Favorites

A view of the ipe-and-steel bridge from the main house to the annex.

One of the guest bedrooms features a bespoke built-in joinery unit that functions as storage and a desk space. It extends from the open bedroom and out into the hallway, with the desk positioned beneath a small window that allows for natural light and a carefully framed glimpse of the surrounding context. A concealed sliding door closes the space off when it is being used as a bedroom.

The concrete flooring and American white oak joinery and stairs help to ground the light, bright interior. Colourful artwork and a vibrant rug add colour and texture. The artwork leaning against the entry wall is by Melbourne-based artist Christopher Jewitt.

Clint worked with architecture firm Anacapa on the renovation, which removed interior walls to create an open living space with direct access to the backyard.

Custom oak cabinetry and marble counters and backsplash define the small kitchen in the open plan. The rug is by Armadillo & Co.

In their child’s room, a dark green wall paint draws the eye to the view out the windows.

In the kitchen, the couple kept the original cabinets and "beautiful, custom-rolled stainless-steel counters,” says Christine. They updated the island counter, flooring, and backsplash, adding Foro marble, Concrete Collaborative tiles, and Cle tile, respectively.

There are easy lines of sight between the main floor and the upper level.

The double-height wall of windows in the living room looks out on the property and was a big draw on their first walk-through.

“Making the landscape a central piece of the home itself welcomes nature inside and strengthens the sense of well-being through views of nature,” says Marvin. “I think about how the home is positioned on the site, too, and I can tell the homeowners were very intentional about the placement of windows and doors because they wanted to capture as much natural light as possible.”

Marvin adds, “It can get pretty dark during the winter in Michigan, so maximizing access to daylight is important, and they’ve done that in Hilltop Farm. You can see, too, that the modern living space inside the home welcomes many uninterrupted views, giving the home so much positive energy.”

“When I think about how the homeowners solved the challenge of cloudy weather, I’m reminded of how crucial light, air, and views are, and I know the homeowners kept this top of mind. Michigan is one of the cloudiest states in the country, so making the most of available sunlight is key.”

A home in rural Michigan embodies the findings from Marvin’s Shining a Light on Happiness and Well-Being study. “Hilltop Farm is a special project, and I love how the homeowners have integrated Essential casement windows and doors into the home,” says Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin. “Clearly the connection to the land, the stunning rural surroundings, inspired the homeowners to purchase the farm.”

The full-height ash cabinetry in the kitchen earmarks the entry into the new mudroom and pantry, the latter which is to the left around the corner.

A downstairs home gym includes a climbing wall.

Floor plan of Red Hill House by LADA