Lisa & Dan’s Curated Family Farmhouse

published Oct 19, 2010
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Name: Lisa & Dan and their 2 children
Location: Bedford, New Hampshire
Size: 6,200 square feet (including a small in-law apartment not pictured)
Years lived in: 10 — owned

Lisa and Dan moved into this outstanding farmhouse 10 years ago after living in a modern home made mostly of glass. It is clear from the first few steps inside that there is no shortage of modern amenities here — but when Lisa re-designed and re-structured this home, she did so with a reverence for the past. Ten years ago this home was an ill-conceived series of unrelated renovations. Graciously she put an end to that.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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Front view of house with attached barn (Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Their home sits on a quiet street corner in the historic section of Bedford, New Hampshire and was built around 1780. It has a large backyard, a barn, a small in-law apartment over the garage, and three floors of living space for the family. The children share the space on the third floor and enjoy lots of natural light from the triplet of dormer windows.

Lisa describes her style as relaxed but I am dying to qualify that adjective with a word like “European” or “refined”. Each room in her home hums with ease and sophistication. The dining room in particular is sparse or utilitarian, yet feels wonderfully lavish because of the textural wallpaper, window sheers and well-designed furniture. The marble throughout the kitchen and 5 baths might be considered fussy by most American standards but suits this home and Lisa’s relaxed style with its timeless, permanent nature.

If it’s not obvious, Lisa is an architect and interior designer. The furnishings throughout her home are meaningfully selected and gorgeous design pieces. While some homes are filled with “stuff” to fill space, this home feels like a cohesive fusion of architecture and furnishings. One first appreciates the architectural details of the wood moldings and trim, the solid wood doors with oil rubbed bronze hardware, and the beautiful wooden windows with grills throughout. The furnishings only embellish, not take away from, these details.

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Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Relaxed

Inspiration: Modern architecture

Favorite Element: The kitchen space and casual atmosphere

Biggest Challenge: Not looking too 1700’s

What Friends Say: They would move here in a heartbeat

Biggest Embarrassment: Maintaining a green lawn

Proudest DIY: Demolition of the interior of the barn (which has yet to be re-purposed.)

Biggest Indulgence: Window treatments

Best Advice: If you love it, it will go with your home.

Dream Sources: Books

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Resources of Note:

APPLIANCES

    • Sub Zero
    • Diva de Provence

FURNITURE

    • Antiques
    • Smith Brothers of Berne

LIGHTING

    • FLOS
    • Remains Lighting

RUGS & CARPETS

TILES & STONE

    • Waterworks
    • Carrera marble throughout

WINDOW TREATMENTS

ARTWORK

PAINT

FLOORING

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks, Lisa & Dan!

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