Clopay Avante Collection aluminum and glass garage doors on a modern farmhouse style home. Opaque glass keeps cars and equipment out of sight. Photographed by Andy Frame. This image is the exclusive property of Andy Frame / Andy Frame Photography and is protected under the United States and International Copyright laws.

This set of cabinets and washing station is just inside the large garage. The washing area is to rinse off boots, fishing gear and the like prior to hanging them up. The doorway leads into the home--to the right is the laundry & guest suite to the left the balance of the home.

Tom Jenkins Photography Siding color: Sherwin Williams 7045 (Intelectual Grey) Shutter color: Sherwin Williams 7047 (Porpoise) Trim color: Sherwin Williams 7008 (Alabaster) Windows: Andersen

Lisa Carroll

Steel French doors all around bring plenty of natural light and a sense of transparency through the simple form of this small gabled folly at an estate in Litchfield County, CT.

This home, set at the end of a long, private driveway, is far more than meets the eye. Built in three sections and connected by two breezeways, the home’s setting takes full advantage of the clean ocean air. Set back from the water on an open plot, its lush lawn is bordered by fieldstone walls that lead to an ocean cove. The hideaway calms the mind and spirit, not only by its privacy from the noise of daily life, but through well-chosen elements, clean lines, and a bright, cheerful feel throughout. The interior is show-stopping, covered almost entirely in clear, vertical-grain fir—most of which was source from the same place. From the flooring to the walls, columns, staircases and ceiling beams, this special, tight-grain wood brightens every room in the home. At just over 3,000 feet of living area, storage and smart use of space was a huge consideration in the creation of this home. For example, the mudroom and living room were both built with expansive window seating with storage beneath. Built-in drawers and cabinets can also be found throughout, yet never interfere with the distinctly uncluttered feel of the rooms. The homeowners wanted the home to fit in as naturally as possible with the Cape Cod landscape, and also desired a feeling of virtual seamlessness between the indoors and out, resulting in an abundance of windows and doors throughout. This home has high performance windows, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact rated against wind-borne debris. The 24-foot skylight, which was installed by crane, consists of six independently mechanized shades operating in unison. The open kitchen blends in with the home’s great room, and includes a Sub Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove. Eco-friendly features in the home include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which conditions and improves indoor air quality. Other natural materials incorporated for the home included a variety of stone, including bluestone and boulders. Hand-made ceramic tiles were used for the bathroom showers, and the kitchen counters are covered in granite – eye-catching and long-lasting.

This light and airy lake house features an open plan and refined, clean lines that are reflected throughout in details like reclaimed wide plank heart pine floors, shiplap walls, V-groove ceilings and concealed cabinetry. The home's exterior combines Doggett Mountain stone with board and batten siding, accented by a copper roof. Photography by Rebecca Lehde, Inspiro 8 Studios.

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

Potting bench and garden center. Photo by Carla Sinclair-Wells

SCFA

SCFA

The boat house was also remodeled, utilizing the same exterior details, including dry laid fieldstone, to mirror the look and feel of the main home.