Page 28 - The Hunt - Fall 2022

HOME & GARDEN
continued from page 24
Because the house was built into a hillside, achieving the inviting light-filled interior the owners envisioned required removing tons of earth and adding a large skylight and French doors in the living and dining areas. “When you walked into the main living area, it was like walking into the basement because the rear of the house was underground,” the owner says.
The excavation revealed extensive damage to the stonework, which was bolstered with new natural materials indistinguishable from the rest. Digging out the back of the house turned out to be a serendipitous choice, creating a unique outdoor living space defined by a wall of boulders. “The patio is down low, so it’s private back there and surrounded on all sides by stone,” the owner says.
Using natural materials with a tie to the land was a priority. The patio is Pennsylvania bluestone, and the massive trusses are crafted from barn wood. The stone fireplace was modified into a two-way structure
that serves both the family room and the adjoining kitchen. Mantels crafted from reclaimed beams were added on both sides.
The interior layout was shifted to accommodate the chimney, which is slightly off-center for the space. “We couldn’t shift the stone walls and had to work with the walls and chimney exactly as they were,” Glick says.
With a small bar and tailored, comfy seating, the family room is a cozy place conducive to conversation. Throughout the house, the feeling is laid-back and informal. Surfaces are tactile—sturdy rather than sleek. To create a statement staircase with an industrial vibe, the builder fabricated
a minimalist steel structure with heavy, reclaimed wood treads. Because there
was no space between the wood and the roof, all the ductwork was exposed on the ceilings. The ducts were painted black as a contemporary counterpoint to traditional wood and stone.
The result is a Chester County farmhouse in tune with the 21st century. “Even though they were wood, the floating stairs were still more modern-looking and have metal for the handrails,” the owner says. “I love that farmhouse look with modern details.” TH
ALDAYA
brandy
www.blshoes.com
Glen Eagle | Rittenhouse | Old City | Spring House | Allen’s Shoes
26 THE HUNT MAGAZINE
fall 2022
Enjoy The Journey.