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Through the Lens

Light-filled Home in the Mountains

This modern farmhouse in Vermont was designed to enjoy the hilly rural site's spectacular views.

By Susan Teare
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This new contemporary farmhouse sits high up on a hill with views to the southwest. The property where the house was built is part of a larger lot owned by extended family. Vertical pine was used for the garage siding, cedar clapboards used for the main house and Douglas fir for the timber framing, porch and doors. Marvin clad windows were the choice for the entire house.

The barn roof is standing metal sheet roofing. Architectural asphalt shingles were chosen for the roof of the main house. You can enter the house from the driveway side through two different doors. One is a more formal entry into a foyer with views straight out to the mountains. The other door goes into a large mudroom which is perfect for a young family and their friends to leave coats, boots and bags.

A laundry room and bathroom are located in the same space with access to the pantry and kitchen. Beautiful sliding barn doors were placed here tastefully. When I initially scouted this house for the shoot, the first impression I had was how open, light-filled and inviting the main floor was when you step into it from the mudroom or front entry.

You are then drawn to the beautiful mountain views to the south through the many windows. The sunlight is soft and constant in the space. Bracketed roof awnings were placed on the south facing windows to diffuse the strong light.

Away from the widely used open floor plan on the first floor is a private office in the northwest corner. There is a mix of trim details, elegant materials and harmonious colors. Having an interior designer in the family to help out created a beautiful aesthetic combined with inviting comfort.

Sam Scofield Architect

Patterson and Smith Construction

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