Awaken™ is the first skylight to open on all four sides, refreshing spaces faster. And in addition to the largest daylight opening in its category, this is the only skylight to extend daytime hours with built-in, tunable lighting. Inspired to harness light and air, Awaken helps create healthier, happier spaces.
Let a Marvin expert at Belletetes explain why it’s time to reconsider the skylight.
Nickolas Sargent of DBA Sargent Photography
THE GREEN ISSUE
48 Picture Perfect
A comprehensive renovation revives a
By Jennifer Sperry / Photography by Jared Kuzia
58 Balancing Act
Amherst
Thoughtful design meets high performance in an award-winning home.
By Lisa Cavanaugh / Photography by Ridgelight Studio
70 Simple Pleasures
This minimalistic, energy-efficient house prioritizes family over frills.
By Janice Randall Rohlf / Photography by John W. Hession
Rob Karosis Photography
Compiled by Amanda Andrews
By Mary Ann Esposito
Photography by John W. Hession
§
§
Everything you expect and so much more.
With thousands of products from Kohler, House of Rohl, BainUltra and many other world-class brands, our showroom associates will help you find the perfect selections for your home.
17
VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Ernesto Burden
EDITOR
Janice Randall Rohlf
ART DIRECTOR
John R. Goodwin
PHOTO EDITOR
John W. Hession
PROOFREADER/STAFF WRITER Amanda Andrews
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR
Jodie Hall
SENIOR GRAPHIC PRODUCTION ARTIST Nicole Huot
CONTRIBUTORS
Lisa Cavanaugh, Mary Ann Esposito, George Gray, Crystal Ward Kent, Jared Kuzia, Ridgelight Studio, Annie Sherman, Jennifer Sperry
New Hampshire Home is published six times a year by Yankee Publishing, Inc.; 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014, 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. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Yankee Publishing, Inc.: New Hampshire Home disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors.
New Hampshire Home is mailed to our subscribers six times a year and is available at more than 200 newsstands across the state and New England, including the following locations: Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Hannaford, Market Basket, CVS Pharmacy, Shaw’s and Walmart
HOW TO CONTACT US
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE
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EVENTS CALENDAR & HOME SUBMISSIONS
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE
To submit industry events and home-related news, send an email to editor Janice Randall Rohlf at janicerohlfnhh@gmail.com with a basic description of the event or happening, its time, date, place and a phone number that the editors can call you for more information. Details should be submitted 3 months before the issue’s cover date.
To submit your home or design project, or to suggest a story idea for editorial consideration in New Hampshire Home, email janicerohlfnhh@gmail.com.
PRINT ADVERTISING
New Hampshire Home offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach New Hampshire’s upscale consumers of home products and services. Information about advertising in the print editions and online is available by contacting Jessica Schooley. 603-624-1442 ext. 5143 • 603-345-2752
Crafting Dreams into Reality
Green, Glorious Green!
I’D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION that the first day of spring be celebrated with as much fanfare as the Hallmark holidays we’re brainwashed into thinking are important. Landing on March 20, the vernal equinox occurs following the longest stretch of dispiriting weather all year, at least that’s the case in New England. Even if you love snow (I do) and are passionate about skiing (I am), by the third month of the year, it’s time for a change, time to celebrate what’s fresh and new — and green!
In this issue, we tip our hats to design professionals who promote green living, either literally —landscapers and gardeners — or figuratively, as in ecologically minded architects and builders. Often, they come as a package since, logically, if you build a sustainable house, you want the land it’s perched on to be treated with environmental sensitivity as well.
“The most sustainable way to build, is to build well once,” Amanda Weglinski of Bensonwood Design Group said to me when I interviewed her for the story “Simple Pleasures,” on page 70. This rallying cry, echoed by others in the green building community, sums up the importance of sustainable building practices in just a few words. Bensonwood’s clients for the house in Hanover, longtime proponents of a no-waste lifestyle, were attracted to the panelized construction Bensonwood offers.
Also eager to minimize their house’s carbon footprint, Mark Barer and Shanna Shulman built a vacation home on Lake Waukewan enlisting A-W Architects, HausWorks, specialists in energy-efficient building projects, and Ecocor, which makes prefabricated passive house panels for custom designs. Disturbing nature as little as possible was important to them. “Living here is like being in the trees,” says Barer. “When we started, we knew we didn’t want to dominate nature but wanted to live with it in a harmonious way.”
In Chesterfield, Robin and Larry Turnbaugh know all about being good custodians of the land, specifically their three-acre property on a bluff looking east over Spofford Lake toward Mount Monadnock. Guided by garden designer Gordon Hayward, the couple has turned their land into a variety of garden “rooms,” using native plants as much as possible.
On the Turnbaugh’s property, there is outdoor interest in all four seasons, but, like a lot of us, the Turnbaughs eagerly await the arrival of spring. “It really is my favorite time of year,” says Robin. We couldn’t agree more!
Janice Randall Rohlf Editor
Lisa Cavanaugh is a freelance writer and editor for several lifestyle magazines. For this issue, she wrote the feature story “Balancing Act,” ab out an award-winning home in the Lakes Region.
Jared Kuzia resides in Boston with his family. He travels nationwide shooting for esteemed architects and designers, and his work appears regularly in regional and national publications. For this issue, Kuzia shot the photos for “Picture Perfect.”
Jennifer Sperry
With over 20 years of experience in publishing, Jennifer has worked as both an editor and writer at a variety of luxury magazines. Her specialty is writing about architecturally significant homes, their owners and the designers who create them. In this issue, Jennifer wrote the feature story “Picture Perfect.”
John W. Hession is an accomplished photographer and filmmaker specializing in architecture, design and fo od, and is New Hampshire Home’s photo editor. His photos appear extensively throughout this issue.
JANICE’S
you’re invited.
THE VENUES AT THE FACTORY ON WILLOW APRIL 17TH
Join us for the design event of the year. An elegant soirée saluting New Hampshire’s very best residential architects, designers and builders.
Join New Hampshire Home as we celebrate outstanding design excellence at the Design Awards Gala! Mingle with top designers and industry professionals while enjoying a night of networking, lively cocktails, entertainment, and delicious cuisine. Don’t miss this inspiring evening dedicated to the best in design!
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 • 5–8 P.M. THE VENUES AT THE FACTORY • MANCHESTER
Don’t miss out. Register for this event today: nhhomemagazine.com/design-awards
Dan Anderson Anderson Porter Design Marc Mazzarelli Marc Mazzarelli Associates Barbara Vail
Barbara Vail Design
Sun Bathing
Embrace spring by taking life outdoors, in the garden or on the patio.
Compiled by Amanda Andrews
Somerly Klismos outdoor dining chair Ethan Allen in Bedford ethanallen.com
Tall Bamboo LED grow light garden Gardener’s Supply Company in Burlington, Vt. gardeners.com
Raeburn 1-light outdoor wall lantern The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric in Newington & Claremont shop.rockinghamlightingcenter.com
Whimsical, sculptural garden tub Soake Pools in Pembroke soakepools.com
PHOTOS BY JOHN W. HESSION
DESIGN BY ZERO TEN DESIGN
A customer favorite, the mixed appetizer platter includes tabouli, Mediterranean salsa, babagannush and haydari.
A Mosaic of Turkish Flavors
It is often said that if you want to understand a people’s culture, start by experiencing their native cuisine.
IT WOULD BE WRONG to characterize the food of Turkey as a cuisine based on a few staple ingredients. In the port city of Kusadasi, which I visited some years ago, I headed straight for the outdoor food markets and was greeted by vendors offering me a cup of apple tea; this, I later learned, was a sign of Turkish hospitality. A long discussion then ensued about the market display of an endless variety of spices, like the ubiquitous red pepper flakes, sumac, cumin, za’atar, saffron, bay leaves and allspice, which are all hallmarks of Turkish cooking. I sampled cheeses, hummus, olives and yes, Turkish Delight! Each taste delivered a little history lesson about the foods and the culture surrounding them. If a trip to Turkey is not in your plans,
you can head over to Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant, located in an old train station in Somersworth, where Ali Kalem, owner and executive chef, will introduce you to classic Turkish home cooking.
Ali, who was born in Adana in southeast Turkey, is a warm and consummate host with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality business. His passion for sharing the uniqueness of Turkish food is evident in every dish he cooks, and it is a memorable experience for guests to enjoy the many regional variations that he presents.
Ali says that his cooking reflects all that Turkish cuisine is claimed to be — one of the world’s healthiest diets, based on olive oil, spices, seasonings and
By Mary Ann Esposito / Photography by John W. Hession
Head Chef Yunus Erogul, left, with Ali Kalem, owner/executive chef
Kofte Kabob
SERVES 4 TO 6
Kofte refers to a ground meat dish, usually lamb, that is shaped into patties, balls or ovals. It is one of the most common Turkish dishes. The combination of herbs and spices adds a distinct flavor profile to the dish, reflecting culinary traditions.
FOR THE MEAT:
1 small onion, minced
1 small bunch parsley
1½ pounds ground lamb
1½ teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1. Use a mini-chopper or food processor with the steel blade and process the onions and parsley until well minced. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Add the meat, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin and oregano and mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Sauté a sp oonful of the meat mixture in a small pan to test the seasoning and adjust to taste.
4. Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs or patties. Grill, bake or fry them and serve with garlic yogurt sauce.
GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE:
2 pounds plain yogurt
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teasp oon dried oregano
1 teasp oon pureed garlic
Salt to taste
1. Combine the yogurt, olive oil, oregano and garlic puree in a bowl.
2. Whisk the ingredients until well combined. Add salt to taste.
Hummus
SERVES 4 TO 6
Hummus is considered a staple dish within the broader Middle Eastern culinary tradition and widely consumed in Turkey as part of the meze (appetizer platter), which reflects the region’s shared history and cultural influences. It is often served with fresh lavash bread, showcasing its importance in everyday Turkish meals.
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and well drained
Juice of 1 large lemon
¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
2 to 3 tablespoons cold water, if necessary
1. In a food processor, puree the chickpeas with the lemon juice and tahini paste until well blended.
2. Add the olive oil, minced garlic and cumin and process for 30 seconds.
3. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and then process for another 30 seconds or until well blended and the mixture is smooth. If the hummus seems too thick, add water as necessary.
legumes like chickpeas for making such popular dishes as hummus and falafel. Meat kebabs (lamb, beef and chicken) are hallmark dishes. Visit on Thursday nights, when belly dancing sets the mood even before your first bite.
Mary Ann Esposito [MAE]: How was Turkish cuisine embraced when you opened Anatolia?
Ali Kalem [AK] : Turkish cuisine is one of those specific foods that is globally accepted due to its rich culinary tradition rooted in the Ottoman Empire and blended with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and central Asian cultures. We knew Somersworth was a great location because the city has such cultural diversity, and the community enthusiastically welcomed Anatolia.
MAE: What are some of the key ingredients that define Turkish cooking?
AK: Frequently used ingredients in Turkish specialties include lamb, chicken, beef, fish, rice, eggplant, green peppers, onions, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, beans, zucchini, chickpeas, tomatoes, herbs and spices.
MAE: What are customers most surprised by when they come to the restaurant?
AK: The lavash bread is one of the most popular items on the menu that most people find interesting. And the fact that we are in the third-oldest building in Somersworth, which originally was a train station and still maintains a station ambience, also comes as a bit of a surprise.
MAE: Does your cooking focus on classic homestyle dishes or a combination of homestyle and nontraditional dishes?
AK: I was trained by my mom and my grandmother. Our cooking is 100% homestyle dishes.
MAE: What is the most requested dish?
AK: Adana Lamb Kebab and Kofte Lamb Kebab are the most requested items on the menu. As an appetizer, the lavash bread and the mixed appetizer platter are huge sellers! NHH
me guide you through the
Lake Sunapee Region and
www.belletetes.com
INFORM
Nestled into the hillside, overlooking Newfound Lake in Hebron, The Kelby Boutique Motel embraces a simple Nordic vibe.
Scandinavian Solace
At the foot of the White Mountains, a freshly re-envisioned motel offers the comfortable feeling of home.
YOU DON’T OFTEN SEE shearling rugs in a hotel room. Or a lofted bedroom reached by a ladder. A cozy Norwegian-inspired kaffe is pretty rare too, especially one with a vintage velvet couch, board games, organic teas and books to snuggle up with on a cold winter morning.
The myriad moments like these at The Kelby Boutique Motel make you realize this is not a typical accommodation. Nestled into the hillside overlooking Newfound Lake in Hebron, the completely remodeled motel embraces a simple Nordic vibe with a feeling of contentment and coziness in simple pleasures.
The result is a serene home away from home, where natural-fiber materials in neutral tones like honeycomb are accented by bolder hues like persimmon and peppercorn, and where low lighting and low-tech spaces allow you to unplug and truly relax.
“This doesn’t feel like a motel. It feels like the kind of place where you want to have a coffee and stay a while,” says co-owner Anna Hattendorf, who has two art degrees, worked in restoration and taught art and design. “Having a chance to bring my design background here was exciting and personal,” says Hattendorf. Her modern, Scandi-sleek style embraces simple, clean lines and a neutral palette.
She and her husband, Frank Doyle, who manages food and beverage service at nearby Tenney Mountain, are former restaurateurs who bought, renovated and now manage this motel and property. You might catch a glimpse of their three young children on the grounds.
The property had previously been reborn eight times during its near century of life, including as the Whip-O-Whil Motel, in the 1950s, and The Blue Moon Motel, in 2013. That legacy and its natural environment influenced the couple’s name choice
By Annie Sherman | Photography by George Gray Architecture & Design Photography
“This
doesn’t feel like a motel. It feels like the kind of place where you want to have a coffee and stay a while,” says The Kelby’s co-owner Anna Hattendorf about the public gathering spaces, above and right.
and design preferences, Anna says.
Kelby, a Gaelic and Norse term that means “dwelling by the spring,” marries the Doyles’ lineage — Frank is Irish and Anna is half Swedish — to Newfound Lake’s seven natural springs. During construction, they salvaged boulders and rocks from the property’s 19.5 acres to use in hardscaping the front patio and rear parking areas.
Instead of large televisions and bulky furnishings in the rooms, streamlined settees and kitchenettes optimize guests’ comfort. Rattan platform beds, organic cotton linens and cowhides lend a feeling of rustic luxury, while wooden benches, satin black faucets and clothes hooks, and industrial pipes provide organizational structure. As for the art selections, they are reminiscent of the past while nodding to the future. The Blue Moon Motel signs and vintage snowshoes adorning the walls blend with works from artists like Howard Newman and Chris Wyllie, who exhibit at the Smithsonian and Whitney museums.
Cicely Beston Interior Designs, LLC 468 Main Street, New London, NH | 603-526-2657 cicely@cbeston.com | www.cbestoninteriordesigns.com Designing a life well lived.
Art comes in all forms, including vintage snowshoes and cowhides that bring the mountain vibe inside.
The motel’s public spaces, a café and shop, offer sheepskin rugs and a cozy velvet couch, the tastiest hot cocoa, and darling books, board games and décor to take home as a vacation memento. Meanwhile, each of the 10 rooms has a private patio with waterview seats, so this year-round retreat is poised to usher in its own respiteseeking generation of guests.
“I wanted this space to be cozy, comfortable, minimal and to have roots in Nordic style, but a little different, with a pop of color on the door, an accent pillow or blanket,” says Anna. “Relax and refresh is the whole idea here; get away and unplug. That’s why there aren’t TVs everywhere. It’s meant to be quiet, and the style embodies that.” NHH
For more information, visit thekelby.com.
Climb up the ladder to the lofted space above the bedroom and snuggle into its private sanctuary.
A kitchenette in each suite allows guests to prepare their own quick breakfast or snack before heading out to enjoy the area’s activities.
Picture Perfect
Without adding to the historic home's footprint, a fully modernized kitchen with cathedral ceiling and dining area was created. Glassed cabinets double as built-in hutches.
Pink and brass accents elevate the white, bright space.
New Hampshire Home
A comprehensive renovation revives a 19th-century Amherst home.
BY JENNIFER SPERRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED KUZIA
After owning homes in New Hampshire and Greater Boston over the years, as well as seasonal homes in a variety of locales, Dan and Leslie decided it was time to find their forever property. The emerging empty-nesters began to house-hunt in New Hampshire, drawn back to the area where they married in 1992 and started a family.
They found a circa-1844 home in Amherst that checked many desired boxes: Greek Revival architecture, modest in size and located in a village environment, complete with church bells sounding on the hour. They wanted to wave hello to neighbors. They wanted a white picket fence.
The house itself — well known to Amherst natives — was largely unchanged by previous owners and, as a result, big on charm but antiquated in amenities. An ell connected the main house to a barn off the back. “You could look between the wooden floorboards and see the dirt underneath,” recalls Dan of the main living spaces. But even with all these quirks, he and Leslie recognized its potential.
“We had renovated many different homes over the years and were not intimidated by the process,” continues Dan, who has been a business owner in New Hampshire for 35 years and took an active role in the design and construction process. The couple bought the Amherst house sight-unseen during the pandemic and never looked back.
They turned to Patrick Ahearn, a favorite architect of theirs from trips to the Cape and Islands, to transform the humble home into a comfortable, modernized retreat while maintaining 19th-century integrity. “It was really important to us that the renovation be historically accurate, and that is what Patrick specializes in,” relays the owner.
Ahearn reimagined the home’s backstory without adding to its footprint, capturing the barn as usable living space. “This arrangement gives a sense of implied history, that the sections were added over time,” explains the architect. Rounding out the site plan is a new freestanding carriage house with garage below and living space above. Its period detailing matches the house and makes it look like it has always been there.
Above and opposite page: “In the front living room, we ordered the hand-knotted woolen silk rug from Landry & Arcari first; it informed all the other textiles,” says interior designer Amanda Reid, adding that the gilded pendant light is from Visual Comfort.
One of two formal gathering spaces in the home's historic front section, the library is elegantly attired with period-inspired millwork. Its inviting sitting area, upholstered in luxurious velvets, is a favorite spot for morning coffee.
Amherst-based contractor NH Custom Builders executed the extensive renovation. Co-owners Dave Hanlon and Steve Desmarais and their local crew started by raising up the structure and pouring a new foundation, a tricky proposition on the narrow lot. A granite veneer makes the new concrete foundation look original. All elevations remained the same.
Outside, the home was rebuilt meticulously to maintain a historic feel. “We pulled off all the exterior trim, measured each piece, and recreated the facade as if we were doing a pure restoration,” describes Hanlon. “Everything you see is brand new but true to what was there before.” Operable wooden shutters, wood-clad Pella windows, and a cedar shingle roof contribute to the new-old home narrative. Exterior Bevolo gas lanterns add a flourish of authenticity.
Inside, historic replication was not required, allowing designer Amanda Reid, founder of Boston-based Mandarina Studio, creative license to go beyond the constructs of “country” to achieve an elevated look. Leslie saw Reid on an episode of “This Old House” and followed her on Instagram for years — her loyalty to Reid paid off once she had her own old home to furnish.
“We didn’t want any room to be untouchable,” notes Dan. “We wanted a very livable house with a nice design, and Amanda quickly became a pivotal part of the renovation.”
“They desired an elegant look while keeping the choices suited to the smaller scale of the rooms,” explains Reid, who worked as a designer in New York City before launching her own Boston-based firm in 2009. “The finished look is a mix of styles with both traditional elements and contemporary pieces.”
Layout-wise, the front of the home has two elegantly appointed rooms: a sitting room and a library. They share a double-sided gas fireplace and are favorite destinations for morning coffee with the rising sun streaming in.
At the center of the long, meandering Greek Revival, in place of the old ell, there is a new kitchen, mudroom and pantry/built-in bar. Without any living space above, Ahearn was able to give the kitchen and its adjoining dining area a cathedral ceiling with intricate millwork. A shed dormer over the side farmer’s porch brings in additional natural light.
For this functional space, Dan and Leslie opted for custom cabinets by New Hampshire-based Crown Point Cabinetry — their white finish contributes to the bright, spacious feel. Paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer units blend seamlessly with the painted woodwork, while glass-front cabinets double as built-in hutches for dishware and china. Both the counter stools and dining chairs, all from furnishings company Palecek, boast easy-to-clean white, vinyl upholstery.
Meanwhile, a La Cornue range and hood from France (with custom finish and brass accents) and twin bubble chandeliers
Opposite page and top: Earthy tones, like the taupe Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wall treatment, make the rear living room feel cozy yet elevated.
Above: Muted purples and crisp white woodwork create a soothing atmosphere in the primary suite. Galbraith & Paul linen window treatments add extra polish.
Above: Historically appropriate exterior details include gas lanterns, operable wood shutters and a cobblestone-lined, pea stone driveway.
Opposite page: The formerly humble circa-1844 Greek Revival home was transformed into a comfortable, modernized retreat while maintaining 19th-century integrity.
from Visual Comfort act as “jewelry for the space,” notes Reid. “I always think of light fixtures and hardware as ways to make a statement,” she adds.
At the back of the home, inside what was once an unheated barn, is a family room topped by the couple’s primary suite. “This gathering space is comfortable but still chic. The taupe grasscloth wall covering by Phillip Jeffries feels cozy yet elevated,“ observes Reid. Chairs in a mini leopard pattern Schumacher print swivel toward the wall-mounted TV or toward the sectional, upholstered in a Schumacher performance velvet.
Outside, the finished landscape is key to the renovation’s successful new-old narrative. In keeping with their goal to hire as much local talent as possible, Dan and Leslie turned to Chuck Simpson of Dublin-based Simpson Landscape Company to deliver gardens overflowing with charm.
“I grew up in Amherst and know the property well; I used to play around there and even helped plant crab apple trees on the nearby median. I felt a personal connection to this project,” relates Simpson.
The design is more formal in front, with upright boxwoods and roses climbing over the white split-rail fence. A mixed border of hyssop, hydrangea, daylily and white phlox lines the drive. To the rear is a brick patio, where Dan and Leslie love to sit and listen to the sounds of kids playing at the nearby elementary school. LED lights line the brick
walkways and uplight a sculptural yew.
Window boxes and containers, changed seasonally by window box maestro Heather Pierce, contribute to the exterior’s picturepostcard appearance. Custom irrigation, piped through the house, waters the boxes, with valves adjusting the flow. Simpson and Hanlon collaborated to make this chore-saving feature happen while allowing the landscaper to clear the lines come fall.
The two-year project’s success is due in large part to
every team member’s attention to detail and ability to collaborate. There were challenges, from historic district codes to respecting neighbors, but everyone persevered with historic appropriateness as their end goal.
Now, when Dan takes Gumbo, their two-year-old English golden retriever, out to get the mail, he inevitably meets someone with nice things to say about the transformation. He and Leslie turned a vision into their forever home. NHH
PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECT: Patrick Ahearn Architect • 617-266-1710 • patrickahearn.com
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Mandarina Interior Design Studio • 917-796-5852 MandarinaStudio.net
CUSTOM CABINETRY: Crown Point Cabinetry • 800-999-4994 crown-point.com
Thoughtful design meets high performance in an award-winning home in the picturesque Lakes Region.
BY LISA CAVANAUGH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIDGELIGHT STUDIO
Nestled in the woods next to Lake Waukewan, this contemporary vacation home is constructed from prefabricated passive house panels. The owner describes it as "a very simple, clean, modern box, with a little bit of a Scandinavian influence."
Keeping an enduring connection to nature was the motivation for Mark Barer and Shanna Shulman as they planned a vacation home for their thickly wooded lot on Lake Waukewan. “We wanted to feel like we were in the midst of a forest,” says Barer, “and in harmony with the environment.”
The married couple, who live in the Boston area when they are not enjoying their spectacular views in New Hampshire, also wanted to create as small a footprint as possible without cutting down too many trees and to embrace passive home
functionality. “We didn't want to use any fossil fuels; we wanted to be 100% electric,” says Barer. They also desired all-natural materials that would reflect the forested setting. “It is a very simple, clean, modern box, with a little bit of a Scandinavian influence.”
To achieve their goals, the couple turned first to architect Alex Anmahian of A-W Architects in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “I was working on coming up with the most cost-effective approach for these clients, who are very interested in design, when I came across a company called Ecocor from Maine,”
Above: Floor-to-ceiling windows help bring the outside in. The effect is like living in the trees. Opposite page: An extended exterior walkway is a bridge from the main home to all-important outdoor living spaces.
Top and above: Practical and beautiful outdoor areas, including a deck for dining and a shower, help extend the main house's living space.
Opposite page: An enclosed porch on one side of the deck allows the family to enjoy living near nature year-round.
explains Anmahian. “They make prefabricated passive house panels for custom designs. They basically build the building on a computer.”
Realizing that Ecocor could work directly from his schematic design without needing additional fabrication drawings, Anmahian proceeded to plan the ideal structure for Barer and Shulman. “I embraced their details and incorporated them into the design immediately,” he adds. “I told them this is an experimental process, but we are all in it together.”
Joining the adventurous team was Mike Ianello, owner of HausWorks, an award-winning general contracting and construction management firm located on the New Hampshire seacoast. HausWorks specializes in energy-efficient building
projects, so the Barer-Shulman home was right in Ianello’s wheelhouse. “I have a passion for the performance aspect of a house,” he says. “The goal is reducing utility costs, even reaching net zero or net positive energy, while keeping the aesthetic of the design.”
“The whole structure was built with the Ecocor panels, which is very nontraditional,” says Ianello. “But these wall panels, in particular, were two-by-eight studs with four inches of exterior insulation and deep roof panels with dense-packed cellulose, so you've got a substantial R-value throughout the entire house.” He adds that the siding is all double-stained eastern white pine shiplap. “It’s a great siding product and fantastic choice that aligned with the clients’ vision for this project.”
Light wood flooring and trim are used throughout the clean-lined, modern home, and statement lighting fixtures define the kitchen and dining spaces.
When discussing environmental impact, Ianello says that you have to take into account “your carbon drawdown on an operational side of the house — meaning your utilities — and the other embodied carbon in the materials used on the construction side.” He explains that HausWorks has done a good job figuring out how to reduce embodied carbons in the building process. “Concrete and steel are significant producers of carbon, and while it's tough to get away from concrete when you're building something that needs to last a long time, we try to make up for some of that by using more wood products and high-quality building techniques such as panelized construction. So, we focus on both ends of a home’s environmental impact.”
The three-story structure has crisp lines and a serene aspect, complemented by its verdant location. “We have some pretty fantastic views from the house,” says Barer. “The flow of green foliage in the summer to autumn when all the leaves fall, and winter, when we can see the lake in front of us, is truly amazing.”
Inside, the finishes continue the contemporary aesthetic, allowing additional refinement and performance. A Zehnder energy recovery system provides a continuous exchange of fresh air throughout the day and night, effectively providing fresh air 24/7, and there are floor-to-ceiling, wood-frame, triple-glazed windows to let in the sun and keep out the cold. Light wood flooring and trim are used throughout the
In some rooms, interest and color counterbalance sleek neutrals, as this bathroom illustrates.
Top: A serene bedroom has views of the treetops.
Above: The open-plan kitchen, dining and living spaces invite family gatherings, complete with stunning views.
home, statement lighting fixtures define the kitchen and dining spaces, and the bathrooms feature graphic-tiled showers and natural stone floors.
“I would say it's firmly in the modern camp,” says Barer, “but with an organic, natural bent to it.” He says they were willing to have a little fun with the interior and added some intriguing artwork. “We found some eclectic pieces to add some funky pops of color,” he says. Also, given they have three children, aged 13 to 23, they created a relaxed lower-
level recreation room with game tables and a TV for family hang-outs.
Knowing how much the homeowners liked to unwind out of doors as well, Anmahian also designed an independent exterior deck with an enclosed porch on one side. “We created a relatively large floating deck with both open and covered space that bridges back to the house,” says the architect. “It is intended for outdoor living and dining, and is a critical design element, because the family enjoys spending as much time out-
side as possible.” He says that it was quite satisfying to work on the project. “The process of designing a compact home that has the feel of a perched treehouse was particularly fulfilling given the collaborative nature and thoughtfulness of the clients.”
For Barer and Shulman, the result is a heavenly retreat that gives them peace of mind and spirit. “Living here is like being in the trees,” says Barer. “When we started, we knew we didn't want to dominate nature but wanted to live with it in a harmonious way. It’s a very cool feeling.” NHH
PREFABRICATED HOUSE PANELS: Ecocor • 207-342-2085 • ecocor.us
RENTAL INFORMATION
To inquire about renting this home, visit nhlakesideretreat.com
Exterior elements designed by A-W Architects and constructed by HausWorks allow the family to embrace life outdoors.
The openness of the kitchen, living and dining area is essential to the home’s design, creating a spacious main living core where the family can gather.
Simple Pleasures
Inspired by the Norwegian way of living, this minimalistic, energy-efficient house prioritizes family over frills.
BY JANICE RANDALL ROHLF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN W. HESSION
The Scandinavian-inspired home features 3,700 square feet of living area, a two-car garage and a screened porch. Energy efficiency was a major focus during the design of the home, which is equipped with solar panels, battery backup and energyefficient mechanical systems.
After living in a colonial-style house on this Hanover property for several years, a family of six was ready for a change ... but not a move. The homeowners liked where they lived, on a wooded lot, still close to town and the local co-op. However, they had a very different idea for their forever house — one that would be compatible with both their current lifestyle, with four young children, and later on as retirees. Most of all, their vision was for a house that would foster their simple way of living, a choice inspired by time they’d spent in Norway, where houses tend to be smaller and paragons of functionality plus beauty.
After making the decision to raze their current house, the homeowners did not have to think long about who they wanted to design and build their new one. “They liked the idea of panelized construction, and that’s what the Bensonwood Design Group specializes in,” explains Amanda Weglinski, team leader of the Bensonwood Design Group. “They believed in the concept of prefabrication and the value of a super insulated, healthy and safe home.”
Bensonwood provides this value by prefabricating the roof and walls and even installing the triple-glazed windows off-site in a temperature-controlled facility in Keene. Building this way, materials are not exposed to the weather, there is less waste,
fewer errors and less rework on-site, and the panels can be assembled on-site and are airtight within a matter of weeks.
Across the board, energy efficiency and health were major focuses during the design of the home, which is equipped with solar panels, battery backup and energy-efficient mechanical systems including an air-to-air heat pump for heating and cooling and an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). Many of the materials in the home are from natural sources — black spruce glue-laminated timbers, maple wood floors and dense-pack cellulose insulation in the walls and roof.
The home’s modern exterior design includes thick monopitched roofs sloping at different angles. This is done for
aesthetic appeal and to increase some interior ceiling heights, and also for practical reasons like diverting snow and rain away from areas like the garage doors or the south-facing gathering patio, which can be enjoyed during the winter months. The south-facing sloped roof allows the roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels to be hidden from view, and the long overhangs shade the second-floor bedrooms during the summer months to prevent overheating.
Having lived in this spot for years, the homeowners were able to provide invaluable insight to Bensonwood regarding their preferences for the siting of the new house. It was pushed closer to the street for a bigger, kid-friendly backyard and
Above: The homeowners can stand at the sink or the island and have a clear view of their kids playing in the yard.
Opposite page: The open-concept living area has plenty of seating and was designed for easy access to the outdoors.
oriented so that the garage provides a buffer between the house and the street. “One of the successes of the project is that, when you’re in the house, you don’t have a sense that there are neighbors on the low side of the hill or on the high side beyond the trees,” says Weglinski. Instead, the sightlines promote visibility from the inside out while at the same time obscuring views of the neighboring houses.
As is common in design these days, the kitchen is the command center of the house. But what is unique, shares Weglinski, is the purposeful visibility to all sides of the house from the kitchen. The homeowners can stand at the sink or the island and have a clear view of their kids playing in the side yard and backyard, or riding bikes in the driveway. They are also able to see if a car is approaching and if guests are walking up to the front door.
The open-concept kitchen, living and dining area creates a spacious main living core where the family is encouraged to gather. Adjacent to the kitchen and behind a pocket door, a large pantry helps keep the main kitchen’s countertops clean by storing coffee machines, a beverage fridge, and other small appliances like a seltzer faucet to reduce waste from cans and bottles. There is additional storage in the charger-equipped mudroom cubbies, one for each family member.
True to the precepts of Scandinavian design, this is a simple house where everything has its place. “Bensonwood thought carefully about where to store things,” says Weglinski. “The homeowners did not want us to create space for extra storage that’s not needed.”
Take the bedrooms, for example, which are small and spare. All four bedrooms are located together on the second floor,
promoting family closeness. Each child has a bed, a wardrobe and a desk, that’s it. Nor is the primary suite fancy. “Part of the family’s story is that the bedrooms are used for sleep,” observes Weglinski. In a similar fashion, the home’s four and a half bathrooms are utilitarian — simple and easy to clean.
The homeowners worked with Bensonwood to design spaces that are flexible and adaptable to multiple stages of living. On the first level, next to the main living space, is a flexible suite
that was used as a homeschooling area during the pandemic and now functions as a guest bedroom. In the future, this area could be converted into a first-floor primary bedroom to support one-level living and aging in place. The adjacent home office will later function as a walk-in closet, and the area was designed with a full bathroom already in place.
The home also has a lower-level walkout basement comprising a kids’ playroom, with adjacent bathroom and
Bedrooms are small and minimally furnished on purpose, and bathrooms are pleasingly utilitarian. The home has a lower-level walkout basement comprising a kids’ playroom, with adjacent bathroom and mechanical room. There is also a home gym on this level, which along with an outdoor sauna, hot tub and trampoline for the kids create something of a private wellness zone.
mechanical room. There is also a home gym on this level, which along with an outdoor sauna, hot tub and trampoline for the kids, create something of a private wellness zone.
“The most sustainable way to build is to build well once,” points out Weglinski. This house, an example of a company’s principles aligning with those of the client, is built to last more than a century, easily evolving as the family and their needs do. That it’s very close to net zero is the icing on the cake. NHH
PROJECT TEAM DESIGN/PANELIZED CONSTRUCTION: Bensonwood • 603-756-3600
bensonwood.com
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: FourLite Design-Build • 802-230-6566
Blending Past and Present
A historic home receives a modern addition.
ADDING TO YOUR HOME can be daunting in the best of circumstances, but blending a modern addition with a home dating from 1737 brings unique challenges. The original Hudson, New Hampshire, colonial has belonged to the current owner since she was 18. She loved the historic home, but the kitchen, pantry and laundry areas were small, dark and in disrepair. She longed for a larger, more open space with a modern feel. Enter
Gerry Roth and his team from G.M. Roth Design Remodeling of Nashua.
“Before tackling the addition itself, there were structural issues to address,” explains Roth. “The floorboards were rotting and the foundation was in rough shape, as was some of the framing. The homeowner also wanted to leave the post-and-beam framing above the kitchen for aesthetic reasons, so we couldn’t just tear down and start over. We needed
to redo the space and make it stable. We left the framing exposed and blended the new roofline with the main house.”
The house was built on an extensive ledge, but blasting was out of the question given the risk to the old structure. Roth demolished the kitchen and attached garage, then added a new slab foundation in lieu of creating a basement. With this done, he and architectural designer Tracey Turmelle began defining the new space.
By Crystal Ward Kent | Photography by John W. Hession
Highlights of the modern kitchen are the marble backsplash and the unique Stanisci wood range hood.
The glassed-in reading nook to the right of the couch is the spot for a Christmas tree during the holidays. Built-ins flanking the fireplace give the room a cozy feeling.
A neutral palette and hickory wood flooring throughout allow the living spaces to flow from one to another.
IN ADDITION
“The new wing has details that give a nod to the historic origins of the house yet provides the open, airy feel that the client desired,” explains Turmelle. “The older house has low ceilings, which are typical of the period, but the addition has high, sloped ceilings which totally erase that dark, cramped feeling. We hung reclaimed beams across the space at strategic points to echo the feel of the original home.”
The new wing also expanded beyond a new kitchen to include dining and living areas as well as a pantry, laundry and mudroom off the kitchen. “We demolished 700 square feet and added 1,300 square feet,” says Turmelle. “It took some calculating to fit it all in, given the ledge and the required setbacks.”
“
The older house has low ceilings, which are typical of the period, but the addition has high, sloped ceilings which totally erase that dark, cramped feeling. ”
The open-plan space flows from the kitchen to the other spaces and also connects to the outside patio and pool. Lots of windows and French doors let in abundant light. “The client wanted to see her grandchildren at play while she was in the kitchen, so the windows also provide key vantage points,” says Turmelle. Another special feature is the Christmas tree nook. “The client LOVES
Christmas,” Turmelle says with a smile. “She wanted a special place to highlight the tree, so you’ll see a glassed-in alcove in the living area that is perfect for it. After the holidays, it becomes a reading nook again.”
Just as Roth wanted the new addition to blend with the original house, so kitchen and bath designer Anne Spencer, wanted the new space to satisfy her client’s wish for something contemporary, yet not feel disconnected from the original home. The neutral palette underscores the airiness and perfectly complements the natural light flooding in from the many windows. While the color scheme skews toward modern, Spencer harked back to the home’s roots by using one of the original beams to form the mantel,
The addition includes a bathroom that is easily accessible from outside; the historic barn door seen through the doorway conceals the pantry and is a nod to the home’s farming roots.
IN ADDITION
selecting hickory hardwood floors, adding a soapstone hearth, using soapstone for the counters and island top, and finishing off the cabinets with traditional brushed honey bronze hardware. Each detail echoes the home’s origins and rural roots.
Spencer needed to clearly define each area, yet still let the space have flow. Furniture placement gives visual separation as the room transitions from kitchen to dining area to living room, and lighting choices played an integral role. In addition to strategically placed recessed lights, the kitchen features clusters of opaque glass and brass pendant lights, while the dining area light is a unique oblong bar with bronze grillwork. A combined drum light/fan is suspended over the hearth.
“I am very happy with everything Gerry and his team did,” says the homeowner. “It is truly an incredible transformation.” NHH
LIGHTING: Just Lights • 603-578-9482 • justlights.com
CUSTOM SINKS: Vermont Soapstone Company • 802-263-5404 • vermontsoapstone.com
The addition blends in seamlessly with the original 1737 house.
The new wing expands beyond a new kitchen to include dining and living areas as well as a pantry, laundry and mudroom.
Spring by the Lake
A variety of outdoor garden rooms, stone walls and patios surround a dramatic mountaintop home.
THOUGH THEY LOVE all four seasons in New Hampshire, Robin and Larry Turnbaugh of Chesterfield eagerly await the arrival of spring. “It really is my favorite time of year,” says Robin. Their home sits high on a bluff looking east over Spofford Lake toward Mount Monadnock. T hey purchased this as a second home when they were living in Boston and have been year-round residents for the past 12 years. Here they get to witness spring and fall migrations of birds that
stop by the lake during their flights. “We’ve had thousands of goldfinches swooping around the trees,” says Larry. “They stay for a day and then move on.”
The Turnbaugh’s three-acre lot is long and narrow and mostly wooded near the road. Approaching the house, the driveway winds through the open shade of tall pines and oaks. Not until you reach the house do the vistas of the lake and mountains open up ahead. Since dry shade made up such a large portion of the pro-
By Robin Sweetser | Photography by Kendal J. Bush
perty, they turned to garden designer Gordon Hayward for ideas. “He helped us envision the woods,” says Robin. “He suggested we trim up lower branches to raise the canopy and let in more light.” They also cleaned out all of the scrub and brambles, making a windrow of branches and brush along one property line. “The foxes and possums love it,” she says. This opened up the woods for planting, and now it is filled with over 150 rhododendrons, 15 to 20 viburnums,
The Turnbaughs made excellent use of a spot once used for parking to add the pool and patio. The vanishing edge pool looks as though it flows into the lake far below. Mt. Monadnock rises in the distance.
and all kinds of interesting woodland perennials.
Early Blooming Shrubs
Many types of rhododendrons and mountain laurel line the drive. Cornell pinks (Rhododendron mucronulatum) blossom in April before anything else has leafed out. Several yellow ‘Capistrano’ rhodies are the earliest to bloom near the house, followed by the pink-white blossoms of ‘Hally Jolivette’ cherries. Nearby are ‘Purple Gem’ and ‘Mary Fleming’, both early-blooming, small-leaf rhododendrons. “It gives you hope for spring,” says Robin. “The smallleaf rhodies come on very early, then the large-leaf ones. We have color along the driveway for a good two months.”
The toughest spot is at the north-facing driveway opening next to the road where they have planted resilient, pink blooming ‘Haaga’ and ‘Helsinki’ rhododendrons from Finland that are hardy to zone 3. Some of the earliest shrubs to bloom are the Daphne mezereum. “They fight the good fight,” says Robin, “blooming in February, in the snow, long before the forsythias.”
Above: Creeping phlox cascades over the wall as spring bulbs and early-bloomers come to life.
Below: Tall alliums and ‘Angelique’ tulips are favorites, so the Turnbaughs added 500 more tulips and alliums throughout the property last year.
GREEN SPACE
Woodland Garden
The high shade of the woodland garden is perfect for partridge berries and winterberry, Canadian ginger, hepatica, woodland phlox, tiarella and both high- and low-bush wild blueberries. “We use natives as much as we can,” says Robin, who is mindful of providing for pollinators.
In the wetter shade they grow elderberry, Christmas and wood ferns, amsonia, beautyberry and Carolina allspice along with non-natives, whose flowers the bees love, such as bergenia, yellow ligularia, brunnera, deutzia and primroses. Under a tall white oak, Robin has a collection of specialty snowdrops that bloom very early, and along the path is a spot dedicated to bleeding hearts in white, pink and red. An assortment of woodland peonies surround a bench, and nearby are Jack-in-the-pulpits and hellebores that blossom in late April. American ginseng plants grow under the oak and maple trees. “They bear red berries later in the summer that last only a day until the birds find them,” Robin says.
Above: Larry and Robin Turnbaugh will be opening their spring garden to the public on Sunday, May 18, during the Garden Conservancy Open Days Tour. Tickets are on sale now. Their daughter, Emma Rivet of Rose Hawk Farm, will be on-site selling plants.
Top: A walkway paved with local Goshen stone leads from house to patio. Many of Robin’s potted plants spend the summer months out here.
LaValley Building Supply works with builders to control costs through technology, a great workforce, and state of the art equipment.
GREEN SPACE
Below: Delicate-looking bleeding hearts along with unique snowdrops, rare American ginseng and early-blooming woodland peonies are just a few of the plants Robin collects.
Step into the Sunlight
A row of columnar arborvitae interplanted with tall rhodies marks the transition from shady woodland to sunshine. Next to the house, a peek through the circular, full-moon window in their gate reveals a vanishing-edge pool, which gives the optical illusion of flowing into the lake. Paved with Goshen stone, the area around the pool is hot and dry, so the beds surrounding it are full of early spring bulbs including alliums and ‘Angelique’ tulips, and later blooming heat lovers such as ‘Zagreb’ coreopsis and black-eyed Susans all backed with hybrid Burkwood viburnums.
On the opposite side of the house is another sunny terrace — also paved with Goshen stone — that offers comfy seating around a central firepit and a view over the lake. The paved path toward the house is lined with pots of dahlias in front of beds full of ‘Quick Fire’ hydrangeas, rhododendrons and peonies that wrap around the house. Over the years, they have planted thousands of daffodils and irises throughout the property.
Robin is an avid photographer and a photography judge for the Garden Club of America. “I took up photography to document our own garden,” she says. “Then it became an obsession!” Many of her flowers are the subject of her work. “I grow lots of dahlias to photograph, but they are also nice to cut and bring in the house,” she says. Robin is the president of the Monadnock Garden Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. NHH
RESOURCES
Garden Conservancy • gardenconservancy.org
Inspired Gardener • 603-399-4354
inspiredgardener.com
Morning Star Perennials • 802-289-3135
morningstarflowers.com
Rose Hawk Farm • 206-724-3633
rosehawkfarm@gmail.com
Above: A multitude of plants thrive on the south side of the house including daffodils, rhododendrons, peonies, ‘Winter Gem’ boxwood and ‘Quick Fire’ hydrangeas.
Events Around the State
Compiled by Elisa Gonzales Verdi
EDITOR’SPICK
New Hampshire Home is on the lookout for events that may interest our readers. If you have one to submit for consideration, send details to egonzalesverdi@nhmagazine.com.
APRIL 17
New Hampshire Home Design Awards
The New Hampshire Home Design Awards honor and celebrate excellence in home design and the creative use of materials in new, remodeled and historic residences. Although small geographically, New Hampshire is fertile ground for the architects, designers and builders who work in and draw inspiration from the Granite State. Mingle with industry professionals as you enjoy an evening full of networking, spirited cocktails and delicious food. The Venues at The Factory, 252 Willow St., Manchester; nhhomemagazine.com/design-awards
MARCH 1-2
New Hampshire State Home Show
Mark your calendars for the home event of the year! Produced by the professionals at the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, this is the one show of the year to attend and interact with builders, remodelers, decorators, landscapers and all types of home solutions providers. The latest in home-related products and services will be showcased — everything from air quality to mortgages, hot tubs to custom home builders, and custom closets to fabulous kitchens and baths. With over 200 vendors and exhibitors covering all aspects of the home building/remodeling industry plus items in the “Made in New England” and “Beer & Wine Garden” areas, this is a home event that you won’t want to miss. $10, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Elm St., Manchester; nhstatehomeshow.com
MARCH 8
On Tap for CASA
At this fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of New Hampshire, participants aim to keep their teams’ barstools occupied for 10 hours without abandoning the p ost while competing in a variety of fun competitions to gain points, including trivia, stein hoisting and more. Come for the cause, stay for the friendly competition. All participant spots will likely be filled by early March, but interested persons can donate and drop by the event for music, raffles and libations offered throughout the 10-hour event. All proceeds go toward recruitment and training of CASA volunteer advocates, ordinary women and men advocating for abused or neglected children in New Hampshire’s court system. New England Tap House and Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett; donate.casanh.org
MARCH 14
Wine Class: Wine and Cheese Parings with Anne Arnold
Learn the basics about which cheeses pair best with your favorite wines. We will try wines from around the world paired with different international cheeses to create a gastronomic experience like no other! Bring your friends and your appetite for this fun and informative event. $65- $115, 6-7:30 p.m. Stroll Café and Bar, 75 Portsmouth Blvd., 1st Flo or, Portsmouth; stroll.cafe
MARCH 15
Fruit Tree Pruning
Join UNH Extension Home Horticulture Educators for an in-person apple and pear tree pruning demonstration. We will cover topics such as tools and their proper maintenance, the basics of why to prune trees and shrubs, types of pruning cuts and when to use them, and safe pruning techniques
PHOTO BY JODIE ANDRUSKEVICH
for you and your plants. Bring a pair of pruners or loppers if you’d like to participate, and bring your questions! This will be mostly an outdoor event, so please dress accordingly. $25 non-members, $10 members, 10 a.m.- noon. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia; prescottfarm.org
MARCH 15-16
Maple Weekend
Celebrate all things maple this Maple Weekend. Plan a weekend that celebrates and supports NH’s maple producers. Visit a sugarhouse and learn about the process that brings delicious NH maple syrup to your table. With special events and samples of mouth-watering maple products, this build-your-own maple weekend is one you won’t want to miss. Locations vary; nhmaplemap.com
MARCH 22
Garden Basket Workshop
Join our friendly and knowledgeable museum instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class, so all skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn about the tools and materials used in basket-making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket, and conclude by taking your finished basket home. $55 members, $65 non-members, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth; strawberybanke.org
APRIL 5
Beeswax Candle-making
Learn how bees turn plant nectar into beeswax, and enjoy the sweet aroma of natural beeswax as you make your own rolled and hand-dipped beeswax candles to enjoy at home or give as gifts! $35 non-memb ers, $20 members, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia; prescottfarm.org
APRIL 10
Beginner Gardener Series:
Easy-to-Grow Vegetables
Learn how to start growing vegetables without getting overwhelmed. What are the “easy” vegetables to grow? How do you pick healthy plants from the garden center? What should we be observing in our gardens? All these questions, and
many more, will be answered to help you maximize early successes, learn by doing, and have fun growing vegetables. If you are just starting as a gardener or need some tips to improve your basic gardening skills, you’re sure to gain some great information. This event is presented by Jason Phelps, UNH Extension Master Gardener. $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners, $15 for non-members, 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn; nhaudubon.org
APRIL 12
Upcycle Paper-making with Larry Frates This workshop will provide you with the materials, tools and instructions to make your own sheets of pap er. You will learn the art of creating and processing your own pulp and dipping a screen stretched across a frame into a vat of pulp made from recycled paper. You then lift the screen out of the vat. The entire process includes dipping, which will yield some handmade sheets that can be used once dried and pressed. $25 nonmemb ers, $10 members, 10 a.m.- noon, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia; prescottfarm.org
APRIL 12-13
NH Philharmonic Presents “Drawn to the Music – The Planets” Drawn to the Music returns with an astronomical theme, featuring Gustav Holst’s “The Planets.” Students will create their own artistic impressions of the astronomical and mythological basis of this p opular symphonic score. In addition, we will present another opportunity for the students to unleash their inner artist with interpretations of Mason Bates’ “The B Sides,” with its out-of-thisworld orchestration depicting space walks. Prices and times vary. Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem; nhphil.org
APRIL 19
Growing Mushrooms at Home
Delicious and nutritious, mushrooms are a culinary treat. Learn how to grow shiitake, wine caps and other mushrooms at home. Participants will go home with a fully inoculated log and sawdust inoculated with wine caps so you can enjoy your own freshly harvested mushrooms as early as later this year! $30 non-members, $15 members, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia; prescottfarm.org
“WE WERE ASKED TO DESIGN an elevator addition that would allow our clients to age in place, in style. It was to be demure, and ‘invisible,’ blending cutting-edge design with practicality. The elevator shaft walls are made of a frameless glazing system, supported by a slim steel frame with lateral reinforcing tension rods. The elevator cab is also glass and connects all three living levels of the house. Its transparent design provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding gardens and exterior, seamlessly integrating the natural environment with the home’s modern architecture. This thoughtful addition enhances functionality and merges innovation and tireless detailing with timeless design.”
