Traditional Farmhouse Meets Contemporary Living

The Berkshire Farmhouse is a single-family residential estate in Upstate New York. The site includes a farmhouse-inspired residence along with a timber-framed barn and attached greenhouse, adjacent to an enclosed garden area and surrounded by a beautiful orchard. The ultimate goal was to create a home that would have an authentic presence in the surrounding agricultural landscape and strong visual and physical connections to the site.

"This project succeeds not only in creating beautiful architecture, but in making us better understand the nature of the site and context. It has a presence that feels completely rooted in its site and raised above any appeal to fashion. It clarifies local traditions while extending them," said Waters.

 The design incorporates an existing colonial residence, resituated on the site and preserved along with contemporary additions on three sides. The resulting home strikes a perfect balance between traditional farmhouse architecture and sophisticated contemporary living.

Inspiration came from the hilltop site and mountain views, the existing colonial residence, and the traditional forms of New England farm and barn architecture. The house and barn were designed to be a modern interpretation of classic forms. The living room and kitchen are combined in a large two-story space. Large Marvin windows on three sides of the room and at both first and second floor levels reveal a panoramic view of the surrounding farmland and flood the space with daylight.