![Exterior of a South Kent, Connecticut home in the snow](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/exterior-(1).jpg)
Suburban and Country
South Kent Rural Retreat
![Exterior of a South Kent, Connecticut home in the snow](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/exterior-(1).jpg)
We first renovated this 1920s farmer's cottage in the early 1980s, when a young family of four turned the space into their home away from home. Decades later, the family returned to us to upgrade the space for their young grandchildren.
After
![Open living space with wood floors, exposed ceiling beams, and wood furnishings](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/living-space-(2).jpg)
Before
![](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/living-space-(2)-before.jpg)
By removing a central fireplace, we could add a bedroom and the living areas became more expansive and free flowing.
![Wood bench in front of four casement windows](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/bench.jpg)
![All-wood kitchen with blue stone countertops](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/kitchen.jpg)
![Detail of an entry staircase custom made from reclaimed wood.](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/stair-detail-(1).jpg)
![Dining area in front of the kitchen in a Connecticut home. The wooden table matches the floors, cabinetry, and exposed ceiling beams.](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/dining-(2).jpg)
![](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/exterior-(2).jpg)
Note from the Architect
A key element to the renovation was upgrading and expanding the entryway. A small pavilion allows for easy arrival on weekend visits, separating the entry from the living areas via a custom designed staircase.
![Staircase at the entryway of a Connecticut home, leading up to the main living area](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/entry-stair.jpg)
![](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/exterior-extension.jpg)
![](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/deck-railing.jpg)
![Dining area in front of the kitchen in a Connecticut home. The wooden table matches the floors, cabinetry, and exposed ceiling beams.](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/dining-(1).jpg)
![](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/living-space-(1).jpg)
![Detail of an entry staircase custom made from reclaimed wood.](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/stair-detail-(2).jpg)
![Wooden bookshelf and cabinets in a South Kent, Connecticut home](/assets/projects/south-kent-rural-retreat/bookcase.jpg)
-
- Peter Peirce
-
Photography