Rob Sanders Architects was asked to expand an 1856 CT farmhouse which had numerous additions, and to replace the 1920's garage with a separate but connected three-car garage and guest suite. The new garage structure includes a bedroom and bath for frequent long-term visitors as well as a Potting room for the owner's avid gardening interests. A covered porch overlooks the rear paddock, which is used for tent parties and barn dances. The garage is connected to the house by an arcaded covered breezeway, which angles to allow vehicle circulation between old stone farmwalls. The Breezeway opens to a new entry and Mudroom, which features brick and cherrywood floors. A new hallway is lined with wainscoating with a custom pattern taken from the antique trim of the house, and opens to a new kitchen with multiple workstations. The work island features a massive endgrain butcher block work surface, supported by repurposed sea creature finials the owners found in Asia. The kitchen opens to a remodeled Family Room with fieldstone fireplace. Upstairs, a new Master Bedroom suite extends the gable form of the original farmhouse, and has a roof deck to overlook the rear field. The residence incorporates flooring made from old-growth pine and cherry trees harvested, dried, and milled on site. The HVAC system was modernized with a geothermal ground-loop system, reflecting the owners avid concerns about the environment. Photography by David Sloane and Rob Sanders Architects.

The Craftsman Farmhouse exudes timeless charm with its stunning covered porch, inviting visitors to enjoy outdoor leisure. The home features numerous windows that flood the interior with natural light, highlighting its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Spacious and functional, the property includes two garages, providing ample storage and convenient access for vehicles and outdoor gear. With its blend of Craftsman craftsmanship and farmhouse elegance, this home offers both comfort and character in every detail. Architect: Meyer Design Photos: Reel Tour Media

After the devastating Tubbs fire, Craig reimagined this Calistoga property into a wine country retreat for the owners' family as well as corporate/wellness guests. He approached the design by studying the natural elements of the site including trees, views and light, the vernacular design of the area and the clients’ personality. Craig designed a barn and the house – made up of a one-story and a two-story building – connected by a stunning 20-foot steel and glass breezeway. Expansive doors and windows create seamless indoor/outdoor flow and numerous patios and the pool area provide comfortable outdoor spaces. The modern and warm interior is bright, luxurious and comfortable.

Primary client goals: a sustainable, low-maintenance house, primarily single-floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties. The home is be named for the numerous American Hollies scattered across the owner’s ten acres of high Piedmont land sloping dramatically to Lake Hartwell. Holly Hill, a retirement home for an architect and engineer whose hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by transparent bridges: An architect's wing facing a master garden to the east, an engineer’s wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator, the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy. Guests arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the formal garden. Once parked they are led through the garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges.

The Craftsman Farmhouse exudes timeless charm with its stunning covered porch, inviting visitors to enjoy outdoor leisure. The home features numerous windows that flood the interior with natural light, highlighting its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Spacious and functional, the property includes two garages, providing ample storage and convenient access for vehicles and outdoor gear. With its blend of Craftsman craftsmanship and farmhouse elegance, this home offers both comfort and character in every detail. Architect: Meyer Design Photos: Reel Tour Media

Just north of Seattle, this family home is tucked away on a magical parcel of land within the Edmonds city limits. Designed to maximize the site’s breathtaking views, it is carefully sited to blend into its wooded setting while opening fully to expansive views. On our first visit, we found a secluded forest glade with stunning vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains perched atop a high seaside bluff. Preserving and enhancing this singular landscape as the surrounding neighborhood fills in with development was central to our design. The approach is intentionally restrained—the home does not reveal itself entirely upon arrival. The house is composed of two wings that cradle the meadow, making it the most important “room.” Interior spaces are oriented towards the lush landscape and impressive views framed by mature trees. The structures are kept close to the perimeter, leaving the center of the site unbuilt. A covered bridge with a green roof acts as a front porch, linking the upslope garage/office with the main house. A gentle stair flows through the gap between the structures, drawing visitors into the clearing. The floorplan is highly efficient, carefully tuned to the family’s daily routines. Each room is exactly suited to its purpose, yet no larger than needed. An open corner with double-height windows creates a jewel-box dining room. Free of a corner structure, the home expands to encompass the covered patio for outdoor cooking and dining, plus easy access to the kitchen, encouraging year-round outdoor living. Human-scale moments are intentionally created, from a stairway window seat with peekaboo views to a covered outdoor extension of the great room that fosters a cozy relationship between interior and exterior. Much of the light-filled interior is wrapped in clear-finished fir, giving it a warm glow even on rainy winter days. White oak cabinets and black soapstone countertops add warmth to the kitchen. The built-in furniture in the library loft and the cold-rolled steel fireplace surround were crafted by the owner’s father, an expert woodworker, increasing the connection between the home and its occupants. The second story includes the primary suite with treehouse vibes. Located on a steep slope in a landslide-prone area, the Edmonds Overlook overcame numerous technical and engineering challenges to address vehicle and fire access, stormwater and erosion mitigation, and potential earth movement. Green Design: Compact footprint and conditioned area compared to comparable homes, reducing carbon and ongoing energy use Green roof at covered entry Heat-pump air and water heating with multiple zones to maximize efficiency Whole-house Heat Recovery Ventilation system Engineered On-Site Stormwater Management System Landscape restoration using 100% native species, added 47 trees to site, plus meadow plantings

Just north of Seattle, this family home is tucked away on a magical parcel of land within the Edmonds city limits. Designed to maximize the site’s breathtaking views, it is carefully sited to blend into its wooded setting while opening fully to expansive views. On our first visit, we found a secluded forest glade with stunning vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains perched atop a high seaside bluff. Preserving and enhancing this singular landscape as the surrounding neighborhood fills in with development was central to our design. The approach is intentionally restrained—the home does not reveal itself entirely upon arrival. The house is composed of two wings that cradle the meadow, making it the most important “room.” Interior spaces are oriented towards the lush landscape and impressive views framed by mature trees. The structures are kept close to the perimeter, leaving the center of the site unbuilt. A covered bridge with a green roof acts as a front porch, linking the upslope garage/office with the main house. A gentle stair flows through the gap between the structures, drawing visitors into the clearing. The floorplan is highly efficient, carefully tuned to the family’s daily routines. Each room is exactly suited to its purpose, yet no larger than needed. An open corner with double-height windows creates a jewel-box dining room. Free of a corner structure, the home expands to encompass the covered patio for outdoor cooking and dining, plus easy access to the kitchen, encouraging year-round outdoor living. Human-scale moments are intentionally created, from a stairway window seat with peekaboo views to a covered outdoor extension of the great room that fosters a cozy relationship between interior and exterior. Much of the light-filled interior is wrapped in clear-finished fir, giving it a warm glow even on rainy winter days. White oak cabinets and black soapstone countertops add warmth to the kitchen. The built-in furniture in the library loft and the cold-rolled steel fireplace surround were crafted by the owner’s father, an expert woodworker, increasing the connection between the home and its occupants. The second story includes the primary suite with treehouse vibes. Located on a steep slope in a landslide-prone area, the Edmonds Overlook overcame numerous technical and engineering challenges to address vehicle and fire access, stormwater and erosion mitigation, and potential earth movement. Green Design: Compact footprint and conditioned area compared to comparable homes, reducing carbon and ongoing energy use Green roof at covered entry Heat-pump air and water heating with multiple zones to maximize efficiency Whole-house Heat Recovery Ventilation system Engineered On-Site Stormwater Management System Landscape restoration using 100% native species, added 47 trees to site, plus meadow plantings