Every historic home carries a narrative, a thread of life woven through the hands and hearts of those who lived within its walls. Sunnymead, our home in Litchfield County, is no exception. Built in 1840, it has weathered nearly two centuries of change while holding onto its soul. Its name, inspired by the way sunlight pours through its tall windows, feels like a gentle reminder of why it endures—because beauty, when cherished, never fades.
From the moment we first stepped inside, Sunnymead revealed itself not just as a house, but as a story waiting to be continued. The floors creaked with familiarity, the walls seemed to hum with memory, and the light—oh, the light—filled each room with a golden glow that made us feel immediately at home. We knew then that we weren’t just buying a property. We were becoming caretakers of its legacy.
Preserving While Evolving
Restoring a home of this age is both thrilling and daunting. There’s a delicate balance between preservation and progress, between honoring history and embracing the present. We wanted to maintain Sunnymead’s architectural integrity while shaping it into a space that supports modern-day living. That responsibility is weighty, but it’s also deeply rewarding.
One of the most significant milestones in this process happened recently—our page-turn meeting. For those who may not know, this is the moment when homeowners, architects, and designers come together to comb through every line of the construction documents. It’s the nitty-gritty stage where vision meets practicality. We reviewed each room—every doorway, every molding, every fixture—with meticulous care, ensuring that what we dreamed for Sunnymead would translate seamlessly into reality.
Choosing the Right Partner
For a project like this, we knew we needed an architect who could hold both reverence for history and a talent for timeless design. That’s why we chose Julia Metcalf. Her work has always struck us as a marriage of grace and precision. From Manhattan townhomes to Connecticut estates, she has a rare gift: the ability to breathe new life into old spaces without stripping them of their character.
Julia’s approach to Sunnymead has been nothing short of thoughtful. Every choice—whether it’s the curve of a doorway, the selection of a hinge, or the placement of windows—has been rooted in respect for the home’s past, while also ensuring its relevance for today. With her guidance, the renovation feels less like a transformation and more like an unfolding.
The Heart of the Home
The kitchen, often described as the heart of a house, takes on even deeper significance here. In a historic property, it offers a chance to honor tradition while creating a space for modern gathering. For Sunnymead, we’re envisioning a kitchen that channels the warmth of a farmhouse yet feels open and intentional.
Two French doors will spill onto the garden, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors, and setting the stage for family meals, quiet mornings, and lively summer evenings. At its center, a hearth-style range will anchor the room, echoing the days when kitchens revolved around the fire. And through symmetry—balanced cabinetry, thoughtful proportions—we’re shaping a space that feels welcoming, enduring, and deeply functional.
The Workhorse with Soul
If the kitchen is the heart, then the mudroom is the soul. It’s the place where daily life happens: muddy boots, garden tools, backpacks, and the beautiful mess of living. For this space, we leaned into history by repurposing salvaged doors and windows found elsewhere in the home. This choice isn’t just sustainable—it’s soulful. By breathing new life into these materials, the mudroom will feel as though it has always belonged, seamlessly tied to Sunnymead’s original bones.
A Palette That Tells a Story
Beyond the structural updates, the materials themselves weave an equally important narrative. Every choice has been guided by craftsmanship and authenticity. Marble with soft veining brings quiet elegance, its natural movement softening the room’s geometry. Warm woods add depth and texture, grounding the home in comfort. And unlacquered brass—chosen specifically for the way it will patina—offers a living finish that will evolve with time, just like the house itself.
These layers create a rhythm from room to room. Light, texture, and form play together so that no space feels isolated. Instead, they feel part of one continuous story—a reflection of Sunnymead’s past and a vision for its future.
Looking Ahead
As we hold these drawings in our hands, it’s impossible not to imagine the life that will fill these rooms: sunlight streaming through the French doors, laughter echoing off marble countertops, muddy shoes kicked off in the mudroom, brass handles darkening with years of touch.
This renovation isn’t simply about design. It’s about writing the next chapter of a home that has already seen nearly two centuries of stories. And in that sense, we aren’t just creating spaces—we’re curating moments yet to come.
There’s so much still ahead, and we can’t wait to share it all—the first swings of the hammer, the surprises hidden behind old plaster, and the tiny design decisions that ultimately shape how a home feels.
Sunnymead has stood tall for 185 years. Now, with care and intention, we’re ensuring it will continue to glow for generations more.
