Our client shared a magazine article with us that featured their home back in 1974. At that time, it was the personal residence of the original architect (and internationally known aquarium designer) Peter Chermayeff and his family. Interestingly, some years later, the house changed ownership and was turned into an art gallery. Our clients originally contacted us to take on the project of converting the art gallery back into a home, so they could move in and enjoy the setting as much as the original owners. (Extensive conservation measures were added in the decades since the original construction, which we followed carefully and diligently to ensure compliance with regulations for permitting.)
We completed that renovation a few years ago, and our clients love it! A few weeks ago we were invited back for another project there, including painting the front door to match the color it was when it was in the magazine. We used that opportunity to take some photos of the magazine and the house to show a “Then and Now”. Here is a glimpse of some of the spaces:
Some permitting requirements included removing invasive plant species and replacing with native plants and flowers. The owners also chose to replace brick and asphalt with natural stone.
The living room still features the original built-in couch overlooking a seating area a few steps below with views of nature and water all around.
The house color is essentially the same as the original, but all the green from the trees reflects as house color in the current photo.
The deck, as shown in the magazine and currently, is the ultimate place for relaxation. Perched high above a pond surrounded by conservation land, it provides a fantastic view, and is high enough to keep the owners and their guests out of reach of the hungry mosquitos below.
If you have a home that needs to be remodeled, or appropriately improved to match the original architectural style, North River Builders, Inc. has the experience you need. We enjoy working with all types of home styles in New England; mid-century modern, antique homes, classic colonials and contemporary, to name a few. Call us to learn how we can help you!