Every historic home has a story, and Sunnymead is no exception. Dating back to 1840, our home has stood the test of time, its character shaped by generations before us. Nestled in Litchfield County, it was lovingly named Sunnymead for the way sunlight pours through its windows, illuminating the rooms in a golden glow throughout the day. From the moment we stepped inside, we knew this home was something special—an enduring beauty filled with history, warmth, and soul.
Now, we’re writing its next chapter. Restoring a home of this age comes with a responsibility—to preserve its architectural integrity while thoughtfully updating it for modern-day living. And today, we’ve reached one of the most exciting milestones in that process: our page-turn meeting.
For those unfamiliar, a page-turn meeting is an essential step in home renovation and design. It’s when we sit down with our architect to meticulously review the full set of construction documents—line by line, drawing by drawing—to ensure every detail aligns with our vision. From the kitchen to the mudroom and bathroom, this is where functionality meets beauty, where architectural intent transforms from sketches into a tangible reality.
To bring our vision for Sunnymead to life, we knew we needed an architect with both a meticulous eye for detail and a deep respect for historical preservation. For us, Julia Metcalf was the obvious choice.
Renowned for her refined approach to classic, timeless design, Julia seamlessly bridges the worlds of past and present. Her portfolio spans stunning Manhattan townhomes to thoughtfully restored estates in Litchfield County—each project a testament to her ability to honor architectural heritage while creating spaces that feel fresh and livable. With her expertise, every molding, material selection, and structural update has been approached with a level of care that ensures Sunnymead’s historic charm remains intact, while the updates feel natural and effortless.
The kitchen is the heart of any home, but in a historic property, it’s also an opportunity to create something that feels deeply rooted in tradition. For Sunnymead, we’re embracing the essence of traditional farmhouse design while introducing elements that enhance both function and flow.
Two large French doors will open onto the garden, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living and setting the stage for future gatherings. A hearth-style range will anchor the space, evoking warmth and nostalgia—calling back to a time when the kitchen was centered around a working hearth. But beyond aesthetics, symmetry plays a key role here, ensuring that the space feels balanced and intentional, a place where both everyday meals and special occasions can unfold with ease.
If the kitchen is the heart, the mudroom is the hardworking soul of the home—a space where function must meet thoughtful design. In keeping with Sunnymead’s rich history, we’re taking an eco-conscious approach by repurposing salvaged doors and windows from other areas of the home. This not only preserves the character of the space but also allows us to integrate existing architectural details in a way that feels authentic and true to the home’s story.
By weaving in these original elements, the mudroom will feel as though it has always been part of Sunnymead’s bones—an intentional extension of its history rather than an entirely new addition.
And as we pan across the design trays, a carefully curated palette begins to unfold. Materials play a powerful role in storytelling, and every selection was made with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and authenticity.
Softly veined marble introduces an air of quiet elegance, its organic movement bringing a sense of softness to the harder architectural lines. Rich, warm woods add depth, their natural grain lending an inviting, tactile quality to the space. Unlacquered brass accents were chosen for their ability to patina over time, evolving with use and deepening in character—a nod to the timeless craftsmanship that defines this home.
Together, these elements create a sense of rhythm and flow throughout the house, ensuring that no space feels disjointed but rather part of a larger, cohesive vision. The interplay of texture, light, and materiality makes every room feel considered, intentional, and undeniably inviting.
Seeing these plans come to life is just the beginning of the journey. With every careful decision—from the cabinet hardware to the way sunlight filters through the French doors—we are shaping not just a house, but a home filled with soul and story.
There’s so much more ahead, and we can’t wait to bring you along as Sunnymead’s transformation unfolds. Stay tuned for the next steps, from the first construction updates to the smallest design details that make all the difference.
