New Hampshire Home March-April 2020

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Living Net-Zero • An Award-Winning Cabin • A Farm-to-Table Lunch

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march/april 2020 features

Contents

50 Crafting a Downtown Home

There are still elements of the drygoods and hardware stores that were once housed in a historic Portsmouth building. By Debbie Kane Photography by Morgan Karanasios

58 Building Sustainably

A net-zero home builds on old traditions with new technologies for future generations. By Carrie Sherman Photography by Fletcher Manley Styling by Morgan Karanasios

64 Outstanding in Their Fields

These exceptional projects were recognized at the seventh annual New H ampshire Home Design Awards in January. By Andi Axman

58

departments

24 Favorite Finds

For Sustainable Living

28 Home Cooking

Celebrate International Women’s Day By Mary Ann Esposito

34 Inspiration

A Cabin in the Woods By Wendy Ducharme

42 Transformation

An Inn Returns to Its Roots By Jenny Donelan

72 Special Advertising Section: The 2020 New H ampshire Home Hall of Fame

84 on the cover and page 50

This Portsmouth condominium is in a building that housed a hardware and dry-goods store more than two hundred years ago. The foyer mixes old and new—the original brick wall is set off by a live-edge walnut shelf; the cast-aluminum, tulip-style table is from Weekender House in Portsmouth. Photography by Morgan Karanasios

64 in every issue

18 From the Editor 22 On the Town 91 Home Resources 92 Mark Your Calendar!

78 Master of Her Craft

Carrying on Traditions By Andi Axman

84 Garden Rx

Cultivating a Taste for Herbs By Robin Sweetser

96 At Home in New Hampshire Sustaining a Family Cottage By Katherine Towler Illustration by Carolyn Vibbert

Visit nhhomeMagazine.com to read our digital edition, learn about events and use our resource guide. As part of our ongoing effort to support sound environmental practices and preserve our forests for future generations, New Hampshire Home is printed locally by Cummings Printing, a Forest Stewardship Council printer. USPS permit number 008-980. New Hampshire Home is published bimonthly by McLean Communications, Inc.; 150 Dow Street; Manchester, NH 03101; (603) 624-1442. © Copyright 2020 by McLean Communications, Inc. Periodical postage paid at Manchester 03103-9651. Postmaster, send address changes to: McLean Communications; PO Box 433273; Palm Coast, FL 32143

12 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


xx

Rob Karosis Photography

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From small courtyard gardens to countryside grounds and everything in between. With my unique 25 years English experience I combine timeless design with the stunning plants and materials of New England. Proudly working with Controlled Irrigation to effortlessly preserve your investment and provide peace of mind. Irrigation solutions from concept to completion.


contributors

ma rc h/a pr i l 2020  Vol . 14 | N umb er 2

nhhomemagazine.com Ernesto Burden Andi Axman Art Di r ector John R. Goodwin P hoto Ed itor John W. Hession Asso c iate Ed itor Kara Steere ed itor ial Ass istant Rose Z. King photo graph er Morgan Karanasios

Vic e PR ESI D ENT/PU B L ISH E R ED ITOR

Nancy Belluscio is a photographer specializing in architectural and environmental images. Originally from the White Mountains, she and her family now live and work in the Monadnock Region. She may be reached at nancyonsite.com. Jenny Donelan is an editor and writer with a wide variety of interests, and has covered areas that include computer technology, best business practices, pets, skiing and home design. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Boston Globe and numerous other publications. Wendy Ducharme has been writing for New Hampshire businesses and publications since 1986. She covers a broad range of topics, but has a special interest in architecture, home design, real estate, community development and travel. She lives in Candia and can be reached at ducharmewriting.com. Mary Ann Esposito is the host of the public television series Ciao Italia, now in its twenty-ninth season, and the author of thirteen cookbooks, including her most recent, Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy. She lives in New Hampshire. Visit her website at ciaoitalia.com.

se n ior de sign ers

Jodie Hall, Nicole Huot contr i butors

Nancy Belluscio, Jenny Donelan, Wendy Ducharme, Mary Ann Esposito, Debbie Kane, Fletcher Manley, Carrie Sherman, Robin Sweetser, Katherine Towler, Carolyn Vibbert s e n ior sal es m anager

Jessica Schooley (603) 413-5143 • (603) 345-2752 jschooley@mcleancommunications.com Brook Holmberg Sherin Pierce BUS I N E SS M ANAGE R Mista McDonnell Event & Mar keti ng m anager Emily Samatis Busi n ess & Sales Coordi nator Heather Rood Digital Me dia Sp ec ialist Morgen Connor Sal es Support Manage r Angela LeBrun VP/consume r m ar keti ng VP/r eta i l SAL ES

Debbie Kane is a writer and editor based on the New Hampshire Seacoast. She writes about home, design, food, spirits and a variety of other subjects for regional publications and clients across New England. She may be reached at debbiekanewriter.com. Morgan Karanasios is New Hampshire Home’s photographer. While she was a student in Dijon, France, she took photographs throughout Europe and continues to develop her passion for photography. Rose Z. King is New Hampshire Home’s editorial assistant. She is a PhD student at the University of Glasgow, specializing in Venetian Renaissance art.

e d i to r i a l Co r r e s p o n d e n c e

Andi Axman, editor

New Hampshire Home 150 Dow Street; Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 736-8056 editor@nhhomemagazine.com Subscriptions

Fletcher Manley lives in Lancaster, where he works as a freelance photographer and also assists with the printing of fine-art reproductions for national publishing companies through Stinehour Press in Lunenburg, Vermont.

Carrie Sherman works as a freelance writer/editor. She also writes fiction, and her short stories have been published in the Saint Katherine Review and Yankee magazine. She lives in Kittery Point, Maine, with her husband, Terry, and their dog. She can be reached at carrie.sherman7@gmail.com. Robin Sweetser writes a gardening column for the Sunday Concord Monitor and is a contributor to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, among other publications. A former Seacoast resident, she now lives and gardens in Hillsborough. Katherine Towler is author of the memoir The Penny Poet of Portsmouth as well as the novels Snow Island, Evening Ferry and Island Light; she is the co-editor of A God in the House: Poets Talk About Faith. She teaches in the master of fine-arts program in writing at Southern New Hampshire University and lives in Portsmouth. Carolyn Vibbert is a Portsmouth illustrator whose work also appears on packaging for food and wine brands such as Barbara’s, Stone Cellars and Williams Sonoma. She is represented by Freda Scott, and you can see more of her work at fredascottcreative.com. 16 | New Hampshire Home

Subscriptions, New Hampshire Home PO Box 433273; Palm Coast, FL 32143 or call (877) 494-2036; or subscribe online at nhhomemagazine.com; or email NHHome@emailcustomerservice.com

© 2020 M c L ean C ommunications , I nc . New Hampshire Home is published bimonthly by McLean Communications, Inc.; 150 Dow Street; Manchester, NH 03101; (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s written permission is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, Inc.: New Hampshire Home disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors.

march/april 2020


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from the editor

Making Smart Choices

A

s homeowners, we’re always making choices about the places we live in and how we live in them. Some decisions are big, with far-reaching and expensive

consequences; others less so. It’s relatively easy to change a room’s paint color,

but much more of a project to renovate a kitchen or build an addition. And when it comes to things we might not notice right away—insulation, heating and cooling systems, green building materials, energy-efficient windows, a site chosen to take advantage of wind or solar energy—our decisions can have a long-term impact on the quality of our lives as well as on our financial and environmental resources. To accommodate their growing families, three siblings decided to build a new home on the site of an 1850s farmstead in the White Mountains (page 58). And because the siblings wanted that home to be sustainable and last for a long time, they worked with Ben Southworth, of Garland Mill Timberframes in Lancaster, to build a net-zero home—all the electricity needed is provided by a nine-kilowatt array of solar panels on the nearby barn

As homeowners, our decisions can have

a long-term impact on the quality of

our lives as well as on our financial

and environmental resources.

roof. In the summer, the solar panels produce more than enough electricity and the excess goes back into the grid; in winter, the house draws on that “banked” electricity. As the experts remind us, there’s nothing greener than an existing building, and that’s the path a Portsmouth homeowner took when he transformed a former dry-goods store in a downtown, eighteenth-century brick building into a stylish, two-story condo (page 50). In Wolfeboro, Patty and Peter Cooke saved the 1813 Greek Revival Pickering House from destruction and repurposed the enormous home into an inn (page 42). Last year, the couple’s preservation efforts were acknowledged when the Pickering House Inn was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Building on a small footprint is another way to think green, and it’s what motivated owners of a Sunapee-area property to rebuild a 1,274-square-foot cabin on the location of the original homestead, which was beyond repair (page 34). Thanks to help from Old Hampshire Designs, Inc. in New London, the cabin was the 2019 winner of Excellence in Small Home Design at the New Hampshire Home Design Awards. This year’s design awards gala was held in January—meet the 2020 winners on page 64. Congratulations again to everyone! Using local materials is another hallmark of sustainable design, and Alice Ogden of Salisbury doesn’t travel far from home to find black-ash trees to turn into her highly collectible baskets (page 78). Think spring with help from Pickity Place in Mason, known for their use of fresh herbs and edible flowers in their five-course gourmet meals (page 84). Owner and chef Keith Grimes shares a recipe, too. Mary Ann Esposito marks International Women’s Day on March 8 with three delicious recipes from around the world (page 28). Another holiday worth noting is Earth Day on April 22, whose theme is climate action as the most pressing topic for the fiftieth anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970.

Editor

18 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


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20 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


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On the town 2020

DESIGN magazine

AWARDS

Celebrating Excellence in Residential Design

Awards were given in ten categories at the 2020 New Hampshire Home Design Awards. The seventh annual awards gala took place January 22 at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford. See page 64 for information on all the winners and the honorable mentions.

Winners included (from left) Jay Lawrence Purcell and Amanda Weglinski, of J L Purcell Architects in Peterborough; Scott Blundo, of Rustic Stone & Garden Design in Moultonborough; Cristina Omahen, of Cristina Omahen Architectural Designer in Greenland; Rob Carty and Cristina Johnson, of TMS Architects in Portsmouth; Patty Cooke, of Wentworth Style, LLC in Wolfeboro; Robyn Gentile, of Marcus Gleysteen Architects in Lincoln, Massachusetts; Bob Butcher, of BEAM Construction Associates, Inc. in North Sandwich; Michael Hawkes, of Acorn Deck House Company in Acton, Massachusetts; Marcus Gleysteen; Tedd LeBlanc, of Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont; and Herb Goedecke, of Goedecke Paint, Flooring and Design Center in Bedford. Photography by Karen Batchelder

New Hampshire Home Editor Andi Axman (second from left) was delighted to see more than 160 people at the event, including, from the left, Kacey Graham, of Boehm Graham Interior Design in Bedford; Pam Oulundsen, of Hillside Marketing in Exeter; and New Hampshire Home photographer Morgan Karanasios. Photography by John W. Hession

The magazine is especially grateful to all the event’s sponsors, including newcomers Simone Fertsch, (center) of Cambria, and Alex Dreschel, of European Granite and Marble, who were thanked by Jessica Schooley, New Hampshire Home sales manager. Photography by Karen Batchelder

Outstanding Modern Design

The American Institute of Architects New Hampshire chapter held its November meeting at the recently renovated and expanded Hood Museum at Dartmouth College in Hanover. Among those leading tours of the building were project architect Azadeh Rashidi, of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in New York (bottom left photo). More than one hundred people attended, including architects Katie Cassidy Southerland (left, in the bottom right photo), of KCS Architects in Keene, and Jay Lawrence Purcell, of J L Purcell Architects in Peterborough (right). Photography by John W. Hession

22 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


HANDCRAFTED AUTHENTIC ENDURING

Art & Bloom

More than six hundred attendees—a record— were treated to the floral-arranging talents of Concord Garden Club members at the eighteenth annual Art & Bloom exhibit in January. Hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen at their Concord gallery, the event invited garden club members and floral designers to interpret works from the Hidden Treasure exhibit. Tricia Wentworth chose Candace Crawford’s quilt titled November. Photography by Morgan Karanasios

Architect: Nastasi Architects • Photography: David Hartz Photography

LOE W EN W I N D OW C EN T E R of Ver mo n t & Ne w Ha m ps h i re

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Holiday Home Tour

More than seven hundred people attended the sixth annual Exeter Area Holiday House Tour in December. The sold-out event, which was sponsored by New Hampshire Home, featured five properties decorated for Christmas, including a newly renovated condominium dressed to the nines by Renee Carman (right), of Mandeville Canyon Designs in Newmarket, and her daughter, Emma Carman. One hundred percent of the tour’s proceeds benefit Womenade of Greater Squamscott, which helps people in the community who are experiencing short-term financial crisis. Photography courtesy of Helen-Marie Collins

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 23


favorite finds for sustainable living

Swap single-use plastic water bottles and styrofoam coffee cups for the stainless-steel bottle on the right, which can be used and reused for hot or cold beverages. Every bottle purchased funds the removal of one pound of trash from the ocean and coastlines. 4ocean.com

Hang a variety of items—keys, jewelry, leashes or ties— from solid, lead-free pewter hooks handcrafted in New Hampshire. Hampshire Pewter in Wolfeboro (866) 282-7384 • hampshirepewter.com Wrap your sandwich in washable and reusable packaging made from organic cotton treated with natural beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. shopterrain.com

Catch your zzzz’s on a vegan mattress made from organic cotton and organic latex. avocadogreenmattress.com

Feed your feathered friends one of their favorite treats with this Red Arrow Tail Prop Suet Feeder. Duncraft, Inc. in Concord (888) 879-5095 • duncraft.com 24 | New Hampshire Home

Have fun with this puzzle and support Cornucopia’s wonderful garden and farm programs at the same time. Cornucopia Project in Peterborough (603) 784-5069 • cornucopiaproject.org march/april 2020



favorite finds for sustainable living

Design a cabin, studio, workshop or office to your specifications with a Caboose Tiny House. Options longer than the 24-foot model shown here offer additional possibilities. Roundhouse Workshop LLC in Contoocook (603) 545-9225 • cdhofe.com

Drink your morning joe from a reusable cup made from BPA-free, and microwave- and dishwasher-safe glass. eartheasy.com

Evoke the natural world with beautiful ceramics by Cynthia Cummings-Birch, whose studio is in Fairlee, Vermont. League of NH Craftsmen • nine galleries statewide nhcrafts.org Spice up hors d’oeuvres, dessert and main dishes like duck, pork or steak with Sour Cherry Spiced Wine Fruit Compote. Wozz! Kitchen Creations in Bethlehem • (603) 915-3258 wozzkitchencreations.com

Paint your room with colors like those in nature, from Farrow and Ball’s new hues inspired by London’s Natural History Museum. farrow-ball.com/en-us/natural-history-museum

Make your kitchen pop with seven nesting bowls made from colorful, dishwasher-safe and BPA-free bamboo. thegrommet.com

Ditch the plastic and sip instead from a metal and silicone straw. Bonafide Green Goods in Concord (603) 224-9700 bonafidegreen goods.com 26 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


BONIN ARCHITECTS

Residential Commercial M e re d i t h & N ew Lo n d o n , N ew H a m p s h i re Landscape 6 0 3 . 5 2 6 . 6 2 0 0 b o n i n a r c h i t e c t sNew . c Hampshire o m Home | 27 nhhomemagazine.com


home cooking with Mary Ann Esposito

Celebrate International Women’s Day Connect to other cultures by preparing these delicious recipes.

I

wonder how many of us know the significance of March 8 for women around the world. Historians say

this day—known as International Women’s Day—was born out of griev-

ances by female garment workers in New York City in 1907. The protest highlighted the lack of women’s rights, including the denial of a vote, poor working conditions and lack of respect for women in the workforce. But the movement gained more speed and attention in socialist and communist countries where the outcry for women’s rights was greater. France proclaimed its first Woman’s Day in 1911, followed by Russia, where Vladimir Lenin declared Woman’s Day an official holiday. Spain and China followed suit. After 1945, the name was changed from Woman’s Day to Women’s Day and was celebrated mainly in socialist countries. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975, and by 2014, it was observed in over one hundred countries. Purple was the color chosen to symbolize achieving dignity and justice for all women. Today, this observance has grown

In Rome after World War II, Italians

dishes? I like to draw from different

into a festival of marches, ideas and

started honoring women with bouquets

cultures and prepare foods using as

recognition of women worldwide who

of bright yellow mimosa flowers that

many typical ingredients as are avail-

have made an impact. The celebrations

bloom in March, and the flower became

able. Some options could be Chinese

take many distinct forms; some of them

the symbol of The Festival of Women

wonton soup, Korean spicy cabbage,

a bit unusual—in China, men dress in

(La Festa delle Donne).

English fish and chips, or Irish corned

women’s clothing and high heels to

Food is also central to the day’s events.

climb mountains to express the hard-

So why not make the day special and

ships women face!

fun by preparing some global-inspired

beef. Let’s celebrate the women of the world!

NHH

Text, Food Prep and Styling by Mary Ann Esposito | Photography by John W. Hession 28 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Traditional Greek Salad

Serves 4

This easy-to-make Greek salad is not only colorful, but also full of flavor and high in healthy doses of vitamins. No dressing is made beforehand for this salad; a good, extra-virgin olive oil is drizzled over the top before serving.

4 beefsteak tomatoes, cut into thick wedges

1 cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds

1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into thick strips

1 red onion, quartered then thinly sliced

½ cup pitted whole Kalamata olives

½ cup marinated artichoke hearts

1. In a salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, artichoke hearts and oregano. Place the feta cheese over the top of the salad. 2. Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Add salt to taste, and serve with crusty bread.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 small block feta cheese

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste Recipe courtesy of Mary Ann Esposito nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 29


home cooking with Mary Ann Esposito

Mimosa Cake

S e r v e s 8 –1 0

This impressive-looking but easy-to-make torta mimosa is made to honor Italian women on International Women’s Day.

For the Cake Butter, for the pans 4 extra large eggs 6 egg yolks 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 11/3 cups cake flour ¼ cup potato flour or cornstarch

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Butter three 8-inch-by-11/2-inch cake pans. Line the pans with parchment paper and butter the paper. Set aside. 2. In a stand mixer on high speed, beat the eggs and egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture turns light yellow, is smooth and quadruples in volume. Stir in the vanilla. The mixture should be very thick. 3. In a seperate bowl, sift the cake flour, potato flour or cornstarch, baking powder and salt together. On medium speed, blend in the flour mixture. Divide and pour the batter into the cake pans. 4. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cakes are firm to the touch and light golden brown. Cool the cakes to room temperature. Remove them from the pans and peel away the parchment paper. Let the cakes cool completely.

1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling 2 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs, plus 2 yolks ½ cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons, divided 1/3 cup flour Zest of 1 large lemon 2 cups heavy cream 1. Pour the milk into a 1-quart saucepan, and stir in the vanilla extract; cook over medium heat until the milk just begins to bubble at the edges. Remove from the heat. 2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar with an electric hand mixer until they are light yellow. Beat in the flour, a little at a time, until smooth. Beat in 1/3 cup of the milk mixture and blend well. Add the egg and flour mixture to the remaining milk in the pan and cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. 3. Pour the resulting pastry cream into a bowl and cover with a buttered sheet of wax paper. Refrigerate several hours or make ahead. 4. Whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of the sugar and fold into the pastry cream. Refrigerate until ready to fill the cake.

30 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


We believe spaces are beautiful when they work.

For the Sugar Syrup ½ cup water ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup liqueur, such as Cointreau or limoncello 1. Pour the water into a small saucepan, stir in the sugar and bring it to a boil. 2. Lower the heat; when the mixture looks clear, remove it from the heat and stir in the liqueur. 3. Cool and set aside.

To Assemble Confectioners’ sugar 1. Cut each cake in half horizontally to get 2 layers. Set aside 3 layers. Trim the outside dark crumb of the remaining three layers if necessary and cut the layers into ½-inch cubes. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer; cover and reserve them until ready to assemble the cake. 2. Line an 8½-inch-by-4¼-inch-deep glass bowl with plastic wrap, allowing it to overhang the pan by 4 inches. 3. Place 1 cake layer in the base of the bowl and gently press it down so it is touching the base of the bowl. Brush the cake with 1/3 of the Sugar Syrup and spread with 1/3 of the pastry cream. Repeat with 1 more layer of cake, syrup and pastry cream. 4. Place the third cake layer on top. Fold the overlapping plastic wrap over the cake and gently press on it to settle and even the cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour. 5. When ready to serve, unwrap the top of the cake and place a cake plate over the top of the bowl. Turn the bowl over to release the cake and gently pull back the plastic wrap and discard it. 6. Spread the cake with the remaining pastry cream, covering it completely. You can save any leftover Sugar Syrup for another use. 7. Press the reserved cake cubes onto the top and sides of the cake. 8. The cake can be made and refrigerated at this point, loosely covered with foil. When ready to serve, sprinkle the cake with confectioners’ sugar and cut into wedges with a serrated knife. Recipe from Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy by Mary Ann Esposito

creating beautifully functional spaces

Lea Kelsey, President

7 Henniker Street, Concord, NH info@3wdesigninc.com 603.226.3399 www.3wdesigninc.com

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 31

PMS 194 MAROON & BLACK


home cooking with Mary Ann Esposito

Quiche Lorraine

Serves 6–8

Quiche Lorraine is a custardy and savory tart that originated in the French Lorraine region. The word quiche means cake and, in this case, is a tart made in a buttery crust. Dough (see recipe below) 1 tablespoon butter 2 shallots, minced 1 cup diced country ham 2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese, divided 6 large eggs 1½ cups heavy cream 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Salt, to taste Freshly cracked black pepper 1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out until ¼-inch thick. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the dough, letting the excess overhang the edges of the pie plate. Cut the excess and crimp the edges. Refrigerate until ready to use. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add the shallots and ham. Cook until the ham begins to crisp. Transfer the mixture to a plate, and let it cool to room temperature. 3. Scatter the shallot-and-ham mixture into the pie crust along with 1 cup of the cheese. 4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, cayenne and nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the ham and cheese. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese. 5. Bake until the crust is golden brown and eggs set, about 30–35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve.

Dough 11/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 stick frozen butter, grated on a stand cheese grater 4 tablespoons ice-cold water, divided

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until combined. Blend in the grated butter, working it into the flour with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles pea-size crumbs. Add the ice water by the tablespoon until the mixture forms a dough. 2. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it about 45 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Mary Ann Esposito 32 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


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New Hampshire Home | 33


inspiration

The cabin was designed by Old Hampshire Designs, Inc. in New London as a simple sanctuary where the homeowners could be one with nature.

A Cabin in the Woods An unusual lakefront property provided the

perfect site for

a former Boston couple.

R

umor has it that customers who pur-

year round, but he and his wife wished to be

chased a tailored suit in Boston back in

close to Massachusetts to help her mother.

1904 received a deed to a forty-foot-by-

They began looking for property in New

eighty-foot lot on a small lake in New Hamp-

Hampshire that met their key criteria: on a

shire’s Sunapee area. The rumor is as good an

lake, wooded, quiet and within an easy drive

explanation as any for why a thirty-acre lake-

of Massachusetts.

front property had been carved up into three

The couple fell in love with the Sunapee-

hundred, tiny, individually deeded lots. The

area property and began the daunting pro-

resulting title nightmare dissuaded anyone

cess of cleaning up title issues. After months

from actually building on the property, leaving

of title work, in 2017, the couple began

a single 1901 cabin in tranquil isolation for

construction on a 1,274-square-foot cabin

generations.

in the location of the original homestead,

In 2016, a Boston-area couple found the

which was beyond repair. The cabin would

property after a year-and-a-half search to find

subsequently be accompanied by a primary

a home for the second half of their life that

residence a few hundred yards away.

also provided a getaway for extended family. The husband had grown up spending sum-

Embracing trees

mers at a rustic family cabin in the Adiron-

The homeowners turned to Old Hampshire

dacks. He wanted to continue the tradition

Designs, Inc. in New London to develop the

By Wendy Ducharme | Photography by John W. Hession 34 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


plans and construct the cabin, but the vision was all the homeowners’. The husband would be using the cabin as a studio for his holistic-health coaching practice, and it was important for him to “feel the energy of the trees in the space we were creating.” Husband and wife envisioned a little cabin in the woods that was built with the oak and pine trees felled on their property. “This was such an interesting project, because the clients wanted to use their own resources and were just so interesting themselves,” says Jay Tucker, president of Old Hampshire Designs. Trees that were logged to make way for a driveway, the cabin and home site were rough milled into fourteen thousand board feet of lumber. The interior lumber was then kiln-dried in North Haverhill by Kiln Works Co. LLC. Aside from the framing lumber, all wood for the project came from the property. The white pine was used to create classic, exterior novelty siding, continued on page 38

The homeowners enjoy views of their serene surroundings while sitting at the kitchen table.

The retro look of the kitchen is reminiscent of the camp kitchen the homeowner grew up with in his family’s rustic summer cabin. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 35


inspiration

Above left: The cabin is a celebration of nature. The natural beauty of pine and oak harvested from the site is showcased on the walls and floors. Above right: The floor-toceiling stone fireplace is the focal point in the open-plan interior. The homeowners were delighted they could incorporate the keystone from the original cottage’s fireplace into the new one. Right: The sleeping loft provides views of the lake.

36 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


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New Hampshire Home | 37


inspiration continued from page 35

which features a beveled reveal in a pattern dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. Inside, floors are clad in the oak; while the pine is used on the walls and ceilings. The homeowner wanted to let the beauty of the wood speak for itself, maintaining the colors and knots found in nature. To add visual interest, the construction team accented the pine interior paneling with red oak trim. The homeowners say they love the imperfections that came from using their own wood. Some of the pine panels have a slight blue stain from the drying process, but the owners couldn’t be happier. “The crew was artful on how they used the panels with stain so the quirks add beauty and interest to the space,” they say. Trees are celebrated as a natural art form in stunning railings and posts crafted by Dan Benedict of Benedict Brothers Construction in Bradford.

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Logs and twigs from the property were hand-

stripped to create distinctive staircase railings by C E D A R C R E S T C A B I N E T R Y. C O M

C E D A R C R E S T C A B I N E T R Y. C O M

Dan Benedict, of Benedict Brothers Construction in Bradford.

38 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 39


inspiration Benedict, who has developed a following for his hard-to-find architectural twig work, hand-stripped branches and logs left from the clearing done on the property to create sculptural log-andtwig railings. It was a little more challenging to fulfill the homeowners’ desire to use tree trunks as support posts in their open floor plan and on the porch. Benedict and his crew scouted the property carefully for appropriately sized tree

The porch extends to the very edge of the ledge, creating the sensation of living in the trees at the lake front. The tree trunk supports and twig railing enhance the tree-house feeling.

of this cabin wanted to create a serene

with retro-looking appliances, and a

sanctuary where they could be close to

serene bathroom with the pine panel-

nature, think deeply, meet with clients,

ing and tile the color of the lake on a

and have some privacy when family

cloudy day.

members or guests came to stay at their main residence on the property. They collaborated with Jim Driesch

An experiment that worked The homeowners laugh that they have

and Sam Tucker at Old Hampshire De-

a tendency to do some “crazy, vision-

signs to create a simple, open-concept

ary thinking” and that “it can be hard

floor plan. An upstairs sleeping loft and

for people who typically go square

a downstairs bedroom provide accom-

and straight in construction to follow

modations when family or friends are

our desire to go wiggly, squiggly.” On

in town, but the cabin is primarily used

this project, the team certainly rose to

as a work studio and retreat for the

the challenge, innovating as the need

The cabin also provides the owners with a quiet place to work.

couple. The husband hosts drumming

arose to make the homeowners’ vision

circles in the main living area, or he

a reality.

trunks, then manually dug around their

retreats to the adjacent office area to

bases to extract a portion of the roots to

think and work at the live-edge desk

was named the 2019 winner of Excel-

provide the natural look that the home-

that wraps around the space.

lence for Small Home Design at the New

owners wanted. “The most challenging

A floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fire-

The hard work paid off and the cabin

Hampshire Home Design Awards. More

part of the tree project was plumbing

place—created by Josh Dunlop of

important, the property is the tranquil,

a round tree with a flared flat base on

Stonehenge Masonry and Stove, LLC

simple cabin in the woods the home-

the floor,” Benedict says. “You have to

in Tilton—is the heart of the cabin.

owners envisioned.

think outside the typical carpenter’s

The couple saved the fireplace keystone

box.”

(the stone at the center of an arch) from

Resources

the original 1901 cottage and incorpo-

Big Chill • (877) 842-3269 • bigchill.com

NHH

rated it into the new fireplace to, as the

Benedict Brothers Construction • (603) 848-6503 benedictbrothersconstruction.com

The homeowners’ goals for their

homeowner says, “honor the energy of

Kiln Works Co. LLC • (603) 787-6430

cabin were very similar to those of

what was there.”

Landforms Ltd. • (603) 228-2858 • landformsltd.com

A classic cabin

Henry David Thoreau when he built

To complete the compact cabin, the

his famous cabin in the woods so he

team incorporated an expansive porch

could “live deliberately.” The owners

overlooking the lake, a camp kitchen

40 | New Hampshire Home

Old Hampshire Designs, Inc. • (603) 526-6945 oldhampshiredesigns.com Stonehenge Masonry and Stove, LLC • (603) 273-9117 stonehengemasonryandstovellc.com march/april 2020


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New Hampshire Home | 41


transformation

The Pickering House Inn on Main Street is a familiar landmark to Wolfeboro residents and summer visitors alike.

An Inn Returns to Its Roots Patty and Peter Cooke bought, saved and

reinvented the

iconic Pickering House on

Main Street in

Wolfeboro as a

welcoming inn.

E

verybody in Wolfeboro knew the big

History of a house

yellow house with the fence on Main

The building’s story began in 1813, when

Street. Built in the early 1800s as a

John Pickering constructed it on South Main

tavern, it later became the home of prominent

Street. Two years later, his brother, Daniel

local business magnate Daniel Pickering. Its

Pickering, bought the Federal-style tavern

uses morphed through the years, from private

and converted it to his private home. In the

home to apartments, but it was one of the

1840s, he enlarged and remodeled it in the

oldest houses in town and a local landmark.

Greek Revival style. Daniel was a mover and

By late 2015, however, the house had been

shaker in 1800s Wolfeboro. He opened many

empty for almost two years and was in such

businesses, including the Pavilion Hotel, a

a state of disrepair that the New Hampshire

signature destination that attracted guests

Preservation Alliance placed it on a list of his-

from all over New England.

toric properties that needed to be saved. The

By the time the Cookes bought the old

house was for sale, and a developer was mak-

Pickering place in early 2016, most of its

ing plans to raze it and build a commercial

ninety-three windows were falling apart and

chain store on the site. In order to protect

the layout of the house had been reconfig-

the property, Wolfeboro residents Patty and

ured over the years to a resemble a rabbit

Peter Cooke bought the house without know-

warren, with twenty-eight rooms, including

ing exactly what they were going to do with

six apartments. Paint was peeling inside and

it. What they did, eventually, was restore it

out, and siding and flooring were in a sorry

into the stately, upscale ten-room Pickering

state. Wallboard covered older layers of wall-

House Inn with an attached event barn.

board. The foundations were failing. Some

By Jenny Donelan | Photography by Morgan Karanasios 42 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


parts of the structure had no foundation

dilapidated and compromised interior

build an addition. Maybe someone a

whatsoever.

and exploring its possibilities, Patty

century later subdivided the interior

and Peter faced questions common to

for apartments.

Inn-side job

all restorers of old properties that have

In addition, buildings must evolve

The Cookes’ immediate goal was to stop

undergone centuries of remodeling

with the needs of their occupants—

the destruction and commercial develop-

and reconfiguring: What to save and

and the requirements of the local build-

ment of the property. Next, they needed

what to keep? It’s not possible to return

ing codes. “I am not a purist,” Patty

to ascertain that it was feasible to save

a home to exactly how it was when it

says. “I do believe in restoring and

the building. Then, they had to figure

was built: Maybe someone in the

saving as much as possible, but people

out what to make of it. They embarked

1840s took down an original wall to

live differently now. My philosophy is

on a four-month, market-research project to see what kind of business might best serve the community of Wolfeboro and the greater Lake Winnipesaukee region. Just a few months after buying the house, the Cookes were able to announce that they would make it an inn—a circle back to its earliest days as a tavern. As an inn, not only would the property help sustain itself, it would create a luxury option for in-town accommodations. Since neither Patty nor Peter is an innkeeper by trade—she owns a renovation design firm in Wolfeboro called Wentworth Style, LLC, which won the award in Excellence in Remodeling/ Renovation for the Red Cottage project at January’s New Hampshire Home Design Awards (see page 69), and he works in commercial real estate and finance— they attended inn school (two, in fact) in order to educate themselves about hospitality. Since they weren’t planning to become full-time innkeepers—they wanted to have a staff run the inn—they were interested to learn, among other things, that an inn needs at least ten rooms to support a staff. Going to inn school was a smart move, Patty says: “We were able to make informed decisions.”

Tackling a landmark The Cookes wanted to retain as many historic elements as possible, while also making the property sound, safe and comfortable. In addition, Patty and Peter had to make sure the house met all the building codes required for an inn. In the process of breaking down the nhhomemagazine.com

Some of the key figures involved in restoring the Pickering property pose on its front steps. From the left in the front row are Karen Breagy, of Lush Gardens in Wolfeboro, and fence restorer Richard Ferguson, of Ferguson Restoration in Wolfeboro. In the middle row are Pickering House Inn owners Peter and Patty Cooke. In the back row are Jason Coates, of Shamrock Landscaping in Mirror Lake; Hudson Hammer, of Bedrock Excavation LLC in Center Tuftonboro; Ben Corson, of Shamrock Landscaping; Elaine Chamberlain, who restored the interior fireplace mantels and millwork; and Gerry Hammer, also of Bedrock Excavation LLC. New Hampshire Home | 43


transformation

you keep a balance, while saving what

good at going backward to get there.”

you can.”

During the process, she often asked

One of her earliest priorities was the

of the inn but also retain the character

the house. At one time, many of the

of the house?” Creating a public inn

houses on Main Street had such fences,

meant the team had to incorporate

but the Pickering House’s fence was the

mandatory safety features, such as

last remaining. Patty was determined

sprinklers and beams. But the Cookes

to save it. She decided it was a good

also wanted to preserve as many origi-

starter project, because it could be han-

nal details as possible. The library, for

dled on its own and wasn’t connected

example, has its original woodwork,

to other parts of the house. “We also

marble fireplace and windows. The

began with that fence, so it wouldn’t

Cookes hired Alison Hardy, of Window

get cut from the budget,” says Patty,

Woman of New England in Amesbury,

who knew that was likely to happen if

Massachusetts, to evaluate the house’s

the fence were saved until last. Today,

windows, and learned that only the liv-

the handsomely restored fence, with

ing room and library windows could be

its balusters in alternating patterns,

reasonably restored, because they had

provides a reminder of the Main Street

been protected by the porch.

of yore. One section of the fence was Above: The fence, with its unique design of alternating balusters, was lovingly preserved by Richard Ferguson, of Ferguson Restoration in Wolfeboro, as one of the property’s iconic details. Top: The inn (with attached barn visible at right) has multiple gathering areas for guests, including a circle of Adirondack chairs surrounding a fire pit (left).

44 | New Hampshire Home

herself: “Does it work for the viability

fence around the street-facing parts of

In the process of breaking down and

not reinstalled due to an added patio,

building up, the Cookes also saved as

but the extra balusters were repurposed

many materials from the home and

for a unique staircase railing inside

adjoining barn as possible, and incor-

the inn.

porated them into the renovated build-

As the Cookes worked on the proper-

ing in creative ways. Lumber, granite

ty, there were many decisions to make.

and architectural features all found

As a restoration designer, Patty says,

new uses. Due to fire and safety codes,

“I can see what things can be, and I’m

not all materials, such as doors, could march/april 2020


Imagine a kitchen...

Imagine a kitchen... The Pickering House Inn has proved a welcome addition to Lake Winnipesaukee’s roster of overnight facilities.

serve their original purpose. Patty decided to use some of the building’s original doors as decorative woodwork along the sides of a staircase. A door from the library is now a headboard in one of the guestrooms. The Cookes also repurposed items found in the walls—old sheet music, a medical benefits ledger and numer-

Vintage Kitchens

ous whiskey bottles—and framed or displayed them on shelves in the pantry. What was found in the walls ended up on the walls. One particularly clever bit of reuse involved a two-hundred-year-old maple tree that had to be cut down because it was so

W

hether you live in an old house with original features, or plan to create something entirely new, the goal is the same: a consistent aesthetic theme and a kitchen that works — beautifully.

Vintage Kitchens

close to the house that its roots were

vintagekitchens.com

compromising the foundation. The Cookes had the tree milled and used its wood to create a striking, long table for the inn’s meeting room, a counter for the gathering kitchen and a built-in shelf.

Open communications Not long after the Cookes bought the house, they realized many in town were curious about what was being done with the old Pickering place.

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People felt proprietary about it, and the Cookes understood. Patty had been coming to Wolfeboro in the summers since she was five, and she nhhomemagazine.com

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transformation

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For the common rooms, Patty Cooke employed an updated though traditional look, punctuated by architectural details (like the original fireplace).

and Peter did the same as soon as they were married. Other residents had lived in town for generations. One woman recalled trailing a stick along the house’s fence as she walked to school as a child. The Cookes decided to create a blog to let the community know what was happening. They posted about milestones, such as what was going on with the fence, when site work was commencing and when the inn was going to open. The blog became an invaluable resource, not only because it provided

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information to the surrounding community, but also because it connected the Cookes to those who knew the house’s history. “We got deluged with emails from people with ties to the area,” Patty says. In June 2018, right before the inn opened for business, the Cookes had an open house so the community could see the restored inn. “More than fifteen hundred

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people were here for more than three hours,” Patty says. “There was a line down the street, in the rain.”

46 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Photography courtesy of the pickering house inn

A new old inn

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ably would have appreciated! To replace the floors, which could not be saved, the Cookes used wood from Carlisle Wide Plank Floors in Stoddard. The new windows are from the Pella Architect Series, and the paint is from Johnson Paint and Wallpaper in Wolfeboro. Eastern Propane & Oil of Rochester installed the new, efficient heating system, a project Patty describes as complicated and challenging. Other key contributors to the finished interiors include Crown Point Cabinetry of Claremont

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New Hampshire Home | 47


transformation shingles were made by CertainTeed. Another essential part of the property is the adjoining barn. When the Cookes bought the barn, it was in extremely bad condition and lacked a foundation. They renovated the space and turned it into an event site. With a large mainfloor area and loft galleries running lengthwise along both sides of the barn, the venue can accommodate 150 people. The inn hosts a limited number of weddings each year and serves up occasional, family-style “innkeepers’ suppers” that are open to the public.

Labor of love Patty and Peter are thrilled with the

The gathering kitchen is where guests eat breakfast as well as congregate later in the day for drinks and snacks.

inn, and also with the guests they have met and the neighbors, contractors, vendors and other people they have

Photography on this page courtesy of the pickering house inn

encountered through the project. In

The barn is the site of larger-scale gatherings, such as occasional innkeepers’ suppers.

effect is sophisticated—traditional and

to gather,” Patty says. “We based a lot

comfortable without being too quaint.

of the business model on places we

Common rooms include a library,

have stayed: what we liked, but also

pantry (where many of the artifacts

what we wished had been part of the

found in the walls are displayed), living

experience. As far as the design, we

room, and “gathering kitchen” where

wanted a high-end, stylized, eclectic

guests eat breakfast as well as enjoy

feel but keeping it comfortable—not

appetizers and drinks served in the

overbearing.”

afternoons. The gathering kitchen is

The siding on the house had to

2019, they were gratified to learn that the Pickering House Inn had been named to the National Register of Historic Places. “I think our job has been to preserve this building for the next chapter,” Patty says. “Now it’s going to last another two hundred to three hundred years.”

NHH

Resources

Bedrock Excavation • (603) 651-8686 bedrockexcavationllc.com Carlisle Wide Plank Floors • (603) 446-3937 wideplankflooring.com/showrooms/stoddard Certainteed • (800) 782-8777 • certainteed.com Crown Point Cabinetry • (800) 999-4994 crown-point.com Eastern Propane & Oil • (800) 523-5237 • eastern.com Ferguson Restoration • (603) 569-8484 James Hardie • jameshardie.com Johnson Paint and Wallpaper • (603) 569-1265 New Hampshire Preservation Alliance (603) 224-2281 • nhpreservation.org Pella Windows and Doors of New England (603) 965-7840 • pellabranch.com/new-england

also used for special events. The inn has

be completely replaced, and the

Pickering House Inn • (603) 569-6948 pickeringhousewolfeboro.com

a professional kitchen where the chef

Cookes opted for HardiePlank fiber

Shamrock Landscaping • (603) 569-6960

works and a meeting room for business

cement siding from James Hardie.

get-togethers. Outdoors, there are two

Patty says she has used this material

The Nantucket BeadBoard Company (603) 330-1070 • beadboard.com

patios with fire pits and a porch.

for numerous other projects, including

“I wanted multiple places for people 48 | New Hampshire Home

their own house in Wolfeboro. Roof

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Crafting a

Downtown Home 50 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


After the renovation, There are still elements of the dry-goods and hardware stores that were once housed in this historic Portsmouth building.

Restoring a historic building and updating

Carving a home from the brick building, steps

it for modern living requires vision … and perse-

from Portsmouth’s Market Square, was a labor of

verance. But, for one Portsmouth homeowner—

love for the owner and his building team, which

whose two-floor condominium is in an eigh-

included Tyler Jackson of Haven Hill Builders,

teenth-century brick building downtown—being

Mari Woods of Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home

a thoughtful caretaker of history is the point.

and Chad Callihan of Weekender House, all in

“The building was constructed right after the

Portsmouth. The three met the homeowner dur-

American Revolution ended,” the homeowner

ing the renovation of his first condominium in

says. “People who fought in that war walked on

the building, across the hall from his current

these floors. Someone from every decade since

home. When he purchased the second con-

then has walked through the door of this build-

dominium, in 2015, he brought the team back

ing. That’s pretty incredible.”

together to create a living space that reflects his

Above: Two kitchen islands and ample seating allow for cooking and entertaining with friends. The pendant lights over the island and spider chandeliers over the dining table are from Weekender House in Portsmouth. Above left: The foyer in this Portsmouth condominium mixes old and new. The original brick wall is set off by a live-edge walnut shelf; the cast aluminum, tulipstyle table is from Weekender House.

By Debbie Kane | Photography by Morgan Karanasios nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 51


The homeowner’s favorite kitchen feature is the Italian-style brick pizza oven that was constructed using the building’s existing brick. The Wolf range placed in one of the center islands enables the homeowner to socialize with guests while cooking.

52 | New Hampshire Home

interest in historic preservation while stylishly

and walls throughout the space; a large elevator

meeting his living and entertaining needs.

wheel-and-pulley system used to transport goods

Working around history

to the building’s second and third floors; original pine floors; and exposed brick walls.

The condominium is the top two floors of the

The homeowner wanted to keep as much his-

former Peavey’s Hardware store, a Portsmouth

toric detail as possible in the space, which was

institution for more than sixty years (the build-

good news for the design and construction team.

ing—which survived an 1813 fire that leveled

“It was such a fun space to work in because it’s

most of the city—had housed a hardware and

so unique,” Jackson says. “He (the homeowner)

dry-goods store for more than two hundred years

understood and saw the potential of the space. It

before the store closed in 2004). The home-own-

wasn’t hard to be creative because there were so

er’s current 3,400-square-foot-space was “nothing

many things to pull from. When we designed the

but brick walls and pigeon-poop-covered floors,”

layout of the space, he wanted to make sure we

he says. But it was filled with physical evidence of

didn’t cover up the historical graffiti.”

the people who worked in the building from the

When Jackson first examined the raw space,

1820s through the 1940s as well as the tools they

it was in bad shape and needed additional struc-

used: signatures on the original 1825 pine beams

tural work. To create more space on the second march/april 2020


Carving a home from the historic brick building, steps from Portsmouth’s Market Square, was a labor of love for the owner and his building team.

floor, his crew raised the ceiling two feet and

the condominium, Jackson and his crew glued

moved a staircase leading from the first to second

a rubber mat underneath the sub-floor. Because

floors. The wheel-and-pulley system, originally

there are no mechanical fasteners (such as nails)

on the floor of what is now the homeowner’s bed-

to convey sound, the mat is an effective sound

room, was reconstructed and suspended from the

barrier.

ceiling near the staircase (the system still works and was put to use during construction, lifting a

First-floor living spaces

thousand-pound, forty-eight-inch stainless-steel

The first-floor living and dining spaces are

refrigerator into the kitchen). Jackson also took

where the homeowner spends most of his time.

apart the floor system—cleaning the original,

A large kitchen for entertaining and cooking with

wide-pine floors on the second floor and install-

friends and family was a must. Woods had plenty

ing new floors on the first floor, made from re-

of freedom to design a kitchen that was both

claimed Southern pine from an old North Caro-

user-friendly and welcoming to guests. “[The

lina cotton-spinning mill. All the original brick

homeowner] had a lot of faith in us,” Woods says.

walls were cleaned with a wire wheel to remove

“It’s the biggest compliment from a client but can

dirt and grime. And, to prevent ambient noise

also be terrifying!”

from the downstairs retail space filtering into nhhomemagazine.com

Above: Miniature bronze men, a whimsical sculpture from Weekender House, scale a wood pillar in the kitchen. Above left: A polished stainless- steel cabinet adds contemporary flair to the dining space. The glass-andsteel dining table and chairs are from Weekender House.

Among the early discussions Woods had with New Hampshire Home | 53


guests can sit and talk to the homeowner while he’s cooking. There’s space between the two islands for the homeowner and/or his guests to move, help cook, or grab a drink from the undercounter wine and beverage refrigerators. “[The homeowner] really wanted an environment where people could be part of what he was doing,” Woods says. “With the range in the island, facing the bar top, he can talk to guests and enjoy their company.” The range, backed in soft-green glass, provides a stylish focal point for guests sitting at the bar island; they’re protected from the range’s heat or potential splatter. The counters and cabinets Above: The building team is located in Portsmouth and included, from the left, Chad Callihan, of Weekender House; Tyler Jackson, of Haven Hill Builders; and Mari Woods, of Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home.

the homeowner was incorporating a hibachi table

are walnut, topped with Cambria Skara Brae, a

into the kitchen layout. “He’s a very social cook

manmade quartz that’s bright white with taupe

and wants guests to participate in the process,”

and warm gray swirls (the quartz extends down

Woods says. “But the ventilation requirements

the sides of the islands as well). A mirrored back-

were complicated.” So, instead, they installed a

splash behind the sink, along a wall with large

brick pizza oven. Masons dismantled an original

windows, brightens up the space (“It’s meticu-

Top: Contemporary furnishings blend beautifully with historic details in the living room. The fabric chairs, white leather sofa and expandable coffee table are from Weekender House. The fireplace surround is made of Douglas fir.

brick fireplace and chimney in the space, sav-

lously done,” Woods says. “It looks more like

ing the bricks and using them to build a façade

wallpaper”). There’s plenty of working counter

around the precast pizza oven, imported from

space, and two elegant, polished stainless-steel

Italy. “It’s my favorite part of the kitchen,” the

cabinets—one over the kitchen microwave and

homeowner says. “I bake bread in it, too.”

a floor-to-ceiling unit across from the dining-

Directly in front of the pizza oven, in the

room table—add sparkle and additional storage.

center of the kitchen, are two islands, parallel to

A pantry is adjacent to a forty-eight-inch Sub-

one another. One is L-shaped, containing a Wolf

Zero refrigerator.

range and oven; the second is a bar island where 54 | New Hampshire Home

The kitchen opens to a modern dining and march/april 2020


Left: The master bathroom, designed by Mari Woods, epitomizes Zen, with its spacious shower, porcelain tile walls, warmly back-lit mirror and sleek floating walnut vanity. Below: Graffiti in the stairwell harkens back to the building’s original use as a dry-goods store.

living area, all furnished with pieces from Weekender House and complemented by the homeowner’s collection of contemporary art. “His design style is contemporary with a historical and industrial edge,” Callihan says. Callihan’s biggest challenge was moving furniture into the building once the inside spaces were finished; his crew had to lift furnishings through windows or to a third-floor balcony.

Upstairs An open stairway, constructed with hemlock treads and metal railings, echoes the home’s industrial feel and accesses the second floor. At the top of the stairs, just off the landing, is a sixhundred-foot outdoor roof deck—a private spot for warm-weather entertaining that offers a northwest view of downtown Portsmouth. Historic details are found throughout the second-floor living spaces. Mounted on the brick wall facing the landing are reproductions of photos of historic Portsmouth that the homeowner found at the Portsmouth Athenaeum. Showing scenes from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, they perfectly complement the industrial space. Nearby on the wall is a handwritten phrase “3 thread 19 sewing,” evidence of the building’s past as a dry-goods business. A beam in the homeowner’s office is signed by various nhhomemagazine.com

The focal point of the master bedroom is the hemlock bookcase, which Tyler Jackson, of Haven Hill Builders in Portsmouth, built from wood repurposed from his Maine barn. New Hampshire Home | 55


This page: Leading to the second floor, the wooden stairwell with its steel railings blends modern and industrial styles. Facing page, below: A focal point in the stairwell is a still-working wheel-and-pulley system, possibly dating to the early twentieth century, suspended from a wooden beam and originally used to bring goods into the building when it was a warehouse. 56 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


spacious walk-in closet constructed of Douglas fir, the same material used for doors and trim throughout the home. “A lot of the bathroom design was about highlighting the beam and making the rest of the space open, airy and very Zen,” Woods says.

The outdoor roof deck is a private respite for warmweather entertaining. Furnishings are from Weekender House and the plantings are by Jacquelyn Nooney Landscape, Inc. in Eliot, Maine.

An exposed beam with the painted signature “R.R. Allen” runs the length of the large, porcelain-tiled shower. A floating vanity in walnut with double sinks is topped by a hovering rectangular mirror; LED lights behind the mirror create a warm glow. The home is a special place. “People walk in and their jaws drop when they see the space,” Callihan says. “It’s a one-of-a-kind home. It truly can’t be replicated.” The homeowner agrees. “I wanted a place with a soul,” he says. “I think about the people who worked or walked through this building, and I wonder about the stories they could tell. It gives Peavey’s Hardware employees over the years, in-

me goose bumps to think about.”

NHH

cluding Charles Beatty, who signed his name as a young clerk in 1942 and worked at the store for sixty-two years, eventually becoming the owner. The bedrooms are simple, with high ceilings

Resources Cambria • Cambriausa.com Haven Hill Builders • (603) 969-7178 • havenhillbuilders.com

and exposed brick walls. In the master bedroom is

Jacquelyn Nooney Landscape, Inc. • (207) 439-6075 • jnlinc.com

a built-in bookcase with cantilevered shelves that

Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home • (603) 319-8910 • mariwoods.com

Jackson constructed from hemlock salvaged from

Portsmouth Athenaeum • (603) 431-2538 portsmouthathenaeum.org

his own barn in Kittery, Maine.

Sub-Zero Wolf • subzero-wolf.com

The sleek master bath is reached through a nhhomemagazine.com

Weekender House • (603) 873-4300 • weekenderhouse.com New Hampshire Home | 57


Above: Light is vital for this new, net-zero home, designed and built by Ben Southworth of Garland Mill Timberframes in Lancaster. The home’s siting provides day lighting and passive heat solar gain. Notably, the old homestead was sited with similar intent. Left: Just two easy steps and you’re in. Universal design welcomes everyone from small children on up. Universal design concepts are featured throughout the house, from the wide doorways to the accessible bath and bedroom on the first floor. 58 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Building

Sustainably A net-zero home builds on old traditions with new technologies for future generations.

By Carrie Sherman | Photography by Fletcher Manley | Styling by Morgan Karanasios nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 59


T

Today, just as in the 1850s, southern light warms this hill-

places like this. And, Garland Mill owner Ben Southworth is

side farm in the White Mountains. Old stone walls and apple

great to work with.”

trees define pastures and fields once used for sheep and seed

Garland Mill, a family-owned design/build firm based in

corn. The richest soil in these parts is found along the rivers,

Lancaster, has been in operation since 1856. The Southworth

but no aspect better typifies the hope and determination of

family has owned and run the water-powered mill since 1974.

that time than this gentle slope with its small, sturdy farm-

Today, cousins Ben and Dana Southworth are the third set

house that incorporates refined Georgian details. The English

of multi-generational family owners and operators to run the

barn and attached carriage house—now renovated to be a

mill. For the past twenty-five years, Ben and Dana have de-

cottage—are still sited where they were built, a few steps away

signed and built homes and other buildings; most are tim-

from the main house.

ber frames. The cousins specialize in designing and building

Behind these older buildings, a new home has been built. It

high-performance homes, using local wood; lots of insulation;

sports a new, snazzy, galvanized, standing-seam metal roof—

triple-paned glass and mechanical ventilation with heat

as does the old farmhouse. Altogether, these buildings have

recovery; salvage materials whenever possible; and healthy

the hip look of being old and new all at the same time. It’s

products, such as paints with low volatile organic compounds.

kind of like a family photograph where the old folks and the

For Garland Mill’s net-zero homes, the goals are to dramati-

youngsters all have a bit of something cool. Instead of a base-

cally reduce the heat and hot water loads, and then generate

ball cap, Doc Martins or a bow tie, it’s a solar array on the roof,

enough energy onsite using photovoltaic (PV) panels.

a touch of red and white on the trim and doorways, or those can’t-be-beat classic details.

“We take the design process seriously,” Ben says. “It takes a while to get to know homeowners, their goals and dreams.

True, no one’s raising sheep or growing seed corn on this

It also takes time to understand the site, which is critical for

property today. But the apple trees are chugging along, and

solar power, and to take advantage of the sun for lighting and

this family compound with its new, net-zero home on the hill

passive solar heat gain. We provide the strategy for achieving

is still cutting edge.

clients’ goals and the net-zero energy standard.”

Aligning on philosophy

from pre-design, to budget narrative and construction agree-

Take the three siblings, add their families, plan on grandchil-

ment, to post-construction site visits. Since net-zero homes

dren and, for this generation, a new house onsite made sense.

often employ somewhat unfamiliar technologies, the post-

“We opted to build a net-zero home because it would be sus-

construction site visits assure Garland Mill that the home-

tainable and last for a very long time,” the homeowner says.

owners are truly comfortable with their new home.

“We chose Garland Mill [Timberframes] to design and build the house because of their philosophy. They understand 60 | New Hampshire Home

The Garland Mill website outlines a detailed process

As Ben puts it, “We like to come back to visit and kick the tires.” march/april 2020


Above: These galvanized metal roofs each reflect the sky in a slightly different way. The nine-kilowatt solar array on the barn roof blends in beautifully while providing ample electricity for the new home just up the hill. Left: By design, the new home fits neatly into the existing slope.

The engineering of a net-zero house

Tape was used to create a sealed, insulated envelope

This net-zero house fits in with the New England vernacular of

throughout the house. This ensures that doors and windows

outbuildings. But a net-zero house does not dictate a certain

are sealed to the framing, and all other possible air leaks are

style; instead, it’s the insulating envelope and solar generation

sealed. The roof is insulated with eighteen inches of blown

that distinguishes net-zero homes from code-built homes.

fiberglass, and the walls are thirteen inches thick. Two cold-

And like all houses, these features start with the foundation.

climate heat pumps provide the heat for the house.

“There’s a giant boulder under this home so there’s no

“This was one of the first houses we tried those heat pumps

basement, just a crawl space,” Ben says. “If someone needs to

on, and now, that’s all we use,” Ben says. “The key to net-

go down there, we’ve supplied a padded creeper.”

zero is to reduce heat loss from the building. We superinsulate

To begin, the foundation hole was dug, and footings and

the building and make it airtight. We use triple-pane, wood

frostwalls were poured around the perimeter of the founda-

windows that have aluminum cladding on the exterior. You

tion. Inside the frostwalls, between six and eight inches of

have to be really passionate about efficiency to build net-zero

crushed stone were added, along with a diagonal length of

home.”

perforated pipe to mitigate radon. On top of the crushed stone

Early in design, Ben engaged some engineering friends to

and radon mitigation piping, six inches of recycled foam was

think through the building process. “For this project I hired

added and topped off with a thin polyethylene vapor barrier.

Marc Rosenbaum [of South Mountain Company in West

The slab was then poured over the polyethylene.

Tisbury, Massachusetts] to help me think through the cold-

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 61


This page: The home’s great room is timber-framed, incorporating hemlock beams and rock maple flooring, both local woods. The hemlock naturally appears whitewashed. The curves of the sling brace trusses were cut to resemble Gothic arches, which softens the overall look. Facing page, left: With bold statement colors and simple open spaces, small touches— a bowl of fruit, a bouquet of zinnias and a pair of blue candles—really stand out. Facing page, right: The tiled entryway, with a bench for taking off shoes, stays neat thanks to conveniently placed cubbies.

climate heat pumps. David White [of Right Environments in

been “banked” in the summer months and allows the house

Brooklyn, New York] helped me analyze the thermal bridg-

to draw that banked electricity in the winter. The energy track-

ing,” Ben says.

ing process is called net metering, hence the term net-zero.

“We did two-dimensional heat-flow models to identify any

“By adding electricity to the grid, a net-zero building

cold spots that might be prone to condensation,” White says.

makes the grid more resilient and lowers the cost of energy for

“If we found any deficiencies, we went back to the drawing

everyone,” Ben says.

board.”

He says with electric cars becoming more common, the

Water comes from an artesian well. Energy-saving

excess solar generation will be stored in car batteries, and

appliances—such as a Bosch induction range, oven and dish-

cars will provide backup energy to buildings. “This synergy

washer; Frigidaire refrigerator; and Whirlpool washer and

will make for a more resilient grid and eliminate the need for

dryer—keep electricity usage low and sustain air quality. LED

fossil-fuel peaker plants that are very expensive, inefficient

lights also save on electricity usage.

and dirty,” Ben says.

All the electricity is provided by a nine-kilowatt array of

“It’s a whole lot easier to build a new net-zero home than

solar panels on the nearby barn roof. In the summer, the

it is to retrofit an older home,” Ben says. He predicts that since

solar panels produce more than enough electricity, and the

many buildings are too difficult to fix, they’ll simply start com-

overflow goes back into the grid—using the grid as a storage

ing down. But, he says, for the right old home, a deep energy

medium. The utility keeps track of how much energy has

retrofit can breathe another hundred years into a building.

62 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Additional touches

In winter, when the house isn’t used as much, the

Creating a sustainable home extends to concepts that save

efficiency setting for the heat pumps is 50 degrees and the

energy in other ways, such as making use of local woods and

hot-water tank is turned off. The house reliably stays above

salvaged materials. The floors are rock maple, and the timber-

freezing.

frame beams are hemlock. The cabinet surrounds are made from a sugar maple found on the property. Salvaged four-

Decorating the home

panel doors and associated hardware are used throughout the

The modern, unfussy décor is the homeowners’ choice. Many

home. In a subliminal way, those materials connect the home

of the paintings are by an artist in the family. A bookcase

to the old farmhouse.

library has something for everyone, especially children whose

Universal access is a design priority for Garland Mill and a big benefit for the multigenerational family who occupies

books are on the lower shelves. Cozy couches and oversized chairs are perfect for reading to the kids.

this net-zero home. Accessible homes include step-less en-

The brilliant red in the kitchen and dark soapstone coun-

tries, a downstairs bedroom with an accessible bathroom

ters make a bold, warm statement. In the great room, soft

and thirty-six-inch-wide doorways. These features can pro-

plums, reds and blues predominate. The large pendant lights

vide access for small children, older people, a teenager with a

are by New Zealand designer David Trubridge and, of course,

broken leg or a middle-aged person after hip surgery.

the lights are LEDs.

Open drawer pulls in the kitchen are another subtle,

The look is fresh: layering old and new seamlessly. It’s just

universal-access touch. “The open handholds are so easy to

right for this net-zero home that synthesizes both concepts

use,” Ben says. “And, they do have that cool, mid-century

throughout.

modern look.” A screened-in porch is, of course, a necessity in northern New England, along with the backup heat a wood stove can provide. Here, a highly efficient Mørso wood stove gets its

NHH

Resources Garland Mill Timberframes • (603) 788-2619 • garlandmill.com Morsø • morsoe.com Right Environments • (917) 588-0378 • rightenvironments.com

fresh-air intake from a steel pipe that connects directly to the

South Mountain Company • (508) 693-4850 • southmountain.com

stove and runs under the house to the outside.

David Trubridge • davidtrubridge.com

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 63


Outstanding in their fields

t h e s e e xc e p t i o n a l p r o j e c t s w e r e r e c o g n i z e d at t h e s e v e n t h a n n u a l n e w h a m p s h i r e h o m e d e s i g n a wa r d s i n j a n u a ry.

Despite its small geographic size, New Hampshire continues to be fertile ground for the architects, builders and

about our judges Architect Michael Viveiros, principal of DBVW Architects in Providence, Rhode Island

Viveiros has more than thirty years of experience designing a diverse range of projects, from single-family and high-rise housing to university buildings, theaters, churches and community health-care facilities. Viveiros’s interest in modern cities, vernacular structures, industrial heritage and rural life has led him to many foreign countries and remote villages, and informs much of his work, which has been recognized with numerous design awards.

designers who work here. The fruits of their labors are noteworthy, and the success and longevity of this magazine, now in its fourteenth year, attests to that. I have always been, and continue to be, grateful to all the homeowners who have shared their stories with us. This year, we celebrated the seventh

Interior designer Sophia Shibles, of Sophia Shibles Interiors in Providence, Rhode Island

Shibles is has spent the past fourteen years creating pared-down, layered and relaxed spaces, rich in natural light, texture and organic materials to welcome, inspire and calm clients in their homes. Shibles studied interior design at Rhode Island School of Design after earning degrees in other disciplines. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University, where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, and earned a degree from New York University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

annual design awards, and it continues to be a delight to see the variety of work being done here. I want to offer a special thanks to the designers who submitted projects for our competition. Your work is always an inspiration to our readers! To determine winners, we assembled

Landscape architect John C. Carter, of John C. Carter & Company in Narragansett, Rhode Island

a jury of three professionals from Rhode Island—architect Michael Viveiros, of DBVW

Carter has been working for the past thirty years on residential and commercial design, and specializes in environmental design and permitting. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor of science degree in natural resources, he also holds a bachelor of fine arts and bachelor of landscape architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Architects in Providence; interior designer Sophia Shibles, of Sophia Shibles Interiors in Providence; and landscape architect John C. Carter, of John C. Carter & Company in Narragansett. It was a pleasure working with them, and we appreciate their help. Winners were announced January 22 at a gala at the Manchester Country Club in

2020

Bedford, where author, storyteller and New Hampshire Home essayist Rebecca Rule was the emcee. For those of you who couldn’t make it, read on to learn about this year’s winners. —Andi Axman

64 | New Hampshire Home

DESIGN magazine

AWARDS

To see additional images of this year’s winning projects, visit NHHomeMagazine.com.

march/april 2020


Home of the Year

Photography courtesy of Anthony Crisafulli

Awa r d s po n s o r e d by B e l l e te te s

Winner: Monadnock Retreat

Michael Hawkes, of Acorn Deck House Company in Acton, Massachusetts • Builder: Rick Despres • (978) 263-6800 • deckhouse.com

This home has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, thanks to the handcrafted, caseless mahogany windows that frame the view. Corrugated metal siding with cedar and mahogany trim create a palette of industrial warmth and the durability to withstand the elements. Inside are an industrial kitchen and flexible open spaces.

Judges said: The architecture of this house stands out on its surrounding landscape, yet in restrained fashion. The palette and variety of exterior materials and finishes help bring down the perceived scale of the structure. The use of strong vertical lines on the facade beautifully mirrors the grace of the tall, gray birch trees that anchor the structure. We appreciate the playful use of bright color and texture to accentuate the graceful form.

Photography courtesy of Anthony Crisafulli

Photography courtesy of John W. Hession

Excellence in Architectural Design

Honorable Mention: Lake House IPA

Kevin Zeller, of Zero Ten Design in San Francisco, California (415) 867-4730 • zerotendesign.com

This project replaced a modest cottage on Pleasant Lake with a comfortable retreat for future generations.

Winner: Monadnock Retreat

Michael Hawkes, of Acorn Deck House Company in Acton, Massachusetts Builder: Rick Despres • (978) 263-6800 • deckhouse.com

See this project’s description and the judges’ comments above. nhhomemagazine.com

Judges said: The three structures that make up this family retreat are nestled beautifully on a graded site that steps down to the lake. The texture and color of the gray, cedar shakes blend perfectly with the bark of the surrounding evergreens. Furthermore, the form of the buildings mirrors the tall conifers that dot the site. The approach to the buildings from the street via natural steppingstones is lovely in its simplicity. New Hampshire Home | 65


A w a r d s p o n s o r e d b y f r an k w e b b h o m e

Excellence in Bath Design

Winner: Master Bath in Candia

Photography courtesy of David Smith

Herb Goedecke, of Goedecke Paint, Flooring and Design Center in Bedford (603) 472-5221 • goedeckedecorating.com

Among the design elements on the homeowners’ wish list were a large, completely enclosed closet with lots of drawers; a curb-less shower; a freestanding tub with aroma- and chromatherapy built in; and heated tile floors. Judges said: The design of this spacious bathroom is noteworthy for its elegant mix of materials and use of scale to create focal points. The warmth and texture of natural wood is juxtaposed with cool-toned, large-scale marble slabs. Together, they create drama through contrasting texture, color and reflectivity of light. The details—such as the wood-mounted rain head—are clean and interesting.

Excellence in Green Design

Winner: Omahens’ Residence

Cristina Omahen, of Cristina Omahen Architectural Designer in Greenland • (646) 623-6100

This private residence on three acres in Greenland was sited to facilitate the view of the Winnicut River from every room and benefit from direct sunlight.

Judges said: This modern home uses several environmentally conscious methods and materials. The design successfully integrates many highperformance and energy-saving features that make it more efficient than most new homes built today.

Photography courtesy of Jonathan Hornbeck

The house was built with a high R-value; a geothermal heating and cooling system, along with solar panels (for hot water only), provide a reliable source of renewable energy—with no emissions. For the exterior, materi-

als such as Ipe wood, metal, fiber cement panels and glass contribute to the pleasant aesthetic and sustainable appeal of the house.

66 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Photography courtesy of Rob Karosis

Excellence in Interior Design

Winner: Classic Seaside

Rob Carty and Cristina Johnson, of TMS Architects in Portsmouth • (603) 436-4274 • tmsarchitects.com Nancy Boughton, of Boughton Interiors in Andover, Massachusetts • (978) 387-9189 • nancyboughton.com

Because renovation of an old home was unfeasible, the architects’ mission was to reinvent a new home that would celebrate the site’s rich history. A neutral interior palette includes colorful accents, such as ocean blue in upholstery, wallpaper and artwork. Modern interpretations of traditional lanterns and vintage yacht blueprint wallpaper are just a few examples of timeless ties to the site’s rich history. Judges said: The soothing palette of this tasteful, coastal interior offers a beautiful backdrop to the spectacular ocean views, while the mixture of natural materials and finishes offers rich textural interest. The oversized, two-over-two windows offer wide panoramic ocean views with a nod to traditional New England farmhouses. The clean interior architectural de-

tails are well proportioned, giving interesting points of contrast throughout the home through the use of natural wood accents on white-painted millwork. The dark, metal finishes accentuate the decorative lighting and hardware against their light backdrops.

Photography courtesy of John W. Hession

Excellence in Kitchen Design: New Construction

Winner: Kenison Kitchen

Jay Lawrence Purcell, of J L Purcell Architects, AIA in Peterborough • (603) 924-2100 • jlpurcellarchitects.com

This kitchen connects directly with the adjacent, open-plan dining and living spaces, while the kitchen’s classic, U-shaped arrangement provides plenty of working surface and additional seating. The walk-in pantry eliminates the need for most above-counter wall cabinets. A full-height, antique cabinet provides additional storage. Judges said: This kitchen design is beautiful in its restraint. The placenhhomemagazine.com

ment of large, full-height windows on three sides of the principal working area connects the kitchen to the outside while offering views of the pond and hillside. The neutral, monochromatic palette and minimal wall cabinetry add to the ample natural light, creating an inviting and soothing space. Sight lines are created and socializing is encouraged because the kitchen is located at the center of the public spaces. New Hampshire Home | 67


Excellence in Kitchen Design: Renovation Honorable Mention: Bedford Elegant Kitchen Denyne Sanville, of Denyne Designs LLC in Dunstable, Massachusetts (978) 846-3046 • denynedesigns.com

The homeowner wanted a large, open-concept kitchen with multiple zones for cooking, prep and cleanup, as well as large pantry areas with easy access, a table area that could seat six and a separate snack zone for the kids.

Photography courtesy of Jeffrey Stowell

Judges said: The design of this long, narrow kitchen made the most of a challenging space. Dual islands worked to pack a lot of function into limited cabinetry while still allowing for traffic to flow across the room. The bold use of color and repeating diamond elements in the tile and cabinet glass add visual interest.

Photography courtesy of Jason Greenleaf

Winner: Anthonyson

Tedd LeBlanc, of Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont • (603) 504-6898 crown-point.com

This custom kitchen cabinetry was made from maple and cherry, and features appliance panels, glass doors, can storage, a drawer spice rack, tray dividers and an under-sink basket. Judges said: The variety in the cabinet design and finish provides visual interest in this simple kitchen. The natural, soothing palette creates a peaceful space with a good use of natural light. The large refrigerator is seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry.

Excellence in Outdoor Design

Winner: Timber Hill Wedding Venue

Scott Blundo, of Rustic Stone & Garden Design, LLC in Moultonborough • (603) 393-0749 • rusticstoneandgarden.com

Photography courtesy of Rustic Stone & Garden Design, llc

The site for this wedding venue was rocky, with magnificent views of farmland, Lake Winnipesaukee and Mount Washington. The focus of the project was a bluestone patio where the cocktail hour, dancing and dinner would take place. At the entrance to the patio are a natural pergola and two, curved stone walls made from stones found on site. Judges said: The design of this gathering space creates an intimate, functional space among expansive views and a pastoral landscape. The large free-form pieces of bluestone create a modest-size patio with a palette and texture that fades into the natural. The carefully placed, large boulders were a clever, unobtrusive way to add intimacy and seating. The use of native stones for the retaining wall offers a textural contrast to the more modern granite steps. 68 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Photography courtesy of Marcus Gleysteen

Excellence in Specialty Room Design

Winner: Porte Cochere

Marcus Gleysteen and Robyn Gentile, of Marcus Gleysteen Architects in Lincoln, Massachusetts • (781) 259-0876 • mgaarchitects.com

Designed to be both functional and beautiful, the stone porte cochere was envisioned as a future event space as well a covered place to park near the kitchen. Custom Douglas-fir barn doors close over the opening to protect the space from drifting snow. The cupola above provides additional natural light.

Judges said: The design of this graceful structure artfully mixes wood, stone, steel and glass to create a beautiful, multifunctional porte cochere that complements the white-painted main structure and completes a well-proportioned series of vernacular-inspired buildings. The stonework and the overall craftsmanship are exquisite.

Photography courtesy of Amy Piper

Excellence in Remodeling/Renovation

Winner: Red Cottage

Patty Cooke, of Wentworth Style, LLC in Wolfeboro • (603) 515-1171 • wentworthstyle.com

The design team faced the challenges of keeping the character of this vintage waterfront cottage while taking advantage of views. The renovation improved efficiency in the kitchen and entry; added a small bedroom with lake views; and expanded the seasonal use of the cottage with full insulation and electric baseboard heat. Judges said: The design of this home renovation created functional, nhhomemagazine.com

bright and airy spaces while still maintaining an authentic, summercamp feel through the use of materials. For example, the knotty pine adds warmth and texture to the painted surfaces. The wood-clad ceilings juxtaposed with white-painted walls accentuate the interesting rooflines, adding a layer to the simple structure. Similarly the beamed, wood ceiling adds drama to the vernacular screened porch. New Hampshire Home | 69


Excellence in Small Home Design

Winner: Bear Notch Camp

Bob Butcher and Peter Wobber, of BEAM Construction Associates, Inc. in North Sandwich • (603) 284-6187 • beamconstructionassociates.com

Photography courtesy of Emily Lord

The Bear Notch Camp is an 830-square-foot, off-grid, two-bedroom, one-bath home. It is part of a cluster of buildings that includes a kitchen/living cabin, a sleeping cabin, a connecting porch and the original barn. Eastern white pine boards—cut and sawn locally—were used for interior and exterior finishes.

Photography courtesy of Anthony Crisafulli

Judges said: The refreshing design of this retreat celebrates its utilitarian nature and embodies the essence of a cabin. Simple design details in the building’s placement create visual interest. The subtle splay of the new structures offers a graceful approach to the buildings from many perspectives. Whitewashed interior walls and ceilings balance nicely with locally sourced wood to create bright yet visually warm interiors. The steel shelf supports and other details, along with the sparse, simple furniture, reinforce a place of elegance, simplicity and comfort.

Honorable Mention: Sandwich Residence

Michael Hawkes, of Acorn Deck House Company in Acton, Massachusetts • Builder: Al Seeley • (978) 263-6800 • deckhouse.com Interior design: Frances Hodges, of Frances G. Hodges Interiors in Dover • (603) 986-2245 • francesghodgesinteriors.com

This 1,247-square-foot retreat is all about making a small space feel large and connected to nature. Deep overhangs shade the floor-to-ceiling glass for passive cooling benefits in the warmer months and passive solar heating in the colder months.

70 | New Hampshire Home

Judges said: This largely horizontal design sits nicely on the land. The home’s open plan, walls of glass, sliding-glass doors and clerestory windows successfully connect its interior to the natural beauty of the land and sky. Skillful detailing—along with careful selection of exterior and interior material and colors—creates an overall design that’s warm and comfortable. march/april 2020


Thank you to everyone who helped make the New Hampshire Home Design Awards a resounding success! Congratulations to the 2020 winners, and hats off to our event sponsors:

2020

Hall of Fame Meet some of this year’s and past years’ winners of the New Hampshire Home Design Awards— architects, interior designers, kitchen and bath designers, landscape architects and designers, builders and others whose award winning projects make homes in New Hampshire both functional and beautiful.

☞ ❦ nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 71


Hall of Fame

2019 Winner of excellence in Green DesiGn/ Honorable Mention for excellence in outDoor DesiGn

Bonin Architects & Associates NEW LONDON | mErEDith, NEW hampshirE (603) 526-6200 • info@boninarchitects.com boninarchitects.com

P

roviding a variety of spaces for family gatherings, intimate spaces for daily life, and respecting the natural environment are familiar goals with most lakefront homes. Additionally, adjacency to the first-floor kitchen, living, and great room, allows their functions to extend beyond the walls of the home. Gentle terraces artfully crafted of local fieldstone, an assortment of plantings and textures, and a shade dappled lawn for the grandchildren on warm summer days round out this home. Bonin Architects & Associates, located in New London and Meredith, New Hampshire, serves homeowners in New England with homes in the lakes, mountain and coastal regions. As a design firm, we bring architecture and landscape architecture together in a collaborative

approach to every project. Our values of honesty, integrity, commitment, respect and service are reflected in all we do. Those values and hard work are the difference between building a home and building a dream.

Past Awards 2014 Winner for Excellence in Green Design ∙ 2014 honorable mention for Excellence in Architectural Design ∙ 2015 Winner for Home of the Year ∙ 2016 honorable mentions for Architectural Design and Remodeling/Renovation 2016 Winner for Excellence in Outdoor Design ∙ 2017 Winner for Excellence in Architectural Design ∙ 2018 Winner for Excellence in Specialty Room Design and honorable mention for Architectural Design 72 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Hall of Fame

2019 Honorable Mention for excellence in arcHitectural DesiGn

Christopher P. Williams Architects, PLLC mErEDith, NEW hampshirE (603) 279-6513 • cpwarchitects.com

O

ur award winning team of LEED-certified architects has provided innovative and environmentally friendly design solutions to clients throughout New England since 1984. No matter what your goals may be, our staff is dedicated to building homes that meet your needs, budget and lifestyle. We will make your dream home a reality. Our firm specializes in sustainable building practices and we offer expertise in incorporating solar, geothermal and other green systems into client projects that enhance and protect ecosystems and conserve natural resources. With sensitivity to landscape and building site requirements, we strive to bring together the beauty of the exterior surroundings with the warmth and comfort of your home. Visit us at cpwarchitects.com to view our portfolio. special advertising section

Past Awards 2016 Winner of Excellence in Historic Renovation New Hampshire Home | 73


of of Hall Fame Hall Fame

2020 Winner of excellence in kitcHen DesiGn: renovation

Crown Point Cabinetry cLarEmONt, NEW hampshirE (800) 999-4994 • crown-point.com

F

amily owned and operated, Crown Point Cabinetry handcrafts the finest quality custom cabinetry for your entire home. With the introduction of Crown Select we provide the same fit and finish, the same quality of materials, the same craftsmanship of our dedicated artisans—in a more cost-effective line. And, as in our Crown Point line, we only sell direct. Whether it’s our Crown Point line or our Crown Select line, we will design beautiful cabinetry for your entire home, and we will deliver what we promise.

Past Awards 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 Winner for Excellence in Kitchen Design ∙ 2017, 2018, 2019 honorable mention for Kitchen Design ∙ 2018 Winner for Excellence in Bath Design 74 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Hall of Fame

2020 Honorable mention for Architectural Design, 2019 winner for small home design

Old Hampshire Designs, Inc. New London, New Hampshire (603) 526-6945 • oldhampshiredesigns.com

O

ld Hampshire Designs, Inc. has been designing and building homes since 1984. This quintessential lakeside cabin was designed to use timber harvested directly from the property on Blaisdell Lake. It features a welcoming open floor plan and loft, spacious covered porch overlooking the lake and a fully equipped wet bar complete with retro-designed appliances. Fourteen thousand board feet of lumber was harvested and milled from the property and includes white pine for the exterior siding and trim, interior walls and ceilings as well as red oak flooring and interior decorative trim

special advertising section

and baseboards. Oak trees from the property were also used for porch posts, interior support and decoration and stair railings. The keystone from the original 1901 fireplace was saved and replaced in the new artfully crafted design. This efficient cabin is a classic testament to preserving New Hampshire’s unique Lakes Region history, conservation and living comfortably in a small footprint.

New Hampshire Home | 75


Hall of Fame

2020 winner for excellence in outdoor design

Rustic Stone & Garden Design MOuLTOnbOROuGH, neW HAMpSHIRe (603) 393-0749 • rusticstoneandgarden.com

T

he Timber Hill Farm Wedding Venue was created by Rustic Stone & Garden Design on farmland in Gilford with majestic views of Lake Winnipesaukee and Mount Washington. The focus of the design is a large thermal bluestone patio, which may serve as the area for cocktail hour, a dance floor or anything in-between. The entrance to the patio is a rustic arbor and two natural stone walls constructed with stones that were collected through years of farming. A step system was created, between natural granite ledge, to access the pasture and fire pit area below. Owners Andy, Martina, and Issac Howe exercised tremendous vision to develop this magical and intimate setting. Rustic Stone & Garden Design, based in Moultonborough, is an award-winning design and construction company specializing in stone hardscaping. Owner 76 | New Hampshire Home

Scott blundo, a graduate of the united States naval Academy, has been designing and creating within the lakes and mountains of new Hampshire since 2001. He believes great outdoor design will combine artistry, aesthetics and function to produce solutions that enhance the beauty of our new Hampshire landscape. Rustic Stone & Garden Design is a small company doing big things. march/april 2020


March 28 & 29, 2020 Whittemore Center Arena, UNH, Durham, NH

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• TASTE Meet the Chefs Cooking Series Taste the culinary creations from the best Seacoast area chefs

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Shop unique products from local artisans

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NewEnglandExpos.com|

New Hampshire Home 77


master of her craft

Carrying on Traditions Alice Ogden has a national following for the baskets she makes from black-ash trees harvested near her Salisbury home.

A

nywhere in the world where you find plants, you will find

baskets. People have been using

plant material to make baskets for tens of thousands of years—archaeologists have discovered baskets made during the Stone Age in dry climates (such as in Egypt and Peru) as well as in extremely humid conditions (such as the beat bogs of northern Europe). With plant material so readily available, people across cultures have woven containers to store

and serve food, catch fish, carry heavy loads and even strain tea. Depending on what grows where, baskets are made from different plants—raffia from palm leaves in tropical zones, grasses in savanna regions, bamboo in Asia, willow in North America. Each basket represents a connection to the place it was made. Basket making is a slow process. Once materials are harvested and dried, the weaving takes time, talent and patience. In the United States, handmade baskets were part of daily life until the middle of the twentieth century, when synthetic materials began to extinguish the craft of basket weaving. But the

In summer, Alice Ogden loves sitting outside her studio and garden to work on her baskets.

1960s and ’70s saw a revival of that making pillows and now perfect con-

Alice Ogden [AO]: Black ash’s wood fibers

tainers for jewelry) and tiny baskets for

are more dense, so they make a nicer

making in the early 1980s, and her

Christmas ornaments. Ogden’s baskets

quality basket. I find white ash to be

exquisite black-ash baskets include

are prized by collectors throughout the

a little more brittle, but some people

hand-carved white-oak handles and

country, and most of her orders take

like it. Also, we have lots of access to

rims. Her baskets range in size from

several months to complete.

black ash.

for holding linens and towels) to lidded

New Hampshire Home [NHH]: Why do you

NHH: Where do you find

baskets (once used to store feathers for

use black ash for your baskets?

black-ash trees?

and other crafts. Alice Ogden found her way to basket

bushel baskets to nesting sets (perfect

By Andi Axman | Photography by Morgan Karanasios 78 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


On shelves in her studio is an array of Alice Ogden’s blackash baskets—note the exquisite miniatures hanging on the middle shelf.

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 79


master of her craft and tear on the body, but this part is still a lot of work. NHH: Then what?
 AO: The thinner wood splints are hung

up or piled up to dry. The splints are sorted by thickness and then stored until they’re needed for a project. For example, the bushel baskets I made last summer [see photo on page XX] need a heavier splint to hold a heavier weight and maintain the basket’s shape. If the basket is more delicate, like the Christmas ornaments, I use a much finer splint that came from a slower growing growth ring. NHH: How do you maintain

consistency with the sizes and shapes of your baskets?
 AO: I have antique forms for my bushel

and bushel-and-a-half baskets. Most of my other baskets are also woven over wooden molds. Some of these I make myself, and others are made by skilled wood turners.

Alice Ogden trims the white oak, which will be used for rims and handles, by hand.

AO: Black ash usually grows in swampy

NHH: What does that mean?

NHH: How long does it take

to make a basket?
 AO: After it is ordered, it can take sev-

areas in New Hampshire. But not every

AO: Following the grain of the wood,

eral months to make a basket, depend-

tree is usable—I can find a swamp full

the growth rings need to be peeled off,

ing on the time of year. But if the tree

of black-ash trees but only one of those

which is why a tree needs to be straight.

is harvested, the splints are ready and I

is usable because it is straight. Some-

My husband—Brad Weyant, who’s a

have white oak for the rim and handles,

times a friend or family member finds

logger—cuts the tree, and we drag out

it takes about a week to weave and put

the trees for me. Lately, we’ve cut trees

the butt portion of the tree, which is

together a bushel basket. Most of the

in the towns of Salisbury, Weare and

about ten feet in length. We start at one

baskets I make are for orders, as I just

Littleton.

end, peeling a two-inch section that is

don’t have time to make baskets for

NHH: What happens next?

ten-feet long. We continue peeling the

display in my studio. However, I usually

AO: These trees don’t look big until

growth rings two-inch section by two-

have a few on hand to purchase at any

you try to move them! Their average

inch section, going around the log until

given time.

diameter is twelve to fifteen inches,

there’s no more usable material left.

and their ages vary between fifty and

In my earlier days, we’d pound the

NHH: What’s the most important

seventy-five years. The trees I just found

log with a mallet and it would take

were fast-growing trees, as the home-

forty hours to get the growth rings off.

AO: Black ash is a strong, dense wood

owners had kept the trees groomed and

There’s sap between the growth rings

and needs to be wet so it’s pliable

growing in an open area. They all had

and the pounding breaks the bond

enough to weave. After it is woven and

heavy growth rings. If a tree grows fast,

between the sap and wood. Now my

before I can finish it with rims and

its growth rings are thick. If it grew

husband has a machine he built that

handles, I have to make sure the basket

slowly, its rings are thin.

does this job. That saves a lot of wear

is good and dry. On a sunny summer

80 | New Hampshire Home

part of the process?

march/april 2020


Pickity Place

M aso n , N H • ( 6 03 ) 8 7 8-115 1 • p i c ki t y p l a c e . c o m

As the days get longer

winter starts to lose its grip. Gardeners and foodies alike anticipate the plants and herbs that will soon emerge. And at Pickity Place, we plan our menu for March, reflecting the changing season. Our unique menu changes each month and we serve at three private seatings each day: 11:30, 12:45 and 2:00. Reservations by phone. Have a Pickity Day!

Frank Anzalone Associates Architects and Planners nhhomemagazine.com

PO Box 1016 New London, NH 03257 603-526-8911 www.faa-arch.com New Hampshire Home | 81


master of her craft

Above: Nesting baskets rest on antique forms for bushel and bushel-and-a-half baskets in Alice Ogden’s studio. Right: Among the baskets displayed in the studio are the so-called “tub” with the open woven bottom and the basket pack, both hanging on the wall.

day, I’ll put the basket in the truck with the windows up so it dries. Depending on the temperature, it could dry in as little as thirty minutes. Or, in cooler weather, I’ll place the basket near the woodstove until it dries. NHH: How did you get into

mother, I bought an 1823 schoolhouse

basket making?

in Henniker that became my studio—

holiday ornament. What did you

AO: When the “back to the land” move-

I also lived in it for years. Twenty-six

make this year?

ment was going on about forty years

years ago, I moved to Salisbury, and two

NHH: Every year, you make a different

AO: In 2013, I made a little cheese

ago, I decided to leave home in Webster

of my three children were born in this

basket for the League of New Hamp-

and go to Toronto, Ontario, to take a

house.

shire Craftsmen Annual Christmas

two-week cloth-weaving workshop. But

ornament. Because I made so many big

before that, I had always helped my

NHH: What do you like to do when

bushel baskets in 2019, I decided to do

mother cane chairs. She was a stay-at-

you’re not making baskets?

a mini bushel basket last Christmas. Its

home mother and a big influence on

AO: I love to garden and enjoy rug

opening was two inches, a little wider

me—we always made Christmas gifts

hooking. I also give workshops around

than a walnut. People who have bought

and other things with natural materials.

the country, which I enjoy a lot. Teach-

When I came back from Toronto, I

ing gets me out and networking, which

ornaments in the past buy them online—some of my customers have been

bought a sixty-inch loom and made

is good for life-work balance. But I

buying for more than twenty years. I

ponchos, bedspreads and curtains. But

never tire of making baskets and still

make about seventy-five ornaments

I didn’t like being inside all day. I like

enjoy making them after forty years—

per season and do them throughout

working outside, and making baskets

I know that because I still get so excited

the year. It’s nice to sit down and do

was a way I could do that and have a

when I find good trees!

them, as they don’t take as much space

business. I had always loved baskets

to make as my larger pieces. I’ll make

and used them to store things once I

about four ornaments at a time, and it

moved away from home. When I was

will take a week to finish them.

nineteen, and with the help of my

82 | New Hampshire Home

NHH

Resource

Alice Ogden Black-Ash Baskets • (603) 934-5012 aliceogden.com

march/april 2020


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Garden Rx

Over the river and through the woods, eventually you will reach Pickity Place in Mason—and it is like stepping back in time. In the summer, flowerbeds are filled to overflowing and there are many themed gardens loaded with herbs. A brick-paved courtyard leads visitors to the dining room and Little Red Riding Hood Museum in the 1786 red Cape; the rustic gift shop is in the attached carriage shed.

Cultivating a Taste for Herbs For a very special farm-to-table

S

pice up your life by adding some new

the premises in Pickity’s extensive gardens.

culinary herbs to the menu. Parsley,

Owner and chef Keith Grimes plans his

sage, rosemary and thyme may have

menus six months in advance, coordinating

lunch and a

been something to sing about in the sixties,

with head gardener Carol Iodice to make sure

but now it is all about the basil, cilantro,

the necessary plants will be available. Along

lavender and mint. Have you tried summer

with the herbs used, every entrée gets an ed-

gardens, visit

savory, lemon verbena or salad burnet? And

ible flower garnish. “In summer, we probably

tour of beautiful Pickity Place in Mason.

then there are the edible flowers—many are

pick one thousand herbs and flowers a day,”

delicious as well as decorative! Calendula,

Iodice says. Things like lavender, lime balm

borage, violets, mallows and nasturtiums add

and mint are used to flavor drinks. Dill goes

pizzazz to your plate, elevating an everyday

into a dip, and salads may include lovage,

meal to gourmet status.

bronze fennel or frilly-leaved red basil.

The restaurant at Pickity Place in Mason is

Pickity Place opened as an herb farm in

known for its use of fresh herbs and edible

1976. The antique, red Cape dates from 1786

flowers in their five-course gourmet meals. It

and was the model for artist Elizabeth Orton

takes a bit of advance planning but most of

Jones’s illustrations in the Little Golden Book

these herbs and garnishes are grown right on

1948 edition of Little Red Riding Hood. In the

By Robin Sweetser | Photography by Nancy Belluscio 84 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


house, there is a space dedicated to all

herbs is to grow your own and experi-

be invasive so they need to have their

things Red Riding Hood. Take a peek

ment with them. If you are wonder-

roots contained. Grow them in a box

into grandmother’s bedroom—who

ing where to begin, look around your

rather than in the ground,” she says.

is that under the covers? Since many

kitchen and start with the herbs you

“There are so many different flavors of

visitors requested that Pickity also serve

use most often. Iodice recommends be-

mint for you to try. They are wonderful

food, a restaurant was added in 1981.

ginning gardeners start with transplants

used in drinks or desserts—chocolate

They offered a unique menu based on

rather than seeds. “The plants won’t

mint is really yummy and smells like a

the festival of the month and its ac-

need as much babying, and you’ll get

peppermint patty; strawberry or pine-

companying herb. “We are the original

faster results,” she says.

apple mint are delicious with fruit or

farm-to-table restaurant,” Grimes says.

Although having a pocket garden

infused in water.”

He started there in 1995 as chef and

of herbs by the kitchen door is handy,

If your garden is shady, Iodice sug-

eventually bought the business in 2000

they don’t have to be grown in a sepa-

gests growing salad burnet. “A peren-

when the original owners, Judy and

rate space. “Many of these plants do

nial, it has a cucumbery flavor and

David Walter, retired.

fine mixed with your flowers and veg-

tastes best when harvested in spring,”

etables,” Iodice says. “Thyme is a nice

she says.

Pick me! “The flavor of dried herbs is nothing compared to fresh,” Grimes says. The best way to become familiar with fresh

border plant, and sage can be planted alongside your other perennials.”

Basil, on the other hand, is an annual, needs lots of sun and grows well in

She cautions about mints, though.

the vegetable garden. “There are many

“They are fun, but be careful. Mints can

types of basil to choose from depend-

Owner and chef Keith Grimes and his wife Kim are your hosts when you visit Pickity Place. The seasonal menu changes monthly, and there are three seatings in the restaurant every day at 11:30 a.m., and 12:45 and 2 p.m. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 85


Garden Rx

ing on the look and flavors you prefer: lemon, Thai, cinnamon, Genovese, opal, lettuce leaf or ruffled,” Iodice says. For something different, try lovage. “It gets really tall, and looks and tastes like celery,” Iodice says. “It is good in soups and salads, and is our sous chef Matt Comeau’s favorite.” Rosemary is another popular herb, but since it is not hardy in our area, Iodice recommends growing it as an annual. “Some folks try to winter it over indoors in a pot, but it is grumpy and hard to grow in the house. Just let it go and buy a new plant in the spring,” she says. Flat-leaf parsley is a must; Iodice thinks it has better flavor than the curly leaf type. Pickity Place has a long hedge of peAbove: Head gardener Carol Iodice (right) and her assistant Linda O’Grady (left) start work early in the spring to spiff up the gardens and get them ready for the season ahead. Top: Dried bundles of herbs and everlasting flowers harvested from the gardens hang from the rafters in the drying shed.

rennial lavender, which gets used daily in season to make lavender lemonade. Iodice says the trick for successful lavender is good drainage. “The roots will rot easily if left in soggy soil,” she says. “Ours is banked up.” She also recom-

86 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


Potato Salad with Chimichurri

S e r v e s 6 –1 0

Chimichurri is a staple in Argentina, used most frequently on grilled meats. “Why not take chimichurri and add it to our traditional summer favorite potato salad?” Pickity Place owner and chef Keith Grimes asks.

Chimichurri 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons oregano leaves 4 cloves fresh garlic minced 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1. Place the parsley, oregano, garlic and vinegar in a food processor. Blend and drizzle in the olive oil. 2. Remove the mixture and add the crushed red pepper (go lighter on the crushed red pepper if you don’t want it too spicy). Season the chimichurri with salt and pepper. Set aside.

1/2 cup olive oil 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes Salt and pepper, to taste

Potato Salad 2 1/2 pounds red-bliss potatoes, sliced thick 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 cup celery, diced

1. Place thickly sliced, unpeeled red-bliss potatoes into a pot and cover with cold water and salt. Cook on medium high. Once the water comes to a boil, let the potatoes cook for 5–10 minutes or until they are fork tender. Strain and let sit for 5 minutes to release the steam.

1/2 cup Spanish onion, diced

2. Combine the cooked potatoes, celery, onions, red peppers, and green onions or scallions in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix in the chimichurri.

1/4 cup red pepper, diced

3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

1/8 cup chopped green onion or scallion Chimichurri

Recipe courtesy of Pickity Place nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 87


Garden Rx

Plan to spend the day when you come to Pickity Place to enjoy a gourmet herbal luncheon. There are five acres of lush gardens to explore, along with treasures in the greenhouse and garden shop.

mends being patient in the spring. “It

tro, fennel and dill. “We use a lot of

may look dead early on, but don’t be in dill. It is really good in dip, soups and a rush to pull it out. Leave it until June salad dressing,” she says. “Fennel has and watch for new sprouts.” Along with basil, other annual herbs that are easy to grow include cilan88 | New Hampshire Home

a licorice flavor that is good on a lot of things.” She says herbs love to be touched, so don’t be afraid to handle march/april 2020


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New Hampshire Home | 89


Garden Rx them. “They love to be used. The more you cut them, the better they grow.” Iodice starts plants in the Pickity greenhouse beginning in late February to early March, using both seeds and plugs. To keep up with demand for spring plants, Pickity Place also purchases about 360 plants a week from another grower. In addition to Pickity’s mints, thymes, basil and lavender, this is the place to purchase hard-to-find or unusual plants, such as patchouli, stevia, mugwort or sweet cicely. “Herbs are easier to grow than a lot of perennial flowers,” Iodice says. “If they are getting too big for their space, you can cut them back or rip out some of the roots. They are tough and can take it.” If you have any questions, Pickity’s greenhouse manager and gardeners are all very knowledgeable and eager to help. While there, be sure to check out the wheel of thyme—who knew there were so many different kinds? You can never have enough thyme!

Innovative approach Since the menu changes monthly, Grimes says it is like opening a new restaurant every month. Pickity Place offers a five-course, fixed-price, gourmet herbal luncheon, which includes a drink, dip and crackers appetizer, soup and bread, salad, two choices of entrées (meat or vegetarian), and dessert. “People love the simplicity of it. You don’t have to decide, you just eat what

Lush gardens welcome summer visitors to Pickity Place.

Plan to Visit A trip to Pickity Place is a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring! Pickity Place is open year round, seven days a week: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. January through March; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. April through December. They are closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Along with the delicious food and beautiful gardens, there is a fabulous gift shop, an extensive greenhouse and the Little Red Riding Hood Museum. If you are planning to eat, be sure to call ahead for reservations: (603) 878-1151. There are three seatings a day at 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 2 p.m. Pickity Place is located at 248 Nutting Hill Road in Mason. For directions, more information and the monthly menu, go to pickityplace.com.

I give you,” Grimes says. “It is comfortable and relaxed, and takes you back to when life was simple.” Pickity Place is located off the beaten

the staff has made many friends over the years. “People have formed an

track, down a back road in Mason. Part

attachment, and this is like a home-

of the fun of going there is finding the

coming for them,” Grimes says.

place! “We have beat all the odds,”

90 | New Hampshire Home

There are many repeat guests, and

Grimes is especially flattered

Grimes says. “We have a terrible loca-

when other chefs dine at Pickity.

tion and offer a limited choice of food,

“Celebrity chef and cookbook author

yet people flock here. They will make

Sara Moulton eats here! It is a real

a special pilgrimage to come and

compliment when chefs come here

eat here.”

to eat.”

NHH

march/april 2020


resources

K i t c h e n s a n d b at h r o o m s

outdoor living

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Create a spa-like experience in your own backyard. We manufacture four-season, luxury plunge pools designed to be warm in winter, cool in summer and small enough to fit almost any backyard space. Soake Pools are made in New Hampshire, and delivered tiled and ready for your finishing touches. Small pools. Big benefits. Visit our website and contact us for more information.

lighting

The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric is LIGHTING THE WAY YOU LIVE. Visit our Newington or Claremont, New Hampshire, locations and choose from the largest selection of lighting products in northern New England. Our in-showroom specialists and designers will help you create any atmosphere by bringing your personal style home. 437 Shattuck Way in Newington • (603) 436-2310 221 Washington Street in Claremont • (603) 542-8711 rockinghamlightingcenter.com

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Runtal Announces SecondGeneration Electric Omnipanel Towel Radiator The Runtal Omnipanel II is the second generation of the popular Runtal flagship towel radiator line which was introduced in 1985. The Omnipanel II offers an even larger warming surface area and is available in three heights, a choice of voltages (120, 208 and 240) and 100 colors. 187 Neck Road in Ward Hill, Haverhill, Massachusetts (800) 526-2621 runtalnorthamerica.com arch itects

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mark your calendar!

march March 3

Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire Drawing on research from her book Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire, the Present, the Past, and the Future, New Hampshire Home essayist Rebecca Rule regales audiences with stories of the rituals, traditions and history of town meeting, including the perennial characters, the literature, the humor and the wisdom of this uniquely New England institution. 6 p.m. Conway Public Library • 15 Greenwood Avenue in Conway • nhhumanities.org/events/moved-andseconded-town-meeting-new-hampshire-26 March 6

The Grand Resort Hotels of the White Mountains—Architecture, History and the Preservation Record Architectural historian Bryant Tolles Jr. shares the history and architecture of the grand resort hotel phenomenon and hospitality tourism in the White Mountains from the pre-Civil War era to the present. The primary focus is on the surviving grand resort hotels: The Mount Washington Resort, the Mountain View Grand, the Balsams, the Eagle Mountain House, and Wentworth Hall and Cottages. Extensive illustrations document these buildings and others no longer in existence. 6 p.m. Walpole Town Hall • 34 Elm Street in Walpole nhhumanities.org/events/grand-resort-hotelswhite-mountains-architecture-history-andpreservation-record-16 March 7

History of Camellias in Boston Many large estates in the Boston area featured large glass greenhouses and significant collections of camellia trees. Discover the rich history of camellia cultivation from the late 1700s through the 1900s at this illustrated lecture by Lyman Estate Greenhouses Manager Lynn Ackerman. Afterward, visit the 1804 greenhouses and enjoy the large camellia collection in bloom. 2 p.m. Lyman Estate Greenhouses • 185 Lyman Street in Waltham, Massachusetts • (617) 994-5913 my.historicnewengland.org/483/2602 March 9

Steel Chef Challenge This annual event features a local chef competition with Food Network celebrity chef Michael Symon. Attendees will watch live as the competition between chefs heats up, and enjoy a fabulous dinner created by Chef Symon and his staff. The VIP portion of the event will take place before the competition, where VIPs can meet and greet the celebrity chef and get autographs. Proceeds benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank. General admission tickets are $125; VIP tickets are $225. Doubletree by Hilton Manchester • 700 Elm Street in Manchester • nhfoodbank.org/steelchef 92 | New Hampshire Home

Camellia Days Visit a celebrated collection of camellias in the 1804 camellia house at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses. Soak up the atmosphere and colors of the tropics, along with some history. Enjoy the one-hundredyear-old camellias in full bloom at one of the oldest surviving greenhouses in the United States. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. See website for March dates. Lyman Estate Greenhouses • 185 Lyman Street in Waltham, Massachusetts • (617) 994-5913 historicnewengland.org/property/ lyman-estate-greenhouses March 9

The History of Agriculture as Told by Barns Barns can tell us a great deal about the history of agriculture in New Hampshire. In the Colonial period, New Hampshire was a rural, agrarian state and small subsistence farms dotted the landscape. An important part of these farmsteads was the barn, which housed animals and stored crops. Early barns used traditional building methods and followed the English barn style, with a low-pitched roof and doors under the eaves. As time went on, the farms expanded to accommodate changes in agriculture. This presentation will follow the progression of barn styles that evolved to handle the increased productivity required to meet the needs of a growing population and respond to changes in society caused by the railroad and the Industrial Revolution. John C. Porter, author of Preserving Old Barns: Preventing the Loss of a Valuable Resource, demonstrates how these majestic barn structures represent Yankee ingenuity, hard work and skilled craftsmanship, as well as provide a link to our past that adds to the state’s scenic beauty. 7 p.m. Stratham Fire Department • 4 Winnicutt Road in Stratham • nhhumanities.org/event-calendar March 20

Fierce Females: Women in Art Women have long been the subject of art, often depicted as nothing more than objects of desire. How do images of women change when women become the creators? This program examines the history of women in art in brief, and then explores the lives, careers and works of several major women artists from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Artemisia Gentileschi, Mary Cassatt and Frida Kahlo are some of the artists discussed in this program. This is also the monthly meeting of the Monadnock Quilters’ Guild. 6:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Church • 161 Wilton Road in Peterborough • nhhumanities.org/events/ fierce-females-women-art March 21–22

New Hampshire Old House & Barn Expo Presented by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, this expo helps old house and barn owners and enthusiasts with appropriate and affordable solutions. New topics include resiliency and sustainability, strategies for first-time homebuyers and down-sizers, and

resources for properties from 1700 to 1970. Create your own show “itinerary” and explore preservation strategies, architecture, craft and history through hourly lectures, visits with high-quality exhibitors, demonstrations, and “Old House and Barn Doctor” sessions. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults; $7 for seniors and students; children age twelve and younger are admitted free of charge. Doubletree by Hilton Manchester • 700 Elm Street in Manchester • (603) 224-2281 nhpreservation.org March 28

Italianissimo with Mary Ann Esposito Work alongside New Hampshire Home contributor, cookbook author and host of Ciao Italia Mary Ann Esposito to prepare recipes like cappelletti in brodo, roasted squash salad and pesce misto al briocle (mixed fish casserole). After working in the kitchen, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor a meal paired with wines selected by Guy Esposito, Mary Ann’s husband and a wine educator with accreditation from the United States Sommelier Association. Admission is $200. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Boston University’s Programs in Food & Wine 808 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston (617) 353-9852 • foodwine@bu.edu March 28–29

Seacoast Home and Garden Show The Seacoast Home and Garden Show features more than two hundred exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in areas such as building, remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living, green living and décor. The weekend offers a variety of gardening seminars. The Meet the Chefs Cooking Series features some of the Seacoast’s top chefs with the opportunity to learn new recipes, get great cooking tips and taste their culinary creations. Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is $8; $6 for seniors; $5 for children age six through sixteen; children march/april 2020


Photo: Carolyn Bates

Two Frank Lloyd Wright homes in one tour Reservations at currier.org or 603-669-6144, x150 150 ASH STREET, MANCHESTER, NH 03104

LindaCloutier 603-964-2959 Linda Clough–Cloutier, CKD nhhomemagazine.com

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mark your calendar! younger than age six are admitted free of charge. Whittemore Center Arena • The University of New Hampshire in Durham seacoast.newenglandexpos.com March 29

Watercolor Painting in a Day: Painting Dogwood Blossoms Learn basic and advanced watercolor techniques while completing a beautiful painting during this projectbased workshop. Techniques—such as painting wet into wet, softening edges and glazing color—will be demonstrated. This class is appropriate for both beginners and more advanced painters. Sue Dion is an award-winning watercolorist whose work is collected internationally. She has taught watercolor to hundreds of students in her own studios and is a member of the teaching faculty at the Worcester Art Museum. 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden • 11 French Drive in Boylston, Massachusetts • (508) 869-6111 towerhillbg.org

april April 2

AIANH Design Awards Jurors from Seattle select winners of outstanding architecture—including residential projects—for the thirty-sixth annual Design Awards Celebration held at Alnoba, a passive-house retreat center in Kensington. This year marks the eightieth anniversary of the founding of the New Hampshire chapter of AIA, which will also be celebrated. (603) 501-1881 • aianh.org April 3–5

Conserving Our Painted Past Symposium This symposium brings together practitioners in the care and conservation of painted walls to share case studies and discuss best practices. The preservation of early-nineteenth-century painted decoration—which include murals, freehand brushwork and stenciled decoration—becomes increasingly urgent over time, especially for walls in private homes. Conservators, researchers, historians, collectors and antiques dealers will discuss the new process of thermal imaging

technology to show what is underneath. Topics will also include preservation of one of New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s “Seven to Save” John Avery murals in Middleton; musings on painted walls by prominent folk art dealer Stephen Score; and comparative paint analysis of three major muralists. Center for Painted Wall Preservation • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel • 363 Maine Mall Road in Portland, Maine • pwpcenter.org/symposium April 7

Imperial Russian Fabergé Eggs This illustrated presentation by Marina Forbes focuses on the life and remarkable work of Russian master jeweler and artist, Peter Carl Fabergé. The program features a photo-tour of Fabergé collections at the Constantine Palace in Saint Petersburg and from major museums and private collectors around the world. Explore the important role of egg painting in Russian culture and the development of this major Russian art form from a traditional craft to the level of exquisite fine art under the patronage of the tsars. Forbes also discusses the fascinating history of these eggs, their role in the dramatic events of the last decades of Romanov rule in Russia, and in the years following the Bolshevik Revolution. 5:30 p.m. Women’s Club of Concord • 44 Pleasant Street in Concord • nhhumanities.org April 14

New England Quilts and the Stories They Tell Quilts tell stories, and quilt history is full of myths and misinformation as well as heart-warming tales of service and tradition. Nearly every world culture that has cold weather uses quilted textiles. Pam Weeks weaves world history, women’s history, industrial history and just plain wonderful stories into her presentation. Participants are invited to bring one quilt for identification and/or story sharing. 7 p.m. Madbury Town Hall • 13 Town Hall Road in Madbury nhhumanities.org/event-calendar

April 30

New Hampshire on High: Historic and Unusual Weathervanes of the Granite State This program offers a fun and engaging look at the historic and unusual weathervanes found on New Hampshire’s churches, town halls and other public buildings from earliest times down to the present. Highlighted by the visual presentation of a sampling of the vanes found throughout the state, Glenn Knoblock’s program traces the history of weathervanes, their practical use and interesting symbolism, as well as their varied types and methods of manufacture and evolution from practical weather instrument to architectural embellishment. 6:30 p.m. Rye Public Library • 581 Washington Road in Rye nhhumanities.org/event-calendar

ongoing

Video Games & Contemporary Art This dynamic exhibition explores how contemporary artists have been influenced by the culture of video games pervasive in popular culture since the 1970s. The exhibition features painting, sculpture, textiles, prints, drawings, animation, video games, video game modifications, and game-based performances and interventions. The artworks in Open World reference a broad cross-section of games, ranging from early arcade games to modern multi-player online role-playing games and first-person shooters. On view through June 28. Currier Museum of Art • 150 Ash Street in Manchester • (603) 669-6144 • currier.org

New Hampshire Maple Month 2020 Hosted by the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, Maple Sugaring Month runs March 7 through March 28, spanning four weekends of maple madness. Across the state, sugar makers open their doors to the public to demonstrate the centuries-old craft of maple sugaring. Meet the maple producers of New Hampshire. Discover how their operation works, enjoy free samples of fresh syrup, maple candies and confections, coffee and doughnuts. Some locations offer pancake breakfasts, petting farms or horse-drawn rides. Come taste why pure New Hampshire maple syrup has long been a delicious harbinger of spring. nhmapleproducers.com/maple-month

Submitting Events

New Hampshire Home is always on the lookout for events that may interest our readers. If you have one to submit for consideration, send details to editor@nhhomemagazine.com. Please note that calendar production occurs two months before each issue is published. Calendar events can be self-posted on our website at any time by using the Submit an Event link at nhhomemagazine.com. 94 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020


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New Hampshire Home | 95


at home in new hampshire

Sustaining a Family Cottage Although I came of age in the late 1960s and early 1970s, I have always thought of myself as a child of the Depression. My Depression-era mother schooled me in saving anything that could be used again and making do with less. Throughout my childhood, I was admonished to turn out the lights when I left a room to conserve electricity. We kept the used wrapping paper at Christmas, smoothed it out and wrapped gifts in it the following year. There was no overbuying at the grocery store; we were duty bound to make sure food did not go to waste. My family practiced Yankee thrift, a forerunner perhaps to today’s sustainability, only partly on principle. We didn’t have enough money to do otherwise. I am reminded of this when I go to open my mother’s summer cottage. Built in the early 1940s, it was purchased by my aunt in 1948, and today looks almost exactly as it did when I was a child. The 1940s cast-metal wall sconce, a shade of green that no longer seems to exist, still hangs by the bed. The tops of the antique dressers are covered in my grandmother’s monogrammed linens. A pair of huge, dried lobster claws from some long-ago dinner hang as they have since my childhood from a hook by the kitchen sink. The cottage is not winterized, so we say goodbye in October and do not return until the spring. Truly a cottage, with two small bedrooms separated by a three-quarter wall and curtains for doors, the place is not quite a “tiny house,” but close to it. When we go to see how it has fared over the winter, my mother sleeps in the double bed, and I sleep in the bunk beds where my sister and I slept as children, on the

lower bunk because I can no longer scramble into the top. On a recent visit with my mother, I woke just after seven to a colossal boom. I knew, even before I looked out the window, that it was the sound of the house across the road coming down. The house had been sold over the winter, but we did not know it was scheduled for demolition. A small place similar to ours, one story hugging the marsh, it had been owned by the same family for more than sixty years. The backhoe clawed at the house and took pieces away in huge chunks. When the interior was exposed, we could see a worn couch and the kitchen with its cabinets and appliances still intact. All of it was turned to dust and scraps of metal, and scooped into a dumpster. In a couple of hours, the place was gone. Someday, our cottage will meet the same fate. When it becomes too complicated for the siblings and cousins in my generation to share ownership, and the taxes are more than we can raise, we will have to sell. We can’t fool ourselves; anyone who buys the house will likely tear it down, too, replacing it with a bigger house. I feel sick with dread about this, and at the same time resigned. I can’t stop the march of time and money. Until that day comes, I plan to treasure every minute in this little place. Stepping through the door each spring, I step back into my childhood and find myself surrounded by family members we have lost. As we sweep the floors and hang the faded, hand-sewn curtains, I imagine my departed aunt there beside us. These curtains are good for another year, I can hear her saying, and they’ve still got some life left in them. NHH

By K atherine Towler | Illustration by Carolyn Vibbert 96 | New Hampshire Home

march/april 2020



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