Before Stephen and Helene purchased this Grand View Farm property, they contacted us to assist them with their consideration. We developed a comprehensive master plan for the property which is held in part in covenants by the Stowe Land Trust to partially protect it from development.

Higher up on the property is a field, created for development by the previous owner. It was here that the owners chose to build their "barn." They presented us with a large 3 ring binder chock full of clipped photos. The images were like a quilt. So, too was the project and now the house and landscape. The barn image follows through to every exterior and interior detail including vintage red pine siding, a metal standing seam roof with metal roof ventilators on the north wing.

The interior is rich with details reminiscent of a barn. The main barn form features a weight bearing timber frame fashioned from western fir. The vaulted ceiling is sheathed with shiplap pine that has been pickled with thinned acrylic paint. Wide pine plank floors and recycled Vermont slate, sponged painted walls, custom aged kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, a locally fabricated loft stairway and hammered steel railing system represent the authentic detailing of the home.

With this project, we headed in a different direction when it came to selecting the semi-transparent wood stain and surface finishes. Typically oil-based stains with 2-3 coats of urethane would be the standard spec. For Steve and Helene, we used Bio-Shield stains with a hand rubbed proprietary wax as the finish coat. The result is a gorgeous soft gentle finish. These finishes will take a little yearly non-invasive maintenance instead of having to periodically clear out the house for sanding and urethane ventilation.

We have designed and overseen the fabrication of oversized metal chandeliers for the dining room and great room and are now working with local weavers on the design of several rugs. As is typical of our work, we are committed as a "design concierge" to the long term maturing of the homestead with Stephen and Helene.