Architecture Wednesday: Ledge House

The owners of the Ledge House wanted a home that would resonate with the history of the Connecticut Valley, be environmentally friendly, and be able to exist on a large rock ledge. In addition, there was already a cabin on the site and the owner’s reused that building’s footprint—saving money and reducing construction waste—and creating a new home inspired by indigenous barns of the area as well as the nearby, historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge.

The living room, dining room and kitchen form the nucleus of a large breezeway through the house that was positioned to take advantage of the views to the valley, the uphill cross-ventilating breezes, and an existing boulder that becomes a rugged companion to the house in a kind of Zen garden.

The exterior of the house is clad in Shou Sugi Ban siding—the Japanese art of burning wood that creates a rot- and bug-resistant finish—but the interiors light, white and airy. To one side of the Great Room is the primary bedroom suite with an expansive spa-like bathroom, while on the opposite side of the home are two guest rooms and an additional full bath.

But best of all is the terrace and decking that overlook Cornwall, Connecticut, the Housatonic River and the surrounding valleys. In warmer weather it’s the perfect spot to live and dine outside on the stepped terrace, which runs the length of the house.

I love that it’s black—I’m a hug fan of Shou Sugi Ban—and I loved the all-white, serene interior’s, and the walls of glass that face down the valley and up the hillside.

It just says peaceful to me.

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