A Visionary Design Team Rewrites the Script for the Great American Lake House
Crafting a Timeless Vermont Escape: Where Rustic Meets Refined
Understanding the Land: A Seasonal Design Approach in Vermont
Creating an elegant Vermont retreat, swept by the winds, demands a deep appreciation for the region's landscape throughout every season. This comprehensive understanding led acclaimed AD100 landscape designer Miranda Brooks to find herself amidst a snow-covered scene, sketching diligently on a makeshift bench. Her colleague, AD100 architect Gil Schafer, notes their shared methodology: "She immerses herself, observes, and feels. I adopt a similar approach."
A Collaborative Vision: Blending Classicism with Contemporary Sophistication
Schafer, celebrated for his classical residences characterized by robust structure and authenticity, joined forces with Brooks and AD100 decorators Miles Redd and David Kaihoi. Their collective mission was to craft a family sanctuary that would honor the client's deep connection to Vermont's untamed natural beauty while seamlessly integrating an element of urban refinement.
The Evolution of a Design: From Elevated Farmhouse to Federal Grandeur
Initially, Schafer's designs leaned towards a sophisticated farmhouse style. However, the decorators, who had a history of working with the client, introduced a bold new direction: walls adorned with taffeta, luxurious fur throws, and faux bois doors meticulously painted to mimic the rich grain of crotch mahogany. This unexpected shift prompted Schafer to pivot the architectural scheme towards a distinguished Federal design. By reimagining the conventional lake house, Redd and Kaihoi curated interiors that exude the charm of inherited history rather than mere new installations.
Harmonious Integration with Nature: Strategic Placement for Optimal Views
Working in unison, and with a primary goal of safeguarding the existing trees, Schafer and Brooks meticulously chose the house's location. Their aim was to ensure the structure appeared as an integral part of the landscape. Brooks explains, "Every element is oriented to capture a distinct perspective of the vista." She adds, "I consider the land my client, and my role is to bring it to a state of tranquility, revealing its innate essence and its most exquisite connections."
The Approach to Serenity: A Natural Driveway and Architectural Contrast
For Brooks, the journey to the property begins with the entrance. Convinced that the approach should evoke the character of rural farmland, she replaced the original asphalt driveway with a gentle, winding dirt path. This path is gracefully bordered by wild grasses and strategically placed clusters of boxwood, providing both definition and visual intrigue. This design choice immediately immerses visitors in the ancient allure of the lakeside landscape, while allowing the classical architecture to assert itself as a distinct, human-made masterpiece.
Exterior Aesthetics: A Subtle Deviation from Tradition
Schafer deliberately chose a café au lait hue for the clapboard exterior, aiming to visually anchor the structure within its natural surroundings. He humorously notes, "In historical colonial times, clapboard was stark white, designed to evoke stone. So, this choice is somewhat unconventional." The perfectly matched shutters further enhance this distinctive aesthetic, moving slightly away from the conventional black-green.
Interiors: A Blend of English Countryside and Fashionable Sensibility
The interior spaces pay homage to the refined elegance of an English country home, subtly infused with the sophistication of the fashion world—both realms where the client feels perfectly at ease. Grand, functional fireplaces, a spacious olive-lacquered mudroom, and classic silk taffeta adorning the living room walls are thoughtfully balanced by the understated charm of humble felt walls in the hallway adjacent to the dining area. Kaihoi characterizes these deliberate contrasts as being shaped by the interplay of tensions. The octagonal dining room, despite its grand allusions, is finished with a faux limed-wood grain. Even with its inherent splendor, the overall ambiance is one of warmth and comfort. Redd reflects, "The narrative is imbued with nostalgia. The rhythmic tick of a clock, the palpable atmosphere of a cherished and well-maintained home, the comfort of fisherman sweaters and denim—it evokes a hint of F. Scott Fitzgerald, but without the inherent melancholy."
Practical Elegance: Durable Materials for Family Living
Despite its opulent appearance, the interior design boasts remarkable durability. The use of robust linens and resilient leather ensures that the family can fully enjoy their home without constant worry about wear and tear. Chintz, often perceived as traditional, is embraced here with a contemporary twist. Redd remarks, "People often associate it with a grandmotherly aesthetic, but it's actually quite current; you simply need to view it through the proper lens."
The Art of Juxtaposition: A Symphony of Unexpected Elements
A collection of diverse Moroccan rugs provides an unexpected and delightful contrast, much like observing a meticulously dressed gathering where a few sartorial rules are playfully bent. A cohesive use of materials skillfully unifies the interior spaces. For instance, the hand-painted cabochon floor pattern extends throughout the residence, with only the color schemes and visual effects shifting from one room to another. Schafer notes, "When Miles and I collaborate, our ideas become so intertwined that it's often impossible to distinguish whose concept is whose." He attributes this synergy to "thirty-five years of shared trust." Kaihoi summarizes the home's essence, stating, "There is an undeniable formality evident across all design elements. This is neither a rustic cabin nor a primitive camp; rather, it possesses a wildness that invites enjoyment."