Projects

The Guest House was built by artisans in the early 1900s as part of the larger Stane Hadden family estate. Located on the shore of Lake Champlain, it has been enjoyed as a seasonal residence for four generations, hosting an untold number of family gatherings, social events, and quiet weekend respites. To pass the magic of this place on to the next generation, the decision was made to reimagine it as a permanent home. The original building was taken down, with key elements salvaged and used as inspiration for the new design. A full collaborative labor of love resulted in a new home that honors the building’s history, while welcoming the future with a blend of features that perfectly fit the lifestyle of the new owners.

The home’s unique and thoughtful design is a tribute to the original architecture. The house is nestled low and sheltering on the land, stepping down half a level following the natural grade. The roofline, beadboard ceiling, and exposed collar ties are continuous from east to west, defining the garage, breezeway, entry, and living room which is a half a level down, ultimately framing a magnificent floor to ceiling view of the lake and Adirondacks. The ceiling is a consistent architectural element, inside and out, as seen through the glass above the front door. Authentic materials were used, including cedar siding, natural fir, bluestone under the breezeway, stone chimney with custom copper cap, and natural stone from the site used to shape the grade and steps. The screen porch on the west side provides a direct connection to the outside spaces, combining the same beadboard ceiling and exposed rafters with the warmth of natural fir. The space includes the original dining table, and tradition continues as family and friends gather to relax and watch the sunset.

The home’s layout reflects a more modern lifestyle for this generation. While the common areas are defined under the central cathedral ceiling, the more quiet areas are found in the wings. At the mid level, two offices, a bedroom, baths, and mudroom/laundry room create very beautiful and functional spaces. The primary bedroom suite is half a story up from the mid level, in its own private space overlooking the garden and lake. Down at the lower level, the kitchen / nook, dining room, and den are more intimate spaces, while the living room opens up with its vaulted ceiling. The garage and breezeway create outside spaces on the east side sheltered from the lake, while the screen porch on the west side catches lake breezes and views. Every space was thoughtfully laid out with respect to use, light, and connection.

The finishes and features are a reflection of the owner’s personal preferences. The color palette is soft, light, and inviting, with natural white oak flooring, cabinetry, and accents unifying the spaces. The vintage front door was a find by the owners, who restored and refinished it themselves. Interior finishes include doors and leaded glass from the original house, and additional lighting fixtures, stained glass, and accessories collected and repurposed by the owners. The décor is an artful collection of vintage items displayed within the backdrop of the dramatic angles and textures of the architecture.

While outstanding craftsmanship and innovate use of materials are displayed everywhere throughout the house, it is highlighted in the living room. The fireplace was custom designed and fabricated using steel, a tribute to the metalsmithing of the original builders. The original wrought iron chandelier, complete with a counterbalance to raise and lower it, was incorporated as a key element in this design. Floor to ceiling shelving creates a library of books, family heirlooms, and personal treasures. The upper shelves are reached with a library ladder, and include a mail slot for notes, which can be collected from the bedroom loft on the other side. Sitting at the hearth with a good book and your back to a crackling fire, gazing out at the lake, and being with your favorite people, is just one delightful experience that brings this home to life.

To ensure the legacy will last for future generations, the home was built to be high performing and durable. The home is very well insulated and tight, reducing demand on heating and cooling. The subslab is insulated with R-30, exterior walls at R-32, and the vented ceiling is R-74 on the slopes / R-100 on the flats. An HRV provides mechanical fresh air intake with heat exchange to provide a healthy, more comfortable indoor air environment. The floor to ceiling windows in the living room are triple pane glass. A highly efficient mechanical package includes radiant in the lower slab with a high efficiency boiler, a Unico high velocity air system with heat pump for heating and cooling on the upper levels, and a hybrid high efficiency hot water heater. Energy star appliances and lighting help save on electricity, and the home has a solar PV array on the detached garage.

A design this intricate did present some challenges. Executing the design, with its complex angles and roof geometry, was a full team effort by the builder and architect. Creating dedicated chaseways to run and hide the mechanicals involved the team of subcontractors to all work together. Site conditions and permit constraints added to the complexity of the site, drainage, and utility work, heavily involving the owner, excavator, and engineer. Defining the vision and making the selections was a full collaboration of the entire team, with multiple decision makers coming together at every step of the process. The end result is a home that is extremely beautiful, high performing, and deeply personal. It honors the craftsmanship of the original Guest House, and represents this family’s love, effort, and dedication to create something special for future generations.