this home has the most amazing views.

I LOVE the bones of this home. I also really love almost everything inside it.

Very cool.

Lovely! Can imagine a relaxing day in the middle of winter, watching the snow fall while looking out the windows at the expansive views!

i totally love it. a great inspiration for our home!

I love it! As a fellow expat from NYC with a 60s ranch fetish, I really appreciate what you did here.

Midcentury modern ranches are pretty hard to come by here in Rochester, regardless of heat costs. The handful I've found almost never go on the market, either. What a great solution!

I would love to hear more about how you made your new home more energy efficient than buying old.

A pristine space. Such peaceful, relaxing vistas--the bedroom view is stunning. So much room in this place you could ride your bike. I'd be interested to see how this new-born house evolves over the years. Also I am curious about the lack of lamps ..... (Were they removed for the purpose of the photo shoot?) Lots of books but no reading lamps near the chairs or couch. Is the recessed lighting in the ceiling adequate? In any case, the overheads are probably not very flattering at night.

Well done... would love to see the original SketchUp model as well!

Yay Rochester! REPRESENT! I have an apartment in the Southeast Quadrant of the city.

Have you been to Metro Retro on Park Ave yet? It's a great MCM antique store with some really cool stuff.

I like this home. The decorations are simple, pleasing to the eye, the scenery outside of the windows are the best decoration ever, and it looks like cleaning is simple and quick. I'd rather hang out with the smalls than dust decorative bits and pieces any day of the week.

Source for the shower curtain? It's great for a not-too-childish kids bath!!

I love the living room end tables - can you tell me where they are from?

I like it. Clean, simple, airy. Nice big picture windows. I think it's very cosy. (Note: am I the only one who noticed that 3-year-old Graham has a doll house? AWESOME.)

xo

I love the built-in bookcases, but the living room feels a little sparse. The chairs seem far away from the couch to me, not good for a genuine conversation.

And maybe it's just me but I'd feel like I was living in a fishbowl with all those windows and no window coverings.

Where did you get the master bedroom duvet/pillow cases? Looks like ikea...?

@home body, here's more information about energy efficient homes! :) http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_verification_process

Fantastic job! I used to live off Park Ave. in Rochester. Bet that fire place get a work out.

nik111: I LOVE that neighborhood! AT should do a feature on all the amazing architecture.

Oh my gosh, I am so jealous. What a beautiful home. Congratulations on incorporating simplicity, beautiful color and an environment where a child is welcome. It's stunning. Love the windows. Can I move in?

The windows are great, such amazing natural light throughout the home!

Love your deck, it looks absolutely idyllic. Graham's room is the cutest--great photo over his changing table!

Wow, such a lovely home with fantastic views! Can you share the source of the orange side table in the living room?

I love the house itself. It is modern and stunningly beautiful. It's the stuff inside that is missing something. It seems a bit empty. I understand the need for simplicity, but the huge dining table with nothing on it saddens me :(

Like: the overall architecture, the cream and grey bathroom (crisp and minimal yet warm), the retro bedding, the shower curtain, the dining room Flor rug, the asymetrical chest of drawers in the nursery and the cute Graham Ford photo.

Dislike: the lack of accessorising or detail (there's little, other than the bookcases, that invites one to look more closely), and the over-reliance on plain modern furniture with few organic lines or materials.

I wish I could love this. The structure is beautiful, the windows to die for. And, yet, it feels cold. There's nothing there that makes me want to touch it.

I love that the insides of the windows (the sashes?) are painted yellow. I'd love to hear more about how that was done -- was it paint, or did you buy them like that?

The location of the fireplace seems a little strange to me. Does it actually help to heat the living room or does it just make the dining room warm?

Oh Rochester, I do love and miss you! (Also lived in the Park/Monroe area and had a blast way back when!)
Hmmmm, this tour is a bit like others I've seen here on AT where the home was done extremely well, but spare, quite spare. I think this is a reflection of a certain time in a family's life. A new space and a little one will do that. I see all of the open floor in the living room as a perfect "scoot way" for the little guy with plenty of room for mom and dad to join him on the floor. That said, I do think the vibe of the house could benefit from a little shot of texture and some organic form. I can definitely picture a BIG tribal weave basket with a very tall plant in the open "corner" between the couch and armchair to take advantage of all of that gorgeous light, and separate from the dining area a bit. Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing, (okay, may a couple more plants and some sort of groovy mobile to break up the expanse of ceiling over by the toy shelf).
What I mean is -- nice! The flow of the living areas and the light and the finishes -- bravo! Enjoy this place and time, it's good.

almost makes me miss Rochester. I went to university there and lived in an 1800s house by Highland Park. Fun memories for sure, but it wasn't that big of a house and even with the modern roof retrofit (basically a bolt on replacement roof complete with foot thick insulation) and all the other modernizations from the landlord, we had $400 gas bills in the winter, which for a few broke RIT students is a bit much.

I love it soo much clean open floor plan, convenient location, energy efficient ...!!

More and bigger pieces of art, to compliment the scale of the wall spaces, and some house plants would give a more 'personal' touch, however very nice basic design.

I like how the furnishings match the simple lines of the house. I do echo some of the others' comments, though, that there isn't much to go over the moon with this tour, though I'm guessing it's because by the time the pictures were taken, the owners hadn't yet lived in the house long enough to make it completely their own. Also, moving from a small city apartment to a 2,000+ square foot ranch house takes some adjustment, even in one's design sensibility. Paul and Jackie have made a good start. Now hang some art and add some house plants and for the love of god, use drapery!

About the commenting, I've learned to live with AT's implied policy to balance or soften criticism with a something positive. That said, AT still has to answer for this.

Very beautiful home...i like the windows a lot.

It's all so beautiful but I don't understand how this beats the high cost of heating. The heat ends up in the ceilings or is lost through those massive windows. I don't get the energy efficiency here.

The snow in Rochester really isnt that bad, it's beautiful and rarely enough to interrupt your normal daily activities.

The sparse look is simply indicative of a couple that upsized, it takes time and living in a space and money to fill that extra sq ft.

I would love to see another house tour in a year when they've had more time to settle in.

I love that you built a house in the mid-century style rather than the neo-eclectic that is so popular right now! I also think it looks really nice so far. Very neat and tidy. Uncluttered, as opposed to what others have said. Getting art on the walls takes a lot of time but it's good to go slow.

neato.
not much art yet, but i like the arrow print. anyone got a source?

I love seeing a Rochester home featured here! You did a beautiful job with the new build MCM home! My husband and I are also transplants to Rochester and we bought a mid-century home last summer from the original owners. It was built (and decorated) in 1965 and it is a stunner. We're slowly updating the home and (trying to) document it in our blog: www.modchester.blogspot.com We live in a really amazing neighborhood right outside the city in the Panorama Trail area. There are a few MCM homes in this area. I second the Metro Retro plug. It's hard to find MCM resources here but not impossible. I've found that Rochester is a great place to live--despite the snow. Good luck!

The lack of window coverings in the master bedroom would not work for me- I'd be awake as soon as the sun came up!

The house is pretty, but I agree with the comments that it's cold, but I've always been partial to warm, cozy spaces.

(There's not enough snow in Rochester for me. All my Roch. friends and I drive two hours to the Tug Hill Region to get real snow for cross country skiing.)
But yes, the temps in Rochester are plenty cold and a house like this is anything but energy efficient.
Otherwise, lovely house and great recreation of a classic MCM.

AWESOME!! I am from the Rochester area (grew up in Scottsville), but now live in Houston. The house that I grew up in is right down the road from Wendell Castle's studio. It's great to see a MCM designed home in Rochester. There aren't many modern homes in the Rochester area. Great job on the house!!

Insanely beautiful views! No curtains though, hm? I would be scared that a killer might peek through the windows at night and see me sleeping in bed- ack!

the modern furnishings don'tdetract from the million dollar views. Well done. This makes me want to move to Rochester. I live in hot, sticky hurricane alley.

Ah- memories. I had the honor of taking a class with Wendell when I lived in Rochester. Yes, the city has a rich history of amazing architecture.

It appears that you are allowing Nature to provide you with "art" on the walls. I have a similar philosophy, living in the woods, in a "treehouse" with large two-story expanses of windows on two walls.

way to cold

I love houses like this... but I hope they used some energy-efficient windows. Those original light-filled modern homes were built at a time when energy was practically free

I'm from Rochester though now in Philadelphia. Yeah, there is a lot of snow. Any way you cut it. Great to see Rochester featured. Great space.

Re: posters that posted about Metro Retro...any other must see stores there? I'm home 4-5 times a year and get bored very quickly!!

It is too bare and cold for me. Nice deck with lovely scenery though.

Brookeastfreshquarters: Check out the Rochester Wiki. I'd post more, but I'm at work.

I love your white couch. any tips on how to keep it nice and white when you have kids?

The house overall is quite beautiful. The veiws are amazing. However the fireplace seems like it doesn't quite fit. I think you should have gone a little wider with the bricks and a bigger fire box would have looked great framed out in in a metal finish instead of the black.

This is just what a dream house should look like. I would give an arm and a leg to be able to live in this style. Great bones, fantastic style taste and who wouldn't want windows that look out at such nature?

Ok negative commentators you have had your say about how cold or unadorned this house is.
I know you Love Love Love the overwrought, over-decorated childish designs that regularly appear on this site.
Whenever I critique these oh soooo cute spaces, my comments get axed.

I love love love this house

@Paulus44 - no, they haven't had their say. At least a dozen constructive comments have been axed. And no, they're not all by people who love love love overwrought over-decorated childish designs. I like to see all of the comments, not just the positive ones, because I learn from them.

Brookeastfreshquarters,

Okay, now that I'm home, I can recommend the following (in no particular order):

Parkleigh
Archimage
Metro Retro
Utter Clutter
Abundance Cooperative Market (grocery)
Thread
Memorial Art Gallery giftshop
Rochester Public Market (seasonal)
Gregory Weiss Antiques
Rochester Antique Market & Galleries
Craft Company No. 6
Image City Photography Gallery
plastic
The Generosity Store
Village Gate Complex
ARTISANworks

That should be enough to get you started. They're all in the same general area.

This house is so beautiful! However, I agree with the person who said it feels "empty" -- I almost think it looks like a model home in some ways. Maybe because everything is new? I think this house rocks -- but it would feel more welcoming if you found some cool vintage pieces to add and filled the walls with huge colorful paintings from local artists. I'm sure in a little bit of time this place will be AMAZING!

One more thing... For those of you who think AT censors comments... I really don't think they do that? At least I hope not. Last year I almost made a horrible mistake and painted my house green. I don't know what I was smoking... but I actually thought it would look good. I posted it on AT and people skewered me. It was such a wake up call. I'm soooo glad I didn't do that. Gosh, if AT censored the comments... I really can't imagine what the more severe people had said. It was pretty bad ;)

@ Mariz Whiz - I don't have kids but I do have a white couch and a black cat (and messy friends). My couch has a slipcover, easy to wash and occasionally bleach.

The picture of the three Adirondack made me smile!

yawn !!!!! ..........really???.....this is what you feature........i mean this is personality-less dullsville............

There is no indication of the size of the apartment they left, but 2300 sqft for 3 people isn't environmentally either. Unless the possibility of caring for an elderly parent is eminent or you have mobility problems that require larger spaces, I can't see the need for that much space.
We are 6 people in a 1450 sqft home, in North Central Alberta and we see A LOT of snow through the winter. Our climates are varied such that we need two very different wardrobes, as well as lawn mowers and snow blowers (those are for my husband, I use the reel mower and a shovel) and winter tires, not all seasons.

Having said all that, there are aspects I like about the house and agree that it needs more life, but I agree with the owners that art needs to be collected rather than purchased at IKEA or Ross in one fell swoop.

Bonus, I think our chair conundrum may have been solved, thanks!

*environmentally friendly*

ROCHESTER. Like lots of others, I grew up here and left...then came back. Rochester is very affordable, and home values have remained stable throughout the housing market collapse. The winters are no worse than Chicago, Minneapolis, or Cleveland. And DID YOU SEE that sky???

I'd just point out that 2300 sq feet is consistent with the size of existing homes in Rochester's outer ring--there are reasons not to build a 1400 sq ft home in a 2400 sq ft market. Not only that, the home's particular design can accommodate large families, extended families, homeschooling families, families of people with disabilities, elderly couples who require in-home services--all without being an ugly 6000 sq ft McMansion in a treeless housing development. And for all we know, the couple plans to crank out 4 or 5 more little ones.

Hey former East/Park/Monroe veteran here. I disagree about drapes -- Let the Light In!! But why is the focal point of the living area a large-screen TV? That depresses me.

It's an incredible space. However, I find the scale of the living room furniture a little off... Perhaps a larger couch or love seats instead of chairs would help the area in front of the TV seem less bare. Having such a large space is a burden I wish I had! Also, even if you don't want to cover those extraordinary views, some colorful drapes could really bring some life to that bedroom.

Beautiful home with fantastic light! Is this the gray house on 251 (RM Rd?) If so, we're your new neighbors!

@ modernT with the Denonville house -- thanks for the blog link -- that house (and it's original owner) was INCREDIBLE. So glad to know how it turned out.

CurlyVanessa,
Unfortunately, AT does censor comments. I remember this house tour very well, as well as my comment in which I only said that I had agreed with another poster.
This completely explains why I, sometimes, stare at hourse tours' comments thinking "I cannot believe everybody loves this so much". I do wish comments were left as posted, unless they are offensive etc. Constructive criticism is good.

Love all those windows!!! Have been looking for similar style windows for our home! Thank you for sharing!

Why built a new modern home that looks like mid-century? It looks dated already. Our Cliff May rancho looks more interesting than this. Sorry.

I think the house is nice, but would be interested in seeing the interior in another year or two. It does look very, very new. A bit plain. However, I am sure they will grow into the space.

Hi there, homeowner here...thanks for all your comments! Most were spot-on--we're slowly adding more detail and interest to our home, while keeping it easy to clean, and kid friendly. An FYI about the energy efficiency of our house--we have a geothermal heating/cooling system, insulated ductwork, radiant heating in the basement, and Low-E4 casement windows, which are mostly south facing. We also have two-foot roof overhangs to allow more shade in the summer and sun in the winter. The geothermal system also helps heat our domestic water.

@mirandajane - Overhead lighting is good, but we also have outlets in the floor under the couch if we need more.

@ELFay - Thanks for the ROC recommendations!

@mrs_mouse - Target (Home Vista Tree Shower Curtain), still available online.

@rachelj02 - LR end tables are from West Elm. They were on clearance, don't think they are currently available.

@BrianneA - Agree, larger side chairs/sofa would be nice, we're mainly using what we had from NYC for now. The acoustics of the open space make it easy to be heard.

@MissMeaghan - MB duvet is from the Company Store, don't think it currently available. Thanks for sharing energy efficient new home link. ; )

@suzy8track - LR orange side table is from Crate&Barrel, don't see it online though.

@modish etcetera - We're looking for candelabra for the DR table, have flowers/plants on it sometimes.

@revati - Window frame finish is natural pine. We love it too.

@House Voyeur - Fireplace warms the whole room, LR & DR.

@--------! - Arrow print is from House Industries.

@modernT - Your home caught my eye in the real estate section and it rocks - nice job!

@Mariz Whiz - We cut the tufted buttons off the couch cushions so we can take them off and wash. Also, we just used a SpotBot cleaner on the upholstered frame and then let the couch dry on the deck. The sun did a great job!

@sdt43 - We wanted a larger fireplace, but cost was an issue. The next size up was about twice the price. In practice, the current fire box works well.

@R-IN-R - Yep, that's us. Did you buy the ranch up on a hill near the cemetery?

@BruinToo - We love Cliff May ranches, and you are very fortunate to live in one. We first looked at custom and pre-fab modern designs, but cost was an issue, so we designed our house ourselves.

Oh boy this is not a happy happy place. I mean thats how it makes me feel. I am sure you guys really love your space enjoy.

oops. source is listed.

Please tell me where the bathroom vanities are from. I love them!

@dmeier - the vanities are also Dura Supreme

@R-IN-R - Yep, that's us. Did you buy the ranch up on a hill near the cemetery?

Yep!! Drop by anytime!! We currently have the whole downstairs gutted. Good times.

@R-IN-R - Love your house! Will you be around this weekend?

LOVE IT - very Eichler-esque.