Birch Run Residence

The entry design involved elevating the main entrance for a richer experience while also retaining the homeowners’ beloved existing front door. Inside, the curved form became a motif, visible in the parquet flooring inlay, the handrail that sweeps towards the floor, and the arched openings leading into the home’s new addition.

The homeowners’ love of travel is evident throughout. Over the years, they’ve collected cultural pieces from their trips to Asia, Africa, and Europe—treasures that have been woven into the design, alongside thoughtfully integrated spaces. The couple’s two beloved dachshunds were integral to design decisions, with a covered turf dog run conveniently placed outside the study, for easy access to time outdoors, even on rainy days.

With walls of glass framing commanding views, the living room feels like an extension of the surrounding woods. A cozy nook that juts out into the treetops serves as an informal dining area and puzzle/game table. Between the living room and the study, a double-sided fireplace anchors the room. The living room side is finished in Venetian plaster, with a limestone surround that gives it an air of rustic elegance.

On the other side of the fireplace is one of the most dramatic features of the home—a newly added two-story, vaulted-ceiling study. This grand room was designed with the homeowners’ love of learning in mind, where knowledge and craftsmanship meet. The floor-to-ceiling fireplace is constructed from a custom blend of local stone and river rock, a nod to the house’s original materials. On the opposite wall, a vertical bank of windows mirrors the fireplace, as the desk and built-in cabinetry—complete with fluted pilasters and custom moulding profiles—blur the line between furniture and architecture.

Drawing inspiration from its existing low ceilings and minimal windows, the dining room evokes a moody, intimate atmosphere; the addition of custom ceiling trim and mountain-inspired wall coverings enhances the dramatic effect. A new dark wood china hutch, custom wet bar, and the homeowners’ cherished baby grand piano make the room an ideal backdrop for entertaining.

Accessed from the dining room, a screened porch serves as an outdoor room for dining and entertaining, with mechanized screens for sun protection. Large stone pillars that transition to timber at railing height create a balance of solidity and openness while framing the view beyond.

The Birch Run Residence is a prime example of a home designed with future generations in mind—blending traditional with contemporary, it is a retreat that is as functional as it is beautiful. With a deep respect for the homeowners’ past, a focus on gathering, and a connection to nature, this woodland oasis stands as a legacy for the family to enjoy for generations to come.