This historic colonial in Scarsdale, NY was home in the 1930s and 40s to the world famous Walter Winchell, gossip commentator, who loved to refer to getting divorced as “RENO-VATED”, (based upon the use of Reno, Nevada as the go-to for quickie divorces.) The home underwent a 2 year gut “reno-vation” which preserved the exterior but vastly changed the layout of the interiors. The oldest section dated to the early 19th century; the rest was added in the 1920s. The telephone lines that snaked through the walls were comparable to a large office building—presumably installed for Winchell, who wanted to be in constant contact with the outside world. The upstairs featured an outdoor play area, to protect his children from kidnappers. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in Rockport Gray; Bluestar range; custom hood; Quartzmaster engineered quartz countertops; Rejuvenation Pendants; Waterstone faucet; Equipe subway tile; Foundryman hardware. Photos, Adam Kane Macchia.

tigerwood playhouse with a steel frame with floating steps. Wish I had this when I was young! designed & built by austin outdoor design photo by ryann ford

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

John & Jan's kitchen was a small white kitchen that filled about a third of the screen you are looking at. This didn't work for them with the amount of children and grandchildren running around. We named their island the last supper island for the sheer length of it!

Edie Ellison Accent Photography
Example of a beach style kids' room design in New York

Example of a classic front door design in San Francisco with a red front door