Scenic Retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley
This dual weekend getaway and workshop allows a New York City architect and her husband to recharge and create.
In New York’s Hudson Valley, two hours outside of New York City, architect Marica McKeel and her husband Brock fell in love with the idea of building their own private retreat from the city. They settled on a wooded parcel in Kerhonkson, New York, where the couple was drawn to the 10 acres, serene creek running through the property, and wooded terrain.
More than simply a place to escape, the home would be a creative sanctuary. With a dedicated workshop and garage in the lower level, Marica would have space for woodworking and furniture making, and Brock for working on antique cars.
Positioned on a sloping hillside, the home is built into the land. The lower level is reserved for Marica and Brock’s “play” space—a workshop and garage—while the upper level houses the living quarters.
The south-facing facade, where the sun sets in the evening, is the couple’s favorite spot on the property. Creating expansive openings with this exposure allowed an intimate and inspiring connection with the wooded landscape.
After perfecting the home’s orientation, the team turned to Marvin to help establish a fluid connection to the surroundings. A variety of views and exposures were featured, which required a diverse portfolio of specialized windows. At the front of the home, for example, the team chose small horizontal windows to selectively frame views instead of having large openings exaggerating the less-than-stellar driveway vantage point.
The dramatic, double-height entry, framed by Marvin Ultimate windows, is covered by a towering overhang which is a continuous cantilever to the back of the home. Traveling through the dramatic entry and up the stairs, the home opens to expansive views of the peaceful, wooded landscape. Capturing stunning southwest views, a window bench sits below an impressive corner window assembly, making the barrier between outside and inside disappear. The white oak window nook beneath a Marvin Ultimate Corner window, beautifully marries pine window casings, adding to the warmth and coziness that permeates the home.
A quiet respite from the noise of the city, the private and serene home “feels like a different world.” It is in this tranquil setting that Marica and Brock are inspired to tackle their creative passions—tinkering in peaceful solitude amongst the trees, nature and changing seasons.
A version of this article first appeared on Dwell.com. Photos by 22 Waves Creative.
In New York’s Hudson Valley, two hours outside of New York City, architect Marica McKeel and her husband Brock fell in love with the idea of building their own private retreat from the city. They settled on a wooded parcel in Kerhonkson, New York, where the couple was drawn to the 10 acres, serene creek running through the property, and wooded terrain.
More than simply a place to escape, the home would be a creative sanctuary. With a dedicated workshop and garage in the lower level, Marica would have space for woodworking and furniture making, and Brock for working on antique cars.
Positioned on a sloping hillside, the home is built into the land. The lower level is reserved for Marica and Brock’s “play” space—a workshop and garage—while the upper level houses the living quarters.
The south-facing facade, where the sun sets in the evening, is the couple’s favorite spot on the property. Creating expansive openings with this exposure allowed an intimate and inspiring connection with the wooded landscape.
After perfecting the home’s orientation, the team turned to Marvin to help establish a fluid connection to the surroundings. A variety of views and exposures were featured, which required a diverse portfolio of specialized windows. At the front of the home, for example, the team chose small horizontal windows to selectively frame views instead of having large openings exaggerating the less-than-stellar driveway vantage point.
The dramatic, double-height entry, framed by Marvin Ultimate windows, is covered by a towering overhang which is a continuous cantilever to the back of the home. Traveling through the dramatic entry and up the stairs, the home opens to expansive views of the peaceful, wooded landscape. Capturing stunning southwest views, a window bench sits below an impressive corner window assembly, making the barrier between outside and inside disappear. The white oak window nook beneath a Marvin Ultimate Corner window, beautifully marries pine window casings, adding to the warmth and coziness that permeates the home.
A quiet respite from the noise of the city, the private and serene home “feels like a different world.” It is in this tranquil setting that Marica and Brock are inspired to tackle their creative passions—tinkering in peaceful solitude amongst the trees, nature and changing seasons.
A version of this article first appeared on Dwell.com. Photos by 22 Waves Creative.
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Architect: Studio MM
Builder: Larsen Builders
Photography: 22 Waves Creative
