Meadow Ridge

Nestled on a hill in Pownal, Maine - this new construction home blends seamlessly with its surroundings, making it feel as though it has existed for over a century alongside the fully restored 1887 barn still standing on the property. The former farmhouse was too dilapidated to remodel, but the owners knew the now-restored barn was the anchor of the property, and they wanted to ensure it remained the focal point. Knowing they wanted a home that felt part of this history, the owners set out to create a farmhouse that blended with the surrounding landscape and barn, while including some modern upgrades.

The design team approached the build with deep respect for what had existed on site for over a century before. Salvaged materials from the former house appear throughout the new build; floorboards worn smooth by decades of foot traffic became a mud room built-in, ceiling beams were restored and installed in the new living room and kitchen, and one of the antique doors cleverly conceals a play space tucked under a run of stairs. A sun-filled, glassed-in walkway connects the garage to the mudroom. Featuring rustic reclaimed wood ceilings juxtaposed against polished concrete and glass curtainwalls, it creates a moment of modern contrast to the farmhouse aesthetic.Reclaimed flooring, a double-sided fireplace built from stones found on-site, and Vermont-made artisan light fixtures lend the home a grounded, historic feel. Personal details, like a cozy upholstered reading nook and an oversized butcher-block island, add depth and character. The goal was to design a home that felt rooted in history, lived-in and layered, while embracing modern comforts and personal expression.

Designed for gathering, the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas flow effortlessly to a screened porch and outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and reclaimed granite patio. Once the nucleus of a working farm, there vitalized barn now hosts yoga sessions, cycling storage and prep, and even served as the wedding venue for the owner’s son, proving this homestead is as much about looking to the future as it is about honoring the past.

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