Our client wanted a new home that would not only contribute to the architectural legacy of the quiet Newton neighborhood but also be a home that was distinctly their own. For a modern family, the house had to accommodate numerous demands. Honoring the 19th c, the red carpet is rolled out for arriving guests. The front entry opens onto an expansive stair hall, flanked by a light-filled living room and a formal dining room. At the end of the stair hall and through a cased opening, the 21st c arrives: an open space where the family spends its time. On one side is a great room anchored by a stone fireplace. The other side is the kitchen, featuring restaurant-worthy appliances and a huge island for meal prep, casual meals, and homework assignments. The back wall, with views to the idyllic backyard, is lined with oversized windows at the great room and three sets of French doors at the kitchen, which lead onto an expansive porch. A home office is tucked between the living room and great room and offers sound separation, privacy for the parent while working, and proximity to family life. The second floor is a plethora of bedrooms and baths for the large family. The third floor uses the idiosyncratic roof shape to advantage for a fun and quirky kids’ rec room and a guest bedroom suite. The house is a study in asymmetry and balance, utilizing historical forms and details that are assembled in uncommon ways.
