A frequently asked question when confronting a renovation is: “Can we rejuvenate, or do we start over?” The goal of this project was to give a facelift to a working farmhouse that had passed through multiple generations. It created valuable new indoor and outdoor spaces while preserving the character of the original house.
Exploration of new opportunities started with identification of structural issues. While the core of the house was sound—and what is looked for in making a renovation decision—additions from later years were creating challenges.
The project envisioned a main entry foyer for family and guests and a separate entry and mudroom for entering the house from the farm. Front and back porches were included in the plan to create new exterior space. Interior spaces included a living room, a new kitchen and transformation of the previous kitchen into a new laundry room.
The project came with a number of challenges. Logistically, the project needed to be approached in a way the client to stay on during construction. The project was divided into two phases, allowing the existing kitchen to temporarily remain intact. Demolition was also carefully managed to salvage brick from the removed walls and allow the new structure to match the original house.
The result continues the legacy of the existing farmhouse while creating valuable new indoor and outdoor spaces that can support the lifestyle and needs of the family for many years to come.