Located in Dutchess County along a quiet country road, this project began with the purchase of a long-abandoned farmhouse in the Scenic Hudson Valley of New York. Untouched for more than twenty years, the structure had fallen into deep disrepair—but beneath the decay was a rare charm. It’s simple, humble form sat gracefully within a landscape of rolling fields and classic stone walls. The owners were immediately drawn to the spirit, materials, and character of the original house, even as they envisioned a home that could meet the needs of contemporary living.
The goal was to create a modest, high-quality residence that respected the existing footprint while allowing the plan to expand where necessary. The project was to honor Hudson Valley vernacular architecture while incorporating modern spatial flow, openness, and amenities. Although the original structure proved too deteriorated to salvage in full, select elements were carefully removed and repurposed so that the new home would retain a tangible connection to its history.
The new design interprets the traditional farmhouse in a fresh, modern way. The first floor includes a living and dining space, sitting room, kitchen, home office, mudroom, and half bath. The second floor provides a master suite, two bedrooms, and a bath. All within a total footprint kept under three thousand square feet as originally intended.
A defining feature of the project is the central half-round staircase, illuminated by a cupola above that floods the core of the house with natural light. Operable windows in the cupola allow for passive cooling by drawing warm air upward and out. In the living room, a poured-in-place concrete fireplace surround is framed by large windows that capture expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
Throughout the home, salvaged materials from the original farmhouse were thoughtfully integrated: the original mantel was restored and reinstalled, an antique door now serves as a master bedroom closet door, and reclaimed beams were reused as structural collar ties in the master se details preserve the authenticity and memory of the house that once stood on the site.
The completed home has a quiet, Hudson Valley character—simple exterior detailing reminiscent of the original farmhouse, paired with a bright, free-flowing interior. Carefully placed windows draw in abundant natural light and connect every room to the surrounding landscape. As its predecessor once did, the new house feels deeply rooted to its site and to the region, offering a seamless blend of old and new.
In April 2017 the story of this residence was published in Berkshire Homestyle Magazine.
