.

Bringing the outdoors in

The atrium tucked between the music room and kitchen is used for vegetable starts and ornamental tropical fruit trees. The stone floor retains solar heat for later use in the house. DePape Associates' energy code analysis based on actual window, door and skylight performance maximizes allowable glazing available to a homeowner. We put our experience in fine home building to use in designing with light to create the desired architectural effects while serving the tasks of home life, particularly for people who work out of their homes.

Today's Victorian kitchen

The owner's antique furniture forms the basis of the kitchen cabinetry. A blend of antique and new cabinetry and state of the art appliances make this the ideal place for entertaining as well as experimenting with homegrown products from the owner's gardens.

Soaking in the view

A traditional claw-foot tub provides a comfortable place for soaking, and a panoramic view over a rooftop into the woods beyond.

Consistent craft

The craftsman details consistently employed throughout the house, particularly at the entry, emphasize the owner's love of fine furniture. The entry features an antique carved front door salvaged from another house.

Elegant Shade

Just beyond the entry an outdoor porch adjoins the music room. Now covered with evergreen clematis the trellis provides support to the vines that shade the house in summer and provide a comfortable place to enjoy viewing the pond.

Patterned Light

A pattern of trellis, open and closed bays filter sunlight on the view side of the house where the formal as well as informal social spaces are located.

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