The masonry steps and stoop to the house replace the high-maintenance and dated wooden deck. Risers are clad with Windsor stone and treads are of dimensioned bluestone so that everything matches, without being formal

Photograph: The Office of Chris Cortazzo

Jeffrey Coupland Photography & Berger Partnership

Exterior of house, Lake Luzerne, NY | Jeffrey Yardis Photography

Remodeled exterior of former derelict property in the Grant Park Historic District of Atlanta, GA

Modern elements combine with mid-century detailing to give this mountain-style home its rustic elegance. Natural stone, exposed timber beams and vaulted ceilings are just a few of the design elements that make this rustic retreat so inviting. A welcoming front porch leads right up to the custom cherry door. Inside a large window affords breathtaking views of the garden-lined walkways, patio and bonfire pit. An expansive deck overlooks the park-like setting and natural wetlands. The great room's stone fireplace, visible from the gourmet kitchen, dining room and cozy owner's suite, acts as the home's center piece. Tasteful iron railings, fir millwork, stone and wood countertops, rich walnut and cherry cabinets, and Australian Cypress floors complete this warm and charming mountain-style home. Call today to schedule an informational visit, tour, or portfolio review. BUILDER: Streeter & Associates, Renovation Division - Bob Near ARCHITECT: Jalin Design FURNISHINGS: Historic Studio PHOTOGRAPHY: Steve Henke

The brick color featured on this home is Elderwood. Please visit brick.com for availability in your area. © 2012 Acme Brick Company

Peter Rymwid

Designed by 2Scale Architects. Benjamin Hill Photography

While cleaning out the attic of this recently purchased Arlington farmhouse, an amazing view was discovered: the Washington Monument was visible on the horizon. The architect and owner agreed that this was a serendipitous opportunity. A badly needed renovation and addition of this residence was organized around a grand gesture reinforcing this view shed. A glassy “look out room” caps a new tower element added to the left side of the house and reveals distant views east over the Rosslyn business district and beyond to the National Mall. A two-story addition, containing a new kitchen and master suite, was placed in the rear yard, where a crumbling former porch and oddly shaped closet addition was removed. The new work defers to the original structure, stepping back to maintain a reading of the historic house. The dwelling was completely restored and repaired, maintaining existing room proportions as much as possible, while opening up views and adding larger windows. A small mudroom appendage engages the landscape and helps to create an outdoor room at the rear of the property. It also provides a secondary entrance to the house from the detached garage. Internally, there is a seamless transition between old and new. Photos: Hoachlander Davis Photography

Craig Kronenberg used simple materials and forms to create this family compound. The use of stained siding, a stone base and a standing seam metal roof make this a low maintenance home. The house is located to focus all rooms on the river view. Photographs by Harlan Hambright.