Description

By reunifying three land parcels into their original turn-of-the-century plot, the owners of this distinguished property were able to extend the estate with a new guest house design that enriches both daily living and hospitality. The guest residence provides spacious, comfortable accommodations for visiting family and friends while offering refined indoor–outdoor spaces for entertaining. This multi-function planning reinforces the historic integrity of the estate while ensuring functional luxury for contemporary living.

The guest house and adjacent stone garage were conceived to complement the estate’s 1915 Stucco Colonial primary residence, one of the architectural cornerstones of the property. The new structure features slate roofing and traditional stucco cladding, materials chosen for their durability, authenticity, and textural richness. Designed with symmetry and proportion in mind, the residence aligns with the architectural vocabulary of the main house while maintaining a distinct identity as a guest retreat.

As the guest house fronts an adjoining road, special attention was given to preserving the well-established neighborhood streetscape. The façade engages harmoniously with surrounding residences, balancing private estate living with civic-minded architectural stewardship.

At the rear, the design unfolds toward a generous central lawn that draws the eye from the guest house back to the main residence. This axial relationship is enhanced by an arrangement of leisure amenities including a pool, spa, and expansive terrace. French doors from the central Entertainment Room open directly to the terrace, blurring the threshold between indoors and outdoors.

Sheltered porches on either side of the doors create intimate zones for lounging and dining. Overhead, inset dormer balconies extend from the roofline, providing elevated views across the grounds and enhancing the façade’s architectural depth. Across the terrace, the stone garage is reimagined not only as functional storage but as a destination, complete with an outdoor fireplace for evening gatherings.

The first-floor plan revolves around a versatile Entertainment Room, thoughtfully proportioned for both intimate family use and large gatherings. A sitting area anchored by a fireplace and large-screen TV transitions seamlessly to a dining area. One side of the space is defined by a graceful colonnade leading to the Reception Hall and Main Entry, while the opposite side opens through French doors to the terrace.

Beyond the dining area, the Kitchen functions as both a culinary hub and a social connector, with a pass-through window designed to double as a bar. On the lower level, a casual recreation room expands the program with a second sitting area, full bar, and billiards, ideal for more relaxed entertaining.

The upper floors emphasize privacy and comfort. The second level accommodates a Primary Suite with private bath and closets, along with two additional bedroom suites for guests. A third-floor bunk room provides playful, efficient sleeping quarters for children, ensuring the residence can adapt to multi-generational gatherings. This layering of private retreats with social spaces exemplifies the project’s balance of hospitality and personal sanctuary.

This guest house project demonstrates how luxury residential architecture can honor historic precedent while responding to contemporary patterns of living. Every element, from the slate and stucco exterior to the colonnaded interiors, reflects respect for tradition paired with a sensitivity to comfort and conviviality. The result is an estate that feels both timeless and tailored to the rhythms of modern family life.

This project belongs to our portfolio of estate architecture, guest house design, and historic home additions. Explore related work in residential estates, luxury pool houses, and Colonial revival residences at https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/new-homes, https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/outbuildings, https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/blog/colonial-style-homes-a-timeless-american-architectural-tradition.