New Hampshire Home November-December 2018

Page 1

A Holiday Show House • Special Christmas Cookies • A Stylish Victorian

NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME

n ove m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 0 18

A Magical

| a m a g i c a l r e n o vat i o n

Renovation

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contents

36 46

56

64

features

departments

46 A Stylish Transformation

18 From the Editor

Two homeowners add comfort and sophistication to their splendid Portsmouth Victorian.

22 Letters From our Readers

By Carrie Sherman | Photography by Morgan Karanasios

24 On the Town

56 A Family Retreat

26 Favorite Finds

An award-winning renovation updates an old farmhouse for three generations today as well as those in the future. By Barbara Coles | Photography by Joseph St. Pierre

64 A Magical Renovation

A Seacoast couple transforms a former summer retreat into an imaginative home whose style is inspired by rustic Adirondack camps. By Debbie Kane | Photography by John W. Hession

For Holiday Gifts

30 Home Cooking

Italian Cookies for the Holidays By Mary Ann Esposito

36 By Design

A Historic Holiday Show House By Jenny Donelan

74 Special Advertising Section

2018 New H ampshire Home Yearbook

78 Garden R x

Uncommon Conifers By Robin Sweetser

84 Tranformation

Restoring a Piece of Portsmouth History By Debbie Kane

90 Home Resources 92 M ark Your Calendar ! 94 Index of Advertisers 96 At Home in New Hampshire

Solstice—The Sun Stands Still
 By Rebecca Rule Illustration by Carolyn Vibbert

On the cover and page 64: Taking cues from nature, Lynne Monroe and Frank Whittemore renovated Sunny Knoll in Kensington in the style of the Adirondack Great Camps, using curved branches, rustic tree trunks and fieldstone as accents. Photography by John W. Hession

Visit us online at 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 2018 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

november/december 2018



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contributors

novemb er / dec emb er 2018  |  Vol . 12, No. 6

nhhomemagazine.com

PR ESI DENT/PU B LISH ER

Barbara Coles has long reported on life in New Hampshire, first at Nashua radio station WOTW, then at New Hampshire Public Television and most recently at New Hampshire Magazine. She’s now a contributing editor for the magazine and editor of its Bride issues as well as a freelance writer for other publications. She can be reached at barbaracoles@comcast.net. 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. Mary Ann Esposito is the host of the public television series Ciao Italia, now in its twenty-eighth season, and the author of thirteen cookbooks, including her just-publisshed, Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy. She lives in New Hampshire. Visit her website at ciaoitalia.com. 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.

EDITOR

Sharron R. McCarthy

Andi Axman

Art D irector

John R. Goodwin

P hoto E ditor

John W. Hession

Asso c iate E ditor

Kara Steere

editorial Assistant photo grapher

Rose Z. King

Morgan Karanasios

senior desi g ners

Jodie Hall, Wendy Wood contributors

Barbara Coles, Jenny Donelan, Mary Ann Esposito, Debbie Kane, Morgan Karanasios, Rose Z. King, David J. Murray, Rebecca Rule, Carrie Sherman, Robin Sweetser, Joseph St. Pierre, Carolyn Vibbert sales m anager

Jessica Schooley: (603) 413-5143 jschooley@mcleancommunications.com VP/consumer m ar keting VP/retail SALES BUSI N ESS M ANAG ER

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. David J. Murray, who is based in New Castle, does commercial photography for architects, builders, hotel owners and real estate agents. He is also the house photographer for The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum, both in Portsmouth, as well as an FAA-certified commercial drone operator. Learn more about him at cleareyephoto.com. Rebecca Rule has lived and gardened in Northwood for more than thirty years. Her books include The Best Revenge (named one of five essential New Hampshire books by New Hampshire Magazine); Live Free and Eat Pie: A Storyteller’s Guide to NH; and Headin’ for the Rhubarb: A New Hampshire Dictionary (well, kinda).

Brook Holmberg

Sherin Pierce Mista McDonnell

Event & Mar keting m anager Business & Sales Coordinator Di gital Media S pe c ialist

Emily Torres Heather Rood

Morgen Connor

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

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

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. Joseph St. Pierre has photographed architecture and interiors for more than thirty years, and his work has appeared in many national and regional publications. He lives in Concord. 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

© 2018 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.

november/december 2018


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from the editor

Magical Transformations

C

hange is never easy—and the bigger that change is, the more challenging the journey can be. I remember how easy it was to move two chairs and an end table in my parents’ new apartment—voilà and the living room space was better defined, more

suited to conversation and easier to navigate. But reconfiguring spaces when renovating a home? Or figuring out which parts of a building to remove or salvage? Those are daunting decisions. Making the wrong choice can be costly, both in financial resources and time— and can also stress relationships. One way to avoid errors is to work with the best architects and designers possible. We found some very interesting—and very different—types of renovations to share with you in this issue. Thanks to the remarkable vision and dedication of Lynne Monroe, a circa 1900 summer home in Kensington [cover and page 64] has retained its camp spirit, and is now accented with rustic tree trunks, curved branches and other materials from nature.

Reconfiguring spaces when

renovating a home—and

figuring out which parts

of a building to remove or

salvage—are daunting

decisions.

Kate Belavitch was instantly smitten with a Portsmouth Victorian as soon as its front door opened and she saw stained-glass windows, the stairway’s carved newel post and the entry’s crown moldings [page 46]. With help from Manypenny Murphy Architecture and Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home—both in Portsmouth—Belavitch and her husband added comfort and sophistication to an already splendid house. Ward D’Elia and Amelia Martin Brock, of Samyn-D’Elia Architects in Ashland, renovated an old home so that it still looked like a farmhouse from the outside but was contemporary on the inside {page 56]. Their efforts were rewarded with a 2018 New Hampshire Home Design Awards honorable mention for remodeling/renovation. Another project that caught the 2018 judges’ eyes was Piscataqua Landing in Portsmouth [page 84]. The cornerstone of the three-building project, designed by Carla Goodknight, of CJ Architects in Portsmouth, is the 1916 Army Navy Association building that’s now residential space. The project garnered New Hampshire Home’s 2018 Excellence in Historic Renovation award. Dramatic changes also result by changing furnishings and décor, as we saw at Christmas at The Fells, a designer show house last year. This November, designers work new magic at the majestic Hay home at The Fells in Newbury—see the sidebar on page 36 for details. The holidays are never complete without special cookies, and Mary Ann Esposito shares recipes for some of her favorites [page 30], including her Mom’s Dried Cherry Cookies. If you want Christmas trees at home year-round, take a look at the Lyons garden in Newbury [page 78]. Their business, Lyons Family Nursery, grows exceptionally beautiful conifers in a variety of sizes and colors. Here’s wishing you peace and happiness this holiday season!

Editor

18 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


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letters from our readers

Top: A detail shows wetland plants and wildlife from one of David Lamb’s carved panels. Above left: Dana Boucher and then-puppy, Moose, watch Tom Boucher prepare lunch at home in Bedford. Above right: Pellettieri Associates in Warner used innovative methods to address challenges of drainage at this Lake Sunapee home designed by Bonin Architects and Associates in New London.

A spectacular frieze

I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed seeing the well-written and beautifully photographed story on the Sanborn Mills carving project [Carving a New Niche, September/October 2018]. Andi Axman and John W. Hession did an excellent job capturing the essence of the project, the thoughts that went into it and the complexity to create such a “carved story.” Thank you so much for your story, and raising awareness of what’s possible in architectural craftsmanship and artistry.

—David and Janet Lamb in Canterbury

Conserving our precious lakes

I purchased the July/August 2018 issue because of the cover’s reference to three waterfront homes. I am on the Board of Directors of NH Lakes, the only statewide nonprofit working to ensure that our lakes remain clean and healthy, so I was especially delighted to read A Versatile Vacation Home on Lake Sunapee. I applaud the homeowners’ efforts to design and build a lakefront property in a way that protects water quality. It was very smart of them to work with a landscape architect like George Pellettieri. I also appreciate the time spent in your article 22 | New Hampshire Home

allowing him to explain how he dealt with “drainage details” in a way that prevents the runoff of pollutants into the lake. So often when people build homes around lakes, they are not aware of the impact that a lawn sloping down to the water or a paved driveway can have on the health of the lake. Organizations like NH Lakes and local lake associations like the Lake Sunapee Protective Association (and hundreds like them in New Hampshire) encourage landowners to design and maintain their properties so that runoff water does not impact water quality. If your readers are interested in learning more about how to keep the lake they live on clean and healthy, they can download a free publication, New Hampshire Lakes and YOU!, at nhlakes.org. —Elaine Warshell in Moultonborough

A Philly fan

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading New Hampshire Home. It’s truly a beautiful publication, and I’m pleasantly surprised to see Mary Ann Esposito as a contributor. I have very fond memories of watching her on Ciao Italia on WHYY, our local PBS station. Even as a preteen, I was a

faithful viewer on Saturday afternoons. I still have recipe cards from when I jotted down her recipes while the show was airing. No DVRs then!

—Jason Zappolo of Thos. Moser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A classic home for a perfect site

You did an amazing job telling the story of our home [A Hilltop Dream House, September/October 2018]. We can’t believe how many pages it was! Writer Barbara Coles and photographer John W. Hession are so talented. What a fun process—lots of creativity and hard work. You all should be proud, as we certainly sure are! We’re getting tons of compliments and appreciate your giving us such a great opportunity.

—Tom and Dana Boucher in Bedford

Editor’s note: All of the lighting fixtures shown in A Hilltop Dream House came from The Lighting Showroom in Bedford at nelighting.com. We love hearing your thoughts about the stories we’ve published, and we’re always on the lookout for homes and gardens that might interest our readers. Write to us at Editor; New Hampshire Home; 150 Dow Street; Manchester, NH 03101; or e-mail editor@nhhomemagazine.com. We look forward to hearing from you! november/december 2018


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on the town Interpreting art with flowers

Floral designers and artists collaborated in June at LaBelle Winery in Amherst. Among those at the opening celebration were, from the left, Joyce Kimball, president of the New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.; and Sally Gordon Shea, Joanne Krause and Susanna Ries of the Milford Garden Club. Ries’s stained-glass “bluebirds” and flower arrangement are to her right. Photography by Wendy Wood

Beautiful landscapes

The paintings of Daniel Thibeault (second from left) were featured at Fry Fine Art, a Peterborough gallery owned by Cheri Fry (second from the right) and Stan Fry (right). Mindy Taylor (left) also attended the opening of Mondadnock Inspired Landscapes in July.

Noteworthy artisans A designer show house for a great cause

Designers from New Hampshire and Massachusetts helped transform the historic Frank E. Anderson home, now part of Thomas More College in Nashua, into a spectacular show house—see more about this project in New Hampshire Home’s January/February 2019 issue. Among those at the opening gala in July were, from the left, Frank Hodge of FD Hodge Interiors in Boston, New Hampshire Home Editor Andi Axman and Michael Nest. Photography by John W. Hession

Photography courtesy of Nancy Belluscio

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen presented twenty-four awards recognizing the creativity and skill of its juried members during the annual Craftsmen’s Fair Preview Party in August. Miriam Carter, executive director of the league, congratulated furniture maker Roger Meyers for winning the Best in Wood Furniture Award for his Walnut Demilune Table. Photography courtesy of Sullivan Creative

Celebrating the arts at Shaker Village

At a modern-dance performance in July to conclude Arts Week at Canterbury Shaker Village were, from the left, Sarah Stewart, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; state Senator David Watters; and Virginia Lupi, director of the State Council on the Arts. Arts Week is an annual event that includes artists in residence, outdoor sculpture, and a variety of music and theater. Photography courtesy of Sullivan Creative

Labors of love

New Hampshire Home Editor Andi Axman was joined by Fred Matuszewski (left), of CMK Architects in Manchester, and John Clayton (right), executive director of the Manchester Historic Association, to judge the 101st Labor Day parade in Francestown.

Medal Day at MacDowell

The MacDowell Colony in Peterborough awarded the fifty-ninth Edward MacDowell Medal to comic artist Art Spiegelman in August. Gathering for before the ceremony were, clockwise from top left, MacDowell President Andrew Senchak, Chairman of the Board Michael Chabon, medalist Art Spiegelman, Resident Director David Macy, Executive Director Cheryl A. Young and introductory speaker Hillary Chute. Photography courtesy of Jonathan Gourlay

24 | New Hampshire Home

Photography courtesy of Mark Goldstein

A new life for a one-room schoolhouse

Owner Tracy Tilson thanked Steve Taylor, an independent scholar and the state’s former commissioner of agriculture, for helping mark the opening of her new office for Tilson PR. The firm is housed in the former East Hebron School, which was built in 1888 and functioned as a school until 1942. Tilson holds the schoolhouse’s original bell. Photography courtesy of Liz McNeill Jenkins

november/december 2018


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Give a gift with Mediterranean flair by Turkish ceramic artist Sibel Alpaslan, who now lives in Beverly, Massachusetts.

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen (multiple locations statewide) nhcrafts.org Place the perfect brass paperweight—a facsimile of architect Philip Johnson’s glasses—on a special someone’s desk.

The Glass House Design Store • designstore.theglasshouse.org

Turn your charcoal grill into a pizzeriastyle oven with KettlePizza’s kit.

Relax in style in a cashmere robe by Eileen Fisher.

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Perfume your home with natural-oil fragrance sticks.

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26 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Call RealtyScape if you plan on remodeling a Pre-1978 home. WHEN INTERVIEWING PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH RECENT ELEVATED BLOOD LEADS, APPROXIMATELY ONE-THIRD OF PARENTS REPORTED THAT RENOVATIONS OCCURRED DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS.

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New Hampshire Home | 27


favorite finds for

holiday gifts

Prep your recipes with panache with knives handmade by Zachary Jonas of Wilmot. League of New Hampshire

Craftsmen (multiple locations statewide) nhcrafts.org

Brew tea in a teapot made in Japan and inspired by the geometric beauty of origami.

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Illuminate any area with the Lyndon Portable Bluetooth LED Lantern BKT, which has a hidden Bluetooth speaker.

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (multiple locations statewide) • ferguson.com

Gaze at the stars with Skyhawk’s ultramagnification binocular set.

Frontgate • frontgate.com

Savor Mary Ann Esposito’s new recipes in her latest book, Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy. Book signing on December 14, 5–7 p.m. Gibson’s Bookstore

in Concord • gibsonsbookstore.com

Enjoy your favorite LPs on a custom-built Orbit turntable.

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Delight the bird lovers on your list with glasses decorated with images by renowned illustrator Charley Harper.

Cook and serve in this Pedra soapstone pot.

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28 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


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New Hampshire Home | 29


Home cooking with

mary ann esposito

Italian Cookies for the Holidays Making these sweet treats extends the season and provides unique gifts.

A

s the holiday baking season approaches, I am most grateful for the dog-eared and faded,

hand-written recipe notebooks that my mom passed onto me—along with her old, worn, wooden recipe box stuffed with splatter-stained index cards that tell the stories of her favorite baked goods. When I read or make the recipes, vivid memories surface of my mother mixing dough in her old mix master at her butcher block baking center in one corner of the kitchen; I want to rush into my kitchen and re-create that taste of home and a simpler time gone by. Most of my holiday-cookie baking centers around classic Italian favorites, such as queen’s cookies from Sicily called biscotti Regina; totos, a dry sesameencrusted cookie; chocolate and black pepper cookies from Naples; and cuccidatu—Sicily’s answer to the fig newton. But I have to admit that Mom’s sour-cream dried-cherry-filled cookie was the blue-ribbon winner of all her cookies. When I begin baking, that cookie is at the top of the list. Each year, I try to vary the kinds that I make—but no matter how hard I try, I usually make well over twenty-five kinds. That is because cookies are my gift of choice for family and friends. Oc-

were stored in the cold pantry, and

them in cellophane and adding colorful

tober 12, Columbus Day, was the kickoff

loads of eggs and butter clogged up the

ribbon streamers.

date for holiday-cookie baking to begin;

refrigerator. Mom made hundreds of

the Italian women of my mother’s era,

cookies to give away as gifts. They were

date, and the holiday smells that perme-

who lived in the neighborhood, took

wrapped tightly and stored in airtight

ate my kitchen in early fall work like

this seriously.

containers in the large Ben Hur freezer.

magic to extend the season, providing

I have kept true to the October start

Months before baking began, Mom

They kept well, and when it was time for

me with the yearly gift of an endearing

had large gleaming tins of dried cherries

giving, Mom arranged an assortment of

connection to the past.

delivered from Michigan, sacks of flour

her handiwork on pretty plates, encasing

NHH

Text and food styling by Mary Ann Esposito | Photography by John W. Hession 30 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Mom’s Dried Cherry Cookies

M a k es 4 1/ 2 to 5 d ozen , d ep en d i n g o n t h e size o f yo u r co o k i e cu t t er ; yo u c a n m a k e m o r e by m a k i n g t h ese co o k i es m i n i -s ize

This cookie led me to snitch a few more than once when Mom was not looking. The dough is a dream to work with.

6 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon almond extract Grated zest of 1 large lemon 1 cup sour cream 2½ cups dried tart cherries 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur 1. Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda. Set aside.

a blender or by hand, grind the cherries to a paste and set aside.

2. With an electric mixer in another bowl, cream the butter or margarine, sugar and extract until light colored. Add the lemon zest and sour cream, and beat until well blended.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 4 cookie sheets.

3. Add the flour mixture a little at a time, mixing well until a ball of dough is formed. (You may need to finish mixing by hand since this is a heavy dough.) Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 2 hours. 4. In a bowl, marinate the cherries in the liqueur for at least 30 minutes. In a food processor, in nhhomemagazine.com

6. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time on a floured board, roll the dough out into an 18-inch circle. Use a 3-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to make circles. Use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out a hole in the center of half the circles. 7. Place about 1½ teaspoons of the cherry filling in the center of each whole circle, spreading it slightly. Top each with a circle with the

cutout hole. Seal by pressing all around the cookie with a fork. Transfer to a cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining pieces of dough and re-roll the scraps to make more cookies. 8. Bake cookies for 20 minutes or until delicately browned. Remove the cookies to cooling racks to cool completely. Then store in airtight containers. Note: Cooled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Recipe courtesy of Ciao Italia Family Classics New Hampshire Home | 31


Home cooking

with mary ann esposito

Sicilian Chocolate Spice Cookies

M a k es a b o u t 2 8 l a rg e co o k i es

These very chocolate cookies are flavored with holiday spices of cinnamon and cloves, and covered in a chocolate glaze. 1 cup plain tea biscuit cookies, ground into coarse crumbs 1–1¼ cups milk, plus an additional up to 2 cups 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/3 cup Crisco or lard, melted 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon orange marmalade 7/8 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup dark chocolate 4 tablespoons butter 1–1½ cups coarsely crushed pistachio nuts

1. Put the cookie crumbs in a medium bowl, just barely covering them with milk. Allow them to sit and soak until the crumbs have absorbed the milk, then stir well until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. 2. In a separate large bowl, mix together the ingredients from the flour through the baking powder. Add the milk-soaked crumbs to the mixture and combine well. 3. Add more milk into the batter, a little at a time, and—using a wooden spoon—stir until the mixture reaches the consistency of a thick paste, like that of pastry cream. The amount of milk you add will depend on the type of cookie crumbs used, but the amount will likely be approximately 1½–2 cups. Look for a somewhat loose and creamy consistency that still holds 32 | New Hampshire Home

its shape on a spoon, and is not runny or liquid. Let the batter rest for one hour. Preheat the oven to 325°F. 4. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a ¼-cup measure or scoop, form the batter into rounds, spacing them 1-inch apart. 5. Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes or until the tops of the cookies appear dry. Remove them from the oven and cool completely on a cooling rack. 6. Begin making the glaze only when the cookies have cooled and you are ready to frost them. To make the glaze, melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler on low heat, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate has completely melted and the consistency

of the glaze is a thin liquid, remove it from the heat and pour into a bowl. 7. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, coating the surface evenly, and then return the cookie to the cooling rack to dry. Sprinkle the tops of each cookie with some of the pistachio nuts while the glaze is still warm. Let cookies cool completely on a cooling rack. Note: These can be frozen for up to 2 months without the glaze, then glazed when defrosted. Or you can make these cookies a couple of days ahead, store them in an airtight container and glaze them several hours before serving.

Recipe from Ciao Italia, My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy november/december 2018


Mom’s Date Bar Cookies M a k es 1 6 b a r s Cake-like, light and chewy, this is a great little cookie to have with tea or coffee. ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup, plus 1½ tablespoons unbleached, all-purpose flour 2 large eggs at room temperature ½ cup sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups diced dates (10 ounces) 1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts Confectioners’ sugar 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 10-inch square pan, and dust with more flour (in addition to what’s listed above) or line the pan with aluminum foil and butter it. Set aside. 2. Combine the baking powder and salt in a bowl. Sift in ½ cup of the flour. 3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are foamy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla, beating until well blended. Fold in the flour mixture.

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4. In a small bowl, toss the dates and nuts with the remaining 1½ tablespoons of the flour. This method will prevent the dates and nuts from sinking to the bottom of the pan while baking. Fold the date mixture into the batter. 5. Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. 6. Cut into squares and sprinkle the tops with confectioners’ sugar. Note: These can be made ahead and frozen without the confectioners’ sugar for up to 3 months. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar when ready to serve. Recipe courtesy of ciaoitalia.com nhhomemagazine.com

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New Hampshire Home | 33


Home cooking

with mary ann esposito

Sicilian Chocolate Cookies from Modica

M a k es 5 1/ 2 d ozen

This cookie from my newest cookbook, Ciao Italia, My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy, is an antique recipe from the town of Modica where chocolate is of the finest quality. Don’t be surprised by one of the ingredients. These are delicious. 3½ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour 1½ cup sugar, divided 1/8 teaspoon salt ½ cup Crisco or lard 1 large egg, lightly beaten with a fork ½ cup Marsala wine 2 tablespoons water 1½ cups sliced almonds 3½ ounce bitter, dark chocolate bar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest ¼ pound lean, very finely ground veal 2 large egg whites Confectioners’ sugar

1. Add the flour, ½ cup sugar, salt, and Crisco or lard to the bowl of a food processor and pulse 3–4 times. Add the egg through the feed tube with the Marsala wine, and process until a ball of dough begins to form. Add the water and continue processing; if the mixture seems dry, add additional water until the dough is moist, but not sticky, and holds together when squeezed between your fingers. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour. lace the almonds in the bowl of a food 2. P processor, and grind them until fine but not powdery. Transfer the almonds to a bowl. reak up the chocolate, add it to the food 3. B processor and process until the chocolate is in small pieces. Transfer it to the bowl with the almonds. Add the cinnamon, 1 cup sugar and lemon zest to the almond mixture, and stir to combine. Set aside. 34 | New Hampshire Home

4. Cook the veal in a medium, nonstick sauté pan until it turns gray. Transfer the meat to a food processor and pulse until it is very fine. Return the meat to the sauté pan. 5. Add the almond mixture to the meat, and cook over low heat just until the chocolate begins to melt and the mixture is well coated with the chocolate. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside to cool for 5 minutes. 6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; fold the egg whites into the cooled almond and meat mixture until well blended and the mixture looks shiny. Set aside. 7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and work with 1 piece at a time, keeping the rest covered. Roll dough out to a thickness of about 1/8-inch. Use a 3½-inch, round cookie cutter to cut circles.

8. Place a generous tablespoon of the filling in the center of each round. Moisten the edges with a little water. Fold in half to make a turnover and pinch the edges closed. Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a scissors to make a slit in the center of each one. 9. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely and dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar. Note: These cookies can be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container or frozen without confectioners’ sugar for up to 2 months. Dust with confectioners’ sugar when ready to serve.

Recipe from Ciao Italia, My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy november/december 2018


Cuccidatu (Sicilian Fig Cookies) M a k es 2 d ozen

Imagine a kitchen...

It just would not be an Italian holiday without these wonderful fig cookies, a symbol of Sicily. They are good keepers, too. 2¼ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup frozen unsalted butter, grated 1/2 cup milk 1 egg, slightly beaten 1½ cups dried figs, stemmed, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, drained and cut into small pieces 3/4 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup slivered almonds 1/4 cup orange marmalade 1 large orange, juice and zest 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch black pepper 12/3 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon fiori di Sicilia* Colored sprinkles

Imagine a kitchen...

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles small peas. Stir in the milk and egg until the dough comes together.

Vintage Kitchens

2. Divide the dough into 2 pieces, wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until easy to handle. 3. In a food processor, grind the figs, raisins and almonds into a thick paste. Transfer to a bowl and add the marmalade, zest, cinnamon and pepper. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F.

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4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of the dough into a 12-inch square. 5. Spread half the filling evenly over the surface of the dough, then roll the dough up to form a log. Cut twelve 1-inch slices, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second piece of dough. 6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. 7. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and juice of the orange until smooth; add the fiori di Sicilia and mix until a glaze is formed that flows off a spoon but is not too thin.

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8. While the cuccidatu are still warm, dip the tops of each in the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place on cooling racks and sprinkle with colored sprinkles. Allow them to dry completely. Note: Cuccidatu can be frozen in layers between wax paper for up to 3 months. * Fiori di Sicilia is available from King Arthur Flour, kingartherflour.com

Recipe courtesy of Ciao Italia nhhomemagazine.com

Tile Dealers and Remodeling Services (603) 668-2033 87 Elm Street, Manchester, NH superior-tile.com Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9-5; Thurs: 9-7; Sat: 9-4 New Hampshire Home | 35


by design

The Fells stately panel room received an elegant modern treatment from Paula Daher, of Daher Interior Design in Boston.

A Historic Holiday Show House New England designers showcased their talents at The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens last holiday season and will do so again in November.

T

he Fells Historic Estate & Gardens in

ice passed away, and the property became the

Newbury is one of the jewels of New

John Hay National Wildlife Refuge (named

Hampshire. In the late 1800s, author

after Clarence and Alice’s son John Hay, an

and statesman John Milton Hay—whose

accomplished natural history writer). About

storied career included serving as a private

ten years, later, The Fells nonprofit organiza-

secretary to Abraham Lincoln, as an ambas-

tion was created to preserve the property and

sador to Great Britain, and finally as U.S.

operate programs for public benefit.

secretary of state under William McKinley

Today, visitors to The Fells can view the

and Theodore Roosevelt—began building on

stately home and beautiful gardens that

land in the Lake Sunapee region. In 1905,

once belonged to the Hays. The house and

Hay passed away and his son, the arche-

grounds are also host to various art exhibits,

ologist Clarence Hay, inherited the estate.

workshops and special programs. One such

Clarence and his wife Alice eventually trans-

program took place last November, when

formed the original cottages into a Colonial

The Fells hosted Christmas at The Fells, a

Revival-inspired home with extensive for-

designer show house. In early November,

mal gardens. In 1987, Clarence’s widow Al-

most of the rooms in the historic estate were

By Jenny Donelan | Photography by John W. Hession 36 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Liz Hause, of Liz Hause Interior Design in New London, based her “Hollywood Regency� design for the south hallway around a peacock painting she discovered. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 37


by design

transformed to demonstrate the individual talents of the more than twenty professional interior designers, floral artists, decorators and talented volunteers. This year, designers will again work their magic—see the sidebar on page 44 for details. The room designs ranged from traditional to whimsical, all with the connecting theme of Christmas cheer. The stately house provided a surprisingly flexible palette for the range of designer talents. “The show house was just stunning,” says Susan Warren, executive director of The Fells. “We had such a Right: The second floor hallway with its stunning view of Lake Sunapee, celebrated The Teddy Bears’ Christmas, as interpreted by volunteers Nell Leach and Linda Ewing of New London.

wide variety of talent, and the house

Below: The chair people for Christmas at The Fells decorated Clarence Hay’s bedroom on the first floor, including this cozy writing-desk area.

constructed out of bare branches of

seemed to embrace a decorator’s style no matter what space they took.”

Unexpected delights The Fells’ own landscape director, Michelle Martinat, designed the Pebble Court (the welcoming visitors’ entryway to the house) with an archway different sizes and textures, capped by a wreath hung high over the doorway. Warren decorated the dining room, which served as a café for visitors, with a Williamsburg theme, including magnolia leaves and other greens, and fruit such as dwarf pears and lady apples. On the first floor of the house, one of the most striking transformations was the library, a handsome room that looks out onto the terrace. Jane Prophet, of Absolutely Fabulous Home Staging in New London, used red and green books to create holiday designs, including a “Christmas tree” of artfully stacked green books festooned with lights. The panel room is a showstopper year-round—a living room of richly polished wood with columns, corbels and other fine details. Designer Paula Daher, of Daher Interior Design in Boston, brightened the room with white furnishings, including a rug and two wing chairs. To update the setting,

38 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 39


by design

she used art from the Sunne Savage Gallery in Winchester, Massachusetts, and glassware from Simon Pearce in Boston. She also incorporated pops of bold color, such as the emerald-green couch and an orange pillar sculpture made of glass. “I wanted a modern take on a traditional room” she says. The second floor landing, decorated by Amy Rothe, of Sage and Twine in Contoocook, featured all-white furnishings (some distressed) set off

The bedroom where President Theodore Roosevelt slept, with its four-poster bed and sitting area near the fireplace, was decorated by 3 on Main in Contoocook.

The room designs ranged in style from traditional to whimsical, all with the connecting theme of Christmas cheer. by simple greenery, including three wreathes hung from long ribbons in the three-paneled window. A “window mirror” with mullions helped to visually expand the space. One of the delights of this holiday house was that many of the connecting spaces and little rooms—halls, landings, closets and bathrooms—

A blue and white-themed bedroom was decorated for children by Kathan Gardens Garden Center and Gift Shop in Newport.

were designed for the holidays. For example, the south hallway, by Liz Hause of Liz Hause Interior Design in New London (also a 2017 co-chair), was a fun, eclectic mix that included a black and white cowhide rug, a blue Christmas tree, a blue and gold peacock painting over the mantel, and a “bear rug.” Says Hause, “My inspiration was a ‘Hollywood Regency’ type of feel.” Connecting the first and second floors, the North Hallway and Staircase were transformed by Pellettieri Associates of Warner with a tall, narrow tree with gold trimmings and lights, set off by gold ribbon wrapped around the stair-

The designers for Forest, Cone and Evergreen in Wilmot used simple, traditional furnishings and decorations for the Nanny’s Room. 40 | New Hampshire Home

case banister and rustic rattan decorations, including a deer. november/december 2018


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New Hampshire Home | 41


by design

Right: The pink bedroom is usually the second-floor nursery, but was festooned for the holidays in “woodsy elegance,” according to the notes from its designer, Company C in Concord. Below: Rustic white furnishings made a cheerful holiday setting designed by Sage and Twine of Contoocook for the second floor landing.

The holiday boutique was staffed by cheerful volunteers.

Holiday hideaways Upstairs, The Fells bedrooms also gave many designers a chance to shine. One of the yearround highlights of the house is a bedroom where President Theodore Roosevelt slept. This was decorated for the show house by Shannon Secore, of 3 on Main in Contoocook, who used white decorations and greenery to complement the traditional furnishings in the room, including the four-poster bed. A “blue” bedroom and bathroom, designed by Jill Kathan, of Kathan Gardens Garden

42 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


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New Hampshire Home | 43


by design

Center and Gift Shop in Newport, has white wallpaper spattered with blue butterflies, twin arched doorways and two four-poster beds. Kathan envisioned a children’s room and used decorations designed to appeal to visiting youngsters, including a woodland scene with gnomes in the fireplace and a metal Merry Christmas banner over the hearth. The simple nanny’s room has, strangely enough, the best view in the house, with lake and mountains visible through the window. Robin Atwood and her daughter Dara Gove, of Forest, Cone and Evergreen in Wilmot, used a cheerful red bed covering, netting and white lights on the headboard, and red and crystal decorations on the tree. “We Standing on the north hallway and staircase decorated by Pellettieri Associates of Warner, are, from left, the 2017 and 2018 show house chair Connie McElwee, 2017 co-chair Barbara Wheaton and 2017 co-chair Liz Hause.

wanted a traditional and simple look,” Atwood says. “A friend loaned us that nice, red quilt, which gave us the look we wanted.” The pink bedroom, designed by Kaitlin Primeau of Company C in Concord, was originally a second-floor nursery but was designed for the show house as “a contemporary take on a winter wonderland,” according to the show-house program.

In Case You Missed the 2017 Designer Show House…

Get inspired this year when interior designers, floral arrangers and other talented decorators dress The Fells Main House to the nines for the holidays. Visitors can also enjoy lunch in the Dining Room Café and shop for presents by regional artisans at the Holiday Gift Boutique. The show house runs Saturday, November 3, until Sunday, November 11; hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.. Tickets are $25 for adults and $8 for children over age 5; children under age 5 are admitted free. A special preview gala takes place Friday, November 2, and Ladies’ Night is Wednesday, November 7. For details, see thefells.org/view-by-date/christmas-at-the-fells.

Last Year’s Participating Designers 3 on Main (603) 746-3306 • 3onmain.com Absolutely Fabulous Home Staging (603) 748-9185 • abfabhome.com Darlene Behrens

Company C (800) 818-8288 • companyc.com Daher Interior Design (617) 236-0355 daherinteriordesign.com

Nell Leach and Linda Ewing

Liz Hause Interior Design (617) 852-6062 lizhausedesign.com

Pellettieri Associates, Inc. (888) 826-2275 pellettieriassoc.com Prospect Hill Antiques (603) 763-9676 prospecthillantiques.com

Forest, Cone and Evergreen (603) 526-6397 facebook.com/Forest-Cone-EvergreenShop-171827559504809

Sage and Twine (603) 717-5002 sageandtwine.com

Indigo Blues & Co (603) 660-9290 indigobluesandco.com

Susan Warren, The Fells (603) 763-4789 the fells.org

Barbara Hunting

Kathan Gardens Garden Center and Gift Shop (603) 863-1089 • kathangardens.com 44 | New Hampshire Home

Sarah’s Hat Boxes (603) 525-3800 sarahshatboxes.com

A holiday week (and a half) The festive fundraiser for The Fells nonprofit organization also included a preview gala; a holiday boutique with wares from one hundred regional artisans; a café; a ladies’ night with chocolate and sparkling wine; a tree raffle; and a wreath-making and decorating class. If you happened to miss the 2017 holiday show house, you can catch the 2018 version starting the first weekend in November (see sidebar at left). “This is probably one of the very first holiday events that takes place each year,” says Warren. “It seems to get people into the holiday spirit.”

NHH

Resource

The Fells (603) 763-4789 • thefells.org november/december 2018


LF_NH.HOME HP 7x4.8 (H).qxp_Layout 1 5/30/18 10:21 AM Page 1

Design

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A Landscape Architects Collaborative

97 Dow Road • Bow, NH 03304 603.228.2858 • Fax 603.228.2859 Peter Schiess ASLA • landformsltd@aol.com www.landformsltd.com New Hampshire Home | 45


46 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


A Stylish Transformation Two homeowners add comfort and sophistication to their splendid Portsmouth Victorian. By Carrie Sherman | Photography by Morgan Karanasios This page: Known for their asymmetrical facades, Victorian houses have unique faces. Dark blue clapboards that contrast with refined white trim beautifully delineate this house. Facing page: With its carved newel post and stained-glass windows, this entryway creates a dramatic moment. A bold fuchsia painting by New Castle artist Dustan Knight, framed fabric from Christine’s in Rye and a casual rug make this welcome lighthearted. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 47


Spectacular Calacatta marble for counters and backsplashes defines this kitchen’s elegant look. Travertine floor tiles, natural cherry cabinets and a custom-made farmer’s table from reclaimed oak give depth to the warm palette. 48 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018

S


Left: Mari Woods (left), of Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home, LLC in Portsmouth, chats with homeowner Kate Belavitch. Below: A Sub-Zero Pro 48 refrigerator with a window allows for a peek inside. The double wall ovens are by Bosch; behind the cabinets, double dishwasher drawers are by Fischer and Paykel.

S

Since the 1900s, the large Victorian house on the Ports-

For graduate school, she studied in New York City and their

mouth corner has been a neighborhood presence with its tall,

relationship continued. Eventually, they married and lived

generous style replete with a tower and garden. Inside the

in Manhattan. And then, surprisingly, Horne convinced Be-

original layout, each room was distinct and clearly defined—

lavitch that relocating to New Hampshire would be great for

kitchen, dining room and parlor. And, each space felt private

the whole family. And so they bought a home near the Seacoast.

and separate from the others. When World War II resulted in

“When we moved, we looked for reasonable commute dis-

an acute housing shortage for shipyard workers, the house—

tances,” Belavitch says. “I call it my ‘Green Acres moment.’”

like many others in Portsmouth—became a multifamily

As their oldest daughter got ready to go off to college, the

home. After the war, the house eventually became a single

couple began to mull over another move. It wasn’t to down-

family home again.

size, as they still had two kids at home. They loved their home.

Current homeowner Kate Belavitch grew up in New

Rather it was a move to a different lifestyle—one that would

Hampshire, and her family owned a little beach cottage on the

be lively, culturally stimulating and less labor intensive. They

Seacoast. While in college, she met Jay Horne, a New Yorker.

also wanted to minimize driving.

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 49


Finding the house

It was August 2012. Soon, they had stripped out carpeting,

It was during these conversations that “Jay said, ‘Let’s walk

took down wallpaper, did some cosmetic painting and fenced

around and see Portsmouth,’” Belavitch recalls. When the

the yard for Big Boy.

couple did, they knew immediately that the city was right. “We put the word out that we were looking,” she says.

But more needed to be revised. For example, the existing kitchen addition wasn’t ideal for a family that loves to cook

They narrowed down what they were looking for to this

luxurious Italian meals together, all while talking and tasting.

basic list: a house with character that they could make their

“Jay is the real cook in the family,” Belavitch says. “And all the

own; a driveway; and a back yard for Big Boy, their German

kids love to cook.”

Shepherd—all within walking distance of downtown.

Also, the house didn’t connect to the outside the way their

The couple made an offer on one house and lost it.

old house had. In fact, the garden seemed quite distant: to

Shortly after, while on the beach in New York, Belavitch

even see it, you had to go down some steps and walk around

got a call from a friend. “He said, ‘I just found your house,’”

a corner to the back of the house.

she says. “But, we had to get to Portsmouth by 9 a.m. on Monday.”

The changes begin!

They did and when the front door opened, Belavitch

In 2014, Belavitch contacted Manypenny Murphy Archi-

caught her first glimpse of the carved newel post at the base of

tecture in Portsmouth, and by the spring of 2015, the work

the stairs, the crown moldings, pocket doors and stained-glass

had begun. When architects Alyssa Manypenny Murphy and

windows. As they walked up the stairs, she turned, looked at

Brian Murphy reflect on the work they did for Belavitch and

Horne and silently said, “Sold.”

Horne, it’s with real understanding. In fact, the Murphys

The couple did walk around the block to think it over, but came right back, knocked on the door and made an offer. 50 | New Hampshire Home

live in the same neighborhood and are busy raising a family as well. november/december 2018


Facing page: The family room is all about having a cozy place for everyone to relax. It’s a great place to watch movies or read a book. Left: With a lovely view through to the dining room, the butler’s pantry establishes the home’s lengthwise axis. Benjamin Moore’s Naples Blue in a highly lacquered finish gives the space its sparkle. Below: The dining room and family room changed places during the renovation. This small switch made a big impact on the feel of the house.

“Kate really wanted her kitchen to connect to the back yard. It was a subtle tweak that changed everything,” Brian says. “We all approached the work with great respect for the house,” Alyssa says. “It’s a beautiful example of Victorian architecture.”

in the family, there is plenty of room for counters, a farmer’s table, a galley pantry and airy space for three large chandeliers that Belavitch found online at Anthropologie. “Once the ground floor got settled, the second floor fell into place,” Brian says.

“Every house in Portsmouth has evolved over time, and

Upstairs, Alyssa and Brian designed the layout for a family

those evolutions can either degrade the character of the house

bathroom, installed an efficient laundry and created a master

or contribute to it,” Brian says. “We wanted the new work to

suite with a private bath.

feel like it belonged to the original house.” First, Manypenny Murphy Architecture stretched the

Connecting the outdoors

house lengthwise just a bit to add more space upstairs for the

But what would be the best way to create that horizontal axis

master suite. Then, the existing kitchen addition was enlarged

connecting the kitchen to the garden? Victorian houses stand

and the appliances—stove, sink, etc.—reoriented to the street

high on their foundations, and this one was a good three feet

side of the house, which catches the morning light. To create

above grade. Also, the family didn’t want to shovel steps in

more connection and flow throughout, the family room and

the winter.

dining room were switched.

For the driveway entry, Alyssa and Brian designed a small,

Now, there was a smooth lengthwise axis and transition

ground-level vestibule with a few steps up to a landing that

from the kitchen through a butler’s pantry to the dining

incorporates views of the street and garden. Alyssa and Brian

room. It aligns the whole house with the neighborhood. With

even designed a space under the stairs for Big Boy.

the larger kitchen, an informal seating area was added along

To connect the kitchen to the garden, Alyssa and Brian

with a roomy breakfast nook. And for all the creative cooks

collaborated with Jeffrey Hyland and Jennifer Martel of Iron-

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 51


wood Design Group, LLC in Newmarket. Hyland, the firm’s founder and principal landscape architect, suggested bringing the patio up to the kitchen level. The horizontal axis was now in place. Martel, a landscape architect, refined the patio, driveway and garden designs to have circular elements that soften the angularity of the Victorian house. “The driveway especially feels very social,” Martel says. “It’s just the right size for a little car to turn around in.”

The details There’s more of course. That’s what’s great about a Victorian. By now Matt Lord and Mike Myers of Jewett Farms and Company in York, Maine, were building custom Shaker-style cabinets in natural cherry. Lord and Myers added floating shelves, and designed and built the farmer’s table with reclaimed oak. The table’s design had input from everyone. For the galley pantry, Belavitch worked directly with carpenter Travis Higgins of Lynchpin Design Company in Hampton. “I know how my family works,” she explains. “And I knew exactly what I needed—right down to a spot for the wireless printer and a place for my chalkboard.” Designer Mari Woods, of Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home, LLC in Portsmouth, in close collaboration with Belavitch, began to incorporate texture and style. Belavitch chose travertine tile for the kitchen floor, which has radiant heat. (The house has three heating zones, which includes the original steam radiators.)

Using marble For the sink in the small, downstairs powder room, Belavitch and Horne wanted to use Portoro marble, a rare black marble veined with golden yellow threads. This beautiful marble became the driver for the art deco décor. “The black mirrors create a dark, moody feel, and the gold and black wallpaper really complements it,” Woods says. “It’s dramatic and fun.” The two upstairs baths also both carried the marble themes, creating a sense of continuity throughout the house. For the butler’s pantry that defines that transition from addition to house, Belavitch chose Benjamin Moore Naples Blue in a highly lacquered finish. Woods also found a tawny, finely grained marble for the bar countertop.

Above: A ground floor “mud room” eliminates the need to shovel steps in winter. Dustan Knight’s exuberant painting of poppies brightens this entryway. Left: Homeowner Kate Belavitch (left) chats with Alyssa Manypenny Murphy, of Manypenny Murphy Architecture in Portsmouth. Facing page: An inside-outside connection gives this Victorian a relaxed vibe. It was achieved by bringing the patio up to meet the house on its high brick foundation.

For the kitchen, Belavitch and Horne chose Calacatta marble and worked with Janet Hawkins, who 52 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 53


Thanks to a design that subtly extended the length of the house, a master bedroom suite was added. Soft hues and textures— combined with paintings by Emma Ashby of Portsmouth—fashion this oasis.

owns Renaissance Stone Services in Portsmouth. “I discussed

through a machine. It’s polished, rubbed and touched. I love

the choice of marble with Kate and went over all the down-

that tall backsplash at the back of their stove with the pot

sides of spilling anything acidic on it. That includes lemons,

filler.”

limes, vinegar, alcohol and coffee—all of which will cause a chemical reaction and etch the stone with rough crystallized

Now, a home

calcium,” Hawkins says. “But Kate and Jay know a lot about

Now with family photos, furniture, and soft rugs incorpo-

marble and were prepared.”

rated, Belavitch and Horne’s new home was almost com-

To find a worthy slab, Hawkins and her husband, Chip,

plete. Favorite artwork added color and verve. Artwork in-

drove to select marble yards. Calacatta is considered a special-

cluded a David Witbeck painting, Sarah Minor floor cloth

ty marble and is quarried very carefully in northern Italy near

and wind sculpture by Lyman Whitaker. More chandeliers

Carrera. The stone is almost a translucent white with grace-

were sourced from Cam’s Antiques in Exeter. Then two

ful, bold gray and gold veining. “When we found the slab,”

Vespas became part of the mix, and this home was ready

Hawkins says. “We sent photos to Kate and Jay.”

to go.

And then the slow work of measuring, cutting and pol-

Now that the home is complete, Belavitch is on to a new

ishing began. “We work with stone the way the Italians do,”

venture. In September, she opened a boutique women’s cloth-

Hawkins says. “We do it by hand. The stone isn’t just pushed

ing store called Birch in downtown Portsmouth.

54 | New Hampshire Home

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november/december 2018


Top left: The family bath on the second floor sports a marble backsplash and old-fashioned-style fixtures. The look is turn-of-the-century but with modern functionality. Below left: Carrera marble and chips of Calacatta marble lend a vibrant look to this sleek, modern master bath. Below: The downstairs powder room just off the kitchen features a Portoro marble sink, art-deco style wallpaper and a black-mirrored surround. The tiled floor incorporates chips of black marble.

Resources

Anthropologie (800) 309-2500 • anthropologie.com Birch (603) 427-8478 • birchportsmouth.com

Cam’s Antiques (603) 778-1828 facebook.com/pages/Cams-Antiques/168240459859030 Christine’s (603) 964-6063 • christinescrossing.com David Witbeck (401) 447-4654 • witbeck.com Dustan Knight dustanknight.com Emma Ashby emmaashby.com

Ironwood Design Group, LLC (603) 772-0590 ironwooddesigngroupllc.com

Jewett Farms and Company (603) 516-1620 • jewettfarms.com Lynchpin Design Company (603) 918-3204 lynchpindesigncompany.com

Maine Art Paintings and Sculpture (207) 967-2803 kennebunkportwindsculptures.com Manypenny Murphy Architecture (603) 319-8199 manypennymurphy.com

Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home, LLC (603) 319-8910 • mariwoods.com Renaissance Stone Services (603) 427-8603 • rstone.com

Sarah Minor Design (603) 431-4846 • sarahminordesign.com The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric (603) 436-2310 rockinghamlightingcenter.com Weekender House (603) 427-8658 • weekenderhouse.com nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 55


Before this late 1800s house was renovated by SamynD’Elia Architects, PA of Ashland, it was a rambling structure with a warren of rooms and few views of the lake. Now, the lake can be seen through much of the house, especially on the expanded screened porch. To accommodate the length of the porch, a decision was made to put the main entrance in the back. Indicating the unusual entry is a landscaped stone path, which leads to a covered porch. 56 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Retreat A Family

An award-winning renovation updates an old

farmhouse for three generations today as well as those in the future. By Barbara Coles | Photography by Joseph St. Pierre

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 57


F

Next to the kitchen is a library with custom shelving that houses an old Coke machine. Beyond the library is a living room with a stone fireplace; the living room, along with the bedroom above it, was the only part of the original house that was kept. A pantry adjacent to the kitchen provides enough storage space to allow open shelving around the farmhouse sink.

For a whole generation, the children would

ed about how nice it would be, in the present, to

stand against the wooden wall, sometimes on

have a space for both children and adults that was

tiptoe, to have their height measured. The pen-

more open to the stunning lake views and that

cil marks (accurate or not) accumulated over the

was more modern, more efficient.

years, and the wall became a treasured part of the family’s lake house. It wasn’t the only memento that endeared the

“I’d have to go through my sister-in-law’s bed-

old house to the family of sixteen—there was also

room to get to the bathroom,” says the home-

the heating grate. Set in the floor of an upstairs

owner’s daughter, one of four siblings, who didn’t

room, the cousins would use it to spy on their

want her name used for this story. “It was pretty

parents and grandparents as they sat and talked

funny.”

around the table in the dining room below. As the adults talked in recent years, conversa-

tion turned to the future of the late-1800s house,

58 | New Hampshire Home

Take the bedrooms, for instance. There was an unwieldy warren of them, packed with people.

Not so funny were the steep staircases, three of them, one without a railing. “They were totally not up to code,” she says.

once part of a working farm, where they had spent

And the kitchen? “There was a separate little

many golden summers. Would the rickety rooms

room with a sink to do dishes, then there was

hold up for future generations so those children

a back section that had a stove and an island

could have the fun they did? The family also talk-

with stools. You had to go from one room to the november/december 2018


other. It had character, but it was really awkward.”

the principal architect and Amelia Martin Brock

The dining room, what she calls “the heart of

as the project architect. Twin Oaks Construction

the house,” was in part of the chopped-up kitchen

in Plymouth served as the builder, with owner

and had little view of the lake.

Jason Keeney as the lead. The project is an award

Then there was the hodgepodge bathroom

winner, garnering a 2018 New Hampshire Home

plumbing, the screened porch so narrow you had

Design Awards honorable mention for remodeling/

to crawl over people to get from one side to the

renovation.

other, and so on—the list of issues was long.

From the start, it was a special project for all

The space had a beloved quirkiness, but the

involved. “It might sound corny, but, when I first

decision was made to renovate. “It was now or

visited the house before construction,” Brock says,

never,” the homeowner’s daughter says.

“you could just feel the love in the place. That’s

Moving forward

why the homeowners were willing to go through a lot of work to keep it that way, so everyone

She and her husband volunteered to take on the

would keep coming back. The family really trea-

project. The rest of the family gave input, but

sures this house.”

pretty much left the decisions to her.

The team’s first decision, the biggest, was

She enlisted the design help of Samyn-D’Elia

whether to renovate the existing building or to

Architects, P.A. in Ashland, with Ward D’Elia as

start from scratch. After looking at what Brock

nhhomemagazine.com

Skylights and dormer windows provide plenty of light. An old barber chair next to the window is another antique the family enjoys.

New Hampshire Home | 59


Above: The dormered rooms upstairs reflect the exterior architecture, which was carefully matched with that of the original house. Right: Hodgepodge plumbing in the original bathrooms was one of the reasons for deciding on a teardown for most of the old house. Now there are up-to-date bathrooms that offer a pleasing blend of contemporary and farmhouse styles.

60 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


calls “a rambling, ad-hoc structure,” mostly built directly on the ground, the team decided the choice had to be a tear-down—with the exceptions of a 1980s addition of a living room with a stone fireplace, and a master bedroom and bath above it, about one-third of the existing house.

Matching and updating details The aim was to create a structure that was farmhouse on the outside and contemporary on the inside. “The idea was that, whatever changes were made, someone who had been looking at the house for years and years wouldn’t think that it had changed,” D’Elia says. “We wanted it to have the character of the original house.” That meant Keeney had to carefully match the details of the original, including the distinctive striping pattern and toothed shingle on the exterior walls as well as the profiles of the eaves and rakes. And, again retaining the old style, the screened porch had to be lengthened and widened to accommodate more people and a table. Both D’Elia and Keeney say the framing of the new construction was challenging because it was constrained by a leach field to the east and a closeby stone retaining wall in the back. Plus, to the west, a wing for a new master suite with a view of the lake had to be added. After what they call a lot of “head-scratching,” the plan was made. There is still an entry in the

“That gives them a more traditional farmhouse look,” Brock says.

front onto the screened porch, but the main entry

Changes for the kitchen

is in the back, aided by the addition of a covered

Another nod to the farmhouse look is in the kitch-

porch and defined by the landscaping that leads

en. Although the room is otherwise contempo-

to it.

rary, the ceiling is composed of classic bead board,

Inside, a mudroom now accommodates the

placed in an eye-catching symmetrical pattern.

many pairs of shoes—a change from the former

To create it, a lot of elements had to be woven

pile by the front door, left by the family and

together—the lights, the windows, the shiplap

friends because there was no other place. (One

cooktop hood and the beams. “It was a little

family photo shows thirty pairs of shoes.)

tricky,” D’Elia says, “but it was the kind of fun

Also in the entry is a striking staircase. The

puzzle I like to do.”

three out-of-code staircases were replaced by one

The kitchen designer—Stacy Nawoj, of Pinna-

U-shaped stair with a feature wall of barn board

cle Kitchens in New Hampton—says the family’s

and wood railings with wrought-iron balusters.

must-have for the kitchen was a large island with

“Above the stair,” Brock says, “is a dormer with

a cooktop, large enough for their summer ritual

big windows and a skylight that allow the light to

of all gathering for pancakes. “They wanted it to

stream in through the back of the house.”

be reminiscent of the table they had in the old

At the top of the stair is a large play area for the children, three bedrooms (including a master

house, and to feel like warm wood rather than cold stone,” she says.

suite), and two bunkrooms. While the floors in

Although the family didn’t mind a few dings

most of the house are cherry, in the bunkrooms

and dents, the island top was made in one large

they’re painted—one dark green, one dark blue.

piece from tough, durable iroko wood. A manu-

nhhomemagazine.com

Top and above: Three outof-code staircases were replaced with just one— U-shaped with a feature wall of barn board. The railings are wood with wrought-iron balusters.

New Hampshire Home | 61


Right: At the top of the stair is an open area that’s perfect for children to play or a place to read or just enjoy the view. Below: The house, which is set back from the lake amid rolling hills, is now equipped for all four seasons. Before the installation of a new heating system and insulation, visits were mostly confined to the summer months.

62 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


The spacious screened porch has room for a table and more seating for the family.

kitchen. “It’s a beautiful, warm, orangey-brown color that really pops with the white shelving,” Brock says. The open-concept kitchen/dining room area/ library looks out on the view through twelve-foot sliding doors to the screened porch. It’s a view that the family can now enjoy year-round, thanks to a new high-efficiency boiler and the thermal break provided with extensive insulation by Twin Oaks Construction. The homeowner says the project team understood what the house meant to the family and what they wanted it to be. From left, builder Jason Keeney of Twin Oaks Construction in Plymouth; designer Stacy Nawoj of Pinnacle Kitchens in New Hampton; and project architect Amelia Martin Brock and principal architect Ward D’Elia, both of Samyn-D’Elia Architects, PA in Ashland.

facturer’s finish provides yet more durability and water resistance.

can spy on the adults downstairs through the old floor grate. (Both the grate and the wall with the heights marked on it were removed from the old house and placed in the new.) In gathering there now, three generations together, there is a beautiful, solid, safe place for

The island’s cabinetry is a bold blue. The other

all—a place that not only evokes a precious past

cabinets are white; the countertops are a silver

but is ready for coming generations to make their

pearl leathered granite with a matte finish.

own wonderful memories.

“The family didn’t want anything shiny or too

“There’s still a pinch-me feeling when we walk

modern-looking,” Nawoj says. “Casual was the

in the door,” the homeowner’s daughter says.

keyword.” With open shelving to either side of

“The builder and the architect really understood

the farmhouse sink, an adjacent pantry provides

what this house meant to my family and what

additional storage. There’s also a second refrigera-

we wanted it to be. It’s what we imagined and

tor and sink there.

more.”

By the kitchen is a library with bookshelves that are custom-designed to fit an old Coke machine that had long-ago found its way to the house from a college dorm. The backer boards for the bookshelves had been reclaimed from the old nhhomemagazine.com

So even on winter days, generations of children’s heights can be measured and the cousins

NHH

Resources

Pinnacle Kitchens (603) 744-2560 • pinnaclekitchens.com Samyn-D’Elia Architects, PA (603) 968-7133 • sdarchtects.com Twin Oaks Construction (603) 536-1051 twinoaksconstruction.com New Hampshire Home | 63


A Magical

renovation

64 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Lynne Monroe and Frank Whittemore’s Kensington home is accented with natural materials— such as curved branches and fieldstone— giving it the look of a fairytale cottage. Kensington artist Dan Dailey created the fourpoint compass rose on the walkway, seen in the lower portion of this photo.

A Seacoast couple transforms a former summer retreat into an imaginative home whose style is inspired by rustic Adirondack camps. By Debbie Kane | Photography by John W. Hession nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 65


H

Home is where the heart is, as well as memories.

The Adirondack camp spirit—and whimsy

Sunny Knoll—the imaginative Kensington home of Lynne

Sunny Knoll’s story begins circa 1900, when a local ten-

Monroe and Frank Whittemore—is filled with both.

ant farmer, John Knight, built a home from pieces of

Taking its cue from nature, the cedar-shingled

timber-frame buildings from a nearby abandoned farm

home, accented with natural materials—such as curved

(his original rooms are now Preservation Company of-

branches, rustic tree trunks and fieldstone—looks like

fices). In 1912, the home was purchased as a summer

a fairytale cottage. Monroe, a historic preservationist

home by Dr. Leon Kenniston, a physician from nearby

and founder of Preservation Company, bought the

Exeter, and his family. “They were into ‘rusticating’

home in 1984 and painstakingly researched, restored

and gardening,” says Monroe, who has old photos

and re-imagined Sunny Knoll as an Adirondack Great

showing the home’s lush gardens and arbors.

Camp. It has been a labor of love, one that she says has been driven in part by the house itself.

Renaming the property Sunny Knoll, Dr. Kenniston’s wife Inez and daughter Faith created living space

“Everything in the house has a story,” Monroe says.

in the barn and ran a summer camp for young girls

“It was a discovery process for me, but the house knew

(Faith was married in the barn in 1919). A camp flyer

what it wanted to be—it helped me make decisions.”

notes that Sunny Knoll “combines the atmosphere of

66 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Above, left: The twostory great room is filled with fascinating details, including an elaborate carved chandelier and second-floor balcony fashioned from tree limbs; a massive fieldstone fireplace; a stained-glass window; and taxidermy animals, including a coyote (lower right) that was an engagement gift from Frank Whittemore to Lynne Monroe. Left: Monroe hired Brooklyn artist Bruce Gundersen to create a series of dioramas—a humorous take on man’s relationship with nature—for the front hallway. He also created the wood chandelier and bark wallpaper, both made of white cedar from an upstate New York sawmill.

Above, right: The entry hallway leads to the main stairway.

Above: A detail from one of Gundersen’s dioramas, depicting nature’s control over man.

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 67


Above: Lynne Monroe arranges sunflowers from her garden in the kitchen, which is designed in the style of an English manor home—its pine walls and chestnut floors add Adirondackstyle flair. The top of the center table is constructed from old threshing floorboards from a farm in Hollis. Right: On the upstairs landing is the drafting table that once belonged to Monroe’s father, Clarence Monroe, the planner and chief engineer of all the Levittown projects, including the well-known neighborhoods in New York and Pennsylvania.

68 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


a home with camp spirit.” That camp spirit ap-

Sunny Knoll is filled with whimsical touch-

pealed to Monroe. When she started renovating

stones of Monroe’s youth and family (her father

the property, she consulted regularly with Faith,

was chief engineer of Levittown, New York, and

at the time in her eighties, asking for her opinions

Levittown, Pennsylvania, two of the country’s ear-

and brainstorming ideas.

liest planned communities; her mother was a nat-

Honoring the home’s summer camp past, Mon-

uralist and mycologist). Monroe rented out half

roe envisioned remaking Sunny Knoll in the style

of the original home until the late 1990s, when

of an Adirondack Great Camp. Built using natu-

she started renovating the property. As a preserva-

ral materials and local labor, the Great Camps of

tionist and fine artist, Monroe became enmeshed

the Adirondacks in upstate New York represented

in researching the home as well as incorporating

the Naturalist movement of the late-nineteenth

work by favorite artists and the Adirondack style.

century. The homes—built by wealthy families,

“Every single piece of the house meant research,”

such as the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts—were

Monroe says. “It really became my life.”

designed to blend in with their surroundings and

She worked closely with her long-time friend,

embellished with natural materials like timber,

architect Paul Gosselin (now retired) of Salmon

granite and stone.

Falls Architecture in Biddeford, Maine, to develop

nhhomemagazine.com

The cozy dining room, accented by a large fieldstone fireplace, includes a table made of threshing floorboards with legs shaped from tree branches. The hickory chairs were purchased in the Adirondacks.

New Hampshire Home | 69


Top: The upstairs balcony includes cozy seating areas to read and enjoy the outdoor views. The cedar railing and bump-out were designed and installed by local carpenter Larry Haas. Above: Windows from the master bedroom open into the great room. The Camp Rust-i-cate sign was found in Jaffrey. Right: The painted pine bed in the master bedroom was built by Donald Taylor of Lee. Built-in storage eliminates the need for dressers and additional furniture in the room. 70 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


plans for the home’s addition and turned to Whittemore to implement those designs. Whittemore, a contractor and builder of timber frame homes, met Monroe when she had added a garage to the property in 1992. “Though this house wasn’t the kind of project I’m used to,” Whittemore says, “it was a lot of fun to work on.” Monroe adds, “This project couldn’t have happened without Frank.” The house was under constant construction for three years; shortly after it was finished, Monroe and Whittemore married there October 6, 2001. The original section of the house is Monroe’s office, lined with floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases. The airy two-story room features a high, blue ceiling sprinkled with gold stars, mimicking a similar ceiling at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, where she attended school. The original sun porch is now a sunny music room, where Whittemore can play piano and other musical instruments. The small, original kitchen has simple pine walls and floors. Floors in the older part of the house are native pine.

An imaginative interior with a sense of humor Monroe’s imagination and sense of humor are on full display in Sunny Knoll’s primary living spaces. She hired Brooklyn artist Bruce Gundersen, who’s also fascinated with the Adirondack Great Camps, to design Sunny Knoll’s front hallway. Gundersen created three dioramas, set into the rough, white cedar bark walls. A humorous commentary on man’s relationship to nature, each depicts humans and animals in natural settings. “He’s brilliant,” Monroe says. “I just left the design up to him.” Gundersen also designed the massive chandelier hanging in the great room. Inspired by elaborate hunting lodge chandeliers, the work is a mass of curved wooden branches, hung from the ceiling by tractor chains. The two-story great room, with its exposed rough log beams, has two massive fieldstone fireplaces made from stones collected in Maine; the granite hearths are from cellar stones found in Exeter. The room is framed by a window seat and bookcases on one side, and—hidden behind a real tree with intact bark—there’s a spiral staircase to a second-floor balcony. Banks of windows are set off by dark pine walls, stained to match the original barn’s walls. A large, stained-glass window of a woman playing a medieval shaum is set in one wall. The comfortable furnishings, many of which belonged to Monroe’s family, are anchored by a hooked wool rug featuring Top: The master bathroom, lined with built-in cabinetry, is filled with Lynne Monroe’s collection of animal figures. The wainscoting board is from a Maine salvage yard. Above: The fireplace in the master bedroom is framed with fanciful ceramic tiles of flowers, animals and musicians—and also includes Monroe and Whittemore’s wedding date. The tiles were made by Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. nhhomemagazine.com

a mushroom motif, created for Monroe’s mother. The second-floor balcony overlooks the great room on two sides, with a railing made from rough cedar tree trunks; the railing with its elaborate bump-out was New Hampshire Home | 71


crafted by carpenter Larry Haas of Portsmouth,

Thoughtful spaces

an important contributor to the building pro-

The large kitchen, with its dark-pine bead board

cess. Haas created much of the twig work inside

walls, evokes a service kitchen in the style of

and outside Sunny Knoll. “Working with all that

Newport mansions or British manor houses.

snaky wood was a great challenge and a lot of

Casement windows line the curved walls, add-

fun,” he says. “I like projects that are outside the

ing light to the space. The large service table in

box and creative.”

the center of the room is made from the same

No camp-style home is complete without

floorboards as the dining table. There’s a sink

animals. Taxidermy creatures at Sunny Knoll are

on both ends of the kitchen: a Vermont soap-

found in unexpected places: a beaver nibbles on

stone service sink near where most cooking is

a tree in the hallway; a gray fox peers from the

done; and a stainless-steel sink for washing up.

branches of a tree in the great room; a coyote

Monroe and Whittemore enjoy their morning

lurks by the piano; mice are hidden in the chan-

coffee and breakfast in a built-in dining booth,

delier. Monroe even displays books on taxider-

overlooking the back yard. “I liked that detail

my on an end table.

from my parents’ home so Paul and I designed a

A tangled grove of white cedar trees—

Above: Lynne Monroe and Frank Whittemore on the stairs in the great room. Below: With its forest green roof and elaborate wooden gable screens, Sunny Knoll is a natural extension of its lovely rural setting.

72 | New Hampshire Home

booth for our kitchen,” she says.

complete with metal trail markers—screens the

Upstairs’ spaces contain more details from

great room from the dining area. Monroe’s in-

Monroe’s past, including her father’s original

spiration was Marjorie Merriweather Post’s boat-

drafting table as well as quirky collections of

house in upstate New York. “It has a scramble of

miniature animals that Monroe has been given

twig work that fascinated me,” she says. The sol-

or collected over the years.

id dining table was made by Haas from chestnut

The master bedroom, which she’s nick-

boards that were once the floor of the thresh-

named the Pennsylvania Room, contains more

ing room at Brookdale Fruit Farm, Whittemore’s

memories. A highlight is the large fireplace,

family farm in Hollis.

faced with ceramic tiles from Moravian Pottery

november/december 2018


Facing the back yard (top), Sunny Knoll’s rustic back porch (bottom) is a perfect place to relax, enjoy coffee or lunch, and take in views of the gardens from a comfortable rocking chair. Twig work spells out the home’s name (center).

& Tile Works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania; Monroe and Whittemore’s wedding date is inscribed on the fireplace and framed with ceramic tiles of flowers, woodland animals, farm animals and musicians. The tiles were created by ceramicist and scholar Henry Chapman Mercer (1856–1930), whose Pennsylvania estate, Fonthill Castle, is one of Monroe’s “favorite places on earth.” The bed is inspired by the furniture of Swedish artist Carl Larsson. Walk-in closets contain ample storage to eliminate the need for dressers and additional furniture. More of Monroe’s miniature animals—deer, cats, dogs, geese—decorate the master bath, which is highlighted by a large built-in bathtub and an old-fashioned overhead cabinet toilet, built into a red pine cabinet with a bookcase.

Outdoor magic Outdoors, Sunny Knoll is every bit as magical as indoors. The roof, windows and overhanging eaves are forest green, set off by brown shingles and elaborate gable screens made of curved, unpeeled cedar branches. Adirondack chairs grouped on the back porch welcome visitors to relax while watching squirrels snack nearby on pinecones. While the arbor and gardens from the original summer camp are gone, there’s a large vegetable garden with birdhouses and a gazing ball connected to the house by a fieldstone retaining wall. A sculpture of rusted farm machinery by Kensington artist Harlow Carpenter stands in the yard near a small pond. The couple have invested much time and energy into Sunny Knoll, and have no regrets. “It never gets old,” Monroe says. “It’s our home.”

NHH

Resources

Dan Dailey (603) 778-2303

Paul Gosselin (207) 294-1462 • pgdesstudio@gmail.com

Bruce Gundersen brucegundersen.com • fishgun4@gmail.com Larry Haas (603) 781-6627

Moravian Pottery and Tile Works (215) 348-6098 mptw@buckscounty.org Preservation Company (603) 778-1799 preservationcompany.com Donald Taylor (603) 781-6918 nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 73


2018 New Hampshire Home

yearbook

W

hen we asked New Hampshire designers for favorite projects, we found four top-notch New Hampshire companies who wished to share their craft with you. Although these businesses are different, they share two important values. First is the high quality of their work. Second is their outstanding ability to collaborate, which leaves both the design team and the client delighted with the outcome. Please keep these businesses in mind for your own project and be inspired by the quality of these custom solutions.

Cedar Crest Cabinetry Custom Cabinetry and Design

Y

Greg Bettencourt, president, his wife, Megan, and their two-year-old son.

ou have an idea, a dream. Our designers help you create a space that reflects your thoughts and individual style. Whether working with a traditional New England home or a more contemporary space, we are inspired by the unique architectural features of your home in order to maximize the functionality—and fun—that a well-designed kitchen provides. Our team will never hand your project over to a third-party. We stand by our clients until your project is complete, ensuring that the end result is perfect.

Cedar Crest Cabinetry 9050 South Willow Street in Manchester (603) 606-6123 • cedarcrestcabinetry.com 74 | New Hampshire Home’s Annual Yearbook

Special Advertising Section


Special Advertising Section

Bonin Architects & Associates Residential • Commercial • Landscape

E

stablished in 2008—with offices in Meredith and New London, New Hampshire—Bonin Architects & Associates is happy to share this testimonial from a great client, Rick Bolduc in Newbury, New Hampshire: “I have worked with several different architectural firms during the past twenty years, I can definitively say Bonin Architects & Associates was the best I have ever worked with. The numberone reason is their listening skills and ability to translate what they hear into creative ideas for their client. From the first meeting to the move-in date, Bonin Architects & Associates was

Bonin Architects & Associates staff includes, from the left, Jackie Lampiasi, Mike Pritchard, Kim Bonin, Ben Gedney, Jeremy Bonin, Greg Rusnica, Mike Purvis, Christopher Timberlake, Jude Dallaire.

there for us all along the way, making every deadline and giving great advice. Their extremely professional and positive demeanor made the project very enjoyable. I would definitely build another house with them!” Striving for creative solutions that were “in any way fun and inventive,” Bolduc asked us to share all ideas during the architectural design process. In every detail, efficiency was considered in tandem with functionality for his family. As Bolduc stated early in the process, “the home is about the family gathering at the lake.” Unique ideas and existing treasures—such as such as porthole windows salvaged from a ship and reclaimed chestnut in the recreation room—were consistently incorporated in to the design. The narrow lot posed challenges because of setbacks from neighbors and Lake Sunapee. Thoughtful arrangement of rooms allows the design to capture views from all levels of the home. The main-floor kitchen, dining and living rooms open directly to the lake vista, thanks to a folding glass NanaWall; the lower-level recreation room and bar allow direct access to the lake. A second-floor master suite and the third-floor bunk room also incorporate balconies accessible for lakeside enjoyment. Bonin Architects & Associates Meredith & New London (603) 526-6200 • boninarchitects.com Special Advertising Section

New Hampshire Home’s Annual Yearbook | 75


N e w H a m p s h i r e H o m e Ye a r b o o k Cheryl Tufts, CGR, CAPS, CPG Owner and President of 3W design, inc.

3W design, inc. Custom Kitchens, Baths and Interiors

O

nce Cheryl Tufts met her client, she knew that creating his home office was going to be a challenge. This 1,500-square-foot space was the second floor of a new barn—complete with a silo—that was to encompass a kitchen, office, bathroom and beverage/bar area, along with a cubby and coat storage. Tufts’s client wanted a comfortable space for meetings. To set a rustic tone, Tufts chose eight-inch-wide, weathered, faded-white barnwood from Bingham Lumber. She installed it horizontally on the barrel ceiling and vertically on the walls. The long hall wall provided the opportunity to create a herringbone pattern as a perfect backdrop for her client’s artwork collection.

Hickory flooring that had been wire brushed was selected in a saddle stain to add a warm feel throughout. The kitchen’s perimeter cabinets are from Candlelight Cabinetry in Sagebrook paint with a Parisian effect applied. A corner Rohl farm sink was installed with an island prep sink set into Kodiak black antiqued granite. The backsplash is made from Jeffery Court floral imprint tiles in Classic Statuario. The island cabinets are also Candlelight Cabinetry’s in rustic hickory with a terra nova weathered finish. The beverage and cubby area used a combination of the Sagebrook Parisian effect finish with touches of rustic hickory. A custom curbless shower created by 3W design’s tile installer enhanced the rustic red oak weathered cabinets. Horizontal wood walls and warm beige tile created a spa-like bathroom. The result is a fabulous office space plus a great relationship that has led to project number two—a complete remodel of the client’s post-and-beam home with a twenty-one-foot-by-fortyone-foot, two-story addition. 3W design, inc. 7 Henniker St. in Concord (603) 226-3399 • 3wdesigninc.com 76 | New Hampshire Home’s Annual Yearbook

creating beautifully functional spaces

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PMS 194 MAROON & BLACK


Special Advertising Section

The Lighting Showroom Certified Lighting Consultants

N

ot only do we have competitive prices, but we also provide value for you. Light changes everything, the way we look and feel. With countless products on the market today, choosing the right lighting for your home can be overwhelming. How does a consumer make an educated choice about lighting online when thinking about space, size, what areas to light, shadows, coordinating decor, avoiding bulbs that glare, light distribution, output, highlighting points of interest, task lighting, angle of light, color temperatures, compatible light controls or just creating a harmonious space?

The Lighting Showroom staff includes, from the left, Rebecca Rocklin-Weare, Doug Brown, Becky Green, Wendylee Brown, Katie Thostenson.

As an accredited CLC (Certified Lighting Consultant) designer and member of the American Lighting Association (americanlightingassoc.com)—and with an experienced staff—we personalize your experience, your priorities and requirements to craft a solution that fits your lighting needs from start to finish for any project, small or large. We demonstrate lighting solutions and recommend appropriate products with the most efficient lighting technology, so you get the most value for your dollar. Not only do we typically meet or beat prices but often our prices are lower than those online. So shop us last. We can also save you money by helping you choose the right quality products that will work better over time. If convenience is what you are looking for, we also have a warehouse with stocked items to pick up that day. Are you getting frustrated with too many choices online? Whether you are trying to determine or visualize sizes, finishes, textures or deciding what to buy, tell us what you prefer and we will help you find what’s right. Our showroom features the latest designs and styles with new products displayed every month. The Lighting Showroom Bedford Village Shoppes in Bedford (603) 471-3299 • nelighting.com Special Advertising Section

New Hampshire Home’s Annual Yearbook | 77


garden rx

Branches on the tall weeping Norway spruce in the background usually tip up, but this year they are laden with cones. Gold thread-leaf false cypress provides a colorful contrast to the greens of the dwarf specimens ‘Horsford’ pine, ‘Elf’ pine and ‘Little Gem’ spruce.

Uncommon Conifers Lyons Family Nursery in Newbury

specializes in exceptional,

field-grown trees in a variety of

sizes and colors.

J

ohn Lyons never intended to start a nurs-

John’s wife, Fran. “During the 1980s, there

ery. In 1978, he was a professor of business

was a large real-estate growth period. Land

at New England College in Henniker. One

was cleared, homes were built and people

of his former students—whose family owned

wanted plants for their empty landscapes.

a nursery and landscape business on Long Is-

We met the need for young plants at a rea-

land, New York—was visiting the Lyons family

sonable price.”

that summer. Impressed with the land at the

The nursery was a family affair, with John

twenty-acre farm in Newbury, the friend sug-

and Fran’s children pitching in to help.

gested that John try growing some hemlock,

“They planted, harvested, watered, sheared

saying that he would buy all they could grow.

Christmas trees, did sales and prepared

As such, the Lyons Family Nursery began.

landscape installations for customers. And

“It evolved from there very quickly,” says

weeded!” John says.

By Robin Sweetser | Photography by John W. Hession 78 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Fran worked full-time at the nursery from April to December. She was responsible for sales, daily plant care and

because they were needed here in

seed, but most of the nursery starters

New Hampshire.

are purchased as cuttings, layers or

As time passed, their children gradu-

grafts. John grows them in a shaded

promotion of the nursery. The flower-

ated, married and moved away, and

bed for the first year or two to reduce

ing shrubs, trees and conifers the Lyonses

Fran graduated from college and started

stress and get them acclimated. Then,

grew flew out of the nursery every

a new career. John closed some of the

he moves them to the growing area.

spring. “The nursery has put three kids

nursery beds and decided to grow only

Here, they are transplanted every two

and a horse through college,” Fran says,

the plants he loved. They still special-

years, which gives them more space as

explaining that the horse was part of

ize in conifers, but also grow Japanese

they grow and encourages the plants to

their daughter’s equestrian program at

maples, along with broadleaf flowering

develop compact root systems.

Mount Holyoke College. The hemlock

evergreens, such as andromeda and

they grew never made it to Long Island

mountain laurel. Some are grown from

“The beds are slightly raised for good drainage,” John says. Because of the clay subsoil, John doesn’t have any problems—even in a dry season.

Growing tips “‘A $5 plant deserves a $10 hole’ is a phrase that reminds us of the importance of soil preparation and site selection appropriate to the plant,” John says. He recommends including a generous amount of organic matter mixed with native soil when planting. “Mulch will aid in water retention over the winter and during dry spells in summer,” he says. He also suggests winter shade for sensitive conifers. “When the sun is lower in the winter sky, shade will benefit them.”

Exceptional evergreens Conifers are extremely versatile plants, adding year-round interest, structure, color, fragrance and texture to your landscape. Some things to consider when choosing a new tree are your soil type, amount of sun in your location, size of the mature tree and if the tree will need protection from deer. Conifers have many uses—as a ground cover, hedge, windbreak; in a rock garden; or as an elegant specimen tree. Conifers are excellent for attracting birds and other wildlife to your yard. The evergreen family is a large one with a wide range of sizes, colors, John and Fran Lyons have been growing unique conifers and high-quality nursery stock at their Newbury home for almost forty years. nhhomemagazine.com

forms and textures so there is something for every situation and use. New Hampshire Home | 79


garden rx

Top: A lovely landscape full of unusual evergreens and their companion plants awaits behind the eighteenth-century Cape the Lyonses call home. Above: The entrance to the conifer garden is marked by smaller specimens (including dwarf weeping Norway spruce ‘Reflexa’ and creeping Norway spruce ‘Repens’) as well as ‘Gentsch’ white hemlock on the left side of the path with taller gold thread-leaf falsecypress and dark ‘Montgomery’ spruce on the right. 80 | New Hampshire Home

Conifers may be called evergreens,

occurs and matures over the season.

but there are more colors than just

Once established, conifers are low-

green: gold, silver, blue, yellow, varie-

maintenance plants.

gated, bronze and even white. Some change color during the course of the

Not all evergreens look like Christmas trees. Want to make a vertical

year, starting out one shade in the

statement? Try a columnar Norway

spring and changing as new growth

spruce. Prefer a low grower? Go for a november/december 2018


SAMYN•D‘ELIA

A R C H I T E C T S , P. A .

Stone seats placed throughout the garden offer a spot to sit and contemplate the view. This one is flanked by a ‘Jeddaloh’ hemlock, ‘Little Gem’ spruce and white-tipped ‘Summer Snow’ hemlock.

SINCE 1980, designing award-winning

dwarf balsam fir or creeping juniper.

custom home renovations like the family farmhouse featured in this issue.

Need a touch of drama? There are weeping forms to choose from, such as deciduous weeping larch, weeping Alaska cedar and ‘Goldenmop’ false cypress. Have a tough location? Some

Additional project photos at: sdarchitects.com/homes

Ward D’Elia, AIA and Cris Salomon, AIA

20 Main Street, Ashland, New Hampshire . (603) 968-7133

conifers, including weeping white spruce, are resistant to salt and damage from drying winds.

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This statue is of the divine water goddess Dione, one of the Oceanides from Greek mythology. She is the mother of Aphrodite. nhhomemagazine.com

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120 Route 101A, Amherst, NH 03031 (603) 880-8471 • www.SeasonalStores.com store@SeasonalStores.com

R174552 R184552

New Hampshire Home | 81


Give a gift this holiday that is sure to inspire

garden rx

Cooking with Fresh Herbs • Bouquets in Glass • Droves of Daffodils NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME M AY/ J U N E 2 0 18

| E XQ U I S I T E LY C O M P O S E D G A R D E N S NHHOMEMAgAzINE.cOM

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nhhomemagazine.com Statement of Ownership Management and Circulation 1. Title: NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME 2. Date of Filing: October 1, 2018 3. Frequency of Issue: 6 Issues 4. Location of known office of publication: 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 5. Location of the headquarters or general business offices of the publishers: McLean Communications, LLC, 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 6. Names and addresses of Publisher and Editor: Publisher – Sharron McCarthy, 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101, Editor – Andi Axman, 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 7. Owner: Yankee Publishing, Inc. 1120 Main Street, Dublin, NH 03444 8. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 9. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates: N/A 10. Extent and nature of circulation: Average # Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 months

a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run)

# Copies of Single Issue Nearest to Filing Date

17,161

18,047

1. Paid/Requested Outside -County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541.

12,808

12,225

2. Paid in-County Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541

3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution

708

675

4. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS

13,516

12,900

1. Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541

2. In-County as Stated on Form 3541

3. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS

4. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)

1,476

1,537

e. Total Free Distribution (sum of d 1-4)

1,476

1,537

f. Total Distribution (sum of c and e)

14,992

14,437

g. Copies not Distributed

2,169

3,610

h. Total (Sum of f and g)

17,161

18,047

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (c divided by f times 100)

90.2%

89.4%

Conifers on display

This garden has matured into a

Still not sure what to grow or how

breathtaking showpiece of mainly

large these plants will get? John has

conifers. Most are now more than

a display garden of his favorite dwarf

twenty-five years old so you can get

and semi-dwarf evergreens. He calls

an idea of their mature size, color,

them “friends I didn’t want to sell.”

shape and texture. A wide, grass path

b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum b1, b2, b3, and b4) d. Non-requested Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete

Sharron R. McCarthy, Publisher

82 | New Hampshire Home

Three Cheers for John Lyons! John Lyons has since retired from teaching but often used his nursery as a case study for students in his business classes. He founded the Business Research Center at New England College in Henniker. “Learning by doing, experiential education, is a great teacher as my students and my children found out,” he says. “Beginning in the 1970s, some students and I secured consulting-research contracts with local and national organizations. The students and I met with heads of the organization to develop a research plan, often involving a survey of customers. We charged a fee and the students split the profits. Local sponsors included banks, Velcro USA and many others.” In 2016, New England College honored Lyons when they opened a new $9.5 million, energyefficient academic center featuring classrooms, group study spaces, offices and seminar rooms called The John Lyons Center. “I was surprised and honored to have my name on the entry!” he says. november/december 2018


Skillfully cultivated and properly labeled, the trees in the nursery area stand ready to grace their new homes.

Artistic Tile, LLC

Kitchens Bath s S h ow ers

603.886.1920 Greystone Plaza 650 Amherst St. Nashua, NH www.theperfecttile.com Member of National Tile Contractors Association

Back splas hes Floors

loops through the garden, enabling visitors to see the trees from several angles. It is a visual feast of textural

39th Annual Sat & Sun Dec 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22 Sat 5-9 pm. Sun 4-8 pm Adult $25. Child 5-17, $12.50. Family (2 adults/2 children) $60.

combinations and color contrasts. As you stroll the garden, be sure to read the poem that is posted in four parts along the path. Around the grounds of the Lyons home, many more evergreens are artfully integrated into the landscape, if you are in need of extra inspiration. Plan to visit this spring; the nursery is open most days by appointment only so call ahead.

Outdoor ice-skating rink. Open 7 days. 9 am to 9 pm December through February Off-peak: Adult $8. Child 5-17 $6. Peak: Adult $11. Child 5-17 $9. Under 5 free. Skate rentals $5.

NHH

Tickets & Information: StrawberyBanke.org

Resources

American Conifer Society conifersociety.org Lyons Family Nursery (603) 938-5398 lyonsfamilynursery.com

14 Hancock St. Portsmouth NH 03801 603.433.1107

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 83 2018NHHomeSBMDec.indd 1

9/24/2018 11:36:01 AM


transformation

Restoring a Piece of Portsmouth History The 1916 Army Navy Association building now offers chic, downtown residences.

Designed to complement Portsmouth’s historic architecture, Piscataqua Landing (foreground) blends seamlessly with surrounding buildings.

I

n a city defined by historic eighteenth- and nineteenth-

of Hampshire Development Corporation in Exeter, was the

century architecture, Piscataqua Landing—a residential and

developer and general contractor. Both worked closely with the

mixed-use development across from the Memorial Bridge

City of Portsmouth to ensure the project’s success and guide it

in downtown Portsmouth—stands out. The three-building project captured New Hampshire Home’s 2018 Excellence in His-

through the approval process. “The whole process—from design to city approvals and

toric Renovation award, and was designed by architect Carla

construction—went really well,” Wilson says. “We’re all

Goodknight, of CJ Architects in Portsmouth; Steve Wilson,

pleased with how the project turned out.”

By Debbie Kane | Photography by David J. Murray 84 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Care was taken by Carla Goodknight, of CJ Architects in Portsmouth, during the renovation of 135 Daniel Street—the former Army Navy Association building that’s now residential—to preserve the wooden window sashes and original glass panes.

Rebuilding a piece of local history

in the basement and an auditorium complete with stage on

The cornerstone of the project is 135 Daniel Street, known

the second floor—the three-story, Colonial Revival Army

locally as the former Army Navy Association building. Built

Navy Association building was deeded to the city of Ports-

in 1916 to house soldiers, sailors and military officers visiting

mouth in 1941. That same year, a gym was added and the

Portsmouth, the building architecturally mirrors its neighbor

building was renamed the Connie Bean Community Center,

across the street, the historic Warner House, built in 1716. A

eventually becoming a beloved recreation center for local

vibrant social center—there were once boxing matches held

children and teens. In 2012, the City of Portsmouth relocated

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 85


transformation

The airy apartments on the upper floors of 135 Daniel Street (below) feature high ceilings with braced trusses and semicircular fanlights (right).

the Bean center to a new location and 135 Daniel Street was sold to Hampshire Development Corporation. CJ Architects was retained by Wilson and Hampshire Development Corporation to design residential and mixed-use buildings suited to the architectural character of the neighborhood, a mix of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and twentieth-century structures. The former gym was torn down to make room for two new buildings, 143 Daniel Street and 29 Chapel Street. “The existing gym walls created a barrier along the sidewalk that prohibited pedestrian access to the building,” Goodknight says. “Removing it opened up the space.” Old pieces of Right: The renovated lobby of 135 Daniel Street includes new exterior doors, modeled after the building’s original entrance.

granite found during excavation of the site were later salvaged and reused to fabricate missing keystones in the historic Army Navy building. The project’s greatest challenge, Goodknight says, was “creating three complementary buildings surrounded by brick alleyways that paid homage to the diverse historic neighborhood, while maintaining a single open space beneath the entire site for modern necessities.” Alleyways connect the three struc-

86 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


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New Hampshire Home | 87


transformation

Connected by paved walkways, 143 Daniel Street houses retail space as well as condominiums. Brick alleyways connect 143 and 135 Daniel Street to 29 Chapel Street, a woodframed, clapboard building seen in the background.

tures above ground; below, there’s underground parking for residents, storage and a fitness center.

History in the details Period details make 135 Daniel Street special. The building—with views looking over downtown Portsmouth— contains six residential, high-ceilinged apartments with lofts. The brick exterior has been restored and wood window sashes were preserved, along with the original glass. “When you’re standing at a restored window in one of the units and looking out through the same glass the servicemen were looking through many years ago, it’s fun to imagine what their view of Daniel Street may have been,” Goodknight says. Residents and visitors enter the building via its restored central staircase with wooden banisters; semi-circular

88 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


Photography by John W. Hession

Connected to 135 Daniel Street by

her mind after seeing the development

paved walkways and framing a com-

and decided to buy. “The restoration is

mon courtyard, the two new build-

beautiful,” she says. “I work in Ports-

ings—143 Daniel Street and 29 Chapel

mouth, and I love being downtown and

Street—take their design cues from the

close to the river, Prescott Park, and the

former Army Navy Association build-

other cultural and musical offerings. I

ing. 143 Daniel Street houses a retail

knew I wanted to put down roots here.”

space below four, spacious condomini-

Wilson says Lapointe’s comments

ums on three floors, featuring hard-

aren’t unusual for Piscataqua Landing

wood floors, fireplaces, and balconies

residents and others from Portsmouth.

overlooking the city or the nearby

“I get a lot of compliments from peo-

Memorial Bridge and Piscataqua River.

ple, especially folks who say it’s an ex-

Also housing four condominiums on

ample of making good building choices

three levels, 29 Chapel Street, around

for the city,” he says. “I think the final

the corner, is a wood-framed, clapboard

result wouldn’t have been as special

building that mirrors the Shingle-style

without the input of Portsmouth City

fanlights light up the third-floor spaces

bungalows once popular in the neigh-

Hall and the Historic District Commis-

and the stairwell landing. Outside, cop-

borhood.

sion. I enjoyed the process.”

The team behind Piscataqua Landing included Steve Wilson, of Hampshire Development Corporation in Exeter, and Carla Goodknight, of CJ Architects in Portsmouth.

per downspouts and flashing add character, as do the granite keystones and

Comfort in the updates

arches. Custom iron fencing—modeled

Anne Lapointe is a resident of 29

after existing historic details—frames

Chapel Street. She initially wanted to

new sidewalk planters.

rent at 135 Daniel Street, but changed

NHH

Resources

CJ Architects (603) 431 2808 • cjarchitects.net Hampshire Development Corporation (603) 778-9999 • hdcgeneralcontractor.com

(603) 279-4045 haywardandcompany.com nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 89


resources

Bonin Architects & Associates

architects HOME FURNISHINGS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Bonin Architects, located in New London and Meredith, New Hampshire, serves New England with a focus on lake, mountain and coastal homes. Bringing architecture and landscape together in a collaborative approach to every project, our values of honesty integrity, commitment and respect are the difference between building a home and building a dream. New London and Meredith, New Hampshire • (603) 526-6200 boninarchitects.com • info@boninarchitects.com

Winchendon Furniture We are passionate about quality. Since 1939, our family-owned company has helped homeowners create comfortable, memorable spaces. Visit our locations in Amherst and Keene, New Hampshire, or Winchendon, Massachusetts, to find fine handcrafted furniture from top manufacturers (most of it American-made) including our own designs. Our design consultants are delighted to help you select the right pieces for your home. winchendonfurniture.com

Runtal Radiators New stainless-steel Neptune towel radiator Runtal is pleased to introduce the popular Neptune towel radiator in a stainless-steel version in both electric and hydronic (hot-water heat) models. The Neptune is available in two heights, and exhibits clean lines and may be used to complement both modern and traditional fixtures. It is also available in more than one hundred colors and a chrome finish.

kitchen & Bath design

187 Neck Road, Ward Hill, Massachusetts (Haverhill) • (800) 526-2621• runtalnorthamerica.com

3W design, inc. Since 1988, 3W design, inc. has taken clients’ dreams and made them real without the stress and anxiety homeowners often face alone. We listen to ideas, ask questions, offer choices, design your new spaces—then we build them! From a new kitchen or a redesign, upgraded master bath or complete integrated design of your new home or a remodel—our experience is the remarkable difference in delivering beautiful spaces that are uniquely yours. 7 Henniker Street in Concord • (603) 226-3399 • 3wdesigninc.com

Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths, LLC Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths has been designing custom kitchens and baths for more than three decades. We can provide you with a wide spectrum of services from the moment you are ready to engage in either a remodel or new construction project. Call for more information or visit our showroom to see a beautiful display of Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry.

outdoor living

611 Breakfast Hill Road in Greenland • (603) 964-2959 • lindacloutier.com

Soake Pools Create a spa-like experience in your own back yard. 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. Visit our website and contact us for more information. Concord, New Hampshire • (603) 749-0665 • soakepools.com 90 | New Hampshire Home

november /december 2018


nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 91


mark your calendar!

november N ov em b er 1

Distillers’ Showcase of Premium Spirits

The sixth annual Distillers’ Showcase features more than 130 tables of premium and ultrapremium spirits for sampling, and provides the opportunity to meet distillers from around the world, while sampling food from New Hampshire’s top restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Manchester Downtown Hotel • 700 Elm Street in Manchester • distillersshowcase.com N ov em b er 3

Basket Identification Day

Members of the public are invited to bring their baskets, and basket experts are available to identify and record the age, origin, physical characteristics and known history of each basket. The day will end with a talk by basket expert Lynn Murphy Clark on the history of Native American baskets in the Monadnock Region and New Hampshire. The event is supported by a New Hampshire Humanities Community Project Grant. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with a presentation from 4–5 p.m. Historical Society of Cheshire County • 246 Main Street in Keene • (603) 352-1895 • nhhumanities. org/events/basket-identification-day N ov em b er 3 – 4

New Hampshire Open Doors

During this statewide event, see creativity and ingenuity at work when craftsmen, fine artists and businesses open their studios and doors to the public with demonstrations, tastings, hands-on activities, raffles, special pricing and more. nhopendoors.com Visit Julie Schroeppel’s glass studio in Contoocook during New Hampshire Open Doors.

N ov em b er 3 –11

Christmas at The Fells

Come tour The Fells Main House and see how professional interior designers, floral artists, decorators and talented volunteers have sprinkled their magic throughout to create this one-of-a-kind Christmas showcase. Also open is the Holiday Gift Boutique. On weekends, tour-goers can enjoy a scrumptious lunch in The Fells Dining Room Café. Tickets are $25 at the door; $8 for children; and children age five and younger are admitted free of charge. The Fells • 456 Route 103A in Newbury • (603) 763-4789 thefells.org 92 | New Hampshire Home

Ciao Italia: My Livelong Food Adventures in Italy

Legions of loyal fans of Mary Ann Esposito’s groundbreaking PBS cooking show Ciao Italia have enjoyed cooking with and learning from this beloved television personality. New Hampshire Home readers are treated to her insights and recipes each issue in the Home Cooking section. Esposito’s newest cookbook includes more than 150 recipes, sixty gorgeous food photos taken by the magazine’s photo editor John W. Hession, and lots of scenic pictures of Italy taken by Esposito on her travels through the years. Released November 1, Ciao Italia: My Livelong Food Adventures in Italy is available wherever books are sold. Esposito will be signing books at the following locations: • November 1: Dante Aligheri Society in Boston, Massachusetts • November 2: Providence (Rhode Island) Food Walking Tour and Book Signing • December 14: Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord, 5–7 p.m. ciaoitalia.com

November 7

D ecem b er 2

Well-known biologist, gardener, writer and storyteller Roger Swain leads a discussion on storing crops. Many gardeners are familiar with Swain’s gardening expertise through his fifteen-year stint hosting PBS’s The Victory Garden; he also holds a Ph.D. from Harvard, serves as science editor of Horticulture magazine and wrote five gardening books. Light refreshments served. 7 p.m. Admission is $5; Nashua Garden Club members are admitted free of charge. First Baptist Church • 121 Manchester Street in Nashua • nashuagardenclub.com

The fifth annual Exeter Area Holiday House Tour features the work of area designers. Proceeds benefit Womenade of Greater Squamscott, a nonprofit organization that provides short-term financial assistance. exeterareaholidayhousetour.com

Roger Swain: Storing Crops Over the Winter

N ov em b er 1 0

That Reminds Me of a Story

Stories speak to us of community. They hold our history and reflect our identity. Rebecca Rule—a regular New Hampshire Home contributor who wrote the At Home In New Hampshire essay this issue (page 96)—has made it her mission over the last twenty years to collect stories of New Hampshire. She’ll tell some of those stories—her favorites are the funny ones—and invite audience members to contribute a few stories of their own. 2 p.m. Speare Museum • 5 Abbott Street in Nashua (603) 883-0015 • nhhistory.org

december

N ov em b er 30 – D ecem b er 1

Holiday Fair

As one of the largest holiday fairs in the region, this Waldorf school is host to a magical festival offering live music, artisan crafts, refreshments and children’s activities (on Saturday). Friday night is adults-only shopping. Friday, 6:30–9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is free. High Mowing Waldorf School • 77 Pine Hill Drive in Wilton • highmowing.org

Holiday House Tour

D ecem b er 8

An Irish Christmas

Join Symphony NH for an Irish Christmas featuring the songs, stories and dance music of Ireland and its Celtic influences around the world, all in celebration of the holiday season. Featured performers include Ciarán Crilly, guest conductor; Ciarán Nagle, Irish tenor; Tara Novak, violin and vocals; Dan Myers, Uilleann pipes and Irish whistles; Bjorn Wennas, guitar; and Brian O’Neil, Bodhrán and percussion. 7:30 p.m. Keefe Center for the Arts • 117 Elm Street in Nashua symphonynh.org A l l Mo nth

Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth

Presented by Strawbery Banke Museum and The Music Hall, this monthlong citywide event includes the Candlelight Stroll that Strawbery Banke Museum has offered for thirty-nine years (with holiday dinners at the historic William Pitt Tavern) as well as live holiday shows (featuring Elf) at The Music Hall and presented in conjunction with the Ogunquit Playhouse. Also see the twenty-seventh annual Gingerbread House contest at Portsmouth Historical Society. Enjoy the festively decorated Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth’s culinary specialties and the free Vintage Christmas trolley. vintagechristmasnh.org

ongoing

Ansel Adams in Our Time

Trace the iconic visual legacy of Ansel Adams (1902–1984) through some of his most celebrated prints. The exhibition looks backward and forward in time: his black-and-white photographs are displayed alongside prints by several of the nineteenth-century government survey photographers november/december 2018


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New Hampshire Home | 93


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Advertisers’ index

who greatly influenced Adams, as well as work by contemporary artists whose modern-day concerns centered on the environment, land rights, and the use and misuse of natural resources point directly to Adams’s legacy. On view December 13–February 24. Museum of Fine Arts • 465 Huntington Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts • (617) 267-9300 mfa.org

3W design, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76, 90

Liberty Hill Construction, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Artistic Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

McGray & Nichols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Budget Blinds of Concord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Not Just Kitchens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Common Threads: Weaving Stories Across Time

Christopher James Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Palace Theatre, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Crown Point Cabinetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, back cover

Rockingham Electric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Taking its cue from Isabella Stewart Gardner’s own magnificent collection of historic and contemporary textiles, this exhibition explores the ways in which the art of the past continues to inspire artists now. The museum-wide exhibit also features a set of sixteenth-century Flemish tapestries depicting scenes from the life of the Cyrus the Great and The Mending Project, an interactive installation by artist Lee Mingwei. On view through January 14. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 25 Evans Way in Boston, Massachusetts (617) 566-1401 • gardnermuseum.org

Minis

See more than 150 works of art in miniature by New Hampshire artists Phil Bean, Laura Blackmer, Evelien Bachrach, Mary Ann Sullivan, Linda Dessaint, Nancy Cabot, Carmen Verde, Maryann Mullett, Chris Reid, Lynn Heckathorn, John Sirois and Jennifer McCalmont. Opening reception, November 2, 5-7 p.m. On view through January 6. Fry Fine Art • 36 Grove Street in Peterborough (603) 784-5420 • fryfineart.com

Animal Rescue League of NH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Bedford Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 90 NH Home Design Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bedford Village Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

NH Home Magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Bonin Architects & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 75, 90

Northcape Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Cedar Crest Cabinetry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 74

Old Hampshire Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Christopher P. Williams, Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside back cover

Pellettieri Associates, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Belletetes Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Dead River Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Derek Marshall Sculptural Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

NHPBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

RealtyScape Brokerage, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Runtal Radiators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 90 Samyn-D’Elia Architects, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

DeStefano Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover

Seasonal Specialty Stores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Ethan Allen Home Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Soake Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Eport Wood Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Exeter Area Holiday House Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Ferguson Plumbing Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Frank Webb Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fred Varney Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Secondwind Water Systems Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Southwick Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Standard of New England, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Strawbery Banke Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Superior Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Hayward & Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

The Carriage Shed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Irving Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

TMS Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

LaValley Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Winchendon Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 90

Ideal Concrete Block Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Landforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

The Lighting Showroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Vintage Kitchens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

The Cape Ann School & Rockport Art Tradition Exhibit and Gallery Walk

Cape Ann (Massachusetts) artists captured everyday life in the region and their tradition of painting became known as the Cape Ann School. Closely aligned with the Boston School, these artists took inspiration from American Impressionists and were some of the first American artists to employ plein air painting techniques. This is an exhibit and sale of paintings representative of this artistic genre. On view through January 31. 10 a.m.­– 5 p.m. Upstairs Gallery at New Hampshire Antique Co-op • 323 Elm Street in Milford (603) 673-8499 • nhantiquecoop.com

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

november/december 2018


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COMING IN THE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE

New HampsHire Home celebrates the meaning, power and value of successful design in our next issue. It promises lots of wonderful inspiration, as good design transforms a space as well as the lives of people who live in it. prof i l e s

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interior designers

soc Bonin Architects & As

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prof i l e s

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LEED AP Bonin, AIA, NCARB, ure Architect: Jeremy Landscape Architect ial, Commercial & Specialty: Resident

to continually enrich is founded on a desire Bonin Architects ion knowing the with and to find satisfact every project, working of those we work ative approach to and hard work not s and the lives ent, respect, service We believe in a collabor of personal strength integrity, commitm between bringing an array are the difference out the values of collectively and of our clients, but nal quality through only touch the lives ce ensuring exceptio nt experien nal stateme a dream. professio decisive a home and building family home your vision is a single l and the building tion or renovation, principa construc design process. Whether new ing guiding If you’re consider that vision is our of bringing your and or broad list of desires, us to begin the process We help you develop contact held. is cottage, , design the and Meredith NH. out the or getaway benchmark to which located in New London meeting through from the initial dreams to life. We are maintain this vision vision to reality through home, bringing your construction of your the architectural process. Hampshire, New , Meredith and . Located in New London and New England of the Lakes Region we are in the heart and landscape residential design With expertise in custom abundant lakeinspiration from the architecture, we draw ture of our region vernacular architec front, mountain and designs. timeless ve and to deliver distincti

| architects and interior designers

Christopher P. Williams Achitects, PLLC

Ellen’s Interiors

CRAFTSMANSHIP IN DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGN FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

Owner: Christopher P. Williams, AIA, NCARB Specialty: Custom Architecture, Additions

Owner, Principal Designer: Ellen Winkler, ASID, NCIDQ Specialty: Creating Exquisite, Functional Interiors

Since 1984, CPWA has been fulfilling architectural projects throughout New Hampshire and New England. Through our long and forward-thinking experience, we will assist you through all the phases of your project—obtaining permits; securing practical budgets; design, restoration, and interior planning; site analyses to determine survey requirements and feasibility options; and developing sustainable, environmentally-friendly building practices. Our staff includes LEED AP certified architects (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). It is our craftsmanship in design, unique use of local materials, understanding of client needs and a proven track record of guiding clients through every phase of the construction process. Our goal is your satisfaction. We specialize in sustainable building practices and offer expertise in incorporating solar, geothermal and other green/ sustainable 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. A home designed and built to suit your needs, everyday life and budget. We can help make your dream house a real home. When you need the best, most experienced, and progressively dedicated New Hampshire Architecture team, CPWA will make your building ambitions come to life.

Whether residential or light commercial projects, new construction or renovations, the first step of the design process is understanding our clients’ unique vision, goals and lifestyle. A close collaboration with the client, craftsman and the design team are the keystone to Ellen’s Interiors’ forty years of success and reputation for excellence. In addition to space planning, kitchen and bath design, lighting and plumbing specification, finishes and furnishings selection, the interior design services extend to project coordination and management. Our design studio and showroom, located on Main Street in New London, displays all the items needed to create interesting, inviting and efficient space. Samples of cabinetry, plumbing, whimsical hardware, tile and granite samples inspire the imagination for custom kitchen and bath design. The design studio houses thousands of fabric and rug samples, wallpaper and shades. Our multiple room settings in the showroom display comfortable, quality furniture, lighting, accessories, and rugs from all over the world. Recent design projects include a lake house residence, a design/build renovation in a historical building, design and build of an addition in collaboration with a talented builder, color analysis and space planning for a church, and the design of communal space for a school.

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12 Lovering Lane • New London, NH 03257 (603) 526-8662 • www.ellensinteriors.com

For information on advertising in the magazine—as well as in its special advertising section for profiles of architects and designers—contact Jessica Schooley at (603) 413-5143 or jschooley@ mcleancommunications.com

, NH New London and Meredith inarchitects.com (603) 526-6200 • www.bon

78

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New Hampshire Home | 95


at home in new hampshire

Solstice—The Sun Stands Still
 T

his time of year, we move stoically through our days as

of his initial visit to Newgrange some years earlier. When he

darkness eats the light, confident that December 21st will

first set foot in the chamber, he recognized it. He knew he

come—it always has before—and it’ll be light’s turn. Some years ago, after the darkness that followed 9/11 but not long after, my family and I toured Ireland, where this

had seen this place before. Déjà vu? No—stronger than that. He knew he had been inside this stone chamber before. But something was missing. A feather.

time of year the nights are even longer than they are here.

His guide at that time assured him there were no feathers

Our guides were famed Irish folk musician Eugene Byrne and

carved in these stones. But he was just as sure he had seen one.

the Bard himself, Tommy Makem,

In this place. A place he had never

internationally renowned singer

visited in this lifetime.

and songwriter, of Dover. Immi-

Then the guide stepped to one

grants the two of them, they called

side and he saw it—the feather.

New Hampshire home and raised

The guide’s body had blocked it

their families here. On the tour,

from view. “It’s not a feather,” she

we stayed in castles and haunted

said, “it’s a fern.”

hotels. We learned history and folk-

When Tommy finished telling

lore. We may have enjoyed sips of

the story to our group, he stepped

poteen at a farm with a panoramic

aside, so we, too, could see the fern

view for spotting revenuers. We

that looked like a feather. Or was

sang every night. We stopped on

it a feather that looked like a fern?

the bridge where Tommy got the

The power of his words and the

idea for “Four Green Fields,” his

power of that sacred place made

most famous ballad. Some tunes,

me feel as though I, too, had been

Tommy said, rise up from the earth

here before. Tommy visited Newgrange

into your body. We lingered at Newgrange in

many times. He was among

the Boyne Valley, an archeologi-

the special few to wait within

cal site older than Stonehenge and

the chamber for sunrise on one December 21st. It’s a chancy thing,

the Egyptian pyramids. It’s an acresized dome, grassy on top with a stone foundation carved with

the sight of a rising sun on any given morning in Ireland—

triple spirals, triangles, leaves and flowers—more cathedral

that green and misty place. But if, like Tommy Makem, you

than tomb.

have the privilege of being inside Newgrange at dawn on the

We slipped behind the monolith that guards the entrance, and passed beneath a capstone so weighty, if it had fallen, a

solstice, when the clouds part and the sun shines, you witness a transformation.

person would surely have been smushed. But that stone had

A small opening in the stone ceiling allows a narrow beam

held fast for five thousand years so we weren’t too worried. We

of sunlight to penetrate the absolute darkness of the chamber.

walked along a narrow passage—careful don’t hit your head,

The beam reaches ceiling to floor. As the sun rises the beam

the floor rises as you move deeper into the mound. At the end

widens—slowly, slowly—until, at the end of seventeen min-

of the passage, the stones open into a cruciform chamber, not

utes, the entire room and everyone in it is illuminated. Winter

large, but large enough for us to gather.

solstice—the return of light to the Earth, and the promise of

Here Tommy Makem—the Bard of Irish Folk Music—told

more to come.

NHH

By Rebecca Rule | Illustration by Carolyn Vibbert 96 | New Hampshire Home

november/december 2018


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