Combining Contemporary Flair With Timeless Design

GRAND PRIZE | Custom Building: Lynbrook of Annapolis

By Carol Sorgen | Photography by Pete Albert

Situated on historic Eastern Shore farmland, our award winner for Custom Building is this guest “barn” built by Lynbrook of Annapolis.

“The story line the homeowners wanted to convey is that these guest quarters were added to an existing barn,” says Lynbrook president Raymond Gauthier. “They wanted a house that not only utilized the farm’s prime location but also gave the appearance of having been on the property for generations.”

On the exterior, stained vertical cedar boards and traditional metal roofing replicate old materials that would once have been found on a barn. Similarly, the foundation is built to resemble simple block piers as some barns do. The custom-designed 26-foot-tall barn doors slide completely open, “peeling away the barn’s skin” to reveal a glass entry into a living space combining the kitchen, dining room and large gathering room. From the entry, the stunning view extends to the Wye Narrows that lies beyond.

Inside, open shelving and a fumed oak island countertop highlight the kitchen, while custom beam rope lighting adds to the barn theme in the dining area. To the rear of the home, the three-story living space features a glass wall constructed by Hope’s Windows, whose work also graces such landmarks as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Further emphasizing the home’s barnlike appearance is traditional timber framing from Lancaster County Timber Frames. A 6-foot-round steel buoy converted into a light, custom lighting in the rafters, and a rotating wood burning stove enhance the living space and add to the comfort of the room.

From the kitchen a smaller sliding barn door opens to the white oak interior silo where a circular staircase leads to the second-floor balcony. This “challenging” aspect of the project involved removing the silo roof so that the staircase, pre-constructed of 4-inch-thick oak treads, could be lowered by crane into the space, after which the roof was securely reattached.

On the second floor guests can settle in to one of two bedrooms, along with two baths, and a three-tiered hayloft-style bunk bed overlooking the lower living area.

Combining a timeless rustic appearance with modern-day creature comforts, this is a guesthouse that is ideal for a quick weekend getaway … or an extended visit.
CUSTOM BUILDER
Lynbrook of Annapolis, lynbrookofannapolis.com

ARCHITECTURE
Kimmel Studio, kimmelstudio.com

KITCHEN CABINETS
Kitchen Encounters, kitchenencounters.biz

POSTS AND BEAMS
Timber Trusses–Lancaster County Timber Frames

HARDWOOD FLOORING
Floor and Beyond, floorandbeyondva.com

WINDOWS
Hopes Windows, hopeswindows.com