Description

This English stone cottage guesthouse in Back Country, Greenwich, Connecticut, is a thoughtful renovation of a once-neglected estate building, reimagined for a new family’s occupation and future multi-generational gatherings.

When our long-term clients reacquired six bucolic acres in Greenwich, they envisioned a gracious guest quarters for visiting adult children and grandchildren, a place rooted in heritage, comfort, and timeless charm. The original stone cottage, though structurally sound at its base, had succumbed to decades of wear: a failing slate roof, single-glazed windows, rotted trim, and a tired, inefficient interior. Understanding the significance of preserving the site’s character while meeting modern performance standards, we embarked on an extensive renovation guided by respect for tradition and a commitment to excellence.

The exterior transformation began with a new Vermont gray slate roof, graduated in size and thickness, accented with copper roofing details, a nod to classic English cottage vernacular. We replaced all rotted wood siding and trim with low-maintenance cellular PVC, then applied a fresh stucco siding to bring unity and durability to the façade. New high-performance insulated reproduction windows and doors replaced the inefficient singles, dramatically improving thermal efficiency and comfort. In the kitchen, a newly installed breakfast bay window, with a round gable window above, frames views of the grounds and gardens, bathing the interior in soft daylight.

Meanwhile, the attached historic greenhouse on the property, an original Lord & Burnham structure, was carefully reconditioned inside and out, including the addition of a stone-veneer base that harmonizes with the main cottage’s stone foundation. The result: a revived greenhouse that both respects the original craftsmanship and serves as an elegant, usable garden space for the family.

Inside, the cottage underwent a complete gut remodel. The kitchen, bathrooms, lower-level mudroom entry, and interior staircase are entirely new, reconfigured for modern living while embracing the sensibility of English cottage design. We opened the kitchen into the living room to enhance daylight flow across the first floor, and installed traditional English-style cabinetry with Shaker-style doors, a farm sink, and warm hardwood floors that continue throughout much of the cottage. The new breakfast bay includes a built-in banquet seat, an ideal spot for morning coffee overlooking the gardens.

Elsewhere, the entry hall received New-York gray flagstone floors, a tactile and durable surface that blurs the boundary between indoors and out, and full-height V-groove wood paneling that evokes country cottage warmth. Living areas and bedrooms were updated with refined wood trim and hardwood flooring, marrying simplicity and elegance; the furnishings by Tricia Foley complete the look, bringing a country-charm ambiance that feels authentically lived in without pretension.

All mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage systems were replaced; the entire structure is now insulated with spray-foam for superior energy efficiency, and all built-in lighting is LED, powered by a high-efficiency hydro-air mechanical system, merging modern performance with respect for the building’s historic fabric.

This English stone cottage renovation becomes more than a restored building; it’s a guesthouse designed for connection, a place where grandchildren’s laughter rings in the kitchen bay, where evenings by the fireplace recall old family stories, and where the greenhouse stands ready for garden gatherings. Every material choice, from copper accents to wood paneling, was considered to ensure durability, low maintenance, and visual coherence with the estate’s wooded surroundings.

The project reflects our firm’s commitment to residential architecture, heritage renovation, and luxury renovation — delivering not just beautiful spaces, but homes that perform efficiently and endure for decades. By combining historical sensitivity with careful craftsmanship, the renovation elevates a humble guest cottage into a refined retreat.

In renovating this Greenwich cottage, we addressed more than cosmetic upgrades. We restored structural integrity, maximized energy performance, and rebuilt interiors to support multi-generational living, all while preserving the character of an English stone cottage. The result stands as a testament to how thoughtful custom home architecture can honor tradition and meet contemporary needs.

For prospective clients seeking luxury residential architecture, estate renovations, or guesthouse design, projects like this illustrate our dedication to quality, detail, and lasting value.

If you’re interested in exploring similar transformations, take a look at our other Renovation project at https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/renovations.