Berkeley Addition in Westover Hills, DE
The Westover Hills neighborhood combined historic detailing with first rate design from its inception in the early 1930s. With a variety of styles featured throughout, from Tudor Revival to Georgian, this charming Colonial Revival residence joined the ranks in the early years of the area’s heyday. While the original home featured beautiful original details that connected with its surroundings, the homeowners desired a renovation and addition that would modernize and expand the existing structure for modern day living. The design strategy involved creating an addition that was sympathetic to the existing structure yet added additional balance and modernity to the property.
The renovation of the original structure began at the front door by creating a more inviting and symmetrical entry portico. Avid art collectors, the homeowners needed ample wall space to display their collection. With the removal of the second story space above the front door, guests are now greeted with a floor-to-ceiling gallery when entering the home.
On the interior, the central challenge was creating a modern living floor plan from the 1930s footprint. The homeowners desired to make better use of living spaces, accommodate a home office or study, and obtain better sunlight, views, and access to the backyard. Within the existing structure, the sunroom was updated to incorporate bookshelves and rolling ladder as a three-sided glass study. While the added millwork is quite traditional, black framed windows bring modern character.
In the existing kitchen area, a first floor back staircase was removed, providing space for a formal dining room that doubles as a library when not in use. With easy access to the new covered porch and outdoor area, the renovated kitchen now serves as a hub for entertaining.
An existing attached garage was converted into an informal family room with three sides of views and glass outdoors. On the second floor, the attic and underutilized bedroom were removed to allow for a cathedral-height ceiling in the new family room. Dormers and south-facing porthole windows were introduced to admit additional natural light.
Anchoring the home’s new design is the vehicular wing, which includes a three-bay garage, workshop, and porte-cochere. From the kitchen, a direct sight line through the breezeway offers a glimpse into the antique car bay. The illuminated, barrel-vaulted porte-cochere, with its copper roof and matching dovecote, connects the addition to the main living spaces through the family entryway.
The renovation and addition to this Delaware stone home created the desired floor plan and addressed the functional needs of the homeowner, while integrating modern updates with original 1930s charm.
