The owners of this Connecticut-style, center-hall colonial loved their location and how the house was situated on their beautiful wooded lot, but they dreamed of a more welcoming home that would better suit their family’s active lifestyle. Not satisfied with what was available on the market, they turned to the design build professionals at BOWA to develop a multi-phased plan to transform their existing home.

The first stage of the project focused on remodeling the existing house, both inside and out. Classically designed elements, such as a gracious portico at the front entryway and attic dormers, were incorporated to add architectural interest to the front elevation. At the rear of the home a dated screened porch was removed to make way for a new rear addition. The project also included all new windows and doors and featured traditional materials, such as cypress siding, cedar and copper.

Inside, walls were removed to integrate the kitchen and family room, and a series of French doors were added to the rear wall. The openness of the space creates expansive sight lines and maximizes natural light. The family room and nearby office feature handsome custom built-ins and detailed moldings. The office was designed with a dedicated workspace for each member of the family and carefully planned to capture the beautiful views of the rear yard.

The second phase of the project focused on an outdoor renovation and a custom-designed master suite/garage addition, which added more functional space for this family to grow and perfectly complemented the home’s exterior. On the ground level, their cramped two-car garage was replaced by a three-car space, and a magnificent rear foyer was created with soaring ceilings. Again, windows in all of the areas, including the new home gym, were planned to incorporate the outdoors. Upstairs the extra square footage allowed for a new master suite featuring a marble master bath, his and hers closets, and a second private home office. During construction, the new wing was completely sealed off from the main area, and once completed the family was relocated while the existing master suite was renovated.

As part of the backyard renovation, the pool was moved further from the house and a courtyard created with a soothing waterfall feature. Native slate and stone was used throughout the pool area and an extensive hand-cobbled stone wall provides a natural transition to the wooded yard beyond. The completely transformed home is perfectly integrated with the natural surroundings and meets the evolving needs of this active family.