Location: Lincoln, Massachusetts
Size: 2,200 square feet
Modernism is not always what comes to mind when we think of historic architecture in New England. But in the town of Lincoln, Massachusetts there are some true gems of modern residential architecture dating back to the 1930s, like this home originally built by Cyrus Murphy in 1937 and then renovated by Henry B. Hoover in 1975 and again more recently in 2005 by architect Gary Wolf.
When the homeowners commissioned Wolf to update their space, they wanted it done in a way that was mindful of the home's modernist origin. That meant that even though they revised and expanded the kitchen and made some additions to various other parts of the house, they sought, in their words, to "maintain the house's smallness for ecological reasons while accentuating the sense of spaciousness. It was not necessary to destroy in order to create something new."
An important tenet of modernism is architecture's harmonious relationship with the landscape and this home sits beautifully amidst the surrounding woods and gardens, which were designed by landscape architect Jonathan Keep. Inside, the thoughtful combination of modern and antique furniture — which can be a challenge in a contemporary space — are placed minimally, allowing light and the outdoors to become an integral part of the interior.
Lincoln is also where you can find the Gropius House designed by Walter Gropius in 1938 (now a museum) as well as nearly 70 other modern homes. The Friends of Modern Architecture (FoMA) Lincoln is a group that seeks to preserve and promote the town's rich architectural history. Visit their website, www.fomalincoln.org, to find more information about upcoming tours, lectures and events as well as view listings of modern homes for sale in the area.
Images: Sarah Rainwater
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Unfussy, warm, beautiful -- this place looks smart.
Reminds me of the feeling of nostalgia I get from watching old episodes of the Bob Newhart show -- even though I was born in the '80s it all looks somehow familiar. Love this one.
Absolutely lovely - one of my favorite tours ever. The covered porch is to die for. I'm guessing the owners are very private people hence they didn't fill out the regular AT:House Tour surveys/info part of the house tour - too bad, I'd love to know more about where they sourced furniture, paint, cabinetry, etc.
Also, since I've been Little Miss B*tchy in the comments about the often lame recent house tour photography, I'd like to give credit where credit is due - the shots for this tour were stunning and very professional. It's so nice to see shots of whole rooms to get a real sense of how things are laid out.
so intelligent, sharp, and wonderful.
i love to see appreciation for the ladder back chair.
Love this home!
It is full of texture, it embraces modern design while simultaneously embracing the historical and personal. It is a house that can handle complexity and real life; that, in my books, defines maturity.
Ooh, this is the way modern was meant to be lived. they're not too strict with the look. The screened porch is dreamy!
I like the mix of styles. It feels like a nod to the home's travel through time.
I am absolutely drooling over that glassed in porch. Wonderful!
Some beautiful areas, for sure. But, with so many great chairs throughout the house, why the dining chair in the bathroom?
Wonderful. Not too clinically modern yet mindful of the home's history and original features.
What a simple and cozy house -
This is the type of warm modernism that I aspire to.
Love the house, love all the comments that have already said exactly what I would have.
What a beautiful, restful home. They must feel so blessed everytime they sit on that porch!
This is one of the best house tours posted here. Great taste, great sense of place. And no pandering to what's expected--no Keep Calm, etc.
A very grown-up home.
Yes, yes, yes! Inspiring indeed.
It is very easy to place modern design in an old structure: Simple lines against soaring ceilings and architectural details. But the reverse--antique things in a modern structure--sometimes looks odd (does in my house!), a ball gown worn with sneakers.
With this beautiful modern home, the knee-jerk response would be to fill it top to bottom with Aalto to Zumtobel. But the owners clearly do not ascribe to a "camp" ("I'm a modernist. Ne'er shall a cabriole leg pass my threshold."). They seem to recognize each thing for its own beauty and made a cohesive whole. Who do you do that?
I meant : "How do you do that?" ...
Having visited this home many times before the Wolf redesign, separated now by a continent, we recognize 'after' and 'before' in these photos, admire the new, are unsurprised by the compatible blend of historic and modern, and know the owners' love for art and gardening and forest surround that merge to create this spot of beauty, warm hospitality, and dedication to sharing with the community.