I demolished the entire second story of the original home & replaced it with a full size second story. The new design consisted of double Dutch type gambrel roof lines, two small dormers & portico adding volume, grace & character without being too overwhelming for the lot size. Simple details such as the rounded curves I framed into the new roof lines and the arched entry soften the look. Complimenting those curves is the curve of the stepping stone walkway that winds down the gentle hill in the front yard.

As you walk into the new entry way with the vaulted ceiling you are amazed at it’s size and proportion. What I looked to accomplish with simple clean lines was a sense of drama as you entered the home. The barrel vaulted ceiling I fabricated just beyond the foyer welcomes you further and a comfortable warmth transcends through the rest of the house.

My ultimate goal when I am in your home is to create a similar harmonious environment where there is "good feng shui" .

I try and accomplish an even yet interesting feel without taking one overboard.

For the floors in the front entry I installed large white limestone pavers with black granite diamond shaped dots that work with the provincial stained hardwood oak floors that run through the rest of the house.

As with all my projects, I personally constructed every detail of this home from soup to nuts… from framing & roofing to tiling & finishing trim.

The Fox Hunt Lane Residence; Cold Spring Harbor, New York  (Click Image To View Full Size)

Starting the Layout of A Flagstone Walkway

(For The Fox Hunt Lane Project)

In the case of the main stair case the stair manufacturer had come and measured themselves for the project but while I was I installing the finished stairs I noticed that one of their measurements was off. Unfortunately if I couldn’t get the stairs in promptly, all the other scheduled work would be delayed.

I called the manufacturer and discussed the problem. They were very nice about it and told me they’d come back, pick the stairs up and make the necessary changes. They’d redeliver the corrected stairs in a week or less. Unfortunately that was a week I couldn’t spare in order to stay on track. Instead, I decided to use the skills I have developed over the years and figure out a way to correct the mistake myself. I’m not one to argue….I’m more about going with the flow which sometimes means once again doing things myself. I’ve learned that arguing and all the chatter amounts to a lot of negativity which carries over to the project. One lesson I’ve learned, is the more I talk, the less I learn.

In the photo above I am taking some custom stair railing parts that are being sized and cut before being pre-assembled temporarily in a mock-up in order to insure a perfect fit. After which the mocked up assembly will be broken down so that the balusters and railing parts can be spray painted and stained custom colors before being re-installed as part of the final installation .

The balusters (spindles) will be sprayed a semi-gloss snow white to match the house moldings and the newel posts.

The volute and banisters will be stained a reddish mahogany with a finish of amber shellac to give it an antique appearance. The style of the banister volute "over" the balusters and newel posts gives the cathedral entry a more elegant yet warm inviting appeal.