Our client, with whom we had worked on a number of projects over the years, enlisted our help in transforming her family’s beloved but deteriorating rustic summer retreat, built by her grandparents in the mid-1920’s, into a house that would be livable year-‘round. It had served the family well but needed to be renewed for the decades to come without losing the flavor and patina they were attached to. The house was designed by Ruth Adams, a rare female architect of the day, who also designed in a similar vein a nearby summer colony of Vassar faculty and alumnae. To make Treetop habitable throughout the year, the whole house had to be gutted and insulated. The raw homosote interior wall finishes were replaced with plaster, but all the wood trim was retained and reused, as were all old doors and hardware. The old single-glazed casement windows were restored, and removable storm panels fitted into the existing in-swinging screen frames. New windows were made to match the old ones where new windows were added. This approach was inherently sustainable, making the house energy-efficient while preserving most of the original fabric. Changes to the original design were as seamless as possible, compatible with and enhancing the old character. Some plan modifications were made, and some windows moved around. The existing cave-like recessed entry porch was enclosed as a new book-lined entry hall and a new entry porch added, using posts made from an oak tree on the site. The kitchen and bathrooms are entirely new but in the spirit of the place. All the bookshelves are new. A thoroughly ramshackle garage couldn’t be saved, and we replaced it with a new one built in a compatible style, with a studio above for our client, who is a writer.

This room is the definition of ‘master retreat’. It is extra spacious with a wall of windows bringing in natural light and superior views of the lush, tropical landscape and pool area below. The attached outdoor deck has room for the whole family and over looks the expansive yard and surrounding hills. The navy colored accent walls anchor the headboard wall and bedroom area. The room then naturally divides into a private seating area, complete with cozy fireplace decked out in dramatic black marble and rustic wood mantel.

The Aspect Window Series has been independently tested to meet strict energy efficiency standards and is ENERGY STAR® certified. Aspect brand custom vinyl windows come standard with an innovative, multi-chambered frame and sash design, triple weather-stripping and ComforTech™ Warm Edge Glazing, a high-tech glass package that measurably improves thermal performance—for less heat loss, warmer glass temperatures and reduced interior condensation.

renovation and addition / builder - EODC, LLC.
Mid-sized elegant gray three-story wood house exterior photo in Boston with a shingle roof

Picture of the garage Hardie Board & Batten Siding with Cobblestone trim around windows
Mid-sized elegant white one-story concrete fiberboard exterior home photo in St Louis

Our client, with whom we had worked on a number of projects over the years, enlisted our help in transforming her family’s beloved but deteriorating rustic summer retreat, built by her grandparents in the mid-1920’s, into a house that would be livable year-‘round. It had served the family well but needed to be renewed for the decades to come without losing the flavor and patina they were attached to. The house was designed by Ruth Adams, a rare female architect of the day, who also designed in a similar vein a nearby summer colony of Vassar faculty and alumnae. To make Treetop habitable throughout the year, the whole house had to be gutted and insulated. The raw homosote interior wall finishes were replaced with plaster, but all the wood trim was retained and reused, as were all old doors and hardware. The old single-glazed casement windows were restored, and removable storm panels fitted into the existing in-swinging screen frames. New windows were made to match the old ones where new windows were added. This approach was inherently sustainable, making the house energy-efficient while preserving most of the original fabric. Changes to the original design were as seamless as possible, compatible with and enhancing the old character. Some plan modifications were made, and some windows moved around. The existing cave-like recessed entry porch was enclosed as a new book-lined entry hall and a new entry porch added, using posts made from an oak tree on the site. The kitchen and bathrooms are entirely new but in the spirit of the place. All the bookshelves are new. A thoroughly ramshackle garage couldn’t be saved, and we replaced it with a new one built in a compatible style, with a studio above for our client, who is a writer.

Plenty of room to relax on the front porch and decorate with the seasons. Michael Lipman Photography
Classic porch idea in Chicago with a roof extension

Jade + Matthew Take Pictures
Elegant dark wood floor bedroom photo in Atlanta

Scott Amundson Photography
Entryway - coastal medium tone wood floor entryway idea in Minneapolis with beige walls and a glass front door

Inspiration for a large timeless medium tone wood floor and brown floor foyer remodel in Other with gray walls and a medium wood front door

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.

Incredible double island entertaining kitchen. Rustic douglas fir beams accident this open kitchen with a focal feature of a stone cooktop and steel backsplash. Surrounded by Pella windows to allow light to invite this space with natural light.

Architect: Studio H. Design. Photographer: Gibeon Photography. For custom steel windows and doors, contact sales@brombalusa.com
Example of a trendy light wood floor and beige floor dining room design in Other with white walls

Elizabeth Kelley Photography
Farmhouse gray two-story board and batten exterior home photo in Grand Rapids

2016 MBIA Gold Award Winner: From whence an old one-story house once stood now stands this 5,000+ SF marvel that Finecraft built in the heart of Bethesda, MD. Thomson & Cooke Architects Susie Soleimani Photography

Elissa Plan - Master Bedroom
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Front Exterior; Granite Steps; Barn House Cupola Yankee Barn Homes Stephanie Martin Northpeak Design
Mid-sized cottage brown two-story wood gable roof photo in Boston

This gorgeous two-story master bathroom features a spacious glass shower with bench, wide double vanity with custom cabinetry, a salvaged sliding barn door, and alcove for claw-foot tub. The barn door hides the walk in closet. The powder-room is separate from the rest of the bathroom. There are three interior windows in the space. Exposed beams add to the rustic farmhouse feel of this bright luxury bathroom. Eric Roth

Elegant gray two-story wood gable roof photo in Seattle with a mixed material roof