Architect’s own words and description for the home

123 Old Quarry Road   

Leete’s Island, Guilford, Connecticut

This is a house for a university professor, his wife and two daughters. The house was constructed in two stages with the master bedroom and solarium-porch wing to the west being added after the construction of the basic house.

The natural south orientation to a private cove and the view of Long Island Sound and the Thimble Islands to the south and west were basic determinants in the design. Native stone and natural materials give the house a maintenance free and fitting exterior.

The interior walls of walnut plywood are contrasted with the stone and the sand finish plaster ceilings. Appropriate openings ensure the dramatic potential of the natural views and the practical relief from the prevailing winds. The intensive impact of the vistas is countered by the intimate privacy of the semi-enclosed conversation and reading area with-in the major living space. 

The Porch / Solarium is a versatile combination use space. Through the use of a sliding glass and screen walls it is a porch by summer and an extension of the living-dining space in winter. This space, as well as the basic dining space, is served by a pass thru from the kitchen. Off the kitchen / breakfast and laundry area is a screened service court which also has ready access to the carport. The porch opens to a shore side terrace on the south and a private garden landscape to the north.

The children’s sleeping quarters, as well as the master bedroom can be separated from adjacent spaces and are placed apart to assure privacy for both generations.

The combination carport also provides a separate bath house for day guests. Tool storage and garden equipment are also provided for in the detached structures.