Shawangunk House

Mar 6

When a creative couple based in the city decided to start a family, they realized that after the pandemic their work was no longer tied to a specific place and decided to look for space and views in Accord, NY.

The house they purchased in 2021 had good bones and even better views: the Shawangunk Mountains rising to the south and a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees in every direction. But with a newborn and another child on the way, the traditional layout couldn't contain their future needs or accommodate room for visiting family, dinner parties, and their desire to separate playful and relaxing spaces. The proposed solution was to add a bold, contemporary volume to the rear of the existing structure that pays respect to the aesthetics of the house while bringing a modern twist.

Shawangunk House

Location
Accord, New York

Size

Status
Completed (2025)

White oak warms the interiors, flowing underfoot as floors and then overhead in the kitchen and dining areas, where it creates an intimate, cozy, space-defining cocoon. This gesture defines the gathering spaces while contrasting with the living room’s high white ceiling, where light and volume take center stage.

In the kitchen, the centerpiece is an emerald green quartzite slab. Its green veins catch and reflect the lush landscape beyond, enhancing the feeling of living in nature.

Every window is carefully choreographed and thoughtfully considered. Large-scale sliding doors in the living room and primary suite frame the Shawangunks, transforming daily life into a constant dialogue with the land.

Most importantly, it creates a new entrance, bridges the main house to a converted garage turned creative hub (acting as an office, gym, and rehearsal space), and dramatically expands the footprint toward the north, stretching the living room, reimagining the kitchen, carving out space for an additional bedroom, and a generous ground-floor bath. The result is simply a home that fits many roles: a practical space for a family with two kids, a warm setup for intimate dinners, and the ideal setting for quiet mornings with coffee and a view.