There is nothing quite as exciting in design/build as recreating a style point from a different era. In this case, our clients wanted to add a porte cochere to their existing home. This “covered carriageway” is a design element that dates back to European palaces and other grand buildings, but was popularized in the late 1800’s for many homes in the area. Although its practical purpose is to cover passengers as they make their way between the house and the car (or horse-drawn carriage, as was the case), it was also seen as the mark of a refined household.

Today, the porte cochere has given way to the somewhat less charming attached garage. This project allowed us to revive an elegant structure that is as much an architectural complement to the home as it is convenient shelter from our New England weather.

This project was a great success. It provided the unique opportunity to bring back an interesting Victorian design point that fits beautifully with our clients’ period home – and one that perfectly blends in with the existing structure. A porte cochere is both stately and inviting, giving visitors a very welcoming first impression. And this porte cochere does just that, adding a whole new dimension to the home that our clients love.