New England Living 2024 Issue #1

SURF SPOTS // A LOOK AT LIGHTHOUSES // COOKING OUT

NEW ENGL AND

NEW ENGLAND LIVING

LIVING BACKROADS BECKON EXPLORE CONNECTICUT’S QUIETER SIDE

2024 IS S U E 1 newenglandliving.tv

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Without Jeremy, it wouldn’t be Clarke.

Showroom Manager Jeremy McCulla joined Clarke in 2014 to open their award-winning Boston showroom. He has been recognized by the design industry as Boston’s top customer service professional.

Jeremy’s product knowledge and ability to understand the goals of discerning homeowners and designers makes your kitchen design journey a pleasure.

Spend an hour at a Clarke Showroom and one thing is clear: your time with a Clarke Consultant is the most valuable part of your kitchen journey. While they’re not designers, these are the people designers call on when it comes to appliance recommendations. You won’t buy anything at Clarke, so there’s simply no pressure.

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IN THE ISSUE

12 WELCOME LET TER 14 CONTRIBUTORS NEW & NOTEWORTHY 16

THREE RING FUN Exciting new performances from New England Center for Circus Arts

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OUTSIDE THE BOX Two mothers of college-aged kids created a winning way to send care packages to campus.

COMMUNITY 22 DREAM TEAM Children with disabilities make a special connection with local college athletes on and off the field.

26 BEYOND BANKING Local farms and small businesses find support through New Hampshire’s Walden Mutual.

30 A COMPANY THAT CARES C & R Flooring owner Chris Zizza offers his community much more than just stunning wood floors.

DESIGN 34 STYLE FILES Ideas and designs for every room in the home.

40 SOUTH SHORE PERSPECTIVE Marvin’s Elevate collection of windows is front and center in this spectacular Scituate home.

46 A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP Interior designer Shea McGee teams up with Kohler and Ann Sacks for a fabulous new line.

54 MARVELOUS MANCHESTER A contemporary home in Vermont brims with color and charm.

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IN THE ISSUE ARTS 62 GUIDING LIGHT Photographer Rob Davies captures extraordinary moments at lighthouses around New England.

SPACES 114 ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES The Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide offers home design inspiration and solutions.

120 NEW ENGLAND TWIST A waterfront home beautifully combines the traditional with the contemporary.

68 PEN AND INK The talented artist couple behind Rusty & Ingrid were inspired by their love of local places.

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REAL ESTATE 130 TOP OF THE LIST Broker Melissa Dailey combines hard work, passion, and real estate insight.

76 NO STONE UNTURNED Petrified wood is transformed into phenomenal furnishings at Boston’s Fossiel.

FOOD 80 A SUMMER COCKTAIL A crisp grapefruit margarita to start the season off with a twist.

132 CAMBRIDGE CLASSIC An early twentieth-century home has been transformed into a luxury, one-of-a-kind property.

82 PASTA PERFETTO Trenchers Farmhouse in Vermont is at the forefront of the “farm to pasta” movement.

NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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EXPLORE CONNECTICUT’S QUIETER SIDE

newenglandliving.tv

100

106 AROUND THE (QUIET) CORNER Experience the peaceful side of Connecticut in its idyllic northeast counties.

BACKROADS BECKON

ISSUE 1

TRAVEL 100 SURF’S UP Hang ten at one of New England’s prime surfing beaches and breaks.

LIVING

2024

94 RAISING THE BAR Goodnow Farms makes premier chocolate that is sourced sustainably and crafted with care.

SURF SPOTS // A LOOK AT LIGHTHOUSES // COOKING OUT

NEW ENGL AND

NEW ENGLAND LIVING

88 GREAT NEW ENGLAND COOKOUT Nothing says summer like a good backyard barbecue, especially here in New England.

FINAL THOUGHT 136 Image by Sam Trombino.

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NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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welcome letter

NE W E NG L A ND

Forward Thinking

VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 1 PUBLISHER

A cheers to summer!

Tom Clarke

t long last, we’ve made it through winter PRESIDENT and the landscape of New England is Sean Clarke green again. I’m excited to embrace all that EDITORIAL/CREATIVE DIRECTOR welcometheletter next seasons holds for the region, and Sharon Bartholomew this issue offers plenty of ideas on how to MANAGING EDITOR make the most the summer ahead.

Lisa Cavanaugh NE W E NG L A ND ............................................

Our cover story, “Around the (Quiet) Corner,” by CFO Lisa Cavanaugh explores the northeastern region of Chris Parker Connecticut. This under-discovered area is arguably VOLUME 5 • NUMBER 1 UMMER IS UPON US ONCE AGAIN CONTROLLER the state’s hidden gem. Windham County, “The Quiet and we have a lot to toast. Dare I Kelsey Hodde Corner,” consists of 23 towns spread over 500 square say that the light at the end of this PUBLISHER ............................................ miles that are dotted withisstate andbrighter regional parks, COVID tunnel getting Tom Clarke EDITORIAL COORDINATOR forests, and farms. islearned known plenty for its antique and brighter by the The day. area We’ve of PRESIDENT Lannan O’Brien stores, breweries, and distilleries, lessonsvineyards, along the way, but perhaps one of the making it an ............................................

Sean Clarke greatest takeaways is regarding ourrange resiliency as appealing destination for a wide of travelers.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR MARKETING a species. dauntinginexperience, We putThroughout a spotlightthis on surfing Allie Herzog’s piece, Sharon Bartholomew Mike Nelson people Up.” haveNew perfected the art of theare pivot, “Surf’s England surfers a hardier breed EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sam Pericolo reinventing careers, reimagining workspaces and ............................................ than their West Coast counterparts, as they’ve got to brave frigid waters to catch the best waves. Herzog Robert Cocuzzo ............................................ redesigning their homes.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS points out the best surfing spots in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut— Our summer issue pays homage to this ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Rachel Arroyo you’ll be surprised at how many New England beaches offer the right conditions for surfing; I know I was. creative resiliency by profiling a number of New Lori Hawes Allie Herzog If you’re a fan of backyard barbecues and beach clambakes—and let’s face it, what New Englander ............................................

Englanders who have managed to turn lemons Kellie Innes CFO isn’t?!—some of the region’s best chefs shed light on the evolution of outdoor cooking with insight on new into lemonade during the pandemic by transforming their passions into professions.

Marni Katz Chris Parker foods that have become favorite grilled fare in Rachel Arroyo’s article “The Great New England Cookout.”

On this point, few exemplify what can happen when you follow your dreams better Sarah Lippert CONTROLLER Chocolate lovers intrigued to learn Goodnow Farms Chocolate than our cover star,will Jimbe Koch.

The founder of about the Boston Beer Company, Koch has in “Raising the Bar.” The Danna Lorch Kelsey Hodde notched aMassachusetts-based foothold on the Forbes list without ever forgetting his scrappy, underdog Sudbury, operation works with farms in Guatemala to import single-origin cacao beans ............................................

Christina Poletto roots.

During the pandemic, the Sam Adams creator emerged as a hero for many small for its delectable gourmet chocolate.

MARKETING Janice Rohlf businesses, particularly restaurants, in need of a safety net during these trying times.

New England Living loves to highlight local makers like Rusty and Ingrid Kinnunen. In “Pen & Ink,” we Mike Nelson Jen Sperry One local restaurateur who mastered the pivot was Chef Jose Duarte. After his learn that the pair of artists, who live on the water in Rockport, Massachusetts, are well known for their crisp, Sam Pericolo North End eatery was shuttered by COVID-19, the chef refocused his culinary might CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: ............................................ colorful, nostalgic hand-inked prints. The duo was also the focus of a recent New England Living TV segment. on an unlikely dining destination in Chelsea called Tambo 22. The Peruvian-inspired Kerry Brett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rusty and Ingrid begin their creative process by visiting or revisiting locations across New England. They restaurant might just be the best-kept secret in Boston, offering a dazzling array of Ling Messer Lisa Cavanaugh take mental images sometimes dishes that you really and havephotos, to taste to believe. do sketches, and then return to their studio to begin creating Chuan Ding Rob Duca the Equally prints. Their images of beaches, lighthouses, Boston scenes clearly resonate with a large nimble amid the pandemic was Billy Starr,ski theslopes, founderand of the Pan-Mass Cate Brown Haley Grant audience, me. gears to a reimagined ride last summer—which succeeded Challenge. including After switching B. Dennis Stacey Marcus in raising a remarkable amount oftake money the Dana-Farber Cancer As always, in this issue. we youforinside inspirational localInstitute—Starr homes. Jennifer Sperry’ article “South Shore Juliet Pennington Ken Richardson and his team launched routesofthis for husband PMC ridersand to safety get back onDevelopment the Perspective” features new the work thesummer Hingham wife team, Oak and Design.

Johnathan Soroff Sarah Beth Turner road together and continue theirredeveloped mission of fighting cancer.overlooking the marshes of Scituate’s Minot Beach PJ and Lizzy Antonik recently a property CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom Jones, Drone Home Media course, many of us don’t need to leave the comfort of our home to see how the areaOfinto a 3,400-square-foot single-family home. With three stories of living space topped by a roof deck, Liesl Clark Wave Collective creative juices have been flowing over the last year. Home projects have soared as a the home exemplifies Oak Development & Design’s updated take on coastal vernacular. The gambrel roof Megan Diehr David Binder result of our time of forced hibernation. We highlight a selection of exquisite design communicates a traditional New England look, but other details, like the black windows and LP SmartSide Kit Noble Kent Dayton projects—from a beach house on Nantucket, to a historic estate in Wayland, to a Melanie siding, are lean more modern. Small yet impactful details throughout, like coffers in the living room ceiling, andChandler-Blood Joe St. Pierre charming hotel in Pittsfield—that provide no shortage of inspiration.

Steve Depino built-in shelves me to start contemplating my next project.

We hope youhave enjoyinspired this summer edition of New England Living.

Ashome always, we’re Rob Davies PH OTO BY K ER RY B R E T T

S

honored to tell the stories of this remarkable region and continue to find inspiration

Enjoy this issue and themade warm weather ahead! from the folks who have it their home.

Corinna Raznikov Photography

LIVING

Erin Little

Alex Vincent

Bruce Luetters

............................................

Ken Richardson ............................................

Best always,

Best always,

ADVERTISING

Please email advertising@tidestreetgroup.com ............................................

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Sharon Bartholomew Sharon Bartholomew Editorial Director / Creative Director Editorial/Creative Director FOLLOW @newenglandlivingtv

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5/12/21 2:52 PM

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CONTRIBUTORS

Lisa Cavanaugh

Rachel Arroyo

Kerry Brett

Dan Cutrona

(Managing Editor) is a writer and editor who grew up in New England, worked in NY and LA’s theatre and film industries, and now lives on the Cape. For this issue, Lisa journeys to the intriguing northeastern corner of Connecticut and the delightful print studio of two artists in Rockport, MA.

Rachel is a freelance writer who is always in search of new sights and places to visit in New England, where she lives. In these pages, Rachel explores the wonderful ways to celebrate the outdoors with an iconic New England cookout.

An award-winning and versatile Master Photographer, Kerry Brett excels at lifestyle portraiture, as her artistic profile images for two of our stories in this issue show.

Based in Hingham, Kerry is also a Certified Professional Photographer through Professional Photographers of America and a soughtafter lecturer and instructor.

Experienced photographer Dan Cutrona splits his time between Cape Cod and Florida, capturing arresting and evocative images of beautiful homes and fascinating people. In this issue, his images grace two stories on gorgeous bathroom finishes and design.

Allie Herzog

Kellie Innes

Marni Elyse Katz

Danna Lorch

Allie Herzog is a former New Yorker turned Rhody resident and New England enthusiast. Over the past 20 years, her work has appeared widely in print and online. In preparation for summer, she takes us to the shore to discover the region’s best surfing spots.

Originally from Ohio, Kellie Innes received her MFA in Film and TV Studies at Boston University. She works freelance as a writer for several regional magazines in New England. Her story this spring focuses on a dynamic realtor with decades of experience.

Marni is a freelance design journalist whose career started in the fashion closet of Rolling Stone. Today, she writes for local and national publications, both in print and online. In this issue, she highlights the stunning design details of a waterfront home on Boston’s North Shore.

Boston-based freelance writer Danna Lorch has a decade of experience covering the visual arts, design, architecture, the trades, and parenting. A professional American Society of Journalists and Authors member, Danna tells the wonderful story of an athletics-focused charity for this issue.

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Ling Messer

Lannan O’Brien

Ling is a commercial photographer based in Northeastern Connecticut, focusing on local farms, small businesses, lifestyle photography, events, and food. Ling’s imagery illuminates our story about the Quiet Corner of Connecticut.

(Editorial Coordinator) is a freelance writer, editor, and social media manager based on Cape Cod. Her work has appeared in many publications throughout New England.

Lannan visited with a unique furniture maker, a community-supporting flooring company, and landscape photographer Rob Davies.

Janice Randall Rohlf Janice is a Boston-based freelance writer and editor who specializes in covering architecture and design.

Her work has appeared in numerous regional and national publications. Rohlf delves into the exciting collaboration between designer Shea McGee and the Kohler and Ann Sacks brands.

Jennifer Sperry With over 20 years of experience in publishing, Jennifer Sperry has served as an editor and writer at various luxury magazines.

On the weekends, she likes to play tennis, read, cook, sample wine, and play with her two young daughters. This spring, Jen shares stories of gorgeous homes in Vermont and Massachusetts.

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NECCA dancers perform "Intertwine" as part of their Circus Springboard project. Photo by B. Dennis

NECCA also presents numerous performances by renowned circus companies, companies in residence, and Beta night works-in-progress, in addition to special events in the community, open house celebrations, and a dazzling annual fundraiser, The Circus Spectacular, starring guest artists from circuses around the world.

Recently, NECCA was honored by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects award of $15,000 to support their Circus Springboard tour.

Devised by guest director Neva Cockrell and third-year students from the ProTrack program, Circus Springboard embraces innovation and creative work in American contemporary circus for rural New England.

“We are so grateful to receive this support from the NEA to help ensure that circus arts can be accessible to everyone to experience,” says NECCA’s Executive Director Jenna Struble.

“Funding is essential to the sustainability of this unique art form that blends athleticism with artistry.”

Recognizing how NECCA serves as a vital community resource, National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., says, “The NEA is delighted to announce this grant to the New England Center for Circus Arts, which is helping contribute to the strength and well-being of the arts sector and local community.”

The upcoming Circus Springboard tour begins in May 2024 and will include shows at the Claremont Opera House and Redfern Arts Center at Keene University, both in New Hampshire, the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, MA, and on the campus of NECCA in Vermont. “Circus Springboard gives the public a chance to experience the jaw-dropping excitement of circus arts,” says Struble, “and supports emerging circus artists by fostering skills on tour.”

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NEW & NOTEWORTHY

outside

THE BOX A new Massachusetts-based business crafts gift boxes for every occasion.

BY LANNAN OBRIEN PHOTOS BY KERRY BRETT

Kim Cooper (right) and Shannon Hedstrom made the transition from friends to business partners this year when they launched North Meets South.

Friends Kim Cooper and Shannon Hedstrom have been close for almost 20 years and Hopkinton neighbors for the past seven. But it wasn’t until their eldest children left for college that they were inspired to start a business together.

“We remembered when we were in college how much we loved getting a care package,” says Cooper, “but every time we looked for things to send our own kids, everything was food.”

This realization sparked an idea that they discussed and perfected during their daily two-mile walks: they could create more interesting and varied care packages than those currently on the market. The women already enjoyed traveling together and shopping for thoughtful gifts for their friends and families, which made the new business venture a natural fit. “We said, ‘Why don’t we make gift boxes for students in college that are like a hug from home?’”

Cooper reflects.

This past January, Cooper and Hedstrom launched North Meets South, a curated collection of themed gift boxes sold online. The brand name is both a nod to

their New England-raised children attending southern schools and the two women’s backgrounds: Hedstrom is originally from Kentucky, and Cooper is from New York.

In addition to a selection of collegiate boxes themed with the logos and colors of five different schools, they have gift packages suited to holidays, birthdays, self-care, and more, with plans to offer graduation boxes and must-haves for rising college freshmen. After just a few months in business, they are already busy filling custom orders, such as employee thank-you gifts for real estate agents and business owners.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

“People are really liking both the stylish presentation and the creativity,” says Hedstrom. Together, she and Cooper brainstorm ideas, focusing on the question, “What would be fun for this person to open?” When tasked with crafting a “100th-day” box for a friend’s daughter at Providence College, for example, they went with a fun, celebratory theme inspired by the student’s upcoming spring break trip with her roommates.

Between the two of them, the business partners have sent four children to college, and Cooper feels the timing of launching North Meets South has been perfect. For many years, the women took a step back from their careers to raise their families, so now was the moment to decide what they wanted for themselves. “What better way to do that than with a good friend whom you’re happy to spend a lot of time with every day?” she asks. Hedstrom agrees, “We are really having a lot of fun with it.”

Scan here to shop our curated collection of handcrafted gift boxes!

Community DREAM TEAM Page 22 BEYOND BANKING Page 26 A COMPANY THAT CARES Page 30

FOUNDED IN BOSTON, TEAM IMPACT IS A REMARKABLE NATIONAL NONPROFIT THAT MATCHES CHILDREN FACING SERIOUS ILLNESS AND DISABILITY WITH COLLEGE ATHLETIC TEAMS.

by Danna Lorch

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF HARVARD ATHLE TICS

DREAM

Max Ewald, #47, in white jersey, first row, 2nd in from the right, relished the chance to get to know Braxton.

ver the past couple of seasons, 13-yearold Braxton, the youngest “member” of the Harvard Men’s Lacrosse Team, could often be found on the field, sporting a Harvard beanie and cheering enthusiastically during home games.

Braxton, who lives with spina bifida, was in Boston to receive treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital when he was officially welcomed to the Harvard team by Head Coach Gerry Byrne. The announcement came as part of a 2020 signing day to launch an incredible new

match between Harvard University and Team IMPACT, a Massachusetts-based organization. This moment for the child is very similar to a press conference announcing a new athlete onto the team.

Founded in Boston in 2011, Team IMPACT emphasizes camaraderie and the energy of sports teams to provide children and their families with joy and connection. “If you know anyone who has gone through a hard time, you’ll hear that what got them through it was having a group behind them, rooting for them and keeping them hopeful,” says Ryan Irwin, Regional Executive Director of the Northeast.

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Braxton and his teammates formed a special relationship both on and off the field, even keeping in touch since Braxton's family moved to Illinois.

The organization began by working with local hospitals to match children facing serious illness and/or disability with Northeast college sports teams. “We are proud to have built the blueprint for our organization right here in Boston,” says Irwin.

Team IMPACT now reaches children across the country, partnering with more than 3,000 teams at over 750 schools, in all 50 states, and the organization is rapidly growing. Through the program, each participating child has the opportunity to join a university athletic team for two years.

They are assigned a child life specialist case manager who helps ensure that everyone involved, child, family, and studentathletes, have a positive experience. It becomes a chance for both child and team members to grow, have fun, score goals, runs, and points, and ultimately build relationships that last a lifetime.

The organization continues to collaborate with worldrenowned medical institutions to sign kids onto teams at dozens of colleges and universities in the region. Since Team Impact began, more than 28,000 student-athletes on teams from almost

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100 campuses throughout New England have participated.

These include members of teams from Boston College, Tufts University, Endicott College, Brown University, College of the Holy Cross, Southern New Hampshire University, Bowdoin College, the University of Connecticut, the University of Vermont, and Harvard, where Braxton made an indelible impact on his older teammates.

Owen Gaffney, a junior at Harvard and a midfielder on the Men’s Lacrosse team, says he really got to know Braxton well during his stint with the team. “Braxton was one hundred percent a member of our team and became a great friend of ours, too,” says Gaffney.

“He was a joy to have around, and we were extremely grateful for his presence.”

For Gaffney, whose younger brother, Aiden, tragically passed away from a health condition at the age of six, being part of Team IMPACT feels personal. “My family has been involved with the special needs community for as long as I can remember, he says.

“Seeing Braxton's smile on signing day struck a chord with me, and it's been a wonderful experience fostering a relationship with him.”

Owen Gaffney with a smiling Braxton on the lacrosse field at Harvard.

Gaffney’s teammate and fellow midfielder, Max Ewald, a junior at Harvard, jumped at the chance to welcome Braxton to the team. “I can’t imagine why any team wouldn’t want to get involved with Team IMPACT,” Ewald says. “You get the chance to play a critical role in helping to transform a child’s life.”

Ewald says that over the years, he and his teammates relished hosting Braxton for dorm hangouts, taking him out on the Charles River kayaking, challenging him to games of squash, and visiting the Museum of Science, where the young aspiring paleontologist could spend hours sharing dinosaur facts with his older teammates.

Braxton’s mom, Karen, first heard about Team IMPACT from volunteers at Boston Children’s Hospital. She filled out an application form and received a call just a few weeks later from the organization with some exciting news: “They said Harvard is looking for a player,” she remembers with a laugh. And just like that, their Team IMPACT journey

began. “It can be really lonely for Braxton, but it meant everything to him, and to me, that he was on this team with these young men who are such amazing role models. The guys really do feel like family to us at this point.”

Although Braxton's family has moved back home to Illinois, the team keeps up with him virtually, sharing holiday parties over Zoom and sending encouraging voice messages or videos of them dancing to their favorite songs.

Gaffney and Ewald agree that they’ve been changed forever by their friendship with their teammate Braxton. “This wasn’t an obligation; this was very much a privilege,” Gaffney explains.

Irwin says that Team IMPACT is always seeking new collegiate athletic teams and medical institutions to participate in their program and help get more kids into the game. Most importantly, Team IMPACT welcomes families who want to be matched with a team and community that will be in their corner, cheering their child on with unbridled joy. NEL NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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Beyond Banking WALDEN MUTUAL BANK IS REIMAGINING

THE WAY THAT LENDERS CAN IMPACT LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENTS.

by Sarah Lippert

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF WALDEN MUTUAL BANK

Finicky Farms employs solar grazing, where livestock graze in and around solar panels.

T

he vision and mission of a bank are not often the first priorities when choosing where to manage your finances. The way the bank supports local economies and environments doesn’t always top the list, either. Typically, the decision is driven more by interest rates, ease of access, and the bank’s reputation. Walden Mutual Bank is changing that perception.

“Mutual banks are sort of a New England construct with a long legacy, in which the ultimate owners of the bank are actually the depositors,” says Charley Cummings, CEO of Walden Mutual Bank. He believes this shared concern, cultivated by joint ownership, extends beyond the depositors to their local communities and the environment at large.

Walden Mutual's goal is to enable anyone to make a positive and lasting change in our local food ecosystem. The collective power of the ‘mutual’ facet of their name makes that possible.

This newly launched company offers innovative solutions to both

individuals who seek a financial institution that cares about the community and businesses that need more than the standard relationship with a lender.

Cummings began Walden Mutual in early 2023 after spending nearly a decade at the helm of Walden Local Meat, a company that focuses on direct-to-consumer sustainable meat distribution.

Walden Local Meat’s full-circle, holistic way of thinking created an accessible blueprint for Cummings to replicate. His daily interactions with local farms and consumers allowed him to realize that many of Walden Local Meat’s partners lacked the right type of lending relationships for their businesses.

He also recognized a local network of people who want their savings to be used in ways that produce more than just a financial return, with a focus on social and environmental impact.

“Walden Mutual Bank is giving individuals the opportunity to align their finances with their values,” says Cummings, “and giving farms and businesses the opportunity to work with a lender who truly understands them.”

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PHOTO BY KENT DAY TON

Polka Dog was able to bring on additional employees because of their line of credit from Walden Mutual.

"Trying to start an agricultural business in the wake of the pandemic and during a period of economic uncertainty made finding a willing lender challenging,” says William “Murray” Gates of Beaver Brook Farm, a diversified operation focusing on eggs, fresh produce, and compost in Sprague, Connecticut. “I feel so fortunate that I was introduced to Walden Mutual Bank as they made the process seamless when so many other lending institutions only presented obstacles."

Deb Suchman, the owner of Polkadog bakery, first met Cummings through Walden Local Meat. Her Boston-based dog treat company partnered with them after Cummings reached out to source a home for the less popular portions of meat, such as kidneys and livers, that often didn’t appeal to his subscription-based consumers. “We processed those into these really nutritious and savory treats for dogs,” said Suchman. “We felt great that the animals were pasture-raised and grass-fed and that we were helping to utilize the entire animal to decrease waste.”

Suchman was so pleased with her relationship with Walden Meat that she became one of Walden Mutual’s first members.

Cummings offered to help her reimagine Polkadog’s financial relationships, and Suchman refinanced a business loan with Walden Mutual in early 2023.

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PHOTO BY DAVID BINDER

Apel ipsamenihil moluptiis mossitati aut dicipiti aditium santi ut eat volupta tiissume ne esciiimintus, quis di dolupta

“THIS FEELS LIKE A NEW CONCEPT THAT’S INCREDIBLY REFRESHING TO SEE IN FINANCE. YOU SEE SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS OTHER INDUSTRIES, BUT WHEN I THINK OF BANKS, IT’S NOT TOP OF MIND.” PHOTO BY JOE ST. PIERRE

“I’ve never felt the way about a bank that I do about Walden Mutual,” says Suchman. “This feels like a new concept that’s incredibly refreshing to see in finance. You see sustainability across other industries, but when I think of banks, it’s not top of mind.”

She says the impact of banking with Walden Mutual has been tremendous. “The additional line of credit that Walden offered us allowed us to build a month's worth of inventory and hire two new employees,” says Suchman. “Without access to that capital, Polkadog wouldn’t have been able to do any of that.”

Another successful Walden Mutual partner is Finicky Farm in Western Massachusetts, which is focused on building the potential for agrisolar crops, from sheep to intensive vegetable production.

“We decided it was time to have our own farm after 25 years of farming,” says owner Desiree Robertson Dubois. “Having a large part of our business focused on solar grazing, normal financing wasn't available to us,” adds her husband, Jesse. “Walden was willing to be flexible and work with us.”

After just over a year in operation, Cummings is optimistic about the continued impact that his bank can make in local New England communities. “We offer a banking alternative,” he says. “A community and an ecosystem that is mutually supportive, where your dollars can earn competitive interest while also contributing to something so positive, meaningful, and impactful, right here in your own backyard."

PHOTO BY WAVE COLLEC TIVE

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A COMPANY THAT CARES

A Boston-area flooring business puts people first.

BY LANNAN OBRIEN

C

hris Zizza has a phrase engraved on the inside of his wallet: “Help ever, hurt never.”

Each time he opens his billfold, he’s reminded of the motto he chooses to live by.

But while many people set lofty goals they intend to attain tomorrow, next week, or next year, Zizza, who is President of C & R Flooring in Westwood, Massachusetts, has placed giving and helping others at the forefront of his daily life.

When 2011’s Hurricane Irene hit Wilmington, Vermont, for example, Zizza’s Friends of the Valley Foundation rebuilt the local businesses impacted by the storm. Two years later, Marian High School in Framingham fell short of funding for two new school buses, and C & R covered the cost of a five-year lease for the second bus. That’s in addition to refinishing the gym floors for the school on an annual basis and installing new floors as needed.

These are just a few of the countless stories involving C & R’s charitable work, and Zizza and his team have earned a reputation for their kindness and generosity.

“I’ve found in over 37 years of doing charitable work that people just hire us because they know I put a good portion of the money back into the community,” he says.

“And what’s a better way to live your life than that?”

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An adopted child, Zizza was often told by his parents, “Never forget that we chose you,” to remind him of how much he was wanted. Every Christmas Eve, his family brought gifts to The Home for Little Wanderers in Boston, which serves abused, neglected, and at-risk children. “It just instilled in me how amazing it is to help others because I could have been an orphan, but I wasn’t. A wonderful family raised me,” he says.

The day after he opened C & R Flooring in 1986, the 19-year-old Zizza rang the doorbell at Catholic Charities Boston–the organization through which he was adopted—and asked how he could help. He’s been involved ever since, serving on the board for most of that time beside business owners he describes as mentors and “titans of industry.”

Zizza has a personal interest in causes that benefit children, veterans, first responders, and teachers. In addition to Catholic Charities, he serves on numerous boards and dedicates his time to organizations like the Little Bit Foundation, which serves students in underresourced school communities, and the Gary Sinise and Travis Mills Foundations, which help veterans and their families. If his employees mention a cause they care about, the company finds a way to support it.

PHOTOS BY KERRY BRE T T

This spring, Chris Zizza will be inducted into the National Wood Flooring Association’s Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the industry through innovation, service, and/or leadership.

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NEW & NOTEWORTHY

"Often times, what you’re doing out there in the world does resonate with a client. You might not know why they’re hiring you, but they do. And that’s just how we’ve always done it.”

Above: Zizza, pictured here with Travis Mills, is a board member of the Travis Mills Foundation that supports post-911 recalibrated veterans and their families.

C & R Flooring frequently installs flooring for disabled veterans in need of adaptive flooring solutions. Once, Zizza sanded the function hall for free at the American Legion in Dover, Massachusetts, and the organization had a thank-you ad printed in the local newspaper. Not long after, he arrived at a client’s home in Needham to do an estimate, and the homeowner expressed appreciation for his work at the Legion.

“Often times, what you’re doing out there in the world does resonate with a client. You might not know why they’re hiring you, but they do. And that’s just how we’ve always done it,” Zizza says.

There was a time when Zizza’s father would pull him aside and say, “You really need to dial down this charitable giving,’” he recalls, laughing. “He’d say, ‘You’re young, you’ve got to take care of your family and yourself.’” But, fortunately for communities across New England, he didn’t listen.

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Design STYLE FILES Page 34 SOUTHSHORE PERSPECTIVE Page 40 A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP Page 46

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVIN

MARVELOUS MANCHESTER Page 54

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| STYLE STYLEFILES FILES|

ROOMS WITH VIEWS AN AWARD-WINNING KITCHEN GOES THE EXTRA MILE. For decades, the iconic Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick in York, Maine, has invited so much wonder and interest that it’s recognized by people all over the world. Fortuitously, The Viewpoint Hotel, a popular wedding destination and summertime getaway, has unobstructed views of Nubble Lighthouse and distant views of Boon Island Lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean. To celebrate the hotel’s unique, memory-making location, Viewpoint’s owners recently added seven new and private guest suites, each offering some of the most picturesque views in the Northeast.

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Stacked into the hillside, the new guest units were designed with sustainability and sightlines in mind.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARVIN

Four-paneled sliding doors offer expansive views of Nubble Lighthouse and the coastal landscape.

Originally, a restaurant was considered for the project.

Viewpoint Hotel co-founder and CEO Joe Lipton said the team took time to consider the history of the site and decided on new guest rooms instead, inspired by the history of the property and a “cabana colony” of seven art deco dwellings that existed in the 1950s. This new iteration was anything but a throwback to the past, however, as Viewpoint opted to make history by creating roomy guest units stacked right into the hillside—three guest rooms on top, four on the bottom—which feature earthy green roofs and passive energy design.

Each space features a king-sized bed and glass facades, which not only frame the ocean scenery but are strategically placed to allow in light, sea breezes, and views of the water that can be seen from the in-unit shower and are reflected in the bathroom mirror.

Under the creative direction of architect Chris Reynolds of CR Design in New York City, the new guest units, which debuted in late summer 2023, were designed with a clean and chic aesthetic and to support the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Reynolds found that partnering with Marvin Windows and Doors yielded a design that seamlessly blends into the hillside and enhances the new architecture while framing the iconic views and creating desirable sightlines from the guest rooms.

Settling on the best product for the project took time

and consideration, says Reynolds. Ultimately, Marvin doors and windows were selected for their quality, price point, and availability for the fast-moving project. “The value proposition that Marvin offered was a fraction of the cost of European providers with similar products,” says Reynolds. A visit to Boston’s 7 Tide experience showroom was also crucial for advancing the design with Marvin’s Elevate products. It helped the design and hotel teams envision the finished Marvin products once they were installed. Lisa Massari, a representative for the studio, says that by using 7 Tide's technology, they were able to project a rendering of Marvin’s four-paneled sliding doors onto the wall so the team could imagine how the Marvin products would look in the completed project and how guests would feel in the space. With the Elevate doors, two inner panels effortlessly slide to two outer panels, creating a 7-foot opening.

For guests, this visual access is “like a private show to the ocean,” says Massari. With their fiberglass exterior and wellinsulated dual pane insulated glass, the doors are designed to endure Maine's everchanging coastal conditions.

Lipton loves the simple yet dependable style the Marvin Elevate products add to their new guest suites and says, “When you open those two doors up, there’s a flow that goes from outside to inside.” She adds that this type of convenient access also resonates with guests, even those visiting in the thick of winter. “There’s not a better place to watch a nor’easter.”

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| STYLE FILES |

OVER AND ABOVE

AN AWARD-WINNING KITCHEN GOES THE EXTRA MILE. PHOTOS BY CHUAN DING

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With a homeowner who wanted “the best of everything,” Randy Sullivan, founding partner of Gatehouse Partners, a small, hands-on construction management company in Greenwich, Connecticut, knew he and his team had the rare gift of a blank slate for creating a one-of-a-kind kitchen. “We renovated most of this home, which is a traditional Tudor here in Fairfield County,” says Sullivan. “We’ve been working with them for 20 years, and in all that time, we hadn’t changed the previous kitchen, so it was a great opportunity to

be really creative.”

With both inspiration and collaboration from architect Jones Byrne Margeotes Partners and interior designer Charlotte Barnes, the resulting space is more transitional than other areas of the home—and yet seamlessly ties in with the high level of luxury and quality in the rest of the interior.

“The homeowner was very involved and chose the materials and finishes,” says Sullivan. “And when he said he wanted something to be ‘extra,’ it was ‘extra, extra, extra!’”

Above left: Honed Calacatta Gold Premium Extra Extra Extra Marble from Dushi Marble on stove hood and backsplash, peninsula, and two double waterfall sides on the island.

Above right: Gatehouse Partners installed the natural stained wood oak flooring from Exquisite Surfaces.

Working with luxe materials such as honed Calacatta Gold Extra, Extra, Extra marble, (the triple extra indicates the grade of the stone) wide-plank natural-stained oak flooring, and a five-figure under-mounted semi-recessed burnished-brass kitchen sink, was a pleasure for Sullivan, who incorporated an integrated panel Designer Series Sub-Zero refrigerator and a 48” Wolf range into the space. The room is airy yet warm, with a loft ceiling over the sink area, rift-cut quarter-sawn stained white oak cabinetry, and gold-tone pendant lights. “It is fresh and exciting and a little bit different,” says Sullivan.

It is also a winner. The kitchen has the

distinction of earning the 2023 HOBI Outstanding Kitchen Award from HBRA of Connecticut.

“When we saw the category, we knew we should submit this kitchen,” says Gatehouse Partners Project and Marketing Manager Heather Rogers Meister. “We had a couple of meetings where we discussed what was a good possibility for us, and in the end, we decided that this kitchen was the epitome of outstanding.”

While the project was completed prior to her joining the company, Meister says, “I can tell you everyone worked really hard to pull this together, and the honor is well deserved. The kitchen is a showstopper.”

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FULL STEAM AHEAD HIGH STYLE MEETS HIGH-TECH PAMPERING IN THIS BATHROOM REDO. PHOTOS BY DAN CUTRONA

When Jacquelyn and John Santini decided to renovate their home’s primary bathroom, their contractor recommended the Kohler Signature Store by Supply New England in Burlington, Massachusetts, as a resource.

Upon visiting the expansive showroom, they began working with design consultant Stephen Puopolo: “Our team methodology just clicked right away,” says Jacquelyn.

Puopolo helped the couple navigate the countless choices involved in a successful renovation while staying true to their minimalist vision. “I wanted the room to feel modern and sleek,” describes Jacquelyn, who gravitates toward clean lines, quiet luxury, and contemporary chic.

“We focused on a triad of white, gray, and black,” says Puopolo of the color palette, anchored by tile in varying shades of gray. Context Field Tile by Ann Sacks in a silvery “Frost” tone covers the vanity wall and continues into the shower. Matte black fixtures—including the Honesty faucet, Statement showerhead, and Shift hand shower, all by Kohler—draw the eye. A warm wood grain in a driftwood finish on the Bertch vanity contrasts with the polished tile.

But this bathroom’s standout feature is its glassed-in steam shower, powered by a Kohler 9kW Invigoration steam generator.

The Santinis can start a rejuvenating steam session on their phones via the Konnect app; meanwhile, the wall-mounted controller inside the shower adjusts the temperature to between 90 and 125 degrees. The steam head itself is topped by a small well for aromatherapy.

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With clean lines and square features, the contemporary Honesty® widespread faucet draws inspiration from modern European design.

Yet another high-tech feature is Kohler’s Maxstow lighted medicine cabinet. “It’s designed to be wall-mounted for less intrusive installation in apartments and condos,” says Puopolo, “but we chose it for its length and style.”

Puopolo paid careful attention to even the smallest of details, ensuring a luxe, finished look. Wall-mounting both the Veil toilet and semi-custom vanity saved space and ensured easy cleaning. He also executed a custom sink drain in white— “It was worth the effort for a seamless look,” he explains. Above the toilet paper holder, which doubles as a handy shelf, is an extra remote start for the shower heads.

“This room is contemporary in style but still has great warmth and is very livable,” says Puopolo. “We pinch ourselves every day,” adds Jacquelyn. “We feel very fortunate; it’s an unbelievable transformation.” kssbysne.com NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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South Shore

PERSPECTIVE

This Scituate home is light, bright, and luxurious in feel, with elegant spaces and show-stopping views.

By Jennifer Sperry Photos courtesy of Marvin

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By JENNIFER SPERRY • Photography by JIM FUhrmann NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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Left: This charming beverage alcove features a Sub-Zero undercounter wine storage unit. Right: Main living spaces on the first floor are open to each other, making the most of natural light and stunning marsh views.

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When Oak Development & Design invests in a spec project, it seeks out diamond-in-the-rough properties tucked away in sought-after neighborhoods. The design-build firm takes its time with each transformation, achieving unique homes with a bespoke feel and a modern twist on New England tradition.

PJ and Lizzy Antonik, the Hingham-based husband-andwife team behind Oak’s success, work hand in hand on every project. PJ manages the construction side while Lizzy oversees the final finishes as lead designer. Their symbiotic relationship results in a smooth process, allowing the firm to build successfully on challenging sites while meeting aggressive deadlines.

“That’s what really sets us apart in the marketplace— people come to us because we handle everything seamlessly,” explains PJ. Many builders send homeowners out looking for tile, lighting, and fixtures. “For a lot of people, making so many material choices at once is really daunting; it’s a lot of work,” points out Lizzy of their business model’s value-add.

Recently, the duo saw great potential in a property overlooking the marshes of Scituate’s Minot Beach area. “The lot had four tightly packed structures: two small cottages, a run-down single family, and a dilapidated apartment building,”

recalls PJ. The buildings were torn down and replaced with structures on piles to meet current flood requirements. The complicated task of building anew in a sensitive area—with special permitting required for zoning, conservation, and health—took three years to complete.

The star of the finished subdivision project is a 3,400-square-foot single-family home on the cusp of the marsh.

With three stories of living space topped by a roof deck, the home exemplifies Oak Development & Design’s updated take on coastal vernacular. The gambrel roof communicates a traditional New England look, but other details, like the black windows and LP SmartSide siding, lean more modern.

“We definitely push the envelope with our finishes,” continues PJ of the company’s commitment to quality work.

“We don’t do builder grade. A lot of our clients purchase our houses about halfway through the build, and then we work closely with them to fine-tune final selections.”

In this case, the client ended up being a couple with grown children looking to start a new chapter in a more maintenancefree home. “They envisioned living that calm, serene coastal lifestyle,” notes Lizzy. “They wanted their finishes to feel elegant and cohesive.”

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A luxurious marble island, Shaker-style cabinets and a wall of Marvin's Elevate windows helped make the homeowners' dream kitchen a reality.

On the first floor, the main living spaces are open to one another, protecting sightlines to the views outside. Since the clients love to cook, Lizzy paid careful attention to the kitchen’s functionality. “Having a spacious kitchen and allowing for maximum natural light was really important to them,” says the designer, who partnered high-end appliances with warm white, inset Shaker-style cabinets.

One of the kitchen’s focal points is its wall of windows over the sink. To offset the loss of upper cabinets along this wall, Oak tucked a generous pantry with open shelving into the layout. While the perimeter countertops are maintenance-free warm gray quartzite, a two-and-a-halfinch-thick slab of marble on the island lends an extra dose of luxury.

Oak Development & Design sourced all the home’s windows and doors from Marvin’s Elevate collection, which combines high-performance fiberglass exteriors with classic wood interiors. “We collaborate with Marvin for many reasons, but the biggest reason for me is that I appreciate the company’s family-owned feel and how they support everyone who works there,” reveals PJ. “I’ve visited most of the major window manufacturing plants, and no one is more focused on quality than Marvin.”

On the second story is the primary bedroom, which boasts a heavy allotment of glazing. A large walk-in closet with custom cabinetry and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub round out the suite. Meanwhile, three additional bedrooms on both the second and third floors accommodate visiting children and friends. The third-floor bedroom boasts a sweetheart balcony.

A ship’s ladder leads up to the roof deck, which, at approximately 40 feet above grade, delivers 360-degree views of Scituate’s coastline, including Minots Ledge Light in the distance. “The deck was always in the plan, but we made it a little bigger per the clients’ request,” says PJ. “We also installed a wet bar with a fridge near the ladder, so anyone relaxing on the deck doesn’t have to trek two floors down to the kitchen.”

Small yet impactful details throughout, like coffers in the living room ceiling, built-in shelves, and a variety of ambient and task lighting, make the home feel fully customized, as though an owner was attached all along.

“We build homes that we would want to live in,” asserts PJ. “We come up with these crazy ideas and figure out how to execute them. We don’t shy away from a challenge,” adds the entrepreneur. “This project was certainly challenging, but that’s what delivers the greatest rewards.”

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BY JANICE RANDALL ROHLF

Celebrated interior designer Shea McGee’s collaboration with Kohler and Ann Sacks provides everything you need for a stylish, dreamy bathroom.

A Perfect Partnership

With nearly four million followers on Instagram, an eponymous design studio, a line of home products, a pair of popular coffee-table books, and the long-running Netflix show “Dream Home Makeover,” interior designer Shea McGee has become a household name in a short amount of time.

Her brand, Studio McGee, was created in 2014. The Kohler Co. has been a global leader in kitchen and bath products for 150 years.

Where McGee and Kohler merge is a happy-ending story of the past meeting the present in recently debuted new product collections that bridge classic styles and current aesthetics.

Available to view in displays at Supply New England’s Kohler Signature Stores in Burlington and Natick, MA, the Kohler x Studio McGee Collection was introduced in Fall 2023. It features kitchen and bath faucets, accessories, vanities, lighting, and mirrors, while the Ann Sacks x Studio McGee collaboration launches with three tile collections. (Ann Sacks is a brand within Kohler’s luxury collection.)

“I’ve always been a fan of the quality and craftsmanship that Kohler adheres to. You can tell it’s a fixture that will stand the test of time,” says McGee. “For my own collection, I went deep into the Kohler archives Apel ipsamenihil moluptiis mossitati aut dicipiti aditium santi ut eat volupta tiissume ne to find some of thesequam, historical and styling that make aItatenima fixture esciiimintus, quis di dolupta Abor susdetails cora conem quiae soluptatem. timeless. From there, I gave them modern updates for a mix that’s uniquely Studio McGee.”

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“For my own collection, I went deep into the Kohler archives to find some of the historical details and styling that make a fixture timeless.

From there, I gave them modern updates for a mix that’s uniquely Studio McGee.” — Shea McGee

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PHOTOS BY DAN CUTRONA

Above: Castia™ by Studio McGee Floor-mount bath filler trim with handshower on display at the Kohler Sigture Store in Burlington, MA.

W

ith nearly four million followers on Instagram, an eponymous design studio, a line of home products, a pair of popular coffee-table books, and the long-running Netflix show “Dream Home Makeover,” interior designer Shea McGee has become a household name in a short amount of time.

Her brand, Studio McGee, was created in 2014. The Kohler Co. has been a global leader in kitchen and bath products for 150 years. Where McGee and Kohler merge is a happy-ending story of the past meeting the present in recently debuted new product collections that bridge classic styles and current aesthetics.

Available to view in displays at Supply New England’s Kohler Signature Stores in Burlington and Natick, MA, the Kohler x Studio McGee Collection was introduced in Fall 2023.

It features kitchen and bath faucets, accessories, vanities, lighting, and mirrors, while the Ann Sacks x Studio McGee collaboration launches with three tile collections. (Ann Sacks is a brand within Kohler’s luxury collection.)

“I’ve always been a fan of the quality and craftsmanship that Kohler adheres to. You can tell it’s a fixture that will stand the test of time,” says McGee. “For my own collection, I went deep into the Kohler archives to find some of the historical details and styling that make a fixture timeless. From there, I gave them modern updates for a mix that’s uniquely Studio McGee.” Castia faucets and accessories, for example, showcase the artistry of precision machine knurling, delicately stamped levers, and stacked connection points in a subtle homage to the raw beauty of pipe fittings, while Malin vanities— with distinctive square legs and clean lines— represent an undeniable Shaker sensibility. “The Malin vanity feels very modern because of how minimal it is,” notes Margaret Mazz, studio manager at the Kohler Co. “The Shaker foundation makes it feel very clean and of today, then adding the reeded drawer front and the classic mushroom cabinet knobs gives it a little bit of softness and gleam— combined, they create a timeless appeal.”

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A Seagrove™ by Studio McGee 36" bathroom vanity cabinet with sink and quartz top on display at the Kohler Sigture Store in Burlington, MA.

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“Shea hits a sweet spot of timeless and enduring design that’s hard not to love.”

— Margaret Mazz

PHOTOS BY DAN CUTRONA

Kohler Co., Studio Manager

Above: Castia™ by Studio McGee Widespread bathroom sink faucet; left: inside the vanity drawer are electrical outlets and storage holders for hairdryers, curling irons, and other accessories.

Only on rare occasions in the past has Kohler collaborated with a prominent designer, but McGee, who has worked with Kohler over recent years on smaller-scale projects, seemed a natural for the partnership. “In our time working with Shea, we collaborated in a variety of ways that routinely sparked a lot of interest and excitement with our audience,” says Alyssa Wilterdink, senior marketing manager at Kohler.

“One year, she was in a panel discussion at our kitchen and bath show, and you could barely move because so many people wanted to come and hear from her.”

McGee’s aesthetic appeals to homeowners in a broad cross-section of the country who gravitate toward her clean-lined looks. “Shea has a very national reach and appeal,” says Mazz. “She hits a sweet spot of timeless and enduring design that’s hard not to love.”

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A Seagrove™ by Studio McGee 36" bathroom vanity cabinet with sink and quartz top.

Mazz adds that she and her design team at Kohler didn’t attempt to replicate any specific period in the company’s history and looked at catalogs from the turn of the 20th century to the 1950s. “Most of our inspiration came from catalogs between 1914 and 1931,” she explains. “We extracted details that caught our interest.”

For instance, the Seagrove vanity is imbued with midcentury modern styling, which has surged in popularity today. It features tapered legs adorned with beveled edges and gracefully curved transitions. Drop ring pulls embellished with exposed slotted screws exemplify the type of dimensional detail that creates a striking balance.

Exposed screw details appear as well in the Embra lighting collection, balancing the refined reeding on the glass spheres.

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The three new tile collections by Studio McGee that Ann Sacks has launched—Canyon Lake, Willow Height, and Novah—share classic and enduring qualities. For McGee, it was an opportunity to design versatile tiles that she felt would round out Ann Sacks’s existing collection. When designing Novah tiles, McGee says she “wanted to create a porcelain limestone that hit all the right notes I’ve been looking for and couldn’t find.”

“Working with Shea is an exciting endeavor that combines her highly coveted style with the expertise and craftsmanship that’s synonymous with Kohler,” says Samie Barr, chief brand officer at Kohler. “Shea’s collections with Kohler and Ann Sacks pair seamlessly for customers who aspire to explore new possibilities and create their own unique spaces throughout the home.” NEL

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Marvelous

MANCHESTER

A VERMONT COUPLE TRANSFORMS A QUIRKY CAPE INTO A COOL, COLORFUL HOME WITH CONTEMPORARY FLAIR.

BY JENNIFER SPERRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX VINCENT

W

hen a young professional couple purchased their home in Manchester, Vermont, they were enthralled by the surrounding Green Mountains, whose time-worn peaks commanded attention from every angle of the property. The new owners were also drawn to the circa-1960 Cape’s unique layout, with twists and turns (many resulting from additions over the years) providing a variety of access points to the rear patio and pool area.

“It came with some charming quirks from the period,” recalls the owner, “but the interior needed updating and some general repairs and replacements.” One of the issues she and her husband discovered was that the interior doors would not shut and latch due to the settling of the house. “We quickly learned that was problematic when we got Andy, our first puppy,” she says.

Envisioning a more open layout with modern amenities, the couple decided to renovate. They turned to Northshire Living, a Manchester-based design firm known for its turn-key approach, to bring the aging home up to date. They also voiced a desire for a more comprehensive style that would lean toward midcentury modern without forsaking New England tradition.

“We specialize in kitchens and baths but also do whole-house projects, handling the design and construction under one roof,” says Nicole Conte, who launched Northshire Living with her husband, Chris, in 2017. Complete with a two-level showroom, where clients can experience material selections firsthand, the firm has grown into a valuable home design resource.

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“Our one-stop-shop approach has proven successful, especially with so many second homeowners in the area,” adds Conte.

For the Manchester project, Northshire’s challenge included a narrow galley kitchen, which was closed off from an adjoining breakfast nook. “This nook was getting some of the best light in the house but was underutilized.

Capturing that space and creating a large, combined kitchen and dining area was a big priority for us,” says Conte. Having only attic space above the kitchen proved beneficial, giving the design–build team leeway in terms of rearranging the appliance footprint and adding energy-efficient cartridge heat pumps to replace existing radiators.

The renovated result is an amenity-rich kitchen open to a dining area with a built-in vegan leather banquette. For holiday get-togethers, the banquetteanchored table arrangement expands easily to accommodate friends and family.

“They wanted a lot of color in the space, which was a nice treat,” reveals Conte, noting that the cabinet finish of Needlepoint Navy by Sherwin-Williams is a rich echo of the landscape colors outside. Northshire Living worked hand in hand with Hubbardton Forge—a notable lighting company based in Castleton, Vermont—on the contemporary island pendants and dining table chandelier.

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The owners’ new kitchen delivers a variety of wish-list features, including an island for informal lingering and a built-in coffee station. Floating white oak shelves are functional yet contemporary in feel. A neutral backsplash of eco-friendly “Dakota” tile by Sonoma Tilemakers (made from recycled roof materials) and Caesarstone countertops with soft veining let the blue cabinets shine.

The true showpiece, however, is a four-panel accordion window by Marvin that opens the kitchen dramatically to the outdoors. The deep windowsill doubles as a buffet/ pass-through for serving beverages and snacks to guests gathering in the rear patio and pool area.

“We saw a similar concept in another home and loved the idea of creating an environment where you feel like you are indoors and outdoors at the same time,” says the homeowner. Underneath, perimeter cabinets boast two under-counter, easy-access Sub-Zero beverage refrigerators that protect the kitchen’s primary work triangle from wet foot traffic.

Since the couple enjoys cooking together and regularly hosts dinner and cocktail parties, they wanted to finish off their dream kitchen with high-end appliances. “Quality was important to us, given the investment in creating the home of our dreams,” says the owner. “We’ve always liked the look of Wolf and Sub-Zero products and appreciate that they are manufactured in the U.S. The attention to detail and functionality of what we purchased have not disappointed.”

Counterclockwise from top left: floating white oak shelves offer extra storage, blending style and function; high-end appliances, like this Sub-Zero refrigerator, were a "must" for the homeowners; a four-panel accordian window brings the outdoors in.

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Hygge & West's "Alpine Garden" wallpaper adorns the guest bathroom; fly-fishing wallpaper by Abnormals Anonymous in the mudroom nods to the local landscape.

While the owners spend most of their time in this cooking and dining hub, their primary bedroom suite also required attention. Having lived in small city apartments for most of their adult lives, they were ready to finally invest in creature comforts, starting with their primary bath. Stealing space from the bedroom closets, Northshire incorporated a Japanese soaking tub—one of the wife’s top requests—into the newly expanded bathroom layout.

“They wanted both a shower and a tub, and we made it work by combining the two into a wet room,” says Conte. Burgundy tile in a modern stack bond pattern visually unites this spa-like, glassed-in oasis. To offset the closet reduction, Northshire lined a bedroom wall with built-ins for storage.

Additional design flourishes helped bring other areas of the home up to date.

A partial remodel of the guest bathroom included the application of “Secret Garden” wallpaper by Hygge & West. “We carry that line in our showroom; it’s one of our favorite vendors. The bees and the birds nod to Vermont without being over the top,” says Conte. Similarly, Hygge & West’s “Alpine Garden” wallpaper graces the front entry, and the refreshed mudroom boasts an adventurous fly fishing-inspired wallpaper

by Abnormals Anonymous.

“We pride ourselves on offering choices that are unique and interesting,” sums up Conte of their Northern New England success. “We take the rusticity that’s inherent up here in the mountains and shape and express it in a fun and modern way.” NEL NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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GUIDING LIGHT

Landscape photographer Rob Davies captures the aura and magic of New England’s lighthouses.

BY LANNAN M. O’BRIEN

For certain shots, Davies says it's best to be directly in the water (although pictured barefoot here, he can usually be found with his camera equipment and a pair of Wellington boots in hand). Photo

by Ioana Davies.

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here’s a bit of science involved in landscape photography, and that’s partly what Rob Davies loves about it. While he enjoys the creative side of his work, he notes that it also involves a significant amount of planning and thinking. It doesn’t hurt that there’s an adventure in every shoot. “It gets kind of exciting because of the places you can go and the situations that you haven’t been in before,” he says. “It’s really quite thrilling.”

Originally from Warrington, England, the Arlington, Massachusetts, resident moved to the U.S. in the 1990s for his postdoc fellowship after earning his PhD in chemistry and has been here ever since. But it wasn’t until 2015 that Davies was inspired by his wife — Ioana Davies, a fellow photographer — to participate in his first workshop in Death Valley, mainly focused on night photography. He was hooked. About two years later, he left his more than 20-year career in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue his new venture: Rob Davies Images.

While Davies captures scenes across the U.S. and internationally, he is consistently drawn back to his favorite spots in New England, particularly along the coast. Gorgeous lighthouse images have become a signature of his work. “There’s just something about lighthouses that resonates with people and with me as well,” he says. “I don’t know if it’s the resilience of them, or it’s nostalgic in some ways, that feeling of guidance.”

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Clockwise from upper left: Minot's Light, off the coasts of Cohasset and Scituate, Massachusetts, is a favorite of photographers during stormy weather; one of Rhode Island's most iconic landmarks, Castle Hill Lighthouse guides vessels through Narragansett Bay; calm seas at sunset make for a serene image of Gloucester, Massachusetts' Annisquam Harbor Light.

There are two ways that Davies approaches lighthouse images: he plans around the time of day — meaning sunrise or sunset, moonrise or moonset — or weather conditions. For example, if there’s a storm coming, he heads to Minot’s Ledge Light (nicknamed the “I Love You Light” for its flash of 1-4-3, the number of letters in each word of the phrase), offshore between Scituate and Cohasset, Massachusetts. He even ventured out into a nor’easter once to photograph the lighthouse. “I chose that location during the storm because I knew the waves would be crashing around it.”

If the seas are calm, he visits Annisquam Harbor Light Station in Gloucester.

In fact, he’s been there so often that he knows exactly where to stand for the best viewpoints. But as with every shot, there is planning involved. “I’ll know when there’s going to be a high tide or low tide, and then I look to see whether there’s going to be a good sunrise or sunset probability,” he says.

Nubble Light, an iconic landmark on Cape Neddick in York, Maine, makes a striking subject for moonrise and moonset shots. Davies uses an app that provides information on moon rise times and exact locations, which can help photographers plan lighthouse images with the moon in the background. To capture the effect of the moon appearing large in comparison to the lighthouse, he says, you need to photograph from a distance and use a long lens.

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Left: Beach plums and blue skies frame Cape Cod's Nauset Light; Above: A sailboat passes Portland Head Light in Maine.

During a full moonrise, photographers swarm the beach across from Nubble Light. As the moon begins to rise, Davies explains, they must constantly change position along the beach for the best composition. “It’s funny when you’re on the beach because all these photographers are there trying to do the same thing, and everybody’s moving to the left. It’s like all these crabs walking along the beach,” he says, chuckling.

Davies recalls many situations in which the serene beauty of the final image did not reflect his experience of capturing it. While one might assume a sense of peace accompanies photographing idyllic New England landscapes, he would more accurately describe the process as “hectic,” acknowledging the undeniable truth of social media's popular “Instagram vs.

Reality” trend. “I think that’s what you try to do with landscape photography, is to try to give that impression of calm and peace.

You want it to look serene, clean,” he says. “So, composition is a big part of what you try to do with the image.”

As he is often drawn to the seaside, he always has a pair of Wellington boots in hand. When photographing water, Davies says, it’s usually best to be in it. But this can lead to some dangerous situations. Once, while capturing Nubble Light at sunrise, he was standing on the lower rocks with powerful waves crashing around his feet and filling his boots. It was a don’t-trythis-at-home moment, but it allowed him to capture the intrinsic drama of rough seas.

He also reflects on an experience at Minot’s Ledge Light amid a storm. The winds were so strong that rocks were whipping through the air, and he was dodging them while constantly wiping his camera lens. “I was standing there with this long lens, gripping the tripod and camera for dear life,” he says.

But in the end, he got the ideal shot.

Other Massachusetts coastal spots Davies finds himself returning to include Singing Beach in Manchester-by-theSea (“It’s called Singing Beach because when you walk on it, [the sand] makes a sound like it squeaks,” he explains), where the waves splash against the rocks for a dramatic effect, and Salisbury Beach, which can appear silver when the sky reflects on the sand.

He also ventures down to the many striking landscapes on Cape Cod. Davies regularly visits Nauset Light, First Encounter Beach, and Skaket Beach, some of his favorites. (Skaket Beach was where he first met Cape-based photographer Betty Wiley, whose work he followed on Instagram. They became close colleagues and, ever since, plan photography trips together with fellow New England-based photographer Michael Blanchette.)

In addition to capturing his own images, Davies offers workshops to help others hone their landscape and cityscape photography skills. One woman purchased a workshop as a beginner for her birthday, and he taught her to shoot the moon and the waves along the beach. She was astonished by the result, marveling at the way she was able to detail the craters on the moon.

Davies recognized that rush of excitement from firsthand experience. “I used to get a similar feeling in chemistry when I used to do recrystallizations,” he recalls. “It’s the sort of thrill of having something dirty and messy, and then you do a crystallization, and it’s pure and clean,“ says Davies. He relished completing experiments then, just as he adores the process of creating a perfect photo now. “You realize you’ve done it, and it is so satisfying.“ NEL NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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Buoys

Pen and Ink

A pair of North Shore artists capture the look and feel of iconic New England through their handcrafted prints.

by Lisa Cavanaugh 68

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Rusty & Ingrid's Rockport shop has displays of their work in various sizes available for sale.

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“What really strikes you as you arrive at Rusty and Ingrid 's shop is how much the essence of New England shines through."

“What really strikes you as you arrive at Rusty and Ingrid’s shop is how much the essence of New England shines through,” says Rachel Holt, host of New England Living TV. “They have a fantastic location on the water in Rockport, which is a big part of the inspiration for their art.”

Holt and the rest of the NEL TV team visited with artists Rusty and Ingrid Kinnunen at their new studio shop to film a 2024 episode with the young couple. “Even the design aesthetic of the building matches their artwork,” says Evan Berenson, NEL TV’s executive producer and director. “It is such a gorgeous setting, then you walk into their store and it is all reflected in their prints.”

“We have been working a long time to get a proper studio in town,” says Ingrid Kinnunen, who met her husband when they were both students at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. “We had another, smaller location in Rockport, which was just a gallery, and then we got our shop location in Salem, where

we were able to do some production,” she says. “The remainder of our production was still at our home studio, so we were spread out all over the North Shore.”

While the Kinnunens are now well known for their crisp, colorful, nostalgic hand-inked prints, the couple both trained in oil painting. “We didn't have any experience in screen printing,” says Rusty, “so we had to teach ourselves when we first started a dozen years ago.” He had worked doing illustration, gaining design-related skills, which helped the process, but they still had a learning curve. “We didn't have a studio or real supplies. We were doing it in our tiny condo, so we just figured it out on our own.”

Inspiration first came from their love of vintage travel posters and the desire to make fine art accessible to everyone. “We both really liked having original artwork in our house,” says Rusty. “But we were not wealthy by any means, so we decided to start making artwork that most people can afford.”

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"Rockport Reflection" is another view of their town.

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A festive scene at Front Beach in Rockport.

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The couple's Fenway Park print is one of their most requested, as it evokes familiar memories of a day at the ballgame.

They also wanted to focus thematically on their home turf. “We are both from New England,” says Ingrid, “and we feature the local spots that mean a lot to us.” Their images of beaches, lighthouses, ski slopes, and Boston scenes clearly resonate with others, as proven by the popularity of their work.

“They showcase the prime locations in the New England area,” says Holt, who joined the pair in the screen-printing process during the video shoot. “What is neat is that they want the customer’s own memory of the place to come through the experience of looking at one of their prints.” She references one of their most requested images, a view from the grandstand at Fenway Park. “It feels like my own memory of being at the ballpark—like it’s me in those seats,” says Holt.

“Everything in their shop reminds you of someplace you’ve been or something you’ve done,” agrees Berenson.

“I’ve never really felt that anywhere else.”

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Rusty and Ingrid begin their creative process by visiting or revisiting locations across New England. They take mental images and photos, sometimes do sketches, and then return to their studio to begin creating the prints. “We draw the designs using tracing paper and India ink, really trying to capture what it is like to be there,” says Ingrid. “We mix all of our ink by hand, and we embrace the elements of imperfection or variation that result.”

“We make our own screens and go through a series of different layers and colors for each print,” says Rusty. “We even make our own frames.” One of the most meaningful aspects of Rusty’s and Ingrid’s work is its authenticity. “You are getting an original, signed, handmade piece of art.”

Now that they have been successful for more than a decade, they are eager to reimagine some of the older, most popular images, such as the Fenway Park print, while still honoring the original intention.

Memories of coastal settings, such as Annisquam, Massachusetts, are inspirations for Rusty and Ingrid's work.

“We decided to refresh our whole catalog,” says Rusty, explaining that he and Ingrid are going back to the drawing board and redesigning the images with new colors and details while retaining the essence of the originals. “The older editions are still unique, and instead of reprinting those, we are bringing them back in new ways.” He refers to their decision to simplify and harmonize their color library, among other creative evolutions. They also recently began producing larger prints, 24” x 32”, hand-printed on hardboard panels. “We decided to offer very large pieces of artwork for those customers looking for something on a grander scale.”

The pair, who have three children, are equally enthusiastic about their free, family-friendly “Print Your Own” events. “The experience of making a screen print in our studio is really fun for everyone,” says Ingrid. “Now that we have a studio that's accessible to the public, we're

going to be doing more on a regular basis.”

It was this kind of talent and spirit that led NEL TV to want to share the Kinnunens’ story. “I loved hearing about how a husband-andwife team began doing something a little different out of their home,” Check out NEL TV says Holt. “And now they have online, including an episode all about an amazing studio in a stunning Rusty & Ingrid location.” She adds that the couple truly showcases the region in a unique way. “There is so much thoughtfulness behind each one of their prints.”

“We like celebrating New England with our artwork,” says Ingrid. “We grew up here, and so our memories are similar to our customers’.” NEL NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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Transforming petrified wood into designer furnishings is a passion project for a Boston–area businessman.

BY LANNAN O’BRIEN

T

here are moments when nature makes us step back in wonder, suddenly aware of how small we are in its presence. For many, petrified wood can have this effect.

Jamie O’Brien was on a retreat in Bali, Indonesia, when he first encountered the distinctive material at a local market. It was there that he learned how petrified wood is formed: buried deep under sediment and other debris, the wood is protected from decay by the oxygen and organisms surrounding it. Sediment-rich groundwater flows through the plant material, and over time, it absorbs minerals like silica, calcite, and pyrite, becoming fossilized. Describing his experience at the market, O’Brien says, “They said it was 25 million years old, once alive, and it just really excited me. I bought some pieces and sent them back to my home in Chestnut Hill, near Boston, and the rest is history.”

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That experience was the inspiration for Fossiel, O’Brien’s company, which sells high-end furnishings hand-crafted from fossilized wood. Sourcing material from extreme volcanic regions worldwide, primarily Indonesia, O’Brien works directly with master stone masons to design statement pieces, including countertops, dining tables and chairs, bathtubs, and more. Each piece is characterized by the unique markings and patterns that occur in the fossilization process, from subtle variations in light cream and tan to highly contrasted black and white.

The best part? All of this is achieved with zero deforestation since the material is sourced from deposits on private properties. Currently, O’Brien said, most of that property is farmland in Indonesia. “They come across this material when they’re digging and cultivating their soil, and

at one point, it was a nuisance to them because there were these big boulder-like pieces of material that were in their way. They didn’t know what to do with it, so they would kind of give it away. Over the years, they realized that it had a market value and, long story short, they had a revenue stream,” he says.

When he started Fossiel, O’Brien spent much of his time on the farms and in the fields, meeting with landowners and searching for petrified wood. Now that the business has grown, he’s built a solid base of contacts and dedicates more time to design work at the factory he works with in Indonesia, deciding which pieces will be transformed into a coffee table, chair, or patio set. “Of course, I have a good collaboration with the guys working over there,” he says.

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From dining tables to bathtubs, Fossiel's furniture retains the original character that makes each piece of fossilized wood unique.

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Photo caption on this page is a repeat of the caption on previous page – should be “At Fossiel's factory in Indonesia, O'Brien collaborates with workers to transform raw material into highend furniture.”

In his professional life, O’Brien wears many hats. It’s been that way since he was 18 when he opted to enter the workforce rather than finish high school. Over the first 11 years of his career, he worked for two different “Fortune 500-type companies” and worked his way up to management positions.

“Then I understood that corporate America is not my world,” he says. He started The O’Brien Group, a company that acquires properties in the Boston area and Costa Rica for rehabilitation.

His main business, however, is a different industry entirely: Universal Green Commodities is a boutique trading firm in renewable fuels, which converts renewable resources (such as waste vegetable oil cooking grease from restaurants) into renewable diesel fuel that is blended into home heating oil, airplane fuel, and more.

While he considers real estate his hobby and finds a sense of peace in work that benefits the environment, O’Brien admits, “Fossiel is my heart business. It’s my creative business.”

Fossiel has one design showroom at Boston Park Plaza,

which O’Brien considers the flagship location, and two industrial-style locations in Costa Rica. In addition to their showroom pieces, the company completes custom work for clients. O’Brien describes the majority of his customers as “the industry folk” — interior designers, architects, builders, and engineers who act as his salespeople.

When asked if there is a “wow” factor for those unfamiliar with petrified wood, O’Brien says customers’ reactions are his favorite part of the business. “This material is very humbling, and that’s one of the reasons I got into it. I see that every day when people come into the showrooms, sometimes for the first time, the second, or the tenth time,” he says.

O’Brien is among many who believe that petrified wood has metaphysical properties, including its grounding effects.

Referring to his early days in the business, he says, “I’d come home from a long day and put my glass of wine on my side table [a stump of petrified wood] and have a sense of connection to the table next to me. It was very special and something that was very clear.”

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COCONUT GRAPEFRUIT

Margarita

When the summertime temperatures start to rise, indulge in this refreshing and citrusy cocktail, perfect for an afternoon on the patio. Recipe from Scotsman Ice.

INGREDIENTS Scotsman Nugget Ice 4 oz ruby red grapefruit juice 1 ½ oz silver tequila 1 oz triple sec 1 ½ oz lime juice 1 tbsp cream of coconut ½ salt and ½ sugar mixture to rim glass Lime wedges as garnish DIRECTIONS 1. Rim the serving glass with the salt and sugar mixture.

2. Fill the glass with Scotsman Nugget Ice. 3. Pour the remaining ingredients into the glass and stir well.

4. Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy.

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Food PASTA PERFETTO Page 82 GREAT NEW ENGLAND COOKOUT Page 88 RAISING THE BAR Page 94

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THE GREAT NEW ENGLAND

COOKOUT

Whether you call it grilling, a barbeque, or a cookout, preparing a freshly cooked meal outside is a perfect way to enjoy spring and summer.

By Rachel Arroyo

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Despite a common misconception, grilling and barbecuing are not the same. American barbecue is slowcooked with indirect fire made of hardwood or charcoal, while grilled food is cooked with direct heat from below.

“We are in such a cool time for food,” with so many people focusing on the craft of cooking, says Andy Husbands, an award-winning chef, author, and pitmaster who owns six barbecue restaurants in the Boston area.

Husbands, a 2009 New England BBQ team member who won the coveted Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue, says people often ask for barbecuing tips on social media. The most common question: “Why is my brisket so dry?” The answer most often lies in the cut of meat: instead of purchasing a flat brisket, a whole brisket should be selected.

Husbands' Kinda Simple Beef Brisket should be made with a whole brisket, preferably grilled over wood or charcoal.

G

etting together with close friends and family to share alfresco meals during the warmer months is a longstanding tradition for us New Englanders.

Attend any New England cookout this season, and you are sure to find a selection of perennial favorites: hot dogs and hamburgers, steak tips and garden-fresh salads, as well as seafood, including the humble clambake, a regional dish adopted from the area’s Indigenous Peoples by early settlers.

But don’t be surprised if you also discover some new favorites added to the picnic table. Emboldened by the wealth of online recipes and how-to cooking demonstrations, home chefs are now more willing than ever to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques.

“The evolution of outdoor cooking has been amazing to watch,” says Jeremy Sewall, an award-winning chef, author, and Boston restaurateur. “The equipment you can buy for your backyard is so much better than when I was a young guy, and what my dad used to buy: Nowadays, people have smokers in their backyards, Blackstone flat tops, wood grills, and wood ovens.”

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Andy Husbands glazes his award-winning St. Louis pork ribs at his outdoor smoker.

When it comes to grilling, Husbands—whose favorite cookout food is a perfectly prepared burger—prefers to grill with wood or charcoal (as opposed to gas) because the intensity of the heat creates a really nice char.

To create the ideal hamburger, Husbands, the co-author of the cookbook Wicked Good Burgers, recommends buying good-quality meat and forming the patties in the morning, when the temperature is cooler, to help prevent a crumbly burger. “Don’t shape [the burger patty] like a frisbee with the sides tapering at the end because you want it to cook consistently,” he says, adding that a slight thumbprint indentation in the middle of the patty also helps to maintain an even thickness throughout. And, of course, don’t forget to clean your grill before cooking.

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Like anything in life, grilling and barbecuing take practice.

Beth Wilson, co-owner and general manager of Foster’s Clambake and Catering in Maine, is an expert on clambakes, a beloved New England summertime tradition with many variations.

“A lot of people ask if we use seaweed,” she says, which is the traditional way to prepare a clambake: The region’s Indigenous Peoples would steam local shellfish in a sand pit of hot rocks layered with seaweed.

“We used to use seaweed,” she says, “but seaweed really permeates the flavor of everything, which is great for some

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people, but for others, it’s a turn-off.”

Foster’s Clambakes and Catering has a unique cooking method for their clambakes: Over a wood-burning fire, a frame holds a pan of water and a wooden box with a screened-in bottom that’s layered with enough potatoes, onions, corn, lobsters, and clams to feed up to 200 people. The result is an entire meal imbued with a nice, smoky flavor from the fire. “It’s an experience, not just a meal,” says Wilson For backyard chefs who want to create their own clambake, Sewall suggests using a large pot for cooking your favorite clambake ingredients–clams, mussels, lobster, corn on the

PHOTO BY RICK DUMONT

ISTOCK .COM/ TANYA _F

cob, potatoes, and Portuguese sausage–to create an authentic clambake experience. “The fun part of the meal is that it is family style,” he says. “You are eating with your hands. It’s a messy, delicious experience. Embrace it.”

Regarding cookout food trends, Husbands says he sees people utilizing big cuts of meats, such as tomahawks, bonein pork loin, and grilling oysters. More worldly flavors, like chimichurri and kimchi, are also popular.

To appeal to people who are vegetarians or have a glutenfree diet, in addition to meat-alternative burgers, Wilson says

side dishes like potato salad are being swapped for alternatives such as “quinoa, grilled veggies, or a shaved kale and Brussel sprout slaw that is not mayonnaise-based.”

Whether you are a fan of serving classic cookout fare or someone who likes to experiment, Sewall’s advice for throwing a successful cookout this season is timeless: “Don’t try to do too much. Less is more,” he says, adding that what is most important is to “get as much done ahead of time so that you can enjoy the people you are with” during the balmy days and nights of a New England summer. NEL NEWENGL ANDLIVING.T V

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SURF Where to catch the best waves in New England.

When you hear the phrase “surfers’ paradise,” visions of California or Hawaii probably come to mind. But for many lifelong East Coasters, New England is as close to heaven as it gets. The region is home to what are arguably some of the nicest beaches in the world, but true wave chasers know that it’s also where you’ll find some of the best year-round surfing spots.

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New England surfers are a hardy breed, braving frigid water to catch the best waves. Let your local surf shop guide you in purchasing the right gear, including wetsuits and hoods.

Ready to hit the water? Here is our list of top spots in New England, starting with the state that has some of the biggest waves on the East Coast: Little Rhody.

F'S UP

By Allie Herzog Photos by Cate Brown

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Come summer, the shores of Narragansett Town Beach in Rhode Island are crowded with surfers.

RHODE ISLAND

This small state is big on year-round surf culture, and surfers flock here from New York and neighboring states to the north to chase big waves, especially during hurricane season.

NARRAGANSETT TOWN BEACH One of the best-known spots on the East Coast, Narragansett Town Beach sits just beyond the famous Narragansett Towers and offers public parking and a long, beginner-friendly shoreline. In the summer, surf shops set up camp in the parking lot, offering lessons and board rentals, but be aware that it can get crowded fast. The locals surf here year-round—a hurricane or snowstorm only adds to the allure.

SACHUEST BEACH, MIDDLETOWN Known to the locals as Second Beach, this public beach has plenty of surfable breaks. The best place to catch a wave is the aptly named Surfer’s End, which you’ll easily spot at the start of Second Beach, just around the bend from Purgatory Chasm.

It has its own small parking lot and is a favorite spot for locals, but is far from hidden. Like all good surf spots, it tends to get crowded in season.

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RUGGLES, NEWPORT At the end of the street it’s named for, Ruggles is not a public beach, and in fact, surfers have to climb down rocks to get to the water. With its jagged coastline and big waves, this spot is best suited for locals and advanced riders. During hurricane season, Ruggles is the place where surf legends are made.

MASSACHUSETTS

The Cape and Islands have the most widely recognized surf spots in the state, but locals know that good waves can also be found on the South Shore and North Shore of Boston too.

MARCONI BEACH, WELLFLEET This outer Cape delight is often less crowded than other popular Cape Cod surf spots, such as nearby Coast Guard Beach, while still providing consistent waves. Other reasons to come here include the beach’s large parking lot and magical sunsets. Unlike some New England spots that tend to have better surf in the fall and winter, Marconi has reliable summer surf, but with it comes the risk of the Cape’s most infamous predator: the great white shark. Use caution and heed the warnings of lifeguards and surf reports!

Nantucket's Cisco Beach is ideal for beginners, with local Nantucket Island Surf School offering gear rentals and lessons.

CISCO BEACH, NANTUCKET For those new to the sport, Cisco is a great starting point, with Nantucket Island Surf School offering lessons and rentals onsite. Depending on the season, this southside beach can get some big waves and, accordingly, gets pretty crowded in the summer months. Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, stray a bit from the main beach to find your own break away from the masses.

SALISBURY BEACH Located on the North Shore, this summertime destination can provide reliable surf conditions, especially in the late summer and early fall. It’s a good option for beginners and is easy to get to from Boston, unlike traveling out to the islands.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Though the Granite State has just 13 miles of coastline, it is home to some of the most epic breaks in New England.

Just remember to suit up in the right cold-water gear!

NORTH BEACH, HAMPTON Known as “The Wall,” this is one of the most reliable surf spots in the state, with nearly yearround surfable waves. With its long stretch of surf and longstanding reputation, it may be a bit intimidating for newbies, but thanks to the famous Cinnamon Rainbows surf shop located nearby, it can also be a great spot for lessons from one of their resident surf experts.

JENNESS STATE BEACH, RYE This exposed beach break is a good summer surfing option for both beginner and advanced surfers. It's less crowded than other New England spots even in the summer and has reliable surf conditions, though rarely huge waves.

MAINE

Maine is known as the last frontier in New England surfing, and the water can be downright frigid, but stormy conditions and rumors of double overhead waves make it a great spot for seasoned surfers.

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HIGGINS BEACH, SCARBOROUGH Surfable year-round, this popular beach has some legendary waves in the winter. Surfing is prohibited during peak summer times, and parking is a challenge, so it’s best to surf this spot in the off-season, when you’ll find a steady stream of locals looking to catch that elusive 15-foot wave.

LONG SANDS BEACH, YORK York is a popular beach town in the summer months and surfers are a big part of those crowds. Nicknamed Sloppy Joe’s, the conditions can sometimes be messy here, but with its long shoreline it’s a good spot for beginners. Like many Maine beaches, in the summer during peak hours surfing is restricted to just a small area. For this reason, experienced surfers may prefer to paddle out in the winter, when bigger swells roll in from the storms.

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut isn’t a huge surfing destination, as most seasoned CT surfers head to neighboring New York or Rhode Island to catch the big waves, but it still has a few spots worth noting for reliable local surf.

HAMMONASSET BEACH, MADISON One of the largest beaches in the state, with picturesque white sands, there’s plenty of fun to be had here all summer long with consistent mellow swells. During the fall, more experienced surfers can find larger swells as hurricanes and storms brew along the coast.

SILVER SANDS STATE PARK, MILFORD This pretty public beach is a great destination for a relaxing day of surf. The conditions tend to be mellow, but will suit beginners and others looking for an easily accessible beach in Connecticut.

One of the best parts of surfing on the East Coast? The sunrises. Avid surfers know that early-morning surf sessions not only mean fewer crowds but also offer the chance to watch the sun emerge from the horizon, which many surfers have described as a meditative experience. Ready to join them? Set that alarm, grab your wetsuit, and hit the waves.

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VERMONT

We didn't want to leave our sixth state out of the surf story, even though it doesn't have a seacoast. The strong south winds and waves that regularly reach over four feet on Lake Champlain provide opportunities for some of the best inland windsurfing in the Northeast.

Popular spots for the sport include White's Beach in South Hero, while lessons and rentals are available at Burlington Surf Club, which has its own sandy beach.

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AROUND THE

(QUIET) CORNER

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The northeastern region of Connecticut may be its most restful and undisturbed, but it still holds plenty of wonders to explore.

by Lisa Cavanaugh

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I

t’s hard to take highways to Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner.”

Instead, you will need to slow down, travel leisurely along bucolic state and local roads, and let the tranquil atmosphere of this mainly rural district sweep over you.

Also known as the Windham County Region, the Quiet Corner consists of 23 towns over more than 500 square miles. “The nickname reflects our region’s picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, and a slower pace of life,” says Elle-Jordyn Goslin, Executive Director of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.

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First, you will notice the area’s charming scenery. “Our region is especially beautiful through the seasons,” says Goslin. “A drive down the 169 byway through the Quiet Corner will allow you to experience vibrant foliage in spring, summer, and fall, or peaceful snowscapes in winter.” It is also a National Heritage Corridor with 84 percent forest and farm. “We are fortunate to have organizations like The Last Green Valley that advocate for sustaining our region’s rural landscape.”

PHOTO BY LING MESSER

The Gothic Revival Roseland Cottage in Woodstock includes a formal parterre garden, an icehouse, a carriage barn, and a small garden house in the form of a Greek temple.

Fittingly, outdoor activities are plentiful, with many state and regional parks, such as Bigelow Hollow in Union, Mashamoquet Brook in Pomfret, Quaddick in Thompson, and Natchaug State Forest in Ashford, offering recreational areas for hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. “You can find something for everyone here,” says Goslin. “From the peaceful Air Line State Park Trail to more fast-paced adventures at the Thompson Speedway.”

It is also an area awash in history. “Back in the day, this place was anything but quiet," says Laurie Masciandaro, Site Manager of Roseland Cottage in Woodstock. “In fact, we used to have the biggest July 4th celebration in the country right here. Four presidents have visited Roseland.” Painted a vibrant pink since its construction in 1846, the Gothic Revival was Henry Chandler Bowen's summer home. A “local boy done good,” according to Masciandaro, Bowen was born and raised in Woodstock, moved to New York City, made a fortune as a silk merchant, and built a grandiose summer cottage in his hometown.

“I think he was probably showing off a bit, but he was also bringing the broader world back to his little town,” says Masciandaro.

Bowen was also a noted abolitionist.

“We are proud that Mr. Bowen founded one of the most important anti-slavery magazines of its time, The Independent.”

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Left: The women-owned Little Dipper Farm hosts monthly events. Above: Scranton Shops is one of the many popular antiques destinations in Northeast CT. Opposite: The Taylor Brooke Winery, part of the Connecticut Wine Trail, is open year-round.

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PHOTO BY LING MESSER

The region is also known for its tremendous antiquing opportunities. The four-floor Antiques Marketplace in Putnam, with 375 vendors dealing in furniture, glassware, jewelry, and more, is a vintage-seeker’s paradise. Another terrific spot is Scranton's Shops in South Woodstock. Housed in a converted blacksmith’s shop, it features folk art, pottery, and collectibles.

If you time your visit right, you can also experience the annual Country Antiques in Connecticut's Quiet Corner Show. Hosted by the Ellis Tech Parent Faculty Organization, the show has been running for 30 years and features more than 60 dealers from New England and beyond.

Make sure to leave room in your schedule for a stop at

one of the local vineyards, breweries, or distilleries that have flourished in recent years, including Taylor Brooke Winery, Watercure Farm Distillery, Bear Hands Brewing Company, and Willimantic Brewing Company. Each offers its own schedule of tastings, entertainment, and special events.

Food options abound as well. The sustainable and scenic Little Dipper Farm in Brooklyn offers seasonal festivals, educational experiences, farm-to-table dinners, private events, and cooking classes. In Putnam, your choices include 85 Main, The Hare & The Hound, and Elizabeth’s Farmhouse.

Pomfret or a casual breakfast surrounded by books at the quirky Traveler Restaurant in Union.

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PHOTO BY K ARRIE KNOWLES, SWEE T DREAMS PHOTOGR APHY

Guests at The Stoneledge Inn can gather at the firepit or explore the property's garden paths.

“We have quaint accommodations for visitors, like The Mansion at Bald Hill, the Quiet Corner Inn, and the Stoneledge Inn,” shares Goslin. The circa 1870s home that became the Stoneledge had immediate appeal to Joe and Kelly Bellavance, who moved from Boston to open the inn in 2021. “We just fell in love with the area,” says Kelly. Offering three tastefully designed rooms and a freshly prepared full breakfast, the couple has made Stoneledge chic and welcoming. “This is an amazing part of Connecticut,” says Kelly. “There is so much to do here, and it is so great to be part of a vibrant, small community.”

“This is a super congenial place,” agrees Masciandaro. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to work at Roseland.”

She references the annual tea the cottage hosts for graduating

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seniors at nearby Woodstock Academy. “People in the area feel connected to us and to the very fabric of the town."

“The people here are salt-of-the-earth people,” says Goslin. “In such a small, tight-knit community, you can walk anywhere and be greeted with a smile. It is unlike any other part of the state.”

Windham County is only an hour from Boston—less from Providence or Worcester—so it is easy enough to escape the busyness of nearby cities and relax for a weekend or a week. “It is a great location for anyone wanting to slow down and enjoy a peaceful vacation,” says Goslin. But be patient and enjoy the ride, as Masciandaro advises. “You have got to work a little bit to get here, but it is so charming once you do.” NEL

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ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES The Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide helps clients see the aesthetic potential of windows and doors.

By Sarah Lippert Photos courtesy of Marvin

W

indows and doors are more than just panes of glass and frames of wood.

They are integral parts of any structure, but they can be designed in endless ways, and each combination of elements leads to a different feel in a space. Frames made from white oak or painted a color that matches your style?

Expansive glass that still maintains a certain charm or details like a grid on one half that adds character? Those aesthetic choices are just the start — the choices multiply when you begin to consider what kind of functionality you need from that glass or wood.

“My favorite thing about working with clients is seeing their relief when everything starts to come together,” says Tim Davis, Marvin Brand Ambassador at the Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide.

“They can sometimes be overwhelmed with the number of customization options available. Our goal here is to empower them to make confident decisions about their windows and doors.”

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To help pinpoint preferences, the team at Marvin at 7 Tide walks clients through various window and door collections and options.

Whether they are homeowners, architects, or builders, educating clients about their options and guiding them through the selection process is the goal of the Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide. Brand Ambassadors like Davis welcome clients into a home-like setting with intentionally designed spaces that illustrate how Marvin’s windows and doors look in a finished space.

The showroom design focuses on actual rooms in a home — a dining room, lounge area, and living spaces — that feature Marvin products. These items are made from a multitude of materials to suit any need: high-density fiberglass, aluminum, and wood. Clients are able to see how all the product lines work in a real-life situation, and the Brand Ambassadors help them visualize even more specific options that may not be available in the showroom.

There is a dedicated space in the Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide. for introducing myriad window and door options customized to a client’s space. The Marvin visualizer technology allows Brand Ambassadors to project images of their products onto a large blank wall on a lifelike scale and edit the finishing options in real-time.

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“Research has shown that a majority of people have trouble with visualization,” says Sue Shockley, Senior Brand Ambassador at the Marvin at 7 Tide Experience Center.

“When you can show them what a window or door is going to look like to scale in their different finishes, it opens their eyes to the design possibilities we can create throughout the Marvin portfolio.”

The showroom setup isn’t the only thing that makes the Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide unique; the 90-minute, one-on-one consultation is a complimentary service with no strings attached. By alleviating the pressure of a sale, Brand Ambassadors can remain focused on educating clients and fully understanding their unique project and desires. In turn, clients don’t feel like they’re being steered in a direction based on the company’s latest sales goals, but instead, they’re seeing all of their options and guided to what will truly resonate in their space.

"The consultation removes all sales and pricing from the conversation, which allows us to listen to the client and fully understand their design intent, so we know the best way to assist," says Lisa Massari, Brand Ambassador.

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The Crowleys, seen here enjoying their deck that faces Boston Harbor, chose a Marvin Skycove window and Ultimate Multi-Slide Door to help enhance their views.

Creating a Centerpiece “The bright spot during our renovation project was the team at Marvin and JB Sash,” says Jamie Crowley, a homeowner who purchased Marvin products and utilized the Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide. “It was just night and day compared to the other people we worked with during the process. They were on top of things; they did what they said they were going to do, which wasn't our experience with the rest of the project.”

Jaime and his wife, Tara, selected the Marvin Skycove window and the Ultimate Multi-Slide Door for the largescale renovation of their main floor. The Crowleys were initially looking for high-quality windows and doors that provided soundproofing, proper insulation, and functionality. What they got with their Marvin selections was the ability to bring their incredible exterior setting — the Boston Harbor and the view of Boston Logan Airport — inside the comfort of their home.

“We were looking for a glass door, and we ended up with this room and a view that helps get me out of bed in the morning,” says Tara. “It’s so wide open; it’s a nearly 180-degree view, and we can look out to the water and watch the boats or the birds or feel like we’re out there.”

The team at the Marvin Experience Center at 7 Tide helped Tara envision how her new Skycove — a projected glass window that creates a seating ledge with the feeling of floating — could fit into her living space. The opportunity to visit the showroom and see a Skycove within a real-life space, including how it was decorated and incorporated into the design of the room, gave Tara the confidence that it would become the new centerpiece of her living space.

Marvin’s products test the limits and prove that windows and doors are more than glass and wood; they are pieces of a home that invite a better way of living.

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A New England An oceanside new build on Boston’s North Shore is a fresh take on the area’s traditional architecture and design.

BY MARNI ELYSE KATZ

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Above: Starting from scratch enabled the designers to reimagine the home's layout, taking full advantage of water views. Right: A pool overlooking the ocean offers a serene escape.

A

n oceanside property calls for a dwelling with water views. The North Shore home that architect Thad Siemasko’s clients, a couple with an older daughter, purchased had subpar vistas, scant outdoor access, and lessthan-expansive interiors. Through a thoughtful discovery process early in the design phase, the SV Design principal determined that the existing home could not be effectively modified to make the most of the site.

“In homes on the water, we typically line up the main rooms to the view, locating stairs, mudroom, laundry, and rooms used at night behind them,” Siemasko says. “This house didn’t lend itself to that layout, so we decided to take it down and start over.”

The new, approximately 7,725-square-foot home sits neatly along the coastline, nestled

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in a clearing among mature trees that provide privacy from the road. “A series of lines run parallel to the water,” Siemasko says. “There is a layering—the home, a meadow, a sea wall, the beach—with the landscape becoming more refined as it gets closer to the building.”

In terms of architecture, Siemasko combined contemporary elements with traditional forms and materials. Upon approach, two gable roof forms greet you. A flat-roofed stair tower protrudes slightly—a striking illuminated column at night—and a perpendicular, flat-roofed wing—the dining room—stretches out across the brick entry court. “The dining room, stair, and stone backdrop wall are lit up at night, making guests feel very welcomed,” the architect says.

The exteriors informed the interiors. “You don’t want it to be a surprise when you walk in,” Siemasko says. Accordingly, Shelby Littlefield, the firm's interior designer and senior project manager, devised a natural material palette. “The owners wanted a calm, peaceful feeling from the moment you walk

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in the door,” Littlefield says. “We used a selection of natural materials, including a mix of metals and soft wood tones that work well with their pottery collection.”

Entry is through double glass doors. The exterior stone facade pierces the glass, continuing into the front entry hall, uniting indoors and outdoors. The gracious, light-filled space runs from the front to the back of the home, offering ocean views and easy access to the back patio. “You can see right through the glass for an immediate connection to the ocean,” Littlefield says.

The space is a superb receiving area during cocktail parties and also connects the main home with the guest quarters at the right. To the left, a corridor leads past the open staircase, which boasts a steel frame that echoes the home’s black steel

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windows and white oak treads that match the floors.

Just past the stairs is the den. The wood-paneled room features a fireplace with a beveled limestone surround based on a design the homeowners saw in their travels. “It’s a pretty detail but simple enough to show off the material,” Littlefield says. “In this home, the materials are the focus.”

Beyond the den, multiple seating areas flow one into the next. A family room with a fireplace flanked by recessed oak shelves that show off the owners’ pottery collection is open to the flop room. Here, four comfy armchairs create a conversation area that overlooks the water and connects to the sunroom.

French doors lead to the patio, too. “Various small groupings work well for entertaining now and will serve multiple generations in the future,” Littlefield explains.

Above: Upon entry, guests are greeted by immediate water views through the back of the home. Right: A family room with comfy seating offers one of several conversation areas for entertaining.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL J LEE

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Left: Beyond the dining room is the den fireplace with a beveled limestone surround, which was inspired by the homeowners' travels.

Above: A mix of organic materials and colors give the kitchen a soft, but sophisticated, look.

While the dramatic dining room is a glassy box at the front of the home, the kitchen anchors its core. Moody organic materials—clear poplar with a driftwood stain, a faux, antiqued nickel finish, and natural quartzite countertops—lend a sophisticated look more like a living space than an antiseptic work area. “The kitchen best represents our mix of materials concept,” Littlefield says. “It ties to other elements in the home, but in a soft, patinated way.”

Still, the kitchen is set up for serious cooking.

Everything is well within reach for food prep around the center island, from the 36-inch Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf range to the undermount sink pleasantly positioned under a window. A pantry tucked behind the kitchen includes a 30-inch SubZero refrigerator, while the bar boasts a Sub-Zero beverage center.

The generously sized living room is open to

the kitchen, so guests can participate in meal prep or simply lounge nearby. French doors open to a screened porch with a fireplace that caps the end of the home, while three pairs of French doors lead outside, where a bluestone patio floats in the lush lawn edged with native grasses and hydrangeas. Off the side is a simple pool and low-slung pool house that Littlefield describes as a modern take on a traditional pergola.

Looking back at the home from the beach, it cuts a more contemporary figure. “Flat-roofed projections lend a contemporary feel to the more traditional gable roof form,” Siemasko says. The flat roof limits the massing; gable roofs would have made the building quite large. Littlefield sums up the hybrid approach: “The home feels familiar in form and materials but is refreshing compared to the typical New England coastal aesthetic,” she says.

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MASTERS of our CRAFT

Luxury is the difference between the expected and the exquisite. Between a song and a symphony. A work in progress and a work of art. Luxury Property Specialists with the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program are masters of this craft.

Consult with a Luxury Property Specialist today.

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©2024 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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PHOTOS BY TOM JONES OF DRONE HOME MEDIA

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Top THE LIST

of

2023

MELISSA DAILEY'S SUCCESS AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT HONORS HER COMMITMENT TO HARD WORK AND HER PASSION FOR THE INDUSTRY

by Kellie Innes

M

elissa Dailey, recently named 2023 Coldwell Banker’s #1 Real Estate Agent in New England and #5 in the country, began her career two decades ago through word-of-mouth referrals after completing her own home renovations. “Before I started selling houses, people already associated me with houses,” says Dailey. “And my 21 years with Coldwell Banker have allowed me to transform that passion into a successful profession.”

Dailey's approach to selling real estate prioritizes that both buyers and sellers have a complete understanding of the market and are able to navigate its complexities. “I invest a lot of time and effort behind the scenes to help sellers prepare their properties for a strong first impression,” says

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Dailey. “And I assist buyers in understanding the nuances of the homes and communities they are interested in.”

The experienced broker also understands that real estate is not a part-time job. “I’m willing to put in the hours because I genuinely enjoy what I do,” she says. Whether it's working with buyers to explore multiple houses in different towns or conducting market analysis and scripting listing write-ups in her office, she thrives on the variety her job offers.

“What keeps me excited about my work is the fact that each week presents new challenges,” says Dailey. Even when she's on-site with clients, the ever-changing details of properties and clients keep her engaged and on her toes.

“Not one day is the same,” Dailey says. “When one house sells, you always have a new listing to work.”

“"I look back on my journey from word-of-mouth referrals to becoming the top real estate agent in New England, and it was a lot of hard work and commitment."”

Having lived in Wellesley for 27 years, Dailey is a pro at covering her town and the surrounding Metrowest area, including Weston, Dover, Newton, Needham, Natick, and Brookline. “These towns are very sought after for their excellent school systems,” she says, “and they also provide great commutes to the city.”

Dailey’s willingness to adapt to the unpredictable real estate landscape has been a valuable asset, especially in recent years. “The aftermath of Covid led to a real estate boom,” she

says, “but 2023 and 2024 have been characterized by a tight inventory, creating a prime sellers' market.”

Despite these fluctuations, Dailey believes it is her ability to be flexible and open-minded that is behind her successful career. “I look back on my journey from word-of-mouth referrals to becoming the top real estate agent in New England, and it was a lot of hard work and commitment,” she says. “Ultimately, real estate is all about that human connection. I love helping people.”

PHOTOS BY DRONE HOME MEDIA

Scan here to watch Melissa Dailey as she chats with New England Living Host Rachel Holt.

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PHOTOS BY TOM JONES OF DRONE HOME MEDIA

CAMBRIDGE CLASSIC A CIRCA 1916 HISTORIC HOME WAS THOUGHTFULLY REIMAGINED INTO A MODERN AND EXPANDED SANCTUARY FOR LIVING.

By Christina Poletto

S

ituated on a charming cul-de-sac near Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 11 Brown Street is a grand property that features an impressive array of private and recreational rooms and amenities, including six bedrooms, an in-house spa, a sauna, a custom wine storage area, a gym, and a media room. It is the epitome of luxury and modernity, befitting of anyone seeking room to grow, spread out, work from home, or easily commute into nearby Boston.

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Visitors are met with the unexpected yet captivating site of a winding walnut staircase that was crafted in place during the construction process.

The home’s transformation began in 2020 when the property was acquired, and plans were set in motion to expand its footprint and create an updated home for contemporary living. “This is a fully reconfigured and reimagined property,” says Ed Feijo, a Coldwell Banker Realty real estate agent representing the Cambridge home and other properties in nearby towns. “The home is two stories plus a lower level, and it doubled in square footage. The whole interior was scooped out and redone, and a new foundation was poured around it to accommodate the new floor plan.”

This design transformation was meticulously handled by the Cafasso Design Group of Cambridge, notes Feijo, and the work was recently completed in October 2023. “Before, it was down to the studs,” says Feijo.

Sitting on .35 acres, the finished property features six bedrooms, six and a half baths, a glass-walled home office, a spacious primary suite, an eat-in chef’s kitchen, and fully designed outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertaining.

Visitors also encounter something wonderfully uncommon for this area, says Feijo. “Walking in the front door, you have a spherical staircase—it’s like walking into the Guggenheim. It captivates you, and you’re also greeted with lawn and garden views. It’s an experience.”

The custom walnut staircase is the visual focal point and dramatic highlight of the home’s interior. According to Feijo, the entire steel skeleton of the staircase was finished on site.

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The streamlined and modern interiors were thoughtfully designed to subtly incorporate everyday comforts like an inset fireplace and wet bar.

Interiors with luxury finishes abound in every room. Feijo notes the use of wide-plank French oak flooring throughout, as well as the continuity of custom walnut wood trim and custom cabinetry, a modern kitchen designed by Scavolini featuring Calacatta gold marble countertops, high-end fixtures, expansive, view-capturing windows, and the most current heating and air-quality technology, security system, and radiant heat systems available.

Outdoors, an architect-designed, landscaped yard, includes a 6-foot cedar privacy fence, a full outdoor kitchen, and a 16 by 20 porcelain dining patio.

No detail was spared when reimagining this domicile, and Feijo says it would serve as the perfect dwelling for people who love to entertain. In addition to its various impressive upgrades, the best part has to be its location. “You’re in the middle of everything,” says Feijo. “You’re on a little cul-de-sac, as close to Harvard Square as you can get without being on a major thoroughfare.”

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Scan here to view NEL TV episodes, including the one that features this spectacular home.

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FINAL THOUGHT

“It is a happy talent to know how to play” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo by Sam Trombino

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Make space for golden hour.

An awe-inspiring view makes unwinding a breeze. At Marvin, we help realize moments like these with thoughtfully designed windows and doors. Each is custom-crafted with an eye toward discerning details and uncompromising performance for countless sunsets ahead. Explore how we can help you make space for what matters most to you. marvin.com/makespace ©2024 Marvin Lumber and Cedar Co., LLC.

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