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by Chrysa Smith
There is little like a Bucks County farmhouse. Dotting our landscape, you can’t help but wonder who lived in them and what life was like in a revolutionary/post-revolutionary world. They’re quaint and historic. But getting them functional in a 21st Century world is another story. A story which their owners will likely tell you, involves endless hours, a good bit of cost and lots of decisions.
In the heart of Bucks County, there is a 27-acre property that is home to one of these stone farmhouses, their owners, their dogs and a stable of horses. Twin Silos is the name, and this Doylestown homestead recently underwent dramatic renovations that changed both the footprint of the home as well as their owner’s ability to live comfortably, complete with today’s modern conveniences.
The couple knew they wanted a modern kitchen, master suite, mudroom and family room on the first floor; a master bedroom and laundry on the second. And to get it done, they called on Period Architecture in Malvern, PA. At their offices, owners Joseph Mackin Jr. and Jeffrey Dolan display images of their impeccable work, in projects completed all around the Bucks & Montgomery Counties and beyond. The company has been doing residential renovations for about 10 years now. And according to Associate Principal and Project Architect Jessica Fogle, the company enjoys traditional architecture. “Our specialty and expertise are to build a new house to look old or renovate an older house, making sure any additions keep with the look of the original house.” Although, Fogle said their creativity ready for most any challenge.
Fogle says the owners of Twin Silos reached out to them about five years ago, wanting an appropriate addition to the original home—a home that dates somewhere between 1790-1818. They were ultimately hired and began from there. “The initial stage is a kick-off meeting, to determine what is and isn’t working with the house,” said Fogle, “Once that is established the company develops a program that envelopes moving parts, like a puzzle.” There were lots to consider, like views of the outdoors and a maximum exposure of sunlight, in addition to making repairs to the original structure. The owners had a list of must-haves and goals and the architectural firm offered them both creativity and functionality in meeting them.
The home needed a new roof, stone patchwork needed to be reworked and according to the original photographs, it looks as though there are two front doors. The kitchen addition had a sloped roof, which was neither functional nor in keeping with the integrity of the home. The owners loved their rear sunroom but wanted to make it a more integral part of the space. So, Period Architecture gathered their crew of masons, carpenters, blacksmiths and other subcontractors and went to work. It was important to look at the millwork of the existing house, so E.C. Trethewey of Downingtown was the General Contractor, who worked with Period Architecture to make sure that the addition was accurate, blending millwork and masonry to produce an addition that to the average eye, looks like anything but. The house sits at over 4,000 square feet.
“The first goal,” according to Fogle, “was creating a front entrance and vestibule. The current vestibule was developed in the 19th Century, and you could say it was elevated.” The other door, nearest the kitchen, was removed during the addition. Simulated divided light was used in the vestibule glass panes, which mirrored that in the homes double-hung windows. This type of glass is double pane, providing more thermal protection. And to finish it off, a transom of patterned glass called bullseye glass, was inserted. The result defined and enhanced the entryway, while providing protection to those entering.
Period Architecture did renovate the entire house (in conjunction with the addition) including the original dining room, living room, existing bedrooms and bathrooms. One of the things on the owners’ wish list was increased light in the living area, so they broke through stone walls to add more windows. And, as it turned out, you can see in the photographs that the addition sits perpendicular to the original structure. It’s both functional and attractive plus there was consideration given to protected wetlands on the property.
You might call the new living room a billiard room as well; one with a formal sitting area. Two windows look out on the front, one off to the side; to views of horse pastures, and both indoor and outdoor riding arenas. Inside of the room is an original stone fireplace, built-in bookcases and a beamed ceiling. The floors are wide plank pine.
The main floor dining room contains all original paneling with a stone wall that was once the outside wall to the original kitchen and it all sits upon pine wide plank flooring. And, in the family room, unique triple-hung windows all but touch the floor, letting even more light in and allowing windows to be opened one third at a time. I believe farmhouse dwellers understand the need for maximum light, not only to brighten up the inside, but also to add to the feeling of a more updated living space.
The owners had an original idea for their eat-in kitchen. At most kitchen counters, people sit in a straight line. But they wanted to sit as if eating in a restaurant; adjacent to each other. So instead of a straight line, the island is L-shaped, and topped with Bucks County Soapstone, which is carried through the countertops and the paneled area behind the range. McGinnis Millwork out of Parkesburg, PA did the kitchen, complete with cabinetry in a white shaker style as well as a butcher block piece that sits adjacent to the island and serves as both prep and extra storage space. And, an original stone wall uses its window opening as a connector through to the mudroom. It functions as additional space for storage, where there is also located a secondary refrigerator, sink and countertops. An original walk-in fireplace completes the welcoming room. And just outside of the home, porches and low-sheltering roofs were also added for sitting and shelter.
On the second floor, the addition of a laundry room made perfect sense, as to not to have to carry baskets up and down stairs. And the master suite accommodates space for a future elevator, making the home function even more seamlessly for years to come.
Around the side of the house, a circular drive which leads up to the side door was added, all sitting under a port-cochere; a covered porch that you can drive under. It makes a statement, while proving to be quite practical. “It helps with farm life,” Fogle adds, while trucks and equipment for the horse farm pull up, it’s easy to unload, wipe your feet, drop your gear and enter the home not only through a side entrance, but straight into the new mud room. Its equipped with space for coat and boot storage and connects the sunroom to the rest of the house.
It’s interesting what you find on older properties. “We normally work with stone masons and quarries, but the foundation dig found stone,” Fogle said. And apparently, lots of it. They used a majority of stone they found on the property for the exterior of the addition. It was a great find in preserving an almost seamless blend, mixing portions of old stone with the new stone from the quarry. It was blended and pointed to bring it all together.
The roof is Vermont Slate. “It ages beautifully,” Fogle says, “as the color changes to a very rich gray.” Other materials were considered, as were the conditions where the home sits. “Wood wouldn’t dry out enough because of shade,” she adds, which might cause problems down the road. Besides, the original slate roof lasted this long, and “The new one will last a lifetime.”
So, what could possibly be left to add? An old bell the couple found. So, a cupola was added, bell placed inside and mounted atop the original home. A fait accompli? Possibly. Only the homeowners know for sure.
Period Architecture is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, among others. They can be found at 53 Church Road, Malvern, PA 19355. Phone: (610) 719-0101. Website: https://www.periodarchitectureltd.com/.
Chrysa Smith is a freelance writer who loves everything ‘design’ and is a regular contributor to the magazine.