Berkshire Residence

A spectacular dream home nestles thoughtfully into an east-facing slope of the Berkshires, blending into its mountain context. The retreat provides year-round opportunities for an active family to absorb mesmerizing multi-seasonal views. Two contemporary buildings—a main home and a guest cabin conceived of in two separate phases—are carefully positioned to preserve existing mature hardwood trees and to adhere to strict watershed protection guidelines established by the Berkshire Scenic Mountains Act. The site plan purposefully engages dramatic topographic variations that solidify connections between interior and exterior spaces. Newly sculpted landforms retained by crisp board form concrete walls are smothered with native fern and blueberry sods. New native shrub colonies provide scale and enclosure to the property. Cascading stone staircases link the house to two generously-sized terraces paved with linear bands of reclaimed granite curbing that create wonderful opportunities to relax and admire surrounding views. The upper terrace provides ample room for movable furnishings such as a teak dining set, a movable corten steel fire bowl, and built-in steel firewood crib, while the lower terrace revels in a gorgeous in-ground swimming pool. Smaller stone terraces are positioned at the front entrance and kitchen for a movable grill, while stone paths with lawn joints guide guests between buildings. A gravel loop driveway weaves subtly into the site for home access and ample primary and guest parking. Photography by: Chuck Choi and Matthew J. Cunningham