Home Tour: A New Home with a Venerable Past in Rural Connecticut

Architect Peter Zimmerman designed a house that appears to have been in place for generations. He created this effect of history by using salvaged boards for the flooring and ceiling, and using a highly viscous paint on the stairway to make it seem as if the risers, treads, spindles and banisters had been painted multiple times over many years.

Each of the multipaned steel windows are topped with massive stone lintels, except the larger double-wide expanse, which uses wood treated to appear as stone. English-made terracotta tiles are used as the roofing, for historical effect and durability.

Zimmerman created an expansive outdoor eating area, situated beneath a pitched roof.

The bricks used for the kitchen floor (opposite page) are antique; the millwork and cabinetry were all designed by Zimmerman.

The kitchen, with its expanses of antique floorboards and bricks, juxtaposed with decidedly modern seating and vintage-chic pendants, reflects the client’s and architect’s interest in fostering a sense of history while keeping the house contemporary in feel.

The living room (above) reveals one of the best visual “tricks” employed by Zimmerman—plasterwork that is made to appear as if the finished overcoating has fallen off over the course of many years.

New firebricks are covered up with antique bricks, thus creating authentic looking, but thoroughly safe fireplaces, as in the dining room.

Zimmerman was careful to create a steady visual rhythm of beams and rafters throughout the rooms. The multi-spoked antique brass chandelier was purchased by the homeowner in Ireland.

The house is remarkable for its ability to appear, outside and in, as old and weathered, yet completely comfortable and inviting. The simplest decorative touches, such as colorful vintage quilts on the beds, soften the rooms.

All of the fireplaces were bought by the homeowner on one of his many trips to Ireland.