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By Beth S. Buxbaum
New life is given to a centuries-old homestead. New owners purchased this historic property in Lower Saucon Valley with plans for major restorations. Built in 1847, the white stucco-over-stone farmhouse was previously owned by a prominent Bethlehem Steel attorney who lived in the farmhouse since 1950. The original farmhouse was used by farmers in the 1800s. During later years, according to historical notes left by the prior owner’s son, Amish farmers operated the farm before big steel came to the Valley. On this land for centuries, the farm served many during this time.
Now, with new owners, it was time for a renewal. “We were always looking at homes, both old and new, in the Saucon Valley area,” explains the owner. When we found this property, we were drawn to the land and the quiet, peaceful, setting,” she adds. The privacy of a five-acre expanse was also an attraction. With the structures on the land and a pristine landscape, there were many options to create the homestead they envisioned. They were intent on preserving all the structures on the property; including the barn, garage and farmhouse, with the priority to refurbish the original 1847 farmhouse.
Working with John Wolstenholme, founder of Wolstenholme Associates, and Matt Wagner, lead designer, the owners shared their vision. “We understood that they wanted a more updated country home while maintaining the historic integrity of the original house,” John explains.
The owners appreciated the barn structure and envisioned this to be their home. Upon further inspection they discovered that the barn was too dilapidated to restore. “The wood was damaged and unusable,” John adds. Without the use of the barn for restoration they had to reimagine the entire project. “At this point we put the project on hold for several years,” explains John.
In 2019 they re-visited this project and a new plan took shape. “We leaned away from the barn residence,” John explains, “disassembled the barn and repurposed the timber for other parts of the project.” Eventually, a new barn was rebuilt in its original location on the stone ruins, detached from the house, providing storage space and a workshop on the loft floor for the owner.
Rejuvenating the original 1847 white stucco-over-stone farmhouse was the initial phase of this restoration. A team from Erwin Fisher Builders, Inc, led by Keith Hoening, orchestrated the stucco removal. “Our intent was to restore in place,” John adds. “During the stone removal it was apparent that salvaging the original structure for restoration was not feasible and the stonework not salvageable,” John continues. “The façade was not conducive to repairing and reusing,” John adds, “and a lot of the stone was not sound and lacked building stone quality. Our option was to rebuild the structure with new stone in the same spot,” John says. They completed the façade with a new layer of stucco to restore the 1847 structure, which included an early 1900s wood frame addition. For authenticity, they placed the windows and doors where they were originally. With the façade restored the next phase of the project was the interior of the 1847 farmhouse.
Original interior features in the 1847 farmhouse included an entry parlor, with a steep stair, and a dining room, along with a small reading room. The second-floor featured bedrooms and a newer bathroom. The first floor was reconstructed and to create a den, formal living room and bathroom, along with the two original natural wood burning fireplaces, which were rebuilt. In collaboration with the owners the team constructed a private second floor retreat on the second floor using the space from several small bedrooms. An expansive cathedral ceiling, accented with repurposed wood beams, was designed with several sized windows for natural light and views. A bright and airy retreat, this bedroom suite is accented with a handmade wood framed bed crafted by the owner. A modern spa-like ensuite bathroom has been appointed with tiles and slate in muted tones of grey and white, along with white oak cabinets. A modern, freestanding tub is tucked into one side of the space, with the remaining area an expansive walk-in shower and spa. Color tones and materials combine to establish the serene feel of a spa retreat. With the addition of this second-floor suite, the 1847 farmhouse’s restoration is complete.
For the next phase, a new timber frame addition was constructed next to the 1847 farmhouse. “We reused the timber frame from the deteriorated/collapsed barn for a “rebuilt” barn frame addition built onto the existing plaster-over-stone historic house,” John explains. Exterior features are done in an iron-grey lap siding, finished with black-framed windows. “The grey siding was chosen because the clients were eager to have something to differentiate the old and new,” explains Matt Wagner, lead designer. To connect the old and new sections a glass breezeway was designed, minimizing the divide between the historic home and the new garage. “This visually appealing glass breezeway not only offers much needed light to the service entrance of the home, but also creates a focus for the eye between the new addition and historic portion of the home,” John explains.
John points out that the original features of the 1847 farmhouse; the white stucco façade and nine-over-nine historic white windows, were juxtaposed with the grey and black exterior of the addition. Built to pay homage to the original barn, the addition has a barn-like design. Exterior features of the addition belie the architectural design of the interior, appointed with sleek, clean lines and a modern presentation.
Interior design elements were applied to create an open and free flowing footprint. One predominant feature throughout the first floor is the walls of windows that brighten the space and bring the outside in. Beautiful views of the landscape can be enjoyed from any room through the many windows. “Our vision was to have an open space to accommodate large family gatherings. The dining room opens to the great room and three-season room offering lots of space to gather and take advantage of views,” adds the owner. Designed in an open concept, the first-floor footprint moves easily from room to room defined with repurposed wood beams from a barn. Bathed in natural light, the living space has an earthy, natural feel established with the predominance of wood accents throughout. Several handmade furniture pieces, made by the owner who repurposed wood from the property, add unique style to the décor. “We wanted the color palette to be clean, neutral, and natural to blend in with the natural setting,” the owner explains. Complimenting the natural wood elements is an application of stone and tile. The owners curated the selection of all the wood, tile, and cabinetry to infuse their living space with a harmonious, calm feel. Melding the natural aspects of the interior features with the exterior landscapes was paramount to the design.
By blending spaces, this harmony flows effortlessly, moving through the living space and transversing old to new. First floor spaces complement each other with soft, serene shades to focus on the architectural features and bucolic views. A centerpiece to the first floor is the two-story great room. A masterfully designed floor-to-ceiling fireplace, built by Erwin Forest Builder, Inc, defines this room. Repurposed wood beams embellish the ceiling and fireplace. Moving through the great room, living space continues with an open concept kitchen and dining room. With an ethereal presence, this expansive space is also enveloped in walls-of-windows. Lighting over the kitchen bar and dining room create the appearance of floating above the space.
A free-flowing movement continues throughout the interior living space. Just beyond the dining room is a three-season room. Accented with a natural brick floor and stained dark pine ceiling, this sunroom has a more relaxed and earthy presence. “In this room we chose a natural
wood to bring in some of the warmth and create a cozy feel,” adds Matt. This informal space is filled with light from the set of customized barn doors leading out to the pool area.
“The barn door was designed to pay homage to the original 1800s barn,” John adds. In keeping with the design signature, this room’s décor elements, including the furniture and wood trim, are grey and off-white. First floor space continues with the mud room/laundry room finished with a grey porcelain tile floor contrasted with off-white, grey, and natural wood tones. This room, off of the kitchen area, is a side entry to the house. Access to the second floor is a wood and metal staircase. Appearing to float, this open stringer and closed riser staircase was designed in a modernized colonial styling. On the landing is an inviting window seat to stop and appreciate the surroundings. On this second level, one special bedroom was created for the daughter. Wood beams embellish the cathedral ceiling and complement the American Chestnut floors. A double window and window seat were placed to overlook the pool. Several other guest bedrooms and baths complete this level. Second-floor rooms offer lots of windows with views to the pool and landscape, areas of special focus during the spring and summer months.
Outdoor living is enjoyed this time of the year with the new outdoor entertainment area. Created for hours of relaxation and entertaining, the large patio is set for summer dinners and an in-ground pool features waterfalls adding a sense of calm. From the outside this addition complements and honors the original farmhouse. Skillfully designed and executed, this restoration and construction satisfied the original vision. Harmoniously combining two eras with an artistically subtle design, the interior elements blend with the exterior landscape.
Beth S. Buxbaum is a freelance writer from the Philadelphia area.