New Hampshire Home July-August 2019

Refreshing a Lake House • Living Large on a Small Footprint • Florals That Wow NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME j u ly/a u g u st 2 0 19

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contents

66

28

40

features

departments

48 Charting a Course for a Forever House

16 From the Editor 20 Letters From Our Readers

Thanks to help from TMS Architects, a couple built their retirement dream home a stone’s throw from Lake Winnipesaukee.

By Debbie Kane | Photography by Rob Karosis

58 Updating a Lake House

Paula Daher, of Daher Interior Design in Boston, helped homeowners refresh the look of their home on Lake Sunapee.

By Carrie Sherman | Photography by John W. Hession

66 Living Large on a Small Footprint

A New England couple renovated a cozy lakeside cottage that’s a bit less than eight hundred square feet.

By Jenny Donelan | Photography by John W. Hession

22 On the Town 24 Favorite Finds

For Outdoor Living

28 Home Cooking

A Garden of Happiness

By Mary Ann Esposito

34 By Design

All About the View

By Barbara Coles

40 Garden R x

A Welcoming Yankee Homestead

By Robin Sweetser

73 Special Advertising Section Faces of New Hampshire

86 Flower Power Art in Bloom

By Robin Sweetser

92 M aster of Her Craft

Working Magic with Clay

By Andi Axman

98 Home Resources

100 M ark Your Calendar !

103 Index of Advertisers

104 At Home in New Hampshire Sweet Summer Berries

By Rebecca Rule Illustration by Carolyn Vibbert

48

On the cover and page 58: Visitors are treated to a view through the home to Lake Sunapee as well as fresh, new décor thanks to Daher Interior Design in Boston.

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 2019 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

july/august 2019

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contributors

j u ly/august 2019 | Vol . 13, No. 4

nhhomemagazine.com

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 Rose Z. King photo grapher Morgan Karanasios

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 most recent, 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

senior desi g ners

Jodie Hall, Nicole Huot contributors

Barbara Coles, Jenny Donelan, Mary Ann Esposito, Debbie Kane, Rob Karosis, Rebecca Rule, Carrie Sherman, Robin Sweetser, Joseph Valentine, Carolyn Vibbert senior sales m anager

Jessica Schooley (603) 413-5143 • (603) 345-2752 jschooley@mcleancommunications.com Brook Holmberg Sherin Pierce BUSI N ESS M ANAG ER Mista McDonnell Event & Mar keting m anager Emily Torres Business & Sales Coordinator Heather Rood Di gital Media S pe c ialist Morgen Connor Sales Support Manager Angela LeBrun VP/consumer m ar keting VP/retail SALES

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.

Rob Karosis has been taking photographs of people, places and things for more than thirty years. His primary focus is architecture, and he is the principal photographer for some of the country’s premier architects and designers.

He lives in South Berwick, Maine, with his wife and three children.

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.

Rebecca Rule has written her latest book: That Reminds Me of a Funny Story, a memoir, how-to and compendium of humor gathered over thirty years of storytelling in New England. She’s the author of twelve books for children and adults, including The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever! and Live Free and Eat Pie. She lives in Northwood.

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 Valentine specializes in garden photography, and his work has been published in this country and abroad.

When he’s not photographing or writing about other gardens, he’s tending his own at Juniper Hill in Francestown.

Visit his website at josephvalentine.com.

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.

14 | New Hampshire Home

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

© 2019 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.

july/august 2019

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from the editor

Many Reasons to Love Summer

A

lthough I love all the seasons, summer has a special place in my heart. The gardens bring new treats every week—beautiful flowers; delicious fruits and amazing vegetables (nothing tastes as good as fresh; see Mary Ann Esposito’s recipes on

page 28); the weather is warm (how nice not to have to wear bulky sweaters, coats or boots!); and the days are long (I’m always amazed how additional hours of daylight make such a difference in my energy level). As long as there’s sunshine, I’m a busy bee—no curling up with a book or my hubby until after dark!

Summertime living is easy and fun, and several homeowners you’ll meet in this issue attest to that. Greg Jonas and Diana Scott were so smitten with Lake Winnipesaukee that they enlisted TMS Architects in Portsmouth to design a home there for year-round living (page 48). On their wish list was a house integrated into its natural surroundings, as well as somewhere they could age in place with main-floor living.

Karen and Mark Vachon hired Paula Daher, of Daher Interior Design in Boston, to

I’m always amazed how additional

hours of daylight make such a

refresh the look of their Lake Sunapee home (page 58). “We wanted to reconfigure some spaces, add more comfortable furnishings and just have an updated, more sophisticated look,” Karen says.

The little cottage—it’s less than eight hundred square feet—Ronn Bronzetti and Sara Reineman bought in 2016 needed a lot of work to become a full-time home, and Tracy Leach and Linda Diorio, of T and L Interiors in Wolfeboro, were key members of the team

difference in my

that transformed the downtown Wolfeboro property (page 66). “We think about every-

as there’s sunshine,

caught my eye belongs to Russell and Prue Robertson in Dublin (page 40). Their farmhouse

energy level. As long I’m a busy bee.

thing we bring into the house, and that’s a really good way to live,” Reineman says.

Landscapes are splendid this time of year, with abundant color and texture. One that and barn are surrounded by lush gardens and exquisite trees and shrubs—they also have a Slovenian bee house. In its hives, frames are placed on their side so they can be easily removed for inspection and harvesting of honey.

The views are spectacular from Vadim and Colleen Plotsker’s Amherst home (page 34), where Chuck Simpson, of Simpson Landscape Co. in Dublin, used fieldstones from the property to outline outdoor spaces, including an herb garden, a grilling area and a pool surrounded by a bluestone patio.

Every summer needs a road trip or two or three, and Newbury is one place worth visiting. If you’re there July 18, stop by The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens to attend Robert Jensen’s floral design workshop, which is part of the weekend-long Art in Bloom exhibit (page 86). From August 3–11, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen holds its annual Craftsmen Fair. If you like ceramics, you’ll love the wall art of Sheilagh Flynn (page 92).

Drop by her booth and say hello.

No matter where you go, have a great summer!

Editor

16 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

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letters from our readers

Louisa Thoron enjoys views of Mount Monadnock from her gardens in Jaffrey.

Elizabeth Johansson Aponovich and James Aponovich are in their garden in Peterborough.

An Artistic Home

We are so pleased with the story on our home, A Home Meant to Be Theirs [May/June 2019]. Andi Axman’s story captures the essence of life in our Tuscan-style house that reflects our love of Italy, gardens and art. Morgan Karanasios’s photos of the interior are transformative, shedding new light on the place we live and through her eyes we see our home in a fresh way. Nancy Belluscio’s image of the front of our house with raking light is lovely, especially in contrast to the 1950s photo. Thank you all for your time and talent in creating this article.

There are a few people we would also like to thank who helped in bringing our house back to life.

Brian Knowlton, of Don Knowlton & Sons Builders in Hopkinton, worked on our kitchen update as well as the new master bathroom. We were friends before these projects and remain friends still! Also, gardener Kiki Sangermano worked at our house for more than ten years before we became the owners.

And, what about that cover photo by Joe Valentine! The image [of Louisa Thoron’s garden in Dublin] immediately caught our attention for its composition and stunning light in a beautiful, late-afternoon garden.

We enjoyed Jenny Donelan’s article, Garden Designers’ Favorite Plants, and would like to see more gardeners featured in Masters of Their Craft stories in future editions of the magazine. And we are always in awe of John W. Hession’s photography.

Here in New Hampshire, we are so fortunate to have a magazine like New Hampshire Home that spotlights the talent and beauty that exist in our small state.

—James Aponovich and Elizabeth Johansson Aponovich in Peterborough 20 | New Hampshire Home

I must say that the cover of your May/June 2019 issue is truly spectacular. What a shot Joseph Valentine got in that garden [A Serene Sanctuary]. The whole issue is the best garden issue I think you have ever published! I also love the story on James Aponovich and Elizabeth Johansson Aponovich’s garden [A Home Meant To Be Theirs], and I hope to get to James Aponovich’s show in June. If you ever see a print of his peonies, please let me know!

—Debbie Hopkins in Wolfeboro

Editor’s note: James Aponovich thanks you for your comment, and says that although he paints peonies each year, he hasn’t yet made prints of those paintings.

Kitchens Galore!

What a beautiful feature on the Daigles’ kitchen [A Sleek, Contemporary Kitchen] in the May/June 2019 issue! Writer Carrie Sherman did a fantastic job capturing the magic in their home, as did Greg West with his photography.

We appreciate the support and extra help with getting word out about The Music Hall Kitchen Tour, which more than a thousand people took.

Thank you so much!

—Ashleigh Tucker Pollock of The Music Hall in Portsmouth

Photography by greg west

Photography by nancy belluscio

Exquisite Gardens

Eric Bessemer, based in Greenland, made the cabinets for this downtown Portsmouth kitchen, which was on the recent Music Hall tour.

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! july/august 2019

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on the town A Special Honor

At its annual Awards Banquet in March at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, the New Hampshire Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIANH) named Andi Axman, editor of New Hampshire Home, one of three new honorary members; others were Robin LeBlanc, executive director of Plan NH, and Victor Azzi, retired architect and professor at the University of New Hampshire. The award is given to nonarchitects who have given distinguished service to the profession of architecture or to the arts and sciences related to architecture within the state of New Hampshire.

Sheldon Pennoyer, of Sheldon Pennoyer Architects in Concord (right), presented the award to Axman and said, “At a time when architectural expertise and vision are sometimes dismissed in favor of a ‘just get it done’ approach, Andi’s work has become a crucial reminder of the value architects bring to every task. She has had a direct and ongoing impact on the success of our profession and our organization.”

Pennoyer was also an award recipient that evening when he received the Outstanding Service Award for his commitment to the AIA New Hampshire Chapter and profession. He has served on numerous boards and advocates for the profession at the New Hampshire legislature. Photography by John W. Hession

Appreciating Fine Furniture

The New Hampshire Furniture Masters held a reception for Patterns in Wood at their gallery in Concord in April. Among the masters who participated were (from the left) David Lamb, of Canterbury; Jon Brooks, of New Boston; Tim Coleman, of Shelburne, Massachusetts; and Ted Blachly, of Warner.

Photography by John W. Hession

What’s Cooking?

Mary Ann Esposito (third from left, front row)—host of the PBS program Ciao Italia and New Hampshire Home contributor—gave a cooking demonstration in March at Granite State Cabinetry in Bedford. Esposito chose recipes from her newest cookbook, Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy, to share with the more than one hundred attendees.

Photography courtesy of Mary Ann Esposito

A Milestone Birthday

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester celebrated its one hundredth birthday in March at a roaring-twenties-themed party at the nearby Masonic Temple. Among those attending were (from the left) Lew Feldstein, former president of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation; and former Governor John Lynch and Dr. Susan Lynch.

The Next Generation

AIANH held its May chapter meeting at Keene State College (KSC), where a reception was held at the college’s architectural school. During the open studio, KSC freshman Cayla Hanson (second from right) shared thoughts about her work with (from the left) Omar Gandhi, of Omar Gandhi Architect in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Michael Petrovick, of Catlin + Petrovick Architects PC in Keene; Tracy Kozak, of JSA Inc. in Portsmouth and also AIANH president-elect; and Malcolm Katz, of Katz Architects in Keene. Gandhi spoke later that evening about the process behind his award-winning residential work—he was the Louis I. Kahn visiting assistant professor of architectural design at the Yale School of Architecture last fall and won the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture (Canada’s highest honor for built projects) in 2018.

Photography by John W. Hession

An Artistic Feast

Kelley Stelling Contemporary in Manchester hosted a three-course dinner, prepared by Chef Tom Puskarich, of the nearby Restoration Café, in the gallery in conjunction with the show Neon Wilderness. Among those attending the April event were (from the left) Jeff Feingold, editor of New Hampshire Business Review; Dr. Bill Siroty; and gallery co-owner Bill Stelling.

Photography by John W. Hession

Photography by John W. Hession

22 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

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Sit comfortably outside in a Bridgewater Cove Teak Lounge Chair with Sunbrella fabric cushions.

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Cruise around the lake in a classic, wooden Chris Craft boat.

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26 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Home cooking with

mary ann esposito

A Garden of Happiness Try some new ways to prepare stars of the summer garden.

T

he very first biblical garden was called Eden, perfection in every way—where the first man, Adam,

would enjoy the garden’s fruits and have everything he needed. That tells me even an Almighty spirit valued a garden.

I don’t pretend to be a vegetable gardener, just an admirer and taker of its bounty, for which I am most grateful. To plant a vegetable garden is to commit oneself to a long process. It conjures up a wise Chinese proverb that says life begins the day you start a garden. From selecting seeds suitable for your growing zone to planting them in grow pots to feeding them as needed to transferring them to the ground, gardening is like watching a life evolve from infancy

to maturity. And through this process, one is taught to be patient, diligent and mindful. The reward is gratefulness, happiness and surprise.

My home garden is the brainchild of my husband, Guy, who seems to have just the right symbiotic relationship with vegetable seeds and plants. During the winter months, he sketches the garden layout on lined, yellow paper pads.

such as zucchini, eggplant and toma-

to add to soup or pancake batter. Egg-

Of course, there will be the annual favor-

toes. I know that freshness needs no

plant becomes sweet and sour caponata,

ites of tomatoes, beans, squash, eggplant

fussing, so minimal cooking is best, but

a Sicilian eggplant relish of sorts, and

and zucchini. But the star of the garden

sometimes I like to invent new ways to

slices are cleverly stacked with layers

will always be his beloved lettuce plants

use all this produce. Tomatoes get turned

of velvety mozzarella cheese for a new

that, when harvested, could pass for the

into sauces or squeezed for tomato juice.

take on the classic casserole known as

most gorgeous bridal bouquets. There

Some are dried and placed in olive oil

eggplant parmigiana.

are so many varieties, and they give a

for winter use; others are frozen to use to

harmonious look and taste in a salad

make tomato soup. Some go into savory

bowl.

tarts and gratins.

I am always challenging myself as to how to treat daily gifts to my kitchen,

Zucchini gets shredded to add as moist filler for meatballs or meatloaf, or

Claude Monet once said that “my garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.”

Whether a garden is large or small, it is your personal masterpiece to cherish every garden season.

NHH

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

july/august 2019

Tomato Gratin

Ser v es 4

A tomato gratin makes a great side dish, and is a good and delicious way to use up extra summer tomatoes.

Extra-virgin olive oil 4 cups 1-inch-diced ciabatta bread cubes 2 cloves garlic, minced 5 cups cut-in-half cherry tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar Grinding black pepper 1 cup diced Swiss, Montasio or Italian Fontina cheese 2 tablespoons chopped basil 1. P reheat oven to 350ÂşF. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a stovetop-to-oven casserole dish and brown the bread cubes in batches; transfer the cubes to a bowl. Repeat, adding more oil as needed to brown the remaining cubes. eat 1 tablespoon of the oil 2. H in the same pan and cook the garlic until it softens. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, sugar and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes exude their juices. Return the bread cubes to the pan and press them down into the tomatoes.

3. S prinkle the cheese on top, and bake until the casserole is set and nicely browned, about 12–15 minutes.

4. S prinkle the basil over top and scoop from pan to serve.

Recipe from Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy

Arugula, Radicchio and Romaine Salad

Ser v es 4

Arugula is a spicy chicory that is very easy to grow and lasts well past the first frost. Available in most grocery stores, arugula is best partnered with other greens rather than served alone.

1 cup radicchio leaves, torn into bite-size pieces 1 cup Romaine leaves, torn into bite-size pieces 1 cup arugula leaves, torn into bite-size pieces 1 heaping tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or more to taste) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Wash and spin dry all the lettuce leaves, or dry them well with a towel. Place them in a salad bowl.

2. Add the olive oil and toss well to coat the leaves; add the vinegar and toss again.

3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to combine well.

Recipe from Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 29

Home cooking

with mary ann esposito

Zucchini Meatballs

Ser v es 8 –1 0

If you plant zucchini, you know how it can divide and conquer a garden. When that happens, the urge is to give them away, make zucchini soup, fry it, pickle it, sauté it and the list goes on. My advice is to make these delicious meatballs. Serve them plain or with a light tomato sauce. They are perfect as an appetizer when made mini size. Change the texture by adding pine nuts or raisins, or come up with your own additions. Cooked rice or quinoa can be substituted for the breadcrumbs.

2 medium size zucchini, shredded 1¼ cups fresh breadcrumbs 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup minced, fresh Italian parsley leaves 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1½ teaspoons dried oregano 2 large eggs, slightly beaten with a fork 2/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese ¼ cup vegetable oil Tomato sauce (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spread the zucchini on non-stick baking sheets and place them in the oven. Turn off the heat, and let the zucchini dry out for a couple of hours to remove excess water.

This step can be done a day ahead.

2. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic parsley, salt, oregano, eggs and cheese. Coarsely chop the zucchini, add it to the bowl and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes.

3. Scoop small amounts of the mixture into your hands and form meatballs the size of a small egg (to make about 18), or make them larger if you prefer. Roll the balls in the flour.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan, over mediumhigh heat and fry the meatballs, turning them occasionally so they brown evenly—or bake them in an oiled casserole dish in a preheated 350ºF oven for 20–25 minutes.

5. Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish; serve hot with tomato sauce if preferred.

Recipe from Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy

30 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Kale with Raisins and Toasted Sesame Seeds Ser v es 4

There are many ways to eat kale, including this tasty combination of kale with raisins, toasted sesame seeds and a splash of balsamic vinegar glaze.

2 tablespoons sesame seeds Bunch kale, leaves only, well rinsed and coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

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2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced ½ cup golden raisins soaked in warm water for 30 minutes Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze 1. In a small, non-stick sauté pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until golden brown; transfer them to a small bowl and set aside.

2. Steam the kale in a double-boiler or large pot until it wilts. Drain and squeeze the kale dry.

3. Heat the olive oil in a medium size sauté pan; add the garlic and cook until it softens.

Add the kale and cook for a few minutes.

Drain the raisins and stir into the kale mixture.

Add salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the balsamic glaze.

4. Serve hot, topped with the sesame seeds.

Recipe from Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 31

Home cooking

with mary ann esposito

Deconstructed Eggplant Parmigiana

Ser v es 4

So eggplant lovers, here is a new way to have eggplant parmigiana without having to fry anything and without a lot of unnecessary fillings, such as meats, eggs, olives, mushrooms or other things. Small, round, violet-colored eggplant called violetta grow in my garden, but any type of eggplant is fine for this dish.

The beauty is that the dish is baked, and delivers great taste and a nice crunch from the almond and breadcrumb mixture. A little unconventional, yes, but that is how “recipes” develop.

3 large eggs Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup sliced almonds 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs 2 medium eggplants, ends trimmed and each cut into eight ¼-inch-thick round slices Extra-virgin olive oil 16 thick slices fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese 2 cups tomato sauce Basil leaves, for garnish 1. Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and break them up with a fork; season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. In another bowl, combine the almonds and the breadcrumbs.

3. Coat both sides of each slice of eggplant in the beaten egg, and then press both sides in the almond mixture. Lay the slices on a lightly oiled baking sheet in single layers. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.

4. Heat the oven to 350ºF. Bake the eggplant for about 12 minutes or until nicely browned on the underside, then carefully turn over and bake the other side. Top each slice with a slice of cheese and allow it to melt. Remove from the oven.

5. Heat the tomato sauce.

6. Place 4 slices of eggplant stacked on top of each other on each of 4 plates; top each one with some of the tomato sauce and serve hot with basil garnish.

Recipe from Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy

32 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

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New Hampshire Home | 33

By Design

Sunrises are exquisite at the Plotskers’ hilltop home.

All About the View Chuck Simpson designed an impressive

landscape for a spectacular Amherst

property.

T

he view. There are few like it in south-

like that was there,” he says. Although the

ern New Hampshire. A panorama of the

house and barn were dilapidated and seem-

horizon so wide you can see Fourth of

ingly abandoned, one look at the stunning

July fireworks in dozens of towns.

For a long time, centuries, the view was en-

view convinced Vadim to explore buying it, even though there was no “for sale” sign. It

joyed by the occupants of the old farmhouse

worked, and he and his wife Colleen began

that sat on the crest of the hill in Amherst.

to plan their hilltop home.

Cows grazed the land around it; the stones in the fields had been moved to form border

Careful, consciousness planning

walls. There was a large barn built on a sturdy

There was no saving the old farmhouse and

foundation of granite.

barn, although pieces of the property’s past

Vadim Plotsker happened upon the prop-

would inspire what was to be. Much of the

erty one day on a motorcycle ride, detouring

stone and wood from the house and barn

down a dirt road. “I never knew anything

was reclaimed for the new home, and used

By Barbara Coles | Photography by John W. Hession 34 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

both inside and outside. Inside, the stone was used for an accent wall and fireplaces; the wood, for beams, trusses and flooring. “We tried to stay true to New England, reclaiming as much as we could,” Vadim says.

Outside on the driveway, approaching the house, there’s an arched faux bridge that’s made of stone gathered on the property. Then, there’s the signpost engraved with the address, made of granite that came from the old barn’s foundation. And the low walls that surround the entryway and porch are gathered stone as well. But that’s just the start.

Walk down the hill to the back of the house, which was built by NH Custom Builder in Amherst, and you’ll see that what at first appears to be a smallish house isn’t small at all. It hugs the breadth of the hill, at its center standing three stories high.

Its architectural style has the Western influences and organic feel the Plotskers wanted, accomplished with—as architectural designer Jason Aselin, of

Members of the design team include, from the left, Jason Aselin, of JAD Design Group in Amherst; Chuck Simpson, of Simpson Landscape Co. in Dublin; and Steve Desmarais, of NH Custom Builder in Amherst.

The home’s long driveway ends with a welcoming faux bridge made of stone gathered on the property. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 35

by design

Above: Large fieldstones were used for the walls to scale the size of the house.

Right: The plantings surrounding the terraced pool and grilling area reflect a palette that includes “deep red purple� inspired by an old copper beech tree at the entrance of the home.

36 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

JAD Design Group in Amherst, says—

Finishing the look

dark-stained gable trusses, rough-hewn

The fieldstones provided the outlines

cedar shingles, copper roofing and a

for the outdoor spaces the Plotskers

stone chimney. Plus, he says: “The low-

wanted: an herb garden, a grilling area,

est level is all clad in stone. That ties it

a hot tub and a pool surrounded by a

to the landscape and helps conceal the

bluestone patio. The kidney-shaped

vertical height of the house.”

pool and the striking, terraced-waterfall

The size of the house was a major

feature that feeds it were built by South

consideration in its landscaping, which

Shore Gunite Pools & Spas, Inc. in Am-

was designed by Chuck Simpson, of

herst. The patio was designed to look

Simpson Landscape Co. in Dublin. “We

like the pool had been carved out of the

needed to use large stones to scale the

middle of it.

property,” he says.

Fortunately, there were a lot of large

The size of the bluestones used for both the pool and the paths also helps

stones handy. The steps are made

scale the house. Simpson says some

from granite reclaimed from the barn;

were as large as six-feet-by-ten-feet;

the fieldstones came from crumbling

they were between three inches and

cattle barriers in the woods. “You can’t

four inches thick to add heft and avoid

get a better situation,” Simpson says.

cracking.

“Landscaping a home with indigenous igneous rocks was perfect.” nhhomemagazine.com

The heavy hardscape is softened by the plantings. For that, Simpson found

The hardscape around the herb garden (top) is comprised of fieldstones, bluestones and granite reclaimed from a barn. Fieldstones outline the bluestone path through the herb garden (above).

New Hampshire Home | 37

by design

The large bluestones used for the paths are laid into low-growing ground covers.

inspiration in an old copper beech tree

The bluestone paths were laid into the

half woods,” Vadim says. “The best of

that had been growing on the property

grass or low-growing ground covers,

both worlds.”

for who knows how long, perhaps one

such as thyme, potentilla and sedums.

“The best” is also how the proj-

Simpson and his wife Lou-Ann Poor

ect’s team members and homeowner

went antiquing for the old farm pieces

describe one another and their work.

What he calls the “deep red purple”

used throughout the property. “We

Together, they created a dream home.

of the tree is carried throughout the

decorated with metal milk containers,

As Vadim says: “It’s awesome. We love

design with plantings of similar color—

old plows, harrows and scythes,” Simp-

it. Sometimes we feel like we live in a

weeping Japanese maples, huskers red

son says. “We used old copper water

postcard.”

penstemon, heuchera palace purple,

heaters as planters.”

hundred years.

“It set the tone,” Simpson says.

sweet potato vine and crabapple cardinal tea among them.

Sugar maples were planted on the

The fencing, done by Gate City Fence Company in Nashua, starts at the house with the look of black wrought iron

NHH

Resources

Gate City Fence Company • (603) 883-3217 gatecityfence.com JAD Design Group • (603) 554-1199 • jaddesigngroup.com

periphery of the house. “And,” Simpson

and then transitions into a farm-like

McEntee Masonry Contractors • (603) 654-9243

says, “we had some fun with Maackia

split-rail fence, again evoking the prop-

amurensis, weeping kousa and a fragrant

erty’s rural past.

Milford Granite Company LLC • (603) 249-1102 milfordgranitecompany.com

garden surrounded with winter gem boxwood.”

He also used massing plants to create

The best of both worlds Whether enjoying the pool and patio,

a collage of color and texture: cutleaf

or relaxing on the porch, there’s

stephenandra, ruby summersweet, ger-

nothing to interrupt the homeowners’

mander and ornamental grasses among

view of the nearly seventy-acre property

them. Hedges were used to define areas.

and the vista beyond. “It’s half fields,

38 | New Hampshire Home

NH Custom Builder • (603) 673-7751 nhcustombuilder.com Simpson Landscape Co. • (603) 563-8229 simpsonlandscapeco.com South Shore Gunite Pools & Spas, Inc. (800) 649-8080 • ssgpools.com Stoneyard • (978) 742-9800 • stoneyard.com The Lighting Showroom • (603) 471-3299 nelighting.com july/august 2019

CAPRI I CARINA I CORSAIR I LAUNCH I CATALINA I CALYPSO

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 39

garden rx

Hostas and day lilies thrive in the dappled shade of the old maple trees in front of the Robertsons’ house.

A Welcoming Yankee Homestead What used to be

a farm in Dublin now includes

W

hen the Dublin property known

ing in Vermont and wanted a winter

as Robinwood came up for sale

getaway,” Prue says. After much searching

in 1983, it was featured in Yankee

and discussion, they finally agreed to buy

magazine. Owned by just a few families since

land in Chester, Vermont, and design their

the 1790s, Robinwood had evolved over the

own house. The next year, as they were

years from a hardworking sheep farm to part

meeting with an architect friend to finalize

Slovenian bee

of the 1920s Dublin art colony to a summer

plans, the architect mentioned that a relative

home.

had a place in New Hampshire for sale. They

former barn

nose and throat surgeon who subscribed

surprised to find it was the house from the

to Yankee for his office waiting room—read

Yankee article. “We put in a bid on Tuesday,

the article and admired the property. At the

and it was accepted on Thursday,” Russ says.

time, he and his wife Prue were looking for

“Yankee magazine has a lot to do with us

a place in New England. “We did a lot of ski-

landing here.”

lush gardens, a house and a

that’s on the

National Register

of Historic Places.

40 | New Hampshire Home

Russell Robertson—a Connecticut ear,

drove to Dublin to look around and were

By Robin Sweetser | Photography by Joseph Valentine july/august 2019

A visit to Robinwood

fields is of the Wapack Range, including

in May, the field to the east blossoms

Mature trees line the long driveway,

Pack Monadnock and Temple Mountain

brightly with fourteen thousand daf-

creating a feeling of formal passage as

to the south and east.

fodils. A fragrant, old-fashioned rose

you emerge from the deep shade to a

Lush gardens embrace the house with

grows next to the brick steps leading

farmstead surrounded by bright open

lilacs on the west corner. A curved bed

from the house to the front lawn where

meadows and gardens. The house—a

of lilies with blue salvia, pink peonies,

two huge maples stand sentinel at the

classic full Cape with center chimney,

blue Canterbury bells, veronicastrum,

corners of the terrace.

dormers, porches and two ells—is lo-

variegated sedum, knautia and spirea,

cated in the middle of the original 150-

to name just a few, wraps around to the

to sunny meadow and surrounding

acre piece the Robertson’s purchased in

vine-covered, stone retaining wall on

shady woodland is a long, sweeping

1984. They have since added another

the south side. In front of the screened

border filled with perennials and small

15 acres of adjoining land. The 180-

porch, there are globe thistles, daisies,

shrubs. The yellow leaves of cotinus

degree view from the house over the

phlox, tithonia, alliums and fritillaria;

‘Golden Spirit’ contrast nicely with the

Marking the transition from lawn

The Robertsons found the sheep weathervane in an antiques shop in the Berkshires and placed it in the side garden as an homage to the homestead’s origin as a sheep farm. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 41

garden rx Right: The long front border curves along the edge of the lawn from the open meadow to the woods. Colorful from spring through fall, it is especially beautiful in late summer when the phlox, rudbeckias and sedums are in full bloom.

Below: Due to its unique conversion from eighteenth-century sheep barn to an art studio in the 1920s by noted architect Albert Harkness and its importance to the Dublin Art Colony, the Fisk barn was accepted for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

apples, horse chestnut, seven-sons tree, variegated Japanese red pine, native Nyssa sylvatica, kousa dogwoods, Harry Lauder’s walking stick and several Japanese maples. One of his favorites is the Tennessee yellowwood whose base he has had to wrap with wire to deter porcupines who love to chew the tasty bark.

The Fisk Barn Studio Across the driveway from the house is the studio—a converted sheep barn that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Part of the original 1790 Fisk farm, it was moved closer to the house in 1929 and converted into a studio.

Back then, Louis Gerry had pur-

Homeowners Russ and Prue Robertson have made many improvements over the years, putting their personal stamp on a farm that has been owned by only a few families since 1790.

42 | New Hampshire Home

blue-green leaves of the blue flowering

chased the farm in 1924 and was in the

baptisia. Purple and white phlox stand

process of gentrifying it. He hired Provi-

out with bright yellow rudbeckia. Tall

dence, Rhode Island, architect Albert

Joe Pye weed, fluffy white persicaria

Harkness, who replaced the sliding barn

and several purple-leaved smokebushes

doors with two 2-story windows of sixty

(Cotinus coggygria) ‘Royal Purple’ form

panes each, and put in smaller circular

a backdrop for ‘Autumn Joy’ sedums,

windows under the eaves on the long

rose campion, irises, day lilies, foxglove

front and back walls. Inside an oak floor

and lupine. Feathery blue Russian sage,

was added for dances, the barn boards

bright New Guinea impatiens, purple

on the walls and ceiling were white-

cranesbill geranium, ladies mantle and

washed and a huge fieldstone fireplace

marigolds weave along the front edge.

flanked with bookcases was built.

Russ has planted many specimen

Gerry hosted concerts, lectures,

trees to add color and interest to the

painting parties and other social events

property—red maples for fall; crab-

for his Dublin friends here. “There was july/august 2019

a little stage for the musicians,” Prue says. “And we still have the wooden chairs they would set up for concerts.”

Today, a vintage gazebo sits to one side of the studio, and Russ has planted the front of the studio with some of his favorite trees and perennials. Red roses and white peonies blossom freely here, and there is a variegated yellow kousa dogwood ‘Summer Gold’, an early blooming redbud and handsome stewartia that offer year-round interest. A huge climbing hydrangea scrambles up the shed that is attached to the studio.

The Robertsons often use the studio for family get-togethers and other functions. Last summer, they hosted the Hoop-Dee-Doo Harvest Dinner and Auction, a fundraiser for the Cornucopia Project, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching children and adults about The back garden fills the space between the pergola and studio with a riot of bloom from early spring until hard frost.

The pergola supports several different types of vining plants and is loaded with grapes in late summer.

Amherst, New Hampshire 603-673-7751 • nhcustombuilder.com nhhomemagazine.com

organic gardening through its school and community-based programs.

jad design group

Amherst, New Hampshire 603.554.1199 • jaddesigngroup.com New Hampshire Home | 43

garden rx

bonariensis and white phlox, and the silvery-blue leaves of the peanut butter plant (Melianthus major) smell divine when rubbed. Square and rectangular beds at the back of the garden are planted with peonies, castor beans, phlox, rudbeckias, hydrangeas, nicotiana and more. Anchoring the garden at the far end, a long pergola covered with grapevines, wisteria and climbing hydrangea also provides support for annual vines, including cobea, hyacinth bean and morning glories.

To one side, there is a fenced-in vegetable garden with raspberries growing at the edge. Raised beds full of cherry tomatoes, red cabbage, squash, carrots, onions, broccoli, peppers and pole

Back gardens

lisianthus are grown for cutting, and a

to the back gardens and dairy barn.

row of blueberries and many fruit trees

“It was a full working farm,” Prue says.

are planted outside the fence.

during the war.” Their daughter later

Beekeeping

converted the dairy barn and raised

Rather than typical beehives, in one

horses there until 1982. The area where

of the fields, Russ had a Slovenian bee

abundant gardens grow today was once

house built. Six years ago, the Robert-

a hard, compacted equestrian ring.

sons went on a hiking vacation in

After a visit to England in 1986,

44 | New Hampshire Home

Slovenia with two other couples. They

where the Robertsons saw some beauti-

fell in love with the country and its

ful gardens, the couple were inspired

people. “It is in the southern part of the

to create a geometric design for the

Alps, the people are so welcoming and

area behind the studio. They wasted

friendly, and there are beehives every-

no time. “On the flight home, we asked

where,” Prue says.

for ten napkins and a pen,” Russ says,

Above: The Slovenian bee house is set up to be easier to tend and offers shelter from the weather for the bees and beekeepers. Right now it is home to four hives.

kitchen. Tall sunflowers, zinnias and

The rear door of the studio opens out

“The Gerrys wanted cream and meat

Top: A Slovenian bee house is a new addition to the field across from the old dairy/horse barn.

beans provide fresh summer fare for the

“In fact,” says Russ, “they have the

“and the plan evolved at forty thou-

most beehives per capita of any country

sand feet.”

in the world!”

The design is not intentionally a

But these are not like the stacked

Union Jack, but when viewed from

box beehives we have in this country.

above, it has a similar look with the

Instead an entire building is devoted

main pathways intersected by diagonal

to the bees. Inside, the frames—which

paths to form triangular beds. These

can be quite heavy when full of

are filled with perennials, including tall

honey—are placed on their sides in the

purple asters, thalictrum ‘Black Stock-

hives, which are built into the wall.

ings’, buddleia, blue balloon flower,

This way, they can be easily removed

mallows, coneflowers, red monarda,

for inspection of the bee colony and

pink astilbe and chelone. Purple an-

harvesting of honey. Each hive has its

gelica flowers are a magnet for bees,

own cupboard, complete with door; on

annual pink cosmos tower over Verbena

the outside, the front of each hive is july/august 2019

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garden rx

painted with Slovenian folk scenes. The house offers extra protection from the elements and predators.

Russ had always been interested in beekeeping, and this experience prompted him to look into it more.

In doing so, he found that just up the road there is a woman who specializes in Slovenian hives. Suzanne Brouillette, of Slovenian Beekeeping in Harrisville, imports authentic hives from a familyrun factory in Slovenia, and has all the supplies and plans necessary for building Slovenian bee houses. She also takes groups on beekeeping tours of that country.

“Slovenia is smaller than New Hampshire, but it has ten thousand beekeepers compared to about two thousand in New Hampshire,” Russ says. “Beekeeping is a large part of their culture. They teach it in the schools and have clubs for the children.”

The Slovenian hives are so easy to work with that elderly people or even a person using a wheelchair can maintain their beekeeping hobby. “You can build

Later in the season, peonies give way to hydrangeas as the prime flowering shrubs in the back garden. Purple phlox and red monarda brighten the scene, while burgundy eucomis and variegated sweet iris add unexpected foliage color.

your bee house to accommodate your

Home, sweet home

shoeing in winter, and have cleared

needs,” he says. “This opens up bee-

The Robertsons have created a welcom-

a trail through the woods. In the

keeping to everyone.” Of her husband’s

ing and comfortable homestead that

open meadow, they made a bluebird

many interests, Prue says, “He’s gone

can be enjoyed year-round. They do a

trail linking sixteen birdhouses. “The

from flowers to trees to bees.”

lot of cross-country skiing and snow-

bluebirds often sit in the pine tree right outside the kitchen window,” Prue says. There are hummingbird feeders stationed there as well that draw the tiny dynamos, providing plenty of opportunities to bird-watch while doing kitchen chores.

“It is amazing to think that all this came about from a Yankee magazine article,” Russ says.

NHH

Resources

Broadfork Company • (603) 289-5927 broadforkcompany.com Cornucopia Project • (603) 784-5069 cornucopiaproject.org White phlox, blue Russian sage, orange tithonia, ornamental grasses, tall purple Joe Pye weed, yellow-leaved cotinus ‘Golden Spirit’ and white Oriental lilies put on a show in one part of the long front border.

46 | New Hampshire Home

Good Digs • (603) 563-8034 • goodigs.net Slovenian Beekeeping • (603) 499-3730 slovenianbeekeeping.com

Yankee magazine • newengland.com july/august 2019

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New Hampshire Home | 47

Charting a Course for a

forever House Thanks to help from TMS Architects in Portsmouth, a couple built their retirement dream home— designed for aging in place—a stone’s throw from Lake Winnipesaukee.

By Debbie Kane | Photography by Rob Karosis 48 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Greg Jonas and Diana Scott’s expansive home overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee (left) evokes the architecture of traditional Shingle-style lake homes (above), thanks to TMS Architects in Portsmouth. Surrounded by woods, the home’s plantings were enhanced by Carroll County Landscape, Inc. in Wolfeboro with flowering plants, such as hydrangea and lilacs, a Japanese maple to the left of the front entrance, as well as rhododendron, day lilies and other perennials. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 49

W

When Greg Jonas and Diana Scott started thinking

about where, and how, they wanted to retire, they did what came naturally: they created a plan.

The couple—both accountants—have lived, and built or

renovated homes, in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and the

greater New York City area. For this next phase of their lives, they wanted to be methodical. “We’re planners by nature and were determined to think about what we really wanted and where we wanted to be,” Jonas says.

Many months of research later—together with their tal-

ented team of architects, designers and builders—the couple charted a course to build a beautiful, year-round home on Lake Winnipesaukee.

A lakefront location

Jonas and Scott wanted to live near a lake in the mountains, two hours from a big city and experience four seasons. The couple researched towns online and discovered Wolfeboro, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Their first visit was during an especially snowy winter eight years ago. “It was 18 degrees with a 30-mph wind, and we had to walk by the lake at a 45-degree angle,” Jonas says. Later, as they warmed up over dinner, Scott said they should move to the community. “We loved how down-to-earth and genuine everyone was,” she says. “We didn’t even bother researching the other areas we considered!”

The couple applied the same thorough research to find-

50 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Helping Diana Scott and Greg Jonas (seated center) make their dream home a reality were (left to right) David Alessandroni, of Carroll County Landscape, Inc. in Wolfeboro; Glenn Farrell, of YFI Custom Homes in Cape Neddick, Maine; Bill Soupcoff (standing) and Lafe Covill, of TMS Architects in Portsmouth. Not pictured: David Kaufman, of Kaufman Segal Design in Chicago.

Top left: Accented by exterior curved eyebrow windows and swooping shingles, the home’s first level is all about outdoor living.

A patio, made from Blue Mist granite, leads visitors through the space, which now includes native plantings, such as black-eyed Susan, mouse-ear coreopsis, daisies, coneflowers and yarrow.

Above: Visitors to the home pass Ethel’s House, a whimsical custom-designed cottage that houses Ethel, Jonas’s tractor. A deer sculpture by Chris Williams of Essex, Massachusetts, stands on the lawn.

Left: Plantings around the side of Ethel’s House include crested iris, garden phlox, lilacs, wintergreen and weigelas.

Bottom facing page: A terrace off the main floor offers spectacular views of the lake. The railings are placed just high enough so as not to interfere with the water view. Outdoor furnishings are from Brown Jordan. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 51

The kitchen easily accesses entertaining spaces on the main floor of the house. Highlights include the center island, built by YFI Custom Homes, with its unique mahogany, end-grain butcher block top, and an accent wall behind the induction cooktop featuring handmade ceramic tile from Motawi Tileworks.

Bill spent time learning about us, talking to us about how we live and why we wanted to move to this spot in New Hampshire.”

From there, the rest of the team fell into place: project manager Lafe Covill from TMS; interior designer David Kaufman, of Kaufman Segal Design in Chicago; Glenn Farrell, of YFI Custom Homes in Cape Neddick, Maine; and David Alessandroni, of Carroll County Landscape, Inc. in Wolfeboro. Scott and Jonas—who lived in Washington, D.C., while their New Hampshire home was being built—supervised the project from a distance, holding weekly conference calls. “It required a lot of trust,” Jonas says. “We tried to plan everything up front to minimize mistakes.”

The formal dining room, just off the living room and kitchen, reflects Diana Scott and Greg Jonas’s classic style. Dining table and chairs are from Kravet.

52 | New Hampshire Home

ing a lakefront property, then determining what

A design that fits the natural surroundings

type of home to build. They photographed area

Among the couple’s wishes was a home designed

homes they liked, then compared the images for

for aging in place, with easy main-floor living.

recurring themes. Jonas and Scott then contacted

Also important was integrating the house and

the architects who designed the homes they liked

landscaping with its wooded location. “We want-

most. The couple interviewed three firms and se-

ed the feel of a woodland property without stick-

lected TMS Architects of Portsmouth after sitting

ing out,” Jonas says. Before construction started,

down with principal Bill Soupcoff. “It was the

Farrell’s crew cleared almost one hundred loads of

most amazing meeting,” Scott says. “Instead of

boulders from the property. Some were delivered

showing us pictures of other homes he designed,

to a nearby gravel pit; others were incorporated july/august 2019

Shades of blue, Diana Scott’s favorite color, are found throughout the home, especially in the high-ceilinged living room. The matching sofas, chairs and bar stools are from Hickory Furniture, the coffee table is from Woodland Furniture and the area rug is from J.D. Staron. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 53

54 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

into the landscape. “We removed a lot of boulders, but there wasn’t any ledge,” Farrell says.

The three-floor home is filled with smart details. Outside, undulating curves, gable overhangs and tapered columns evoke a grand, Shingle-style lake home. Eyebrow flares over several rear windows mimic the features of a ship, a detail that “adds to the classic style of the house and feels very organic,” Covill says.

A diamond theme is carried through the home, from exterior shingles and mullions on mahogany-trimmed windows to kitchen cabinetry and interior railings. “It helps give the lakefacing side of the house a rhythm because there’s so much glass,” Covill says. Porch railings on the back of the house, facing the lake, are sited to not impede with water views. This three-dimensional quality adds warmth to the design. nhhomemagazine.com

Top left: An intimate seating area is a comfortable space to read and enjoy the view. Chairs and ottoman are by A. Rudin.

Top right: The master bedroom is a grand retreat. The bed, featuring a large upholstered headboard and footboard, is from Vanguard Furniture. Custom bedcoverings and the upholstered bench are from Charleston Forge. The rug is from Lee Jofa Carpet. The light over the bed is from Paul Ferrante.

Left: The focal point in the study is this niche wall and fireplace. The stone surround is custom, from Francois & Co. The partner desk is an antique reproduction by William Switzer.

Bottom, facing page: The spacious master bathroom features a large vanity with an arched mirror and quartzite countertops.

The ceramic tile backsplash and graystone, basket-weave tile floor add to the room’s vintage feel. The footed bathtub is from Waterworks.

New Hampshire Home | 55

a gym, Jonas’s woodshop and a large stone terrace. The third level and rooms over the three-car garage offer plenty of space for visiting guests.

Segal, who worked with Scott and Jonas on previous homes, designed interiors to reflect the couple’s desire for casually elegant living. Soothing shades of blue (Scott’s favorite color) and green emphasize the natural environment.

The main floor is fresh and functional. The open-concept living room has soaring, eighteenfoot ceilings (Farrell’s team brought in a temporary floor to install the ceiling trim, which is repeated throughout the house), with fun details like petrified wood side tables and a standing lamp shaped like a tree. “We tried to make it sophisticated but a play on whimsy,” Segal says.

“It’s less fussy, more suited to a lake house.”

That casual elegance is repeated in the kitchTop: Whimsical details in the upstairs hallway include railings and decorative trim featuring diamond and moose patterns.

Above: Guest rooms (this page and facing page) feature cozy window seats. Armchairs in both rooms were purchased by the homeowners during a trip to New Orleans. The tufted leather ottoman (this page) was custom made by Partners in Design. Pillows in both rooms are custom-made.

56 | New Hampshire Home

Inside, views are all about the lake. Interior

en, which is separated from the dining and living

rooms are organized on a spine so main living

rooms by a bar-height, mahogany-topped coun-

spaces—living room, dining area, kitchen, study,

ter. All necessities are within easy reach in cus-

master bedroom, screened porch and other pub-

tom-built cabinets with diamond mullions. An-

lic rooms—run parallel to the water. “When you

choring the kitchen is a large, custom-built island

open the front door, you’re looking right through

topped by a mahogany, end-grain butcher block.

the living room to the lake,” Scott says. “You feel

Another highlight is the backsplash—beauti-

like you’re in a retreat.”

ful ceramic tile from Motawi Tileworks, in Ann

Cornice molding and wainscoting throughout the main floor add to its flow. The main floor

Arbor, Michigan, featuring an animal motif— which repeats the home’s lakeside theme.

has easy access via stone steps (or an elevator) to

Relaxed formality is reflected in other public

the ground level, where there is a game room,

spaces, such as the study, with its antique reprojuly/august 2019

duction partner desk by William Switzer Ltd., in Barnaby, British Columbia, and fireplace with custom surround by Francois & Co. of Washington, D.C. But Scott and Jonas’s favorite room is the screened porch. Anchored by a large stone fireplace, the room brings the outside in with classic but elegant wicker furnishings, a built-in grill and kitchenette. Heavy, transparent vinyl shades can be electronically lowered over the mahogany-trimmed screened windows to block wind and rain. “We live in that room about eight months of the year,” Scott says.

The home’s bathrooms are also points of pride. The powder room on the first floor is especially vibrant, with green ceramic subway tile on one wall, accented by Art Noveau-style wallpaper with geese and trees, repeating a hand-painted pheasant design in the sink. Other bathrooms are

dogwood trees, witherod viburnum, azaleas, win-

polished and functional, with custom vanities,

terberry and high-bush blueberries that provide

porcelain tile, and marble or quartzite counter-

bright red foliage in the fall and berries during

tops. The master bath also has a large custom-built

the summer. Jonas and Scott do much of the yard

cabinet that does dual duty as a wall between the

maintenance themselves, with Scott working in

bathroom and the homeowners’ walk-in closet.

her perennial garden off the downstairs patio.

A tour of the home also reveals Scott and

Now, nearly two years after their home was

Jonas’s fanciful art collection, commissioned

finished, Scott and Jonas are enjoying retirement

from local artists, that reflects animal and nature

and their lakeside retreat. They’re still in touch

themes. A deer sculpture sits near the front drive,

with their building and design team, an indica-

by Ethel’s House, where Jonas keeps Ethel, his

tion of how successfully everyone worked to-

John Deere tractor. Inside the main house, TMS

gether. “It really took a village to put this house

Architects created art niches to showcase pieces

together,” Covill says. “Diana and Greg were

including a 3D-sculpture called Walk in the Woods

wonderful to work with. They asked questions,

by Rick Epstein Clayworks of Westfield, Massa-

but also took our advice and just went with it.”

chusetts, that hang in perspective at the end of

The couple agrees. “We worked so well

the first-floor hallway. “It seemed natural to place

together,” Scott says. “The project was really

it at the end of the hall where the rooms spin off,”

collaborative and fun. Our team is really the

Covill says. “It anchors the space.” Elsewhere,

reason everything worked out so beautifully.”

playful carved deer and diamond baluster finials

Which, perhaps, was part of the plan.

The dresser in this guest room is from Hekman.

NHH

add whimsy.

Native plantings enhance the property Alessandroni, together with Norm Fracassa, of Fracassa Designworks in Dover, created a landscape that enhances the home’s woodland setting. “We wanted to keep natural woodland vegetation and enhance it in high-profile areas,” Alessandroni says.

The homeowners wanted little or no lawn (the one concession is a small grassy area where they can set up a badminton court or play croquet).

Resources Brown Jordon • brownjordan.com Carroll County Landscape, Inc. • (603) 569-2013 carrollcountylandscape.com Chris Williams Sculpture • (978) 768-7652 chriswilliamsscupture.com Fracassa Designworks • (603) 343-6664 • fracassadesignworks.com Francois & Co. • (888) 313-3237 • francoisandco.com Kaufman Segal Design • (312) 649-0680 kaufmansegaldesign.com Motawi Tileworks • (734) 213-0017 • motawi.com Rick Epstein Clayworks • (413) 575-7337 • rickepsteinclayworks.com TMS Architects • (603) 436-4274 • tmsarchitects.com

The area adjacent to the house is enhanced by

William Switzer Ltd. • (604) 255-5911 • williamswitzer.com

native plantings, including different varieties of

YFI Custom Homes • (207) 363-8053 • yficustomhomes.com

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 57

58 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Today, the Vachons’ Sunapee lake house has a timeless ease and elegance. The home’s color palette complements the gray-blues of the lake, flecked granite of the fireplaces, and the greens of nearby pines and hardwoods.

Homeowners Karen and Mark built the house in 2004, and it was their dream home. Ten years later, they decided to spruce it up.

Not to rebuild or remodel, but to re-imagine its interior design.

“I was the original decorator,” Karen says, “and there were a couple of things that never got worked out.

I enjoyed shopping for antiques.

I also collect old sleds. Anyway, at that time we had a loose, woodsy approach to the décor, but we were ready for something new. We wanted to reconfigure some spaces, add more comfortable furnishings and just have an updated, more sophisticated look.”

The importance of planning Karen and Mark enlisted the expertise of Daher Interior Design, a Boston-based firm that has been winning design awards for more than twenty years. “With each of our projects, we want to speak to the homeowners’ aesthetic and

updating a Lake House

lifestyle,” says Paula Daher, principal. “Yet, we also look to acAbove: Developing a new wellfurnished living space atop the boathouse created new venues for entertaining.

Facing page: From the entry, the view is through the house to the lake.

In between, a graceful table from Mattaliano provides a welcoming focal point.

Paula Daher, of Daher Interior Design in Boston, helped homeowners refresh the look of their home on Lake Sunapee.

By Carrie Sherman | Photography by John W. Hession nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 59

Top: In the great room, two antique fisherman baskets add interest and texture. Interior designer Paula Daher made the find in a Maine antique shop.

complish an unpretentious feel that has an un-

Right: Members of the team from Daher Interior Design in Boston include, from the left, Virginia SeherrThoss, Paula Daher and Ryan Donnelly.

offer a variety of choices. As refinements become

Facing page: Key elements all play together here from the custom-made Tibetan rug, to the handcrafted cocktail table, to an armchair designed by Holly Hunt.

moving from room to room. Daher obtained the

60 | New Hampshire Home

derstated elegance. That look is the hallmark of my firm.”

When Daher describes how she and her firm work with clients, she emphasizes that first they listen. To translate their clients’ vision into reality, the team creates sketches and renderings that finalized, communications and schedules go into high gear.

Working with her team—notably Ryan Donnelly and Virginia Seherr-Thoss, as well as the homeowners—Daher made recommendations, original architectural plans for the house from PePhotography by Michael J. Lee

ter White and Associates, an architectural firm in New London. The house was designed by Deirdre Sheerr, who is now retired from Sheerr & White; White has continued the practice. Using these plans, Daher mapped out precise measurements for new furnishings, paying meticulous attention to sight lines. With lake houses, sight lines are july/august 2019

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 61

Above, left: Changes to the kitchen include a new backsplash—in small, gray subway tiles with a crackly glaze—and kitchen stools.

critical. Capturing the expansive feeling of a full

oranges and yellows. “That rug was the launching

lake view from the house takes planning. This

pad for our design,” Daher says. “It really grounds

means preserving unobstructed views from inside

the room.”

the house, past doors, windows, porches and fur-

The green walls were painted a light taupe,

Above, right: In the dining room, sleek modern furnishings are at home with traditional New England pieces.

nishings. Of course, the finished look should ap-

which softens and highlights the fir woodwork.

pear effortless.

Two off-white sofas were added along with two

Facing page: Refreshed with new paint, trim and wall sconces, this bath with a view invites relaxation.

62 | New Hampshire Home

small comfortable armchairs covered in a soft ce-

The great room

ladon fabric. A cast bronze chair by Holly Hunt

The great room with its fieldstone fireplace and

covered in smoky blue green mohair is both

lake view was a challenging space to furnish. The

sculpturally beautiful and delightful to sit in. It

room has many functions, and Karen had noted

anchors the room and visually connects to the

that getting the seating right was difficult. Daher

blue lake seen just outside. (Daher says a Holly

made some bold moves to infuse modernity into

Hunt showroom recently opened at the Boston

the room. She replaced small rugs with one large,

Design Center; visitors are free to browse the cen-

beautiful, custom-made Tibetan rug from Landry

ter’s showrooms, but purchases are “to-the-trade”

and Acari in Boston, which has an abstract design

and available to homeowners through designers.)

with a lot of charcoal and dark bronzes, as well as

The Vachons’ great room was transformed by july/august 2019

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 63

the new furnishings and configuration. “We can

The dining room

now seat twelve people comfortably,” Karen says.

In the dining room, Daher brought in a

With modernity comes the challenge of find-

bigger, modern dining table to accommodate

ing a way to hide the black television screen, yet

more people. It’s by Brooklyn-based Hellman

have it easily accessible. Daher’s innovative cus-

Chang. To complement the table, Daher added

tom-designed chest, fabricated by Salmon Falls

luxurious dining chairs by Mattaliano as well as

Woodworks in Dover, provides a stunning solu-

host and hostess chairs by Gregorious|Pineo. Mat-

tion. The materials—brass and glass rondels—are

taliano and Gregorius|Pineo are represented at

somewhat industrial and refreshingly different.

Holly Hunt Boston. Dramatic lighting from Urban

The small armchairs can be turned for viewing.

Electric brings focus and mystique to this space.

Part of the discipline and skill of an interior

Their lighting collection can be viewed online,

designer is to choose just the right elements to

but only designers may make purchases for

finish a room. Daher added two custom-built

homeowners.

pieces to the great room. One so subtle it almost

“The dining chairs are really comfortable,”

escapes notice: a narrow table with a light gray

Karen says. “And again, it’s great to be able to

soapstone top behind the couch. Built by Salm-

entertain plenty of guests.”

on Falls Woodworks, owner and craftsman Fred Loucks says the table is bigger than you might think: “It’s about five feet long. Those L-shaped Here the mix is just right: wicker chairs, a sleek modern sectional, updated fabrics and a fun cocktail table with a built-in ice bucket.

64 | New Hampshire Home

legs can really fool your eye.”

“We’re not always dragging out the kids’ table anymore,” Mark says.

“The bell fixtures were a bit of an adjustment,” Karen says.

Loucks and his team also custom-built the

“They’re quite modern,” Mark says. “Maybe

round walnut cocktail table in the great room.

a little beyond the midpoint, but that’s a tension

“To give it a less uniform finish, we hand-planed

we like.”

the top,” he notes.

“During the day, they’re like mirrors,” Karen

july/august 2019

Atop the boathouse, the living is easy for a crowd or just for Mark and Karen Vachon.

says. “At night, they glow like lanterns. Kind of

technique when we made that table—hammered

like mercury glass.”

veneer.”

A white, wool flat-weave rug in the dining

Other professionals Daher worked with in-

room keeps it casual. Plus, chairs slide in and out

clude the home’s original builders, McGray &

smoothly.

Nichols of New London, and Prana Design Paint-

Outdoor living

ing of Newbury, the home’s original painters.

That’s the way it is in Sunapee, according the

For the adjacent screened-in porch, Daher added

architect Peter White. “We’re very fortunate to

a sleek modern sectional, updated fabrics and a

have so many talented tradespeople in the area,”

cool galvanized metal table with a built-in ice

he says. “It’s a small, friendly community. I often

bucket.

run into clients, such as the Vachons, walking

But perhaps the best new feature is an outdoor

downtown or by the lake.”

living space atop the boathouse that Daher creat-

The Vachons have become a part of the Suna-

ed with new furnishings, which included an out-

pee community through their work with Project

door living room, dining area and grill. She also

Sunapee, a local nonprofit that organizes events

installed a wonderful umbrella by TUUCI. “It can

such as Green-up Day and a celebration of the

withstand up to 50 mile-per-hour winds,” Daher

town’s 250th anniversary.

says. “They’re very common on the lake.”

Other updates Throughout the rest of the house, small touches, new paint and sometimes tile, and even a fireplace surround continued to refresh the look.

A small den really transformed into the perfect summer hideaway with just the right touches. “We had a beautiful black-and-white sectional made,” Daher says. “We didn’t want to conceal the view, so the height is just at the window sill. We designed the small table, which was made by Salmon Falls. The boomerang stone was carefully selected to surprise and bring the room together. We always work to create moments in a house. Those layers of experiences make a home relaxing.”

Loucks says: “Any time you work with wood and curves, it’s tricky. We used an old-fashioned nhhomemagazine.com

“Our home has a lot more style now,” Mark says. “It’s got a modern touch, but it’s not urban.

It’s still a lake house in New Hampshire.”

NHH

Resources Boston Design Center • (617) 449-5501 • bostondesign.com Charles Fradin • (323) 930-1057 • charlesfradin.com Daher Interior Design • (617) 236-0355 • daherinteriordesign.com Gregorius|Pineo • (310) 204-0400 • gregoriuspineo.com Hellman Chang • (212) 875-0424 • hellman-chang.com Holly Hunt Boston • (800) 320-3145 • hollyhunt.com Landry and Acari • (617) 399-6500 • landryandacari.com Mattaliano • (312) 853-0512 • mattaliano.com McGray & Nichols • (603) 526-2877 • mcgray-nichols.com Peter White and Associates • (603) 526-2445 Prana Design Painting • (603) 763-9017 • pranapainting.com Project Sunapee • info@projectsunapee.org • projectsunapee.org Salmon Falls Woodworks • (603) 740-6060 salmonfallswoodworks.com TUUCI | Umbrellas • (305) 634 5116 • tuuci.com Urban Electric Co. • (843) 723-8140 • urbanelectric.com New Hampshire Home | 65

The cottage may be small (facing page), but the views are big, as evidenced by the bright and airy kitchen that looks onto the lake.

66 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Living on a Small

Footprint

O

A New England couple renovates a cozy cottage for lakeside living.

On the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee,

Reineman discovered the neglected

tucked behind the iconic Yum Yum Shop

cottage one weekend on a visit from Bos-

bakery on Main Street in Wolfeboro,

ton, where she and Bronzetti lived. They

stands a small, gray cottage, noticeable

used to visit the area regularly because

only from the water. The cottage once be-

he is on the board of Brewster Academy,

longed to its more spectacular neighbor,

a boarding school in Wolfeboro (he is a

a green Victorian house on the lake that

1992 graduate). While Bronzetti was in

is familiar to Wolfeboro residents and

meetings, Reineman, who was getting

visitors alike. The Victorian now houses

into the real estate profession at the time,

condominiums, and the cottage is home

would look at properties. “It wasn’t seri-

to local realtors Ronn Bronzetti and Sara

ous looking,” she says. Then she found

Reineman, who moved there about two

the cottage. “This was a unique prop-

years ago.

erty.” In fact, the little lakeside cottage

By Jenny Donelan | Photography by John W. Hession

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 67

The combined living/dining area features blue and beige furnishings designed to complement the water and sky seen through the windows. Hidden in the white cabinet next to the window (underneath George, the cat) is a television that rises up at the touch of a button.

68 | New Hampshire Home

and accompanying Victorian (they were sold as a package) were too intriguing to pass up.

After working out a deal for both properties

By then, Reineman was already a realtor in Boston, so Bronzetti got his realtor’s license as well and together they formed the Lake Winni Team,

with a partner in April 2016, the couple began

part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani

spending time in the cottage, which they envi-

Realty. They joined an office on Main Street in

sioned as a summer home, a counterpart to their

Wolfeboro, just a short walk from their home.

apartment in Boston’s Beacon Hill.

They had

moved there about three years earlier, downsizing

Lofty goals

from a larger house in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, the three-season cottage was in very

“That first summer we just wanted to live in the

poor condition. Initially, the couple spruced it

space to see how we liked it,” says Reineman. But

up with paint, but it needed a major overhaul.

they discovered they never wanted to leave. “We

“It wasn’t really livable,” Bronzetti says. “In fact,

fell in love with the Wolfeboro area and decided

it was a wreck.” So they decided to embark on

to make it home,” Bronzetti says. So they moved,

a major renovation, with help from a team that

along with their cat and two Yorkshire terriers.

included Tracy Leach and Linda Diorio, of T and july/august 2019

rooms and a bathroom, and a combined living room/kitchen/dining area that faces the water.

“This was a fun project for us to work on,” says Diorio. New Pella windows were added, including the two large windows in the main living area

Homeowners Ronn Bronzetti and Sara Reineman (second from the left) enjoy a visit from Tracy Leach (second from the right) and Linda Diorio (right), of T and L Interiors in Wolfeboro.

that face the lake. Windows facing the Yum Yum Shop were placed high up, for privacy.

According to Leach and Diorio, the overall design was in large part dictated by the house’s size (a bit less than eight hundred square feet). “When you’re designing for such a small space,” Leach says, “you have to maximize every square inch.”

Accordingly, the banquette that provides seating for the dining room table contains drawers for storage. The bedroom TV is mounted on the wall, and another in the living room is actually embedded in a cabinet so it doesn’t block a window until someone wants to watch television—when it rises up at the touch of a button. Master carpenL Interiors in Wolfeboro; Dan Patch, of Dan Patch

ter Bryan Stanley of Wolfeboro and Greg Brooks,

Construction in Gilmanton; and Bobby Meehan,

of Greg Brooks Electric in New Durham, created

of Shamrock Landscaping in Mirror Lake.

this extremely clever and practical TV stand with

The first step was to lift the structure so they

hydraulic lift.

could pour a concrete foundation with a four-

Leach and Diorio worked with the couple to

foot crawlspace underneath. The dropped ceil-

develop an overall palette for the home, choos-

ing was removed to reveal a fourteen-foot ceiling

ing neutral beiges and whites with a bit of blue

with beams. That high ceiling helped realize one

that would harmonize with the outdoor land-

of the couple’s main goals for the house—that it

scape. “You’ve got the blues of the lake and

be light and airy. “We wanted something a bit

the skies, and we didn’t want to compete with that

brighter than a traditional lake house,” Bronzetti

too much,” Diorio says. The house has wood floors

says. “And I wanted clean, white walls, because

throughout that are from Provenza Floors’ Antico

the house is so small,” Reineman says.

Collection (Provenza is based in Tustin, Califor-

Leach and Diorio worked with the couple to

nia). The walls are covered in white pine panel-

design the layout, which consists of two bed-

ing, and the ceiling is made of white bead board.

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 69

Above: The master bedroom connects to the main living area through French doors.

Facing page, right: : Twin beds in a cozy guest room allow for company—and George, the cat.

Right: A washer and dryer are conveniently placed in the bathroom.

The light fixtures, such as the “atom” shaped chandelier over the dining table, were chosen to provide contrast as well as light. The light fixture and ceiling fan are from Patti Bros Lighting & Furniture, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Fabrics were selected, for the most part, with an eye toward the practicalities of lake house living. The banquette fabric, for example, is designed to bead off liquids. “We were looking for something casual but also updated,” Reineman says. “Tracy and Linda were wonderful partners, and did a great job of making our home feel and look like us.”

In the living room, the lake is the focus. “We wake up every day and the view outside is different,” Reineman says. “In spring we see fishermen. In summer, motorboats. And in winter, people ice fishing. It’s like having our

70 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

own TV to the outside world.” A com-

living area with French doors. The bed

is by E.R. Butler & Co. of Boston. Bron-

fortable couch covered in beige linen

is tucked between two tall wardrobes

zetti and Reineman hired Shamrock

and two blue easy chairs are the main

selected by T and L Interiors. “They

Landscaping to landscape the grounds.

furniture in the living room. As a touch

are easier to organize than any closets

The old wooden deck was replaced

of architectural whimsy, there is also

we’ve ever had,” says Reineman. “I love

with a new and larger bluestone patio

a wooden ladder leading to a storage

them.” There is also a guest room with

by Scott Blundo, of Rustic Stone and

space.

twin beds that is a cozy nook for visitors.

Garden in Moultonborough. Reineman

The adjoining kitchen features an

The bathroom functions as a multi-

particularly likes the patio because it

island with a granite top, a farmhouse

purpose area. In addition to its tiled

helps give the cottage the look and feel

sink and a number of cabinets finished

shower, it has a washer and dryer.

of a full-size home, and also expands

in a sand color. The cabinet design, a

Finding a vanity that would fit in the

the livable space in pleasant weather.

collaboration between T and L Interiors

available space was almost impossible,

The couple share a dock with their

and Fred E. Varney Company in Wolfe-

Reineman says. “We had to find one

neighbor and own a small boat. “Being

boro, is especially important in the

that was a certain size, yet functional.”

out on the water adds a whole new di-

small space, and Reineman describes the

mension to our lives,” Bronzetti says.

set up as “very easy, very livable.” The

Outdoors and more

dining area features a wooden table that

For architectural interest, T and L Inte-

A happy accident

was custom made for the couple by Lou

riors added a cupola with a light in it to

Before moving into the cottage, nei-

Farkas, of Meredith Bay Furniture Com-

the top of the cottage. They also select-

ther Reineman nor Bronzetti could

pany in Meredith.

ed a slate roof from DaVinci Roofscapes

imagine being so happy in such a small

in Lenexa, Kansas. The front doorknob

home. But now that they are living

The master bedroom connects to the nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 71

The cottage’s lakeside location is both lovely and practical—downtown Wolfeboro is only a few steps away.

the small house life, they have become fans.

“It’s allowed us to simplify,” Reineman says.

“We think about everything we bring into the house, and that’s a really good way to live. I’ve enjoyed that part of it. It makes life easier.” Bronzetti adds, “It’s surprisingly comfortable, partly because there are so many windows looking onto the bay. It’s all about the views.” Both he and Reineman enjoy living in town and being close to work. “This was the best thing we ever did,” he says. “We love the home, but more important, we love this community.”

NHH

Resources Dan Patch Construction • dpatch09@gmail.com (603) 455-3930 DaVinci Roofscapes • (800) 328-4624 • davinciroofscapes.com E.R. Butler & Co. • (617) 722-0230 • erbutler.com Fred E. Varney Company • (603) 569-3565 kitchensnh.com Greg Brooks Electric • (603) 767-3824 gregbrookselectric@msn.com Lake Winni Team • (781) 708-1707 • lakewinniteam.com Meredith Bay Furniture Company • (603) 998-6249 meredithbayfurniturecompany.com Patti Bros Lighting & Furniture • (978) 443-9412 pattibros.com Provenza Floors • (877) 455-7890 • provenzafloors.com Rustic Stone and Garden • (603) 393-0749 rusticstoneandgarden@gmail.com Shamrock Landscaping • (603) 569-6960 bob@shamrocknh.com Bryan Stanley • (603) 455-8772 Lewis (foreground) and Tilly are Yorkshire terriers who also call the cottage home.

George keeps watch from the chair.

72 | New Hampshire Home

T and L Interiors • (617) 957-1531, (978) 423-8837 tandlinteriors.com Yum Yum Shop • yumyumshop.com july/august 2019

2019 faces of new hampshire

3W design, inc.

db Landscaping

Life Lake Realty

Liberty Hill Construction

Marcus Gleysteen Architects

Northcape Design

Old Hampshire Designs, Inc.

Secondwind Water Systems, Inc.

TMS Architects

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery

Kennebunk Savings

Stephens Landscaping Professionals

nhhomemagazine.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

New Hampshire Home | 73

THE FACES OF Remodeling Excellence Cheryl Tufts 3W design, inc.

7 Henniker Street Concord, NH 03301 (603) 226-3399 3wdesigninc.com

3W design, inc. is an award-winning remodeling and interior design company located in Concord. Since 1988 we have worked on residential and commercial projects with the same goals—to interpret our clients’ wishes and needs, and turn them into an end result that meets their future goals and budget.

During the design phase we collaborate with our clients to develop concepts and solutions through our software, Chief Architect. We then provide renderings and elevations that show a 3D visual interpretation of many possibilities. Once a final plan has been selected either our quality team of sub-contractors translates those plans into reality or we work with our clients’ builder to create a home or office of their dreams.

Come visit our 3,800-square-foot showroom and meet our team.

photography by John w. hession

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

the FACE of Landscape Architecture

Dan Bruzga db Landscaping LLC P.O. Box 356 • Sunapee, NH 03782 (603) 763-6423 • dblandscaping.com Whether your property boasts leafy woodlands, sweeping vistas or a beautiful waterfront, Mother Nature’s landscapes are guaranteed to impress—and db Landscaping LLC can enhance that natural wow factor for your residential or business property.

In addition to designing the outdoor living space of your dreams, db Landscaping LLC takes care of the details, including permitting and adhering to regulations. Led by landscape architect Daniel Bruzga, our team has fifteen years of experience navigating the process from design and environmental permitting, to construction and long-term care.

Our team works with you to select natural, local materials appropriate to your property’s surroundings. We happily provide services wherever our clients live and play—in New Hampshire, the greater Boston area, Cape Cod, the Caribbean and beyond.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION photography by kendal j. bush

the FACES of closing deals Lake Life Realty 66 Route 25 Meredith, NH 03253 (603) 819-8071 LakeLifeRealty.net

Changing the real estate game, this team of young, enthusiastic realtors is making the biggest difference for their clients, closing deals in less than half the days of the local average and at a higher list-to-sales price than the local average. Bringing a modern approach to sales and marketing, Lake Life offers a completely customized and turnkey real estate experience. These tech gurus intentionally challenge the boundaries of the traditional industry by implementing the latest trends and technology as the platform for their business. The differentiation lies in their ability to individualize their listing, creating that difference. They certainly don’t do average and don’t do what most do; they are consistent and over-deliver on all fronts landing them in the top three for volume in the Lakes Region and top ten in the state for 2018, closing more than $36 million in sales.

photography by John w. hession

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

the FACES of Predictable and Stress-Free Remodeling

Greg Rehm Liberty Hill Construction 58 Liberty Hill Road Bedford, NH 03110 (603) 472-4414 libertyhillconstruction.com

Liberty Hill Construction is a twenty-year-old, award-winning company that builds additions, carriage houses and other outbuildings, as well as renovates kitchens, baths and other rooms.

Our top priorities are producing the highest quality of work and building long lasting relationships with our clients and staff. “We have many repeat clients,” says Greg Rehm (center), owner of Liberty Hill Construction. “One did twelve projects with us. We still have our first employee, who’s in his fourteenth year, and several who’ve been with us for nearly five.

“The most important things for us are trust and communication,” Rehm continues. “If you get those right, everything else falls into place.”

“Thanks to everyone at Liberty Hill Construction, we now have a home that we love and are proud of. Our house looks beautiful and we continue to receive compliments from neighbors and friends in town who cannot believe it’s the same house! We have enjoyed working with all of you.”

—Greia and Sean Marlow in Bedford

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION photography by John w. hession

The Face of Art in Architecture Marcus Gleysteen Architects

129 Kingston Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02111 (617) 542-6060 mgaarchitects.com

MGA Architects pursues art in architecture by embracing the spectrum of design criteria ranging from craft and performance, to delight and beauty. Our houses are inspired by the diversity of circumstances we encounter with each client, project and site.

We believe that art is found in architecture when efficient, responsible and purposeful buildings become meaningful by the nature of their physical form, how they interact with their surroundings, and the depth of emotional and intellectual responses they evoke.

Our work is grounded in the enduring power of timeless architecture. We design for the future by combining our growing knowledge and experience with the possibilities and needs of the here and now.

Whether modern or traditional, or large or small, each of our houses excels in its own particular way. Based in Boston and designing throughout New England, MGA Architects designs the best houses our clients will ever live in. photography by John w. hession  

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE FACEs OF Fine Craftsmanship Northcape Design 3 Alpine Court PO Box 549 Sunapee, NH 03782 (603) 763-2477 northcapedesign.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION  photography by John w. hession

Northcape Design Build is an award-winning company founded more than forty years ago in Sunapee. Whether you are looking to build a new home, renovate an existing home or create the kitchen of your dreams, Northcape has the expertise you need. Our in-house design team collaborates with you from the beginning to ensure your dream becomes reality. We use the most advanced 3-D design software, so you can visualize every aspect of your space and feel comfortable before construction or renovation begins. We invite you to consider Northcape Design Build as your one source for every home design project.

the FACES of CUSTOM HOMEBUILDING Jay Tucker Old Hampshire Designs, Inc.

263 Main Street New London, NH 03257 (603) 526-6945 oldhampshiredesigns.com

Old Hampshire Designs, Inc. is an award-winning design/build company located in New London. We’ve earned our reputation by building quality homes in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region since 1984. We are committed to distinctive craftsmanship and excellent customer service, and are a leader in green-building practices and energy-efficient design.

We want you to not only love your new home, but also have an enjoyable experience throughout the entire design and construction process. During the design phase, we work with you to create your customized plans. We then acquire the permits and construct the home. This collaboration results in a seamless transition from initial concept to completion.

We also enjoy working with plans that were developed by your own architect or designer. We are available for renovation consultations and commercial construction.

Our skills and expertise result in projects that successfully stay within the budget and time frame you choose. We look forward to hearing from you. photography by John w. hession

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE FACEs OF water treatment Christine Fletcher Secondwind Water Systems, Inc. 735 East Industrial Park Drive Manchester, NH 03109 (603) 641-5767 secondwindwater.com

The safety of our drinking water is of increasing concern in the region and across the country. Secondwind Water Systems, with its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, has thirty years of experience in treating the region’s top water health issues including arsenic, radon, bacteria and emerging contaminants such as PFOA. Eighty percent of New Hampshire’s Water Quality Association-certified water specialists work for Secondwind Water. They treat the area’s most common water problems such as hard water, staining and odor, bad taste, fluoride and so much more. Secondwind Water also specializes in commercial applications, serving hospitals, surgical centers, breweries and manufacturing plants as well as public water systems. Personalized, reputable service ensures clean, safe, great-tasting water for your home or business.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION photography by John w. hession

the FACES of Lively Spaces TMS Architects

1 Cate Street , Eldridge Park Portsmouth NH 03801 (603) 436-4274 tmsarchitects.com

TMS Architects also offers interior design services that help our clients’ projects progress smoothly from beginning to end. Having architects and interior designers on the same team creates the opportunity for seamless communication and cost savings for our clients. By getting involved early in the planning process, we can get a clear idea of the lifestyle our clients envision having and then find ways to translate those ideas into millwork, materials and furniture. We can help choose a general color palette or get involved with finishing touches, like selecting draperies and artwork. Our materials library includes a curated selection of samples for countertops, tile, stone, wood, carpet, hardware, wallpaper and fabric, as well as furniture catalogs. Give us a call to see how we can help liven up your space!

photography by John w. hession

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PROMOTION PROMOTION

THE FACEs OF BATH, KITCHEN AND LIGHTING INSPIRATION Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery 126 Bridge Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 436-3550 fergusonshowrooms.com

Step into a Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery and you’ll immediately be inspired by what you see — beautifully displayed lighting, appliances, and bath and kitchen products from today’s top brands. From exquisitely designed bathroom displays to full kitchens with working appliances, you can explore a variety of design styles ranging from classical elegance to bold contemporary.

Yet, ask customers what brings them back time and again, and they’ll say it’s the people. Ferguson’s product experts have years of industry experience and are extremely knowledgeable about design trends, product selection and the building and remodeling process. They also stay involved throughout the entire building process and ensure the right product is delivered during the right stage of the project. Ferguson’s passion for customer service is easy to see after just one visit. Please visit our newly expanded showroom in Portsmouth.

Walk-ins are welcome; however, our product experts take pride in personalized service, so appointments are highly recommended.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION photography by John w. hession PROMOTION PROMOTION

the FACES of Mortgage Lending Our Residential Loan Officers (left to right) Kalina Lesseva, Alex Brockway, Bryanna Thibault

Kennebunk Savings 104 Main Street PO Box 28 Kennebunk, ME 04043 (800) 339-6573 kennebunksavings.com

A trusted handshake is the best way to start your mortgage. That’s where we come in—we take time to learn about your needs and find the loan option that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for the perfect home or a home to renovate, or purchasing your first home, we’re here to help you through the lending process with guidance, support and answers to your questions—every step of the way. Our dedicated residential loan officers provide sound advice and exceptional personal service from a trusted community bank.

We have five New Hampshire locations including Portsmouth, Stratham, Hampton, Dover and Newmarket, along with twelve in southern Maine. Give us a call or stop by any of our branches. We look forward to working with you!

photography by CA Smith Photography

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PROMOTION PROMOTION

THE FACEs OF Lakes Region Beauty Stephens Landscaping Professionals

62 Moultonborough Neck Road Moultonborough, NH 03254 (603) 707-0630 stephenslandscaping.com

In landscaping, there is no substitute for a hard-working, loyal crew. At Stephens Landscaping, our team numbers more than fifty! We take great pride in watching our diverse team learn and grow each year, as well as creating beautiful landscapes for our clients.

Our team is passionate about working closely with our clients to create landscapes that are aesthetically appealing, environmentally responsible and exceed expectations. From the beginning of the design process, to its implementation and ongoing maintenance, our team is there for our clients. Each team member—from the exceptional direction of management and crew leaders, to the remarkable achievements of the design, construction and maintenance crews and year-round office personnel—is committed to his or her role in the company’s success.

Our numerous awards include four Cornerstone Awards in 2018 and reflect the commitment and passion of each team member. We thrive because we build longlasting relationships with our staff and clients, and extraordinary landscapes that can be enjoyed by future generations.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION photography by John w. hession PROMOTION PROMOTION

flower power

On a sunny summer afternoon, the front porch overlooking the garden at The Fells in Newbury is the perfect place for a flower arranging demonstration by local floral designer Robert Jensen.

Art in Bloom Robert Jensen

inspires those

who attend his July workshop at The Fells to

make unique and beautiful floral arrangements.

V

isual art has the power to inspire us

exhibit. It showcases arrangements created

in many ways. Art in Bloom is the

by local designers and gardeners that were

popular practice of designing a floral

inspired by the current artwork on display

interpretation of a work of art and displaying

in The Fells gallery. “I started Art in Bloom at

it together with the corresponding painting. A

The Fells about a dozen years ago,” says Nell

collaboration between galleries, and amateur

Leach, longtime Fells volunteer and chair of

and professional floral designers and garden

Art in Bloom. “Many different people have

club members, Art in Bloom was originally the

participated over the years: Fells volunteers,

idea of Boston Museum of Fine Arts volunteer

professional florists, garden club members

Lorraine Pitts back in 1976. Since then, the

and friends who are great arrangers. We have

idea has grown into an annual event at many

had a wide range of art shows over time,

major galleries across the country.

which provide the source of inspiration for

Each summer, The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens in Newbury has its own Art in Bloom

the designers.”

To encourage participation, local floral

By Robin Sweetser | Photography by John W. Hession 86 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

designer Robert Jensen has been giving

Weston Hoyt Collection—Bringing Light

workshops for the past several years

to Life—and a related exhibit of painters

demonstrating how to interpret a

who worked with Hoyt called Distant

painting into a floral creation. “He is

View. Local floral designers and garden

a great friend of The Fells, and we are

club members interpreted the painting

very grateful for his participation. He

of their choice in flowers, and the

has such a flair for this,” Leach says,

arrangements were on display over a

“His theater background really comes

long weekend in July.

through.”

The Fells Executive Director Susan

When Jensen left his career as an

Warren participated, selecting the

actor on Broadway after thirty years,

painting Mother and Child by John

he worked for two years at the Carolyn

Traynor to interpret in flowers. “This

Hill Fine Art Gallery in SoHo as the

painting represented to me, at the time,

in-house floral designer. “I had great

my daughter-in-law who was expecting

fun shopping at the New York City

my first grandchild, a little girl. I was

flower markets,” Jensen says. “I was not

touched by John’s painting and envi-

professionally taught, but I have been

sioned that the woman in the painting

dabbling in flowers since I was twelve.”

holding the little girl would be both of

Eventually he brought his love of flow-

them in future years. The sculptured

ers and decorating to New London,

woman’s face I used for my vase seemed

opening Robert Jensen Floral Design.

perfect for the flowers selected, and its

“In mid-July there is so much in bloom,

whimsical design represented my hap-

it gives potential flower arrangers

piness and my thoughts of embracing

plenty to work with and gives creative

both of them,” Warren says. “I feel that

people an opportunity to express them-

when the designers come to The Fells

selves,” he says.

gallery to select their painting from the

Last summer, the paintings in The Fells gallery were from the Frances

exhibit for Art in Bloom, like me, they somehow, in some way, relate to what

The Fells Executive Director Susan Warren and Robert Jensen welcome a large group to the Art in Bloom program.

Jensen will interpret the two dove paintings by Mary Jane Q. Cross in flowers. nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 87

flower power

Right: Robert Jensen has completed the base of ligustrum leaves and jasmine vine, and is ready to add the red mandevilla flowers.

Below: Jensen recuts the peony stems to enable them to take up water, keeping the blossoms fresh.

they see and can almost instantly begin to feel an attachment to it. I would venture to say that at that moment of selection, the creation may come to mind immediately—down to the container and flowers to be used. It seems cliché, but it could be said that the painting ‘speaks to them,’” Warren says.

Making a floral masterpiece At last July’s workshop, Jensen played to a packed house. He chose a pair of paintings of doves by Mary Jane Q. Cross. “I was attracted to the peacefulness, theatricality and color,” Jensen says. “Sometimes simple and easy is fun to do. If you are familiar with what I do at the shop, you know it is usually over the top. People shout ‘Stop!’” he says, with a laugh.

Explaining the paintings presented at the workshop, Jensen told us that the first dove painting was called The Gift, My Peace, I Leave You. “Today in our worlds, we all would welcome a little peace,” he says. The second dove painting was called Present Comfort. He went on to explain the symbolism of love, grace, motherhood, sacrifice, devotion and nurturing represented by the doves along with Cross’s idea of the birds as messengers from a higher place.

As promised, Jensen kept the arrange88 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Take it Outside!

The finished arrangement is displayed at The Fells gallery under the dove paintings it represents. The top painting is The Gift, My Peace, I Leave You and the bottom one is Present Comfort.

ment simple. Using a white bowl to hold a piece of floral foam for the base, he demonstrated how to make a grid of tape across the bowl. “This keeps everything sitting up,” he says.

“Make sure the vessel you use is dry, or the tape won’t stick.”

SDA

Flowers may be the stars of an arrangement, but greenery is the all-important supporting cast. “I love using greens,” he says. “Sometimes I will use up to five different kinds of greens. They give such wonderful texture.” For this arrangement, Jensen chose glossy ligustrum leaves as a foundation. “They cover up all the tape,” he said. He put red mandevilla flowers and white peonies in individual flower tubes that hold water so each blossom would have its own water supply. The jasmine flower vine stems were so delicate that he placed three together into several waterfilled flower tubes before adding them to the bowl, wrapping the tendrils of the vines around the greenery to form a bird’s nest on top of a bird’s nest. He laid the mandevilla in the jasmine, letting it find its own place, nhhomemagazine.com

Samyn-D’Elia Architects, P.A. Holderness, NH • (603) 968-7133 • sdarchitects.com New Hampshire Home | 89

flower power

Executive Director Susan Warren (left) and Nell Leach, chair for the Art in Bloom program, look forward to Jensen’s demonstration every summer because it encourages visitors to think deeply about the works of art and inspires them to be creative with their interpretations.

and finally added the white peonies that represented the doves.

“Robert Jensen inspires everyone who has the opportunity to watch him as he

Of the finished product, he says, “Even

creates his magic in front of your eyes.

in simplicity, there is beauty and peace.”

Robert thinks outside the box and has

An inspirational afternoon

the ability to create the unusual, yet beautiful, with the wow factor. Color,

Newly retired in 2017, Judy Odell of New

design, form and function come together

London has attended two of Jensen’s

in lovely unity to make those in his

demonstrations. “At the first one, I was

audience sigh in unison, ‘Wow!’”

inspired to be creative,” she says. “To

Warren says.

just take some flowers and greens, and

This summer, Art in Bloom at The

put them together with a few more

Fells is scheduled for Thursday, July

things from my garden, using ideas

18, through Sunday, July 21. Jensen’s

from my own arranging.”

demonstration will be on Thursday, July

The demonstration using the dove pictures gave her some new thoughts on

18, from 11 a.m. to noon. Plan to attend and be inspired!

NHH

coordinating flowers with paintings. “I’m Susan Warren chose Mother and Child by John Traynor to interpret in flowers because it made her think of her daughter-in-law and grandchild. In her arrangement, Warren used fuzzy clematis seed heads, pale blue hydrangea blossoms, rose hips and velvety lamb’s ears from The Fells’ gardens.

90 | New Hampshire Home

astonished by the beauty created by both the artistry of the painting and the floral

Resources

arrangement,” Odell says. “Both out-

Robert Jensen Floral Design • (917) 208-1836 rjflorals.com

standing and uplifting! This workshop inspired me to ‘spread my wings.’”

The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens (603) 763-4789 • thefells.org july/august 2019

DISCOVER NEW HAMPSHIRE’S CREATIVE SIDE

Craftsmen’s Fair 86th Annual

August 3-11, 2019

Mt. Sunapee Resort, Newbury, NH

Experience handmade craft and take home a memory.

Over 200 Craft Booths

Inspiring Exhibitions

Engaging Demonstrations

Hands-on Workshops

Live Music

Use promo code NHHOME19 for $2 off full price adult admission.

Cannot be combined with other discounts. For details and tickets, visit our website.

Art By: Lauren Pollaro

SHOP OUR NINE NH FINE CRAFT GALLERIES Concord, Hanover, Hooksett, Keene, Littleton, Meredith, Nashua, North Conway, Center Sandwich

Visit Our Exhibition Gallery and

Grodin Permanent Collection Museum 49 S. Main St, Suite 100 | Concord, NH

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

Jennifer Diggs Art By: Tom White

The League is taking it to the street! Shop fine craft, enjoy live music, hands on demonstrations and much more. Free admission. Main Street, Concord, NH.

September 27-29, 2019

nhhomemagazine.com

Explore the state, visit artisan studios, sample food & drink and take part in hands-on activities.

Plan your tour at nhopendoors.com.

November 2-3, 2019

MORE INFO: NHCRAFTS.ORG

New Hampshire Home | 91

photography by sheilagh flynn

Master of Her Craft

Earth Resonance is a mixed-media wall mosaic made by Sheilagh Flynn of carved ceramic—glazed in vibrant blues—and beach stones.

Working Magic with Clay Sheilagh Flynn’s richly textured and colorful ceramic wall art

symbolizes her view

of the world: a unified whole of many pieces.

S

heilagh Flynn discovered clay at

Sunapee Resort in Newbury—see the side-

Boston College, where she received

bar on page 97 for more information.

a bachelor’s degree in fine art in

1982. “Clay is so seductive,” she says,

New Hampshire Home [NHH]: Have you

“and I quickly fell in love with the mate-

always done hand building?

rial and the process of making pottery.”

Sheilagh Flynn [SF]: No—up until five years

Since her college days, she’s worked in

ago, I was primarily making thrown

studios in Cambridge and New Bedford,

pottery on the wheel. I started with raku

Massachusetts; studied graduate level

when I was in Cambridge at the Radcliffe

ceramics at the University of Massachu-

College Ceramics Studio—first I was a stu-

setts, Dartmouth; and made her way

dent, and then I began teaching all their

to New Hampshire, where she set up a

raku workshops. Since I was interested in

studio in Center Conway. She is a skilled

making functional pottery, I also did high-

and talented potter and clay artist, profi-

fire reduction stoneware, which is fired in

cient in throwing as well as sculpture and a gas kiln. I made simple forms as well as hand building. Make sure to drop by her

pitchers that looked like birds, along with

booth in August at the League of New

altered forms like ovals. All these pieces

Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair at the Mount were made on the wheel.

By Andi Axman | Studio Photography by Morgan Karanasios 92 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

NHH: How did your work evolve

moved here in January 2014 to be with

from there?

him. We now share a building where we

SF: In 1990, I became restless and en-

both work, but we each have our own

rolled in the master of fine arts program

spaces. Shortly after I moved here, I got

in ceramics at the University of Mas-

sick and had to take about six months

sachusetts, Dartmouth. I wanted to

off. When I began working again that

study with Chris Gustin—a well-known

November, I gave myself permission to

ceramic artist who does wheelwork and

start new work that had been incubat-

large, hand-built sculptural vessels—and

ing for a while in my head. The initial

Karon Doherty, who made hand-built,

foray into this new world was eight-

narrative pots that were quirky and fun.

inch mosaics, the beginning of my

I knew I needed to expand my work and

current work.

“Clay is so seductive,” Sheilagh Flynn says, “and I quickly fell in

love with the material and the process of making pottery.”

wanted others’ input.

NHH: What was your takeaway

from graduate school?

SF: This was an important exploratory

time for me. I began carving, which was the genesis of what I do now with my wall work. I also worked more intuitively with the clay and explored the nature of the clay—its plasticity and unique ability to record marks. This led to an interest in surface pattern and rhythm, which are the underpinnings of my current work.

NHH: What direction did your work

take after graduate school?

SF: After graduate school, I established a

studio in New Bedford in an old textile mill. This was an old brick building that had great light. Because I couldn’t set up a gas kiln there, I began working with earthenware, a red clay that’s fired at a lower temperature in an electric kiln. I came to love the richness of the terracotta and its surfaces. Where my high-fire reduction work had been very precise—bowls with flange lips, pieces that were all the same—my earthenware pieces were all different and very textural. The investigation into surface textures and marks was incorporated into the functional pottery I started making at this time.

NHH: What brought you to

New Hampshire?

SF: I fell in love with Tom Flavin, a

potter I met in graduate school, and nhhomemagazine.com

Clay artist Sheilagh Flynn in her Center Conway studio. The clay and beach stone mosaic on the left is from her River series while the design of the mosaic on the right is based on a mandala.

New Hampshire Home | 93

Master of Her Craft

Top row: Flynn begins to delineate the textures of the clay with a carving tool (left), then she refines the textural elements (center) before starting the process of carving a third piece in her left hand (right).

Flynn selects stones for their color and size for clay tiles that have been bisque fired (far left)—then she places the stones and begins thinking about what color she will glaze the clay (above).

Near left: Carved clay tiles are ready to be bisqued, the first of two firings in the kiln.

94 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

2020

DESIGN magazine

AWARDS

Now is the time for you to photograph your favorite residential projects and plan for the 2020 NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME Design Awards.

Whether you’ve designed or built a spectacular kitchen, a beautiful bath, a unique outdoor space or a fabulous home, we want to see your most impressive work.

photography courtesy of charlie freiberg

for 2020, designers’ best projects can be submitted in ten categories— so make sure to schedule your photography soon.

NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME will celebrate at our Design awards gala at the Manchester country club in bedford on January 22, 2020. submissions are due November 4, 2019 and will be judged by an independent jury of design professionals from out of state.

Vita, which is Latin for “life,” is a mixed-media wall mosaic twenty-eight-inches tall and sixteen-inches wide.

NHH: What inspired this work?

it through a slab roller so it’s about

SF: I got the idea of making my River

one-inch thick. I transfer this clay to a

Series, Found Objects pieces based on

wallboard and roll it with a rolling pin;

aerial views. When I fly, I love sitting at

then I cover it with plastic and let it

the window and seeing the landscape

rest overnight. The clay wants to warp,

below—the undulating rivers, the

so the next day, I roll it again to about

patterning of the fields, how irrigation

a one-half-inch thickness, cover it and

affects the landscape and the rhythm

let it rest again overnight. The follow-

of the furrowed ground. It reminds me

ing day, I cut the pieces to size to cre-

of the textures of quilts, and the color

ate my “canvas,” and carve them soon

and lines of abstract painting.

after. It takes a lot of thought to get the

NHH: What is your process

pieces I want in a “canvas.”

for making these pieces?

Sponsors include

My other concern is that I want the

SF: I work in a six-week cycle. First, I

clay to be not too hard and not too

flatten out twenty-five pounds of clay

soft. This perfect amount of wetness is

to stretch and compress it, then run

called “leather hard.”

nhhomemagazine.com

for a complete list of award descriptions, judging criteria and information on the entry process, see NHHomeMagazine.com/DesignAwards.

Mark your calendar now— we look forward to seeing you at our gala!

New Hampshire Home | 95

Master of Her Craft

I have a lot of tools for carving. My favorite is made from a piece of strap

change in material and rhythm that

steel that held bundles of lumber—my

stones bring to my clay work. What’s

teacher gave the steel to me and you

more, this gives me a good reason to

can’t find it anywhere now. I use it to

continue collecting rocks.

show rivulets of water on the clay.

I’m also a flea market junkie and look

photography this page courtesy of charlie freiberg

the rivers in my pieces. I also like the

I grew up in Connecticut, but my parents always had a summer house

for anything that will make a mark in

in Scituate, Massachusetts, and that’s

the clay. For instance, old drawer pulls

where I collect my rocks. I go to the

make great marks; golf tees create con-

beach and look for relatively flat

vex dots; and rounded dowels are the

pebbles in a variety of colors but with

perfect tool for dimpling. I never know

a consistency of outline—round, oval,

exactly what textures I’ll use until I

triangular—that are not too jagged and

come to the piece. The surface work

not too big.

is a composition like music. There is a melody with bass notes and accents.

This is similar to my processes. I decide on a primary texture and accent with contrasting marks, changing the scale and the rhythm to create visual interest.

Success means the whole piece “sings.”

NHH: How do your wall pieces

come together?

SF: After my clay pieces are fired for the

first time, I begin to visualize the final mosaic. I consider which color combinations will make the piece pop.

The glaze palette is varied both in

Top: Itineris, which is Latin for “journey,” is a mixedmedia wall mosaic of carved ceramic and beach stones.

NHH: There are also stones in your

color and surface. Surfaces include shiny,

pieces. Where do you get them, and

semi-gloss and matte. I have many color

Above: Still Moment is an oval wall mosaic that measures forty-two-inches tall. Note the colorful beach stones, which add pizazz to the subtle glaze of the clay.

why do you use them?

options—for instance, I have seven

SF: I have collected rocks since I was a

blues that I use regularly. The art is in

child and love them—they have become

the balance of color, the play of tonal

96 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

Meet New Hampshire’s Best Craftspeople!

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen holds its eighty-sixth annual fair August 3–11 at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury. As one of the premier craft shows nationwide, this juried fair showcases work by some of the finest craftspeople in the country.

Imagine a kitchen...

See and shop for one-of-a-kind fine crafts that are both beautiful and functional. And meet the hundreds of makers, including ceramic artist Sheilagh Flynn, and learn about their vision and passion for their craft. Other highlights of the fair include:

Imagine a kitchen...

• Daily craft demonstrations • Workshops and all-day classes for children • The Living with Craft Exhibition • The CraftWear Exhibition • The Sculpture Garden • Performances by musicians

photography courtesy of nhcrafts.org

2019 League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair Saturday, August 3–Sunday, August 11 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, rain or shine • nhcrafts.org

Vintage Kitchens harmonies or dissonance that makes the final work successful.

Once I’ve figured out what colors I want in the final piece, I glaze each

W

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

Vintage Kitchens vintagekitchens.com

clay piece separately. After they’re

603.224.2854 24 South Street Concord, NH 03301

fired, I lay out the clay and stones on backer board. It’s like putting together a big puzzle. When I finally have the design in place, I use mortar to hold the tiles and stones permanently in place on the board. The last step is mortaring between the tiles and stones. The final work is one compo-

W

hether you live in an old house with original features, or plan GIVE toYOUR HOME entirely NEW new, STYLE WITH create something the goal is theBEAUTIFUL same: a consistentTILE Ceramic Porcelain aesthetic theme and a kitchen that works — beautifully.

Marble

Granite

Quartz vintagekitchens.com Glass

603.224.2854 24 South Street Concord, NH 03301

sition, but it’s really made of many pieces.

NHH

Resources

Sheilagh Flynn • (508) 264-8059 flynnclaystudio@aol.com facebook.com/pg/Sheilagh-Flynn-Pottery-and-Tile League of New Hampshire Craftsmen (603) 224-3375 • nhcrafts.org 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 | 97

resources

arch itects

Home furnishings

Bonin Architects & Associates

Winchendon Furniture

Bonin Architects & Associates, located in New London and Meredith, New Hampshire, serves clients in New England with a focus on lake, mountain and coastal homes. We bring 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 • (603) 526-6200 boninarchitects.com • info@boninarchitects.com

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

K i t c h e n a n d b at h d e s i g n

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. We love design that you can look back on as having been a fun exploration, a carefree experience and an end result that surpasses your expectations. Call for more information or visit our showroom.

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

lighting

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

Belletetes

Whether your project is large or small, complicated or simple, Belletetes takes your ideas and makes them happen. We have all the tools, products and skills necessary to make your project a complete success. Specializing in lumber, decking, windows, doors, paint, stains and flooring—as well as fixtures and cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms. We have everything for your remodeling needs. And don’t forget to take advantage of our free estimates!

51 Peterborough Street in Jaffrey • (603) 532-7716 • belletetes.com Landscaping

Derek Marshall Lighting

Piscataqua Landscaping and Tree Service

A new chandelier from Derek Marshall Lighting is named The Sea of Tranquility. Featuring five of our Sushi art glass pendants, four descend from the tips of the curved radial arms and the fifth hangs slightly lower from the center of the armature. Available in dozens of art glass color. This graceful chandelier is a great choice to punctuate any interior space.

85 Upper Road in Sandwich, New Hampshire • (603) 284-6403 derekmarshall.com • linda@derekmarshall.com

Piscataqua Landscaping and Tree Service has been serving the New England area for over 35 years. Piscataqua offers comprehensive landscaping services and works on projects large and small, commercial and residential, to help its clients achieve beauty—from installations and plantings to plant healthcare, irrigation and night lighting.

26 Maclellan Lane in Eliot, Maine • (207) 439-2241 piscataqualandscaping.com

98 | New Hampshire Home

may/june 2019

Soake Pools

Photography by Claudia Jepsen

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

Concord, New Hampshire • (603) 749-0665 • soakepools.com floori ng

resources

outdoor living

s p e c i a lt y w o o d p r o d u c t s

Mill River Slabworks

The Lashway Brothers—Gerry of Ponders Hollow and Larry of Lashway Lumber—have collaborated to produce premium wood slabs that are works of art and the centerpiece of any environment. Each slab is unique, like the tree from which it was harvested, and milled to order. Choose from numerous species and edge options, including live, square and natural.

16 Ponders Hollow Road in Westfield, Massachusetts (413) 562-8730 • millriverslabworks.com p h oto g r a p hy

Ponders Hollow Custom Moulding & Flooring

Ridgelight Studio

Born from the experience of a fourth generation, family-run sawmill, Ponders Hollow specializes in custom solid wood and engineered wood flooring and architectural millwork. Beginning with responsibly-harvested trees, we specialize in wide planks sawn from a broad range of native and exotic species. We use state-of-the-art machinery, hand-grading and tailoring each board to your specifications.

16 Ponders Hollow Road in Westfield, Massachusetts (413) 562-8730 • pondershollow.com

Let’s face it, an image is a first impression. Ridgelight Studio helps people, places, and businesses put their best foot forward with compelling images that tell your story. Offering architectural, branding, and lifestyle photography. Competitive pricing available online or request a custom quote for your next session!

Kelly McCaskill • Hopkinton, New Hampshire • (603) 545-9217 ridgelightstudio.com • info@ridgelightstudio.com

landscaping

James Brewer Garden Design

s u b s c r i b e t o d ay a n d s av e

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Combining elements of classical English design with stunning plants and materials native to New England, James creates breathtakingly beautiful and original gardens of all sizes and budgets. Each of these bespoke environments are crafted with a forethought designed to last for generations. After all, your garden is the biggest room of your home.

Suite 426, Lower Mill in Rollinsford, New Hampshire • (603) 970-0201 jamesbrewergardendesign.com • jamesbrewergardens@icloud.com

• LIVI NG LAR GE

J U LY/A U G

Give a gift subscription of New Hampshire Home to yourself or to someone you know that loves beautiful homes and gardens.

A LAK E HOU SE

Relaxing

Lakeside in Summer

New Hampshire Home | 99

mark your calendar!

july July 6, 13, 20, 27

Summer in the Street

Photography courtesy of Fry Fine Art

Pleasant Street from Porter Street to Market Square is closed to traffic, the result of an initiative to identify/create pedestrian-friendly areas in downtown Portsmouth where musicians, theatrical and dance companies can entertain folks. 5 p.m.–9:30 p.m. proportsmouth.org July 12

The Life and Work of Shirley and Numael Pulido

Numael and Shirley Pulido are a husband and wife team painting in the style of the Old Masters. Numael has exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and his portraiture is represented by the Vose Galleries in Boston. Shirley is a graduate of Syracuse University, The University of Rochester, The Brooklyn Museum Art School and Cooper Union, and has established a career as an oil painter and pastel artist. Together they have a studio in Hancock, where they paint and teach.

Opening reception, 5–7 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Exhibit on view through September 29.

Fry Fine Art • 36 Grove Street in Peterborough (603) 784-5420 • fryfineart.com July 13–August 18

George Marshall Store Gallery Exhibit

The exhibit features works by Lincoln Perry, Craig Hood and Derrick Te Paske; as well as Ken Fellows, Bill Paarlberg, Russel Whitten and Noriko Sakanishi. The George Marshall Store Gallery is a mid-nineteenthcentury building owned and maintained by the Old York Historical Society. Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–

Flower Power at the fells

Paintings by Numael Pulido (Anna and Yar is an oil on the left) and Shirley Pulido (First Snow is an oil on the right) are on exhibit at Fry Fine Art in Peterborough from July 12 through September 29.

5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.; and by appointment.

140 Lindsay Road in York, Maine • (207) 351-1083 georgemarshallstoregallery.com July 17

Feasting on 15-Minute Meals

With stories and instruction, Liz Barbour shares her experiences as a working chef to demystify the cooking process for her students. She is a firm believer that any home cook can prepare fresh and flavorful meals with confidence if taught a few basic but important skills.

Barbour built her cooking career in a variety of Boston’s catering and restaurant settings. 6:30 p.m.

Lane Memorial Library • 2 Academy Avenue in Hampton • (603) 926-3368 • hampton.lib.nh.us thecreativefeast.com

(see story on page 86.)

July 18

Robert Jensen Floral Design Presentation

Come and watch professional floral designer Robert Jensen interpret a painting or sculpture from the current exhibit. Learn how to select materials and containers and create style, shape and color. Advance registration requested. 11 a.m.–noon. Admission is $15; $5 for The Fells members.

Photography by john w. hession

Tour eight private gardens to see ocean views, ornamental trees and shrubs, native plants, woodlands, raised beds, stone work, historical homes and more.

Proceeds benefit the Friends of Fort Williams Park, a nonprofit organization whose Ecology Project controls damaging invasive plants and establishes sustainable plant communities at the park.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine fortwilliams.org/2019-garden-tour

august August 3-4

Basketmaking: Adirondack Pack Basket

Create your own pack basket patterned from the traditional Adirondack ash pack baskets, one of the region’s most recognized basketry forms. These versatile baskets were used to carry just about everything the guides, hunters and trappers took with them into the woods. At 16 inches high by 8½ inches deep and 11 inches wide, the Sightseer pack is a great size for teens and adults. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. both days. $150.

Sanborn Mills Farm • 7097 Sanborn Road in Loudon (603) 435-7314 • sanbornmills.org

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair

Art in Bloom

Robert Jensen displays his floral interpretation of two dove paintings at The Fells with Executive Director Susan Warren (center) and Nell Leach, a volunteer who heads the Art in Bloom event.

The Fells • 456 Route 103A in Newbury • (603) 763-4789 • thefells.org 100 | New Hampshire Home

Cape Elizabeth Garden Tour

August 3–11

July 18–21

Experience the art of The Fells’ current gallery exhibit Bringing the Outside In through the eyes of talented local floral designers.

See how they interpret the painted canvas through innovative floral designs—from a single stem set in the perfect vase to an elaborate arrangement. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

July 20

The eighty-sixth annual fair features select, handmade crafts by more than three hundred craftspeople, including clay artist Sheilagh Flynn (see page 92).

The fair also includes daily craft demonstrations; specialized workshops; and the Living with Craft Exhibition, where the crafts are exhibited in home vignettes. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., daily.

Mount Sunapee Resort • 1398 Route 103 in Newbury • (603) 224-3375 • nhcrafts.org

july/august 2019

August 11

MacDowell Colony Medal Day

The sixtieth Edward MacDowell medal is scheduled to be awarded to visual artist Charles Gaines.

Gaines is an American whose work interrogates the discourse of aesthetics, politics and philosophy.

Taking the form of drawings, photographic series and video installations, the work consistently involves the use of systems, predominantly in the form of the grid, often in combination with photography. The award is presented as a part of the Medal Day Celebrations in a public ceremony beginning at 12:15 p.m. Afterward, visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch and music followed by open tours of MacDowell residents’ studios, which run 2–5 p.m.

MacDowell Colony Grounds • 100 High Street in Peterborough • (603) 924-3886 macdowellcolony.org

OPENING MAY 1ST! Horticulture Learning Center at Strawbery Banke Museum

Planting the Seeds of Learning Program Series: May 18, Urban Gardening June 15, Fermentation July, Herbalism August 3, Permaculture Gardening Techniques August 24, Cooking with Heirlooms Made possible with help from the Thompson Fund & Putnam Foundation.

For more information: StrawberyBanke.org Open 7 days, 10 am to 5 pm May 1 - October 31.

14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth NH 03801

August 24–25

Annual Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival

Celebrating its fortieth year, the Annual Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is an outdoor, juried arts and crafts exhibition and sale of fine arts and crafts. Featuring high-quality works of more than eighty artists and craftspeople, the festival is held outdoors in Meredith, among the Meredith Village Shops and the Mill Falls Marketplace.

SBMMayJun2019.indd 312 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith meredithareachamber.com/artfest.php

1

3/22/2019 10:46:38 AM

ongoing

Medieval to Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar

The exhibition covers the guitar’s history beginning in the Middle Ages with European and Asian instruments such as the oud and lute, and going through to the guitar’s position as a key accompaniment for traveling performers—its pivotal role in blues, country western music, and rock ‘n roll. Experience the artistry, history, design and cultural influence of the guitar; forty distinct instruments that showcase the rare and antique to the wildly popular and innovative; and dozens of photographs and illustrations that depict significant musicians and instruments of the last century. On view through September 22.

Currier Museum of Art • 150 Ash Street in Manchester • (603) 669-6144 • currier.org

NHHBA.com

NAHB.org

When you see these logos,

you will know why our member businesses proudly display them: q UPDATES TO CONSUMERS on building, remodeling & maintaining homes q A SEARCHABLE DIRECTORY of our many qualified members q An annual STATE HOME SHOW q HAMMERS FOR VETERANS provides construction related services to eligible NH veterans and their families q ADVOCACY for the industry and your local communities q TRAINING & EDUCATION to building professionals

nhhomemagazine.com

New Hampshire Home | 101

mark your calendar!

Zimmerman House Tours

Music Nights at Castle in the Clouds

The Zimmerman House, left by the family to the Currier Museum of Art in 1988, was designed and decorated by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

A uniquely realized version of Wright’s Usonian design principles, the house features the Zimmermans’ collection of pottery, sculpture and Japanese art, and is set to the style of the 1950s-’60s. The home can be toured by the public; see the Currier’s website for times and dates.

Currier Museum of Art • 150 Ash Street in Manchester • (603) 669-6144 • currier.org

Photography by John W. Hession

July 1—AUGUST 22, Mondays and Thursdays

After a visit to the historic Castle in the Clouds—the Arts and Crafts mountaintop estate built in 1913 in the Ossipee Mountains—enjoy dinner and live music as you watch the sun set over Lake Winnipesaukee from the beautiful outdoor terrace of the carriage house. Music Nights are by held on Mondays and Thursdays, and there is $10 perperson cover charge. Visit the website for schedule of performers. 5:30–8 p.m. Reservations required.

Castle in the Clouds • Route 171, 455 Old Mountain Road in Moultonborough (603) 476-5900 • castleintheclouds.org

Reality, Abstraction, and the Artist’s Eye: New England Watercolor Society Regional Exhibition This juried exhibition features an array of sixty colorful and dynamic watercolors, including landscape elements from rural to urban, undiscovered and unexplored moments in the region, and subjects that represent what it is to experience New England. The New England Watercolor Society’s history dates back to 1885, when it held its first exhibition in Boston with F. Childe Hassam and John Singer Sargent as two of the twenty-seven charter members. Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. On view through October 13.

Governor John Langdon House • 143 Pleasant Street in Portsmouth • (603) 436-3205 historicnewengland.org

The New England Landscape: Works from the 19th–21st Centuries

This exhibit and sale features paintings spanning more than two hundred years of artists’ interpretations of the timeless and iconic views unique to New England.

From fields and forests to lakes and mountains, this region has long been an inspiration to painters, poets and artists of all kinds. Featured artists include William Sonntag, Willard Leroy Metcalf, Robert Vonnoh, Aldro Hibbard, Henry Ward Ranger, Ben Foster, Eric Sloane, William Hart, William Jurian Kaula, Paul Sample, Frank Vincent Dumond and William Preston Phelps. Also included are contemporary New England artists Erik Koeppel, Dave Dodge and William Davis. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. On view through September 10.

New Hampshire Antique Co-op • 323 Elm Street in Milford • (603) 673-8499 • nhantiquecoop.com

Walking Tours of Portsmouth

Portsmouth Historical Society offers four walking tours through October: daily Historic Downtown Tour; Historic Preservation Tour with local historian Richard M. Candee, author of Building Portsmouth; and Portsmouth Women featuring the untold stories of preachers, artists, authors, tavern keepers and madams who defied stereotypes and shaped Portsmouth.

Discover Portsmouth • 10 Middle Street in Portsmouth • (603) 436-8433 portsmouthhistory.org

A STORY OF AMERICA, ONE SONG AT A TIME.

Join NHPBS for a preview screening with Ken Burns

August 14 SPONSORED BY

The Colonial Theatre | Keene nhpbs.org/events

Funding for Country Music was provided by Bank of America, the Annenberg Foundation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Belmont University, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Rosalind P. Walter and by members of ‘The Better Angels Society,’ including: The Blavatnik Family Foundation, the Schwartz/ Reisman Foundation, the Pfeil Foundation, Diane and Hal Brierley, John and Catherine Debs, the Fullerton Family Charitable Fund, the Perry and Donna Golkin Family Foundation, Jay Alix and Una Jackman, Mercedes T. Bass, Fred and Donna Seigel, Gilchrist and Amy Berg, James R. Berdell Foundation, David Bonderman, Deborah P. and Jonathan T. Dawson, Senator Bill and Tracy Frist, Susan and David Kreisman, Rocco and Debby Landesman, Lillian Lovelace, John and Leslie McQuown, Mindy’s Hope Foundation, the Segal Family Foundation, Michelle Smith. Major funding was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS.

102 | New Hampshire Home

TOGETHER WE Celebrate july/august 2019

Advertisers’ index Wind, Waves & Light: Art in Motion by George Sherwood

This unconventional exhibition features large-scale, stainless-steel sculptures that move and change with the wind. View the sculptures and learn more about their connections to art, science, and nature. An artist and engineer, George Sherwood creates kinetic sculptures that evoke shimmering leaves, flocks of birds, schools of fish, and waves of light and water.

The choreography of each piece is governed by a set of basic movements, facilitated by an arrangement of aerodynamic surfaces connected by rotational points.

Wind speed and direction, shades of light, time of day, precipitation, and seasonal color transform the qualities of light and movement of the sculpture. On view through October 14.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden • 11 French Drive in Boylston, Massachusetts • (508) 869-6111 towerhillbg.org

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.

the

6 2 nd

3W Design, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Bedford Village Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Belletetes Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 98 Bonin Architects & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 98 Cedar Crest Cabinetry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Christopher P. Williams, Architects. . . inside back cover Crown Point Cabinetry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, back cover db Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Derek Marshall Sculptural Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 DeStefano Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover Ethan Allen Home Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ferguson Plumbing Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Frank Webb Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Fred E. Varney Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Home Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Ideal Concrete Block Company, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 James Brewer Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 99 Kennebunk Savings Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Lake Life Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Lakeport Landing Marina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Landforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Landshapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 League of NH Craftsmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Liberty Hill Construction, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 98 Marcus Gleysteen Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 McGray & Nichols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Mill City Slabworks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 NanaWall Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

a n n ua l

New Hampshire Antiques Show

New Hampshire Home Builders Association. . . . . . . 101 NH Antiques Dealers Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 NH Custom Builder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 NHPBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Northcape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Not Just Kitchens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Old Hampshire Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 80 Pellettieri Associates, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Piscataqua Landscaping Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 98 Ponders Hollow Custom Molding & Flooring. . . 10, 99 Ridgelight Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Rockingham Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Samyn D’Elia Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Seasonal Specialty Stores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Secondwind Water Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Scully Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Soake Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Standard of New England, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Stephens Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Strawbery Banke Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Superior Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 The Lighting Showroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 TMS Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Tom Murdough Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Triad Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Vintage Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Watermark Marine Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Wentworth Greenhouses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Winchendon Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 98

AUGUST 8 - 10, 2019 Thursday & Friday, 10am - 7pm Saturday, 10am - 4pm DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly Manchester Downtown Hotel) 700 Elm Street 603.625.1000

Sponsored by the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association

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New Hampshire Home | 103

at home in new hampshire

Sweet Summer Berries

A

s a forager from a long line of foragers, nothing pleases me more than finding wild

A ripe raspberry will, with the gentlest

Brought blueberry pie. Pie made from the

touch, fall into your hand.

berries we picked on the power lines in

When we bought our house in

Salisbury. We weren’t the only ones.

berries. I will scale a small mountain

Northwood in 1978, I planted raspber-

Often another car or two would be

for low-bush blueberries that ripen in

ries. What bliss to step out the back

parked beside the road. You couldn’t

high summer just short of the peak.

door and pick some for breakfast.

see the other pickers, the bushes were

Sometimes abandoned

too thick, but you could

roads pass a woodlot, clear-

hear them moving, talking.

cut years before, overrun

We measured our haul

by blackberries. Wear long

by the “bottoms full.”

sleeves and long pants.

When the floor of the

Don’t forget your bucket.

bucket is covered, that’s

My daughter was

the first bottom full, with

grown before she realized

more to follow—one after

“chuckaberries” were actu-

another. What a disaster

ally “checkerberries.” I’m

when a child trips, the

an “r” dropper, from a long

bucket tips and the berries

line of “r” droppers. Tasting

spill. It’s impossible to pick

of wintergreen and chalk,

them all up once they’ve

checkerberries appear just after snow

Gradually the wild blackberries choked

fallen. A scattering on the trail marks

melts, nested in small, dark leaves.

the raspberries out. Eventually, they

the loss.

Evidently, these berries live under the

too stopped producing, so I mowed

snow, so they are both the first and last

them all down. Some years, I managed

bush and pick it clean. Dad explored,

of the edibles.

to grow strawberries, although some-

searching for the perfect bush. Once

thing in our soil doesn’t like strawber-

he found the ground all torn up. “Wild

avoid. A dark one on a tall, pale stem,

ries and the yield was meager, nibbled

boar,” he said. I kept my eyeballs

“That’ll kill you,” Dad said. A blue-

by snakes and chipmunks.

peeled and my ears open in case it

As a child, I learned which berries to

black cluster like a seed head looked

At Grampa Barker’s place, wild

Ma would stop at the first good

came back.

tempting, but was not for eating.

strawberries came where he threw ashes

Baneberries—white with red stems—

from his woodstove. I’d plunk myself

company sprayed the power lines and

look poisonous. And are. Puckaberries,

down in the stubby grass and eat while

killed all bushes. They never grew back.

also called chokecherries, won’t make

the grownups visited. Tiny berries, no

you sick, but they will make you

bigger than the tip of a toddler’s pinky,

seasons, “winter” and “not winter.”

pucker.

they stained my hands.

But time can also be marked by the

Among the first things my folks

Grammie Stewart kept a diary, spare

Then came the year the electric

Some say New Hampshire has two

sequence of ripening—checkerberry

did when they bought their house in

and to the point. How strange to find

followed by strawberry, raspberry, blue-

Boscawen in 1957 was plant raspber-

myself in those pages. August 1, 1965 —

berry, blackberry, then checkerberry

ries. In my earliest memories, the

Jean & Bud & children called, referring

once again—the sweetest way to mea-

bushes are laden and I’m reaching up.

to my parents, my brother and me.

sure the passing of a year, of a life.

NHH

By Rebecca Rule | Illustration by Carolyn Vibbert 104 | New Hampshire Home

july/august 2019

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