Occasionally you have the privilege to work on a historic home on a beautiful site with clients who want to honor the history while making the house a contemporary home for busy family life! This house, with this couple is one of those rare situations for me. I have worked with them for more than 15 years, and started shortly after they moved into this rambling home with a few pieces of furniture from their 2 bedroom apt. on the Upper West Side. Over time, with careful planning they have developed their property and articulated the purpose and personality of every room. They made a huge porch go from a one season porch to a 3 season room, they renovated the attic, over 900 sq. ft., to make a sophisticated game room and study and guest suite. They were fortunate to be able to add to their property so much planning went into the exterior. The husband is an ardent gardner, so the property has a formal rose garden, lovely open areas and some seriously sporty recreational areas. The whole home both indoors and out is lively, colorful, fun and thanks to a thoughtful, long term, approach can handle lots of activity!