Shorehaven
Project Brief
Majestically set back from the road on 1.35 private acres is this stately Tudor that will instantly capture your heart. The interior epitomizes the character, style and extraordinary workmanship of yesteryear while presenting a fresh and modern dynamic for the highest quality of living and entertaining. From the moment you enter the front door, an ambiance of quiet formality greets you. As you seamlessly move through the original main entry into the 2023 addition you feel the cohesiveness of this impeccable home. In addition to the superb craftsmanship and stellar location, this house is replete with all of the high-caliber features of a Karp Associates home—high efficiency mechanicals, spray foam insulation, generator ready, security system and irrigation system.
The vintage home was purchased by a couple right sizing after becoming empty nesters. They loved the antique Tudor home and were adamant to follow the dictates of the style in every aspect of the addition while creating the space they needed for their more modern lifestyle.
The scope of the project was to remove the rear of the existing home and create a new kitchen, breakfast room, family room and office. Every detail and design decision were guided by following the period aesthetics of the existing home while sticking to a strict budget so as not to over build for the neighborhood.
The addition created a new kitchen with a breakfast nook reminiscent of the main entry turret, access to a new brick patio with custom fireplace for outdoor living, space for congregating and watching television with the family and a new office. Connecting to the existing home and creating a new mudroom, laundry room and two new powder rooms was also included in the scope of work. In addition to the superb craftsmanship and stellar location, this house is replete with all of the high-caliber features of a Karp Associates home—high efficiency mechanicals, spray foam insulation, generator ready, security system and irrigation system.
Windows were specified to invoke period steel casement windows. Using standard Andersen windows with clad exterior for low maintenance and painting the wood interiors black achieved this look. The paneled appliances evoke the utility of the traditional servant kitchen. The handmade white subway tile backsplash set above the soapstone countertop and retro Bertazzoni range returns one to the past. The exhaust hood is concealed by a custom stucco enclosure with a walnut band to match the island. The character walnut island is bookended with a butcher block top for baking and food prep. Introducing sconces, pendants and semi-flush vintage styled fixtures instead of using recessed lighting reinforced the historic design.
Along with the visible improvements to this old home many utility improvements were required as well. Every major system of the original house was either replaced or rehabilitated. The steam system was retained and a relocated radiator from garage was used to add the heat needed for the new kitchen. All original cast iron, zinc, lead, bronze, and other supply and waste piping was replaced with PVC and PEX. Electrical was converted to period appropriate push button switches. Relocated/salvaged doors and millwork were repaired and reused. Brick was left exposed at the new family powder room. Every detail was researched by the client and the details painstakingly applied.
The biggest challenge of this project was saving as much of the existing foundation as possible and tying the new foundation into the old. The settlement of existing floor joists required sistering all new framing and creating level floors for the added space that would line up with the variations in floor height of the existing rooms was extremely tricky.
The client was very pleased with the update of this 1925 Tudor house and the harmonious connection created with the 2023 details and finishes. The final outcome was well worth the wait!
