The new addition is spanned by a sliding glass door to the kitchen, bringing in much more natural light and creating easy flow between inside and out. The owners especially appreciate how the new deck is at grade with the exterior door for a seamless transition, making the kitchen feel “a part of the garden,” says the homeowner.
A cantilevered staircase with tread and railings composed of translucent steel mesh now connects the second and third floors.
Nestled just a stone's throw from the water, the home has been thoughtfully built into its tree-filled lot. Parking is provided by an oversized carport, which includes a Tesla charger.
Ménage balanced the historic ornament with modern interventions, like the rebuilt wood staircase and glass handrail.
Floor Plan of Sterling Townhouse by READ Architecture Design
The bathroom is a “compromise” for the couple, as Michelle didn’t want tile, and Augustin preferred the space to have a darker wall finish. They agreed to ensconce it in charcoal-colored plaster. The stools are by River Valadez.
In the entry, a high interior window borrows light from the bedroom wing and a woven wood screen in the kitchen lets the owners see who’s at the front door. Kalon Studios crafted the bench from a single ash log. “It will split a bit over time,” Lachapelle says.
“Metaphorically, the cabin’s exterior is like a cut log,” Lane says. “The black-stained Western red cedar is the bark, and the Douglas fir siding under cover is the exposed wood once the log has been cut.” Beyond the house and native sod gardens, a meadowscape blends into the mature pine forest at the lakefront. “We wanted a woodland garden quality,” landscape architect Soren deNiord says.
The updated hallway bathroom has a lot more personality with a Rejuvenation sink, a Wayfair faucet, and playful floor tile from a local tile shop. For a pop of color, the ceiling was painted Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball.
The home also includes customizable offering additions, including a heated saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, and an electric car charger. Set near the heart of Germantown in the Hudson Valley, the property is conveniently located just a two-hour drive from Manhattan.
Inside, tall ceilings enhance the sense of space, while expansive windows frame striking views of the rolling hills in the backyard. A black wood stove anchors the main living room.
The grandkids can use the hallway for bowling, and pocket doors can be pushed open to create easy circulation between the rooms. “There's no dead ends,” says Neufeld.
The media room with its folding door open. “The goal was to open everything up and create a continuous visual connection throughout the apartment,” says Neufeld.