440-729-1158 franksr@makoski.com

Additions Kirtland

Brief Explanation

The major challenge of remodeling of this quaint country home was to not compromise any of its natural “green” surroundings. The addition and remodeling transforming this home into today’s lifestyle required maintaining the current country flair and to create a look as if it had always been there. The desire of the Homeowner was to capture the Country Home persona while providing today’s lifestyles and conveniences with great emphasis on a charming gourmet Kitchen and a three -season room for entertaining and tranquil moments. The most important feature was to have a room overlooking the adjoining lake and wetlands without disturbing the natural beauty and environment.

Challenges

Problems were apparent immediately upon entering the home. No formal foyer or vestibule was apparent and the existing kitchen was completely surrounded by walls which totally separated it from the balance of the house. The Laundry Room was in the existing basement with a steep stairway and needed to be reevaluated and placed on the first floor. The family room had closets across the entire back wall blocking the view to the country surroundings.

Creative Solutions

The architect felt that the only way to improve this home and to efficiently take advantage of the neighboring wetlands was to create an open feeling by completely tearing off the rear wall and to develop the new spaces extending out to the rear yard. The original rear wall and small rear entry was demolished and a new 35 ft x 17 ft addition with a full walk-out basement was built for the kitchen and laundry/tower rooms. The new addition is comprised of an enlarged country gourmet eat-in Kitchen, a large island/snack bar/Wine Tasting area, a large formal Dining Room, a Laundry and Mud Room and Tower to the second floor overlooking the wetlands. The closets were removed from the family room and glass French doors were installed to lead to a newly designed 19 ft. x 19 ft. screened porch. which now views the complete countryside including their barn, garden, pergola, woods and wetlands with an adjoining deck leading to the Kitchen. The Kitchen area was designed to allow a large island with snack bar to be centered for daily family use and which can also serve as a buffet or a custom Wine Tasting Center which now can host the largest of parties. The large arched window out the rear of the kitchen lends to its country charm with plenty of natural light. The warm hardwood flooring leads from the Foyer to the main entertaining area including the Dining Room and the Kitchen directly out to the deck and screened-in porch. The Laundry Room was designed to have privacy but to be not too distant from the family with spiral stairs leading to the Look-Out Tower. This renovation project also provides state of the art comfort and technology with ample space and “universal design” which makes the elderly family relatives very comfortable. The exterior was designed with attentiveness to detail including the original roof lines, the new overhangs and the custom arched window. A Covered Porch was added as a side entry feature allowing informal access into the home while a newly enlarged rear deck and screened porch allows for major grilling and entertaining. The rear yard has now become a major part of this home and its charm.

Results

The Homeowner, who had only dreamed of owning this property as they walked their dog through Penitentiary Glenn, is now enjoying this warm Country Home. The family’s lifestyle has merged into the twenty-first century without compromising the quaint country charm they so love.
“For a Home You Will Love”