Preserving the Charm of an Old Four-Square


 

Homeowner’s Objective: Update and Modernize Without Losing the Character of the House

Homeowner’s Needs:
Add functionality:
- Master Bath
- Exercise Room that is not in a public space.
- Powder Room on first floor
- Family Room
- Guest Suite
- Mudroom/laundry area on first floor
- Give the home an overall make over while respecting the integrity
  of the original four-square, farm-house design.
- Keep the scale of the home “small,” not grand.

Design Challenge:
When the homeowners bought the home, they were under the impression that their corner lot had 15 foot set-back requirements. When we were contracted to design their renovation, we learned that the set-back requirements were actually 25 feet, significantly hampering the freedom of design. However, after careful planning, creativity and negotiation on “gray” areas with the County, we were successful in a design that was both beautiful and functional for our clients.

Outcome:
Not only was a three-level space added to the rear of the home to accommodate a new family room, master bath and basement guest suite, but every aspect of the house was rejuvenated. A larger, well organized kitchen and the addition of a rear foyer/mud-room/laundry room have significantly increased the functionality and value of this home. The detached garage was rebuilt to match the footprint of the original garage (a County requirement since it sat within the set-back zone), but the roof was elevated to allow for a garage door. In addition, interior trim was milled on site to match the original, new windows were installed to increase energy efficiency, and the original five panel doors were repaired, refinished, and reused. Original flooring was moved from some areas of the home to be reused in others and new complimentary flooring was installed. The total effect of this renovation is a home that is as warm and welcoming as it was in the 1920s; with all the comforts of a modern day, new, luxury home.

The before rear elevation.

 
The new rear elevation has actually become the most prominently used entry to the home.
A closer look at the details of the rear entry. The new covered porch makes entry to the home pleasant in all weather conditions.

The courtyard and trellis detail really tie the home to the detached garage area so that it works as one unit, not two separate spaces.

 

The before front elevation.

 
The after front elevation is very similar to the way it looked before, only better.

The former garage was virtually unusable. However, because it sat within the 25 foot set-back zone, the County was reluctant to let us renovate it.

 
We rebuilt the garage EXACTLY where it was, and even installed a metal roof to replicate the original — a feature that impressed the County architecture board. The result was a beautiful and functional garage.

The before kitchen was a small room with a sink, barely functioning appliances, and limited cabinets.

 
The after kitchen is gorgeous with all the modern conveniences one could want. However, it still retains that charming appeal.
The view of the kitchen from the foyer demonstrates how lovely the overall craftsmanship made this home.
A surprise storage space under the stairs is very practical for storing every day items for easy access. A piano hinge makes the door blend in well with the wood-work.

The before dining room was at the rear of the home. Sliding glass doors led to the back yard.

 
The refurbished dining room is still in the same place as the old one. However, we have added a wall for privacy and butler’s pantry access to the new family room.
The new family space is in keeping with the “small room” feel of the rest of the home that the homeowners wanted.
The mudroom/laundry room has all the functionality and convenience they wanted. But, since the laundry area is hidden behind cabinetry, it makes for an attractive rear foyer.
The new guest suite has a dedicated bathroom and is very privately tucked under the new family room.

The old hall bathroom was the only full bath in the former home.

 

The new hall bath has been renovated from top to bottom and makes a great additional guest bath.

 

The former master bedroom was large enough for the homeowners, but they lacked a private bath and closet space.

 
By demolishing the back wall and adding the three-story addition adjacent to the existing master, we were able to give the client the new space they wanted.
The new master space consists of this perfectly sized exercise room located off the master bath and closet and not in public space.
The new master bath is luxurious while still keeping the 1923 charm of the home intact.

Lastly, whenever we are renovating any size home, storage is a key design consideration. These two doors are adjacent to the basement guest suite.

The door to the left opens up to the former basement of the original home. It’s full-head height and is great for storage.

The door to the right houses new, unfinished reduced-height storage, but it fits our average-height homeowners just fine.

 
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