“Green” Acres

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens celebrates its 10th anniversary this month and we’re thrilled that one of the articles features a project we worked on last year with our client, the talented New York-based interior designer Paul Stuart Rankin. This beautiful home sits on what was once a 14-acre dairy farm and has been in the same family for the past 50 years.  While it was formerly used as a summer house, the clients wanted to convert it to an all season residence where they could entertain family and friends.  Having completed three major design projects with Paul, the couple knew he could bring his elegant touch and create a comfortable and welcoming home.

Needless to say, the main house needed a bit of updating and with the help of architect McKee Patterson, it was brought into the 21st century.  Interior spaces were altered to create a more open feeling, a rear addition built for a new kitchen, breakfast room, family room and master suite above, and a new screen porch was added to take in the views from on all sides.  The best part is that all of the alterations were done with eye toward sustainability.

Even the land was thoroughly renovated – pesticides were removed, apple orchards restored and a greenhouse built to provide vegetables and herbs year round.  You would think that a 9,000+ square foot home with out buildings and a pool would not fit the definition of “eco-friendly” but in this case, you’d be wrong.  Solar panels heat and cool the fresh-water pool; rain water is collected for irrigation; geothermal wells provide air-conditioning and heating; and a windmill help with electrical usage.  Who knew a property that looks so traditional could be so modern!

P.S.  Full disclosure – the flowers photographed in the home were all fresh as our designs were a later addition.  If you would like to read more about this project, click here.

Photo: house, entry, living room, bedroom, porch and greenhouse