Search results for "Additional retirement" in Home Design Ideas

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well.
For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home.
Photography by Tinius Photography

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well.
For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home.
Photography by Tinius Photography

EXCLUSIVE Listing NEW TO MARKET with Anita Sanda HomeSmart 602-510-4434. Exquisite home located on the Palmbrook Golf Course. Come experience the joys of retirement living at its best. MAGNIFICENT VIEWS of the Golf Course and Water Features from this remodeled home. BEAUTIFUL warm hardwood flooring in main living areas. Tile in kitchen and bathrooms. Carpet in the Bedrooms. Kitchen has top-of-the-line Jenn-Air White Ice appliances, Double Oven, Wine Cooler, Pantry with pull-out shelves, Quartz countertops, center work island. 3 Bedroom (2 are Owner Suites with their own Private Baths & Walk-in Closets) plus an additional Powder Room for guests. Expansive Laundry Room/Office with ample amount of storage space. Hobby room offers access to Garage. Large Storage Room. 2+ Car garage with lots of storage. Don't miss out on this wonderful retirement property. Offered By Anita Sanda HomeSmart 602-510-4434
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These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well.
For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home.
Photography by Tinius Photography

This renovation project focused on transforming a retired couple’s home into a space that reflects their current stage of life—comfortable, elegant, and functional. With their children grown and moved out, the couple wanted a home that adapted to their needs while addressing years of wear and outdated design. Having had previous negative experiences with contractors, they were hesitant but committed to renovating instead of moving. By building trust through clear communication and a shared vision, the team was able to bring their dream to life.
The renovation started with the kitchen, where a partial wall removal opened up the space, creating a seamless flow between the kitchen and living areas. Custom cabinetry with integrated storage solutions, durable contemporary flooring, and refreshed ceilings replaced outdated finishes, while new lighting fixtures and a strategically placed skylight brightened the entire main floor. A built-in entry closet and refinished staircase with sleek metal railings added modern touches without expanding the home’s footprint.
In the master ensuite, luxury and function took center stage. The space was expanded to include a full-sized soaking tub, a double vanity with ample storage, and marble tiles for a spa-like retreat. The addition of a home office in the master suite provided a private, comfortable space for hobbies and personal tasks, while an updated closet system brought improved organization. The fully renovated basement, featuring a walk-in shower and custom laundry room furniture, ensured the home could comfortably accommodate visiting family and friends.
The project was not without challenges, including integrating a seamless transition between existing structures and a new addition, as well as ensuring the design respected the couple’s cultural tastes. Through teamwork, regular progress updates, and attention to detail, these hurdles were overcome with success. A new patio door now connects the home’s interior to the outdoor space, transforming the backyard into a natural extension of the living area.
The result is a stunning transformation—an elegant, modern, and functional home that supports the couple’s evolving lifestyle. This renovation serves as a testament to how thoughtful design and collaboration can create a space that is both beautiful and practical, allowing homeowners to enjoy a new chapter of life with comfort and ease.

When retired clients decided to combine their individual homes into a newly purchased one, they turned to us to help them combine their styles. Their love of midcentury modern and world travel were a perfect jumping off point. He traveled Asia and she traveled Europe. They both had collected art and souvenirs as well. The 1920s Tudor home they purchased had an open floor plan, except for the kitchen which we renovated into a kitchen/sunroom addition. The common design threads we used where midcentury furnishings, traditional antique rugs, and an eclectic art collection.

After years of dedication and anticipation, our clients embarked on their dream renovation project as they approached retirement. Their vision? A cozy yet elegant space nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Ipswich, MA. With the help of Betsy at Hutton Home Design, our skilled team, and many trade partners, our client’s vision became a reality.
We built them a custom, one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU) over the garage of their daughter and son-in-law's home. The heating and cooling system consisted of mini split units. We cantilevered the second floor to add space to the kitchen, making the room seem larger. We created a functional and beautiful space within the zoning constraints of 900 square feet. All the while, careful consideration was given to scale and ensuring the addition looked like an extension of the existing home.
The completed renovation exceeded all expectations, providing the couple with a perfect haven when they embark on their retirement journey.
The newly renovated space boasts:
Shared foyer with white oak stairs and floors throughout
Custom kitchen with hickory island, vaulted ceilings with white oak beam and access to their shared deck
Living room with gas fireplace
Convenient laundry space
Spacious bathroom with curbless shower and custom vanity
Bright bedroom with his and her closets
Plenty of storage via a pantry, laundry closet, coat closet and cleaning supply closet

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

This West Seattle specialties project was driven by an older couple’s vision to create an ADA-friendly DADU for future aging in place. Owning multiple homes in the area, their goal was to complete the build while they were still working and bringing in income, allowing them to rent out the space for additional income until retirement.
The thoughtfully designed DADU features an attached garage with convenient alley access, ensuring easy entry. A wheelchair ramp and an open floor plan provide accessibility and seamless navigation, prioritizing comfort and mobility. The space was carefully crafted to serve as their primary residence in the future, combining functionality with long-term independence while offering rental income flexibility in the meantime.

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well.
For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home.
Photography by Tinius Photography

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well.
For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home.
Photography by Tinius Photography

The Artisan 48 home elevator by Nationwide Lifts was designed to fit in a well thought out addition to an existing, open and airy post and beam home. The 360-degree clear hoistway not only allows for more natural light to flow into the home, but also gives a spectacular view of the outdoors continuing the home’s concept of “bringing the outdoors in.” This sleek and futuristic home elevator is a work of art that adds ease of access to all 3 levels of the home bringing it well into the future.

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well.
For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home.
Photography by Tinius Photography

For this project, our client came to us looking for a full-service company to build a custom, high-efficient new home with minimal exterior maintenance. In order to achieve this, we used a different medium of product, including split-faced concrete block to natural cedar siding, both of which require zero maintenance.
The design throughout was congruent with the contemporary farmhouse aesthetic and highly-efficient goal of the client and adhering to the energy standards of Efficiency Vermont. A few of the features included a finished concrete floor, a cutting-edge wood-fired boiler system to efficiently heat the home.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

This one-acre property now features a trio of homes on three lots where previously there was only a single home on one lot. Surrounded by other single family homes in a neighborhood where vacant parcels are virtually unheard of, this project created the rare opportunity of constructing not one, but two new homes. The owners purchased the property as a retirement investment with the goal of relocating from the East Coast to live in one of the new homes and sell the other two.
The original home - designed by the distinguished architectural firm of Edwards & Plunkett in the 1930's - underwent a complete remodel both inside and out. While respecting the original architecture, this 2,089 sq. ft., two bedroom, two bath home features new interior and exterior finishes, reclaimed wood ceilings, custom light fixtures, stained glass windows, and a new three-car garage.
The two new homes on the lot reflect the style of the original home, only grander. Neighborhood design standards required Spanish Colonial details – classic red tile roofs and stucco exteriors. Both new three-bedroom homes with additional study were designed with aging in place in mind and equipped with elevator systems, fireplaces, balconies, and other custom amenities including open beam ceilings, hand-painted tiles, and dark hardwood floors.
Photographer: Santa Barbara Real Estate Photography

In addition to applying fresh paint to the entire condo, we installed cherry-colored maple cabinets and a new array of GE appliances in the kitchen. The counter top is a modestly priced granite. The backsplash tile is glass and the floor tile ceramic.
image: Mark Gisi/Tabula Creative

My House Design/Build Team | www.myhousedesignbuild.com | 604-694-6873 | Duy Nguyen Photography -------------------------------------------------------
Right from the beginning it was evident that this Coquitlam Renovation was unique. It’s first impression was memorable as immediately after entering the front door, just past the dining table, there was a tree growing in the middle of home! Upon further inspection of the space it became apparent that this home had undergone several alterations during its lifetime... Additional details like the geometric wall paper in the foyer, the vintage light fixture in the living room, and the bold drapery help to tie everything together to create a cohesive mid-century modern feel throughout the entire home.

This one-acre property now features a trio of homes on three lots where previously there was only a single home on one lot. Surrounded by other single family homes in a neighborhood where vacant parcels are virtually unheard of, this project created the rare opportunity of constructing not one, but two new homes. The owners purchased the property as a retirement investment with the goal of relocating from the East Coast to live in one of the new homes and sell the other two.
The original home - designed by the distinguished architectural firm of Edwards & Plunkett in the 1930's - underwent a complete remodel both inside and out. While respecting the original architecture, this 2,089 sq. ft., two bedroom, two bath home features new interior and exterior finishes, reclaimed wood ceilings, custom light fixtures, stained glass windows, and a new three-car garage.
The two new homes on the lot reflect the style of the original home, only grander. Neighborhood design standards required Spanish Colonial details – classic red tile roofs and stucco exteriors. Both new three-bedroom homes with additional study were designed with aging in place in mind and equipped with elevator systems, fireplaces, balconies, and other custom amenities including open beam ceilings, hand-painted tiles, and dark hardwood floors.
Photographer: Santa Barbara Real Estate Photography

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint.
Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind.
The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie.
On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon.
Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.
Photo: Sergiu Stoian
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