Distinguish Features - Photos & Ideas

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.

Rookwood - Traditional Estate

Visbeen Architects

Builder: J. Peterson Homes Interior Designer: Francesca Owens Photographers: Ashley Avila Photography, Bill Hebert, & FulView Capped by a picturesque double chimney and distinguished by its distinctive roof lines and patterned brick, stone and siding, Rookwood draws inspiration from Tudor and Shingle styles, two of the world’s most enduring architectural forms. Popular from about 1890 through 1940, Tudor is characterized by steeply pitched roofs, massive chimneys, tall narrow casement windows and decorative half-timbering. Shingle’s hallmarks include shingled walls, an asymmetrical façade, intersecting cross gables and extensive porches. A masterpiece of wood and stone, there is nothing ordinary about Rookwood, which combines the best of both worlds. Once inside the foyer, the 3,500-square foot main level opens with a 27-foot central living room with natural fireplace. Nearby is a large kitchen featuring an extended island, hearth room and butler’s pantry with an adjacent formal dining space near the front of the house. Also featured is a sun room and spacious study, both perfect for relaxing, as well as two nearby garages that add up to almost 1,500 square foot of space. A large master suite with bath and walk-in closet which dominates the 2,700-square foot second level which also includes three additional family bedrooms, a convenient laundry and a flexible 580-square-foot bonus space. Downstairs, the lower level boasts approximately 1,000 more square feet of finished space, including a recreation room, guest suite and additional storage.

Faded Red Barn Siding and Accent Features

Distinguished Boards + Beams

Inspiration for a rustic home design remodel in Denver

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Kicking it up a notch

Distinguished Pools

After and all cleaned up, Travertine coping replaces the old drab brick and safety grip coping. The blue tiles were replaced with travertine and the tile on the spa exterior clad in ledger stone.

Transitional Bedroom

Example of a transitional master carpeted bedroom design with gray walls

Dubbed the Mona Lisa by our client

Distinguished Pools

Distinguished Pools & Darren Edwards
Island style home design photo in San Diego

Santa Cruz Beach House

Beckstrom Architecture + Interiors

Tom Story | This family beach house and guest cottage sits perched above the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. A portion of the main house originally housed 1930’s era changing rooms for a Beach Club which included distinguished visitors such as Will Rogers. An apt connection for the new owners also have Oklahoma ties. The structures were limited to one story due to historic easements, therefore both buildings have fully developed basements featuring large windows and French doors to access European style exterior terraces and stairs up to grade. The main house features 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. Custom cabinetry throughout in built-in furniture style. A large design team helped to bring this exciting project to fruition. The house includes Passive Solar heated design, Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water systems. 4,500sf/420m House + 1300 sf Cottage - 6bdrm