My Houzz: Gentleness and Comfort for a Rustic Vermont Barn House
Handmade pieces and a wide-open view set the tone for a family's animal-friendly mountaintop home
Theresa Fine
May 13, 2013
For three years lifestyle photographer and teacher Nadia Dole looked at pictures of her dream home: a rebuilt and converted barn located on 100 acres of land on a mountaintop in Vermont — up miles of dirt roads, through orchards and woods, high enough to where four states' mountain ranges are visible. When it finally went up for sale, during a February snowstorm, she and her husband, Kevin, had to strap on snowshoes to view the secluded home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kevin and Nadia Dole and their daughter, Poet
Location: Bennington, Vermont
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kevin and Nadia Dole and their daughter, Poet
Location: Bennington, Vermont
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
The Doles now share the sprawling property with hens, roosters, cats, horses and dogs, and have furnished the ex-barn, which was built by the husband of novelist and blogger Corine Gantz back in the 1970s, with cozy, linen-draped pieces and rustic natural wood pieces.
The main floor has two living room areas, a dining space and a kitchen, all flowing together in a C shape. Other than painting, Nadia and Kevin have made few changes to the interior, which was already nearly perfect in design, thanks to the original owner.
The main floor has two living room areas, a dining space and a kitchen, all flowing together in a C shape. Other than painting, Nadia and Kevin have made few changes to the interior, which was already nearly perfect in design, thanks to the original owner.
Schoolhouse pendant lights from the 1920s hang throughout the main floor. Neutral sofas and chairs convey Nadia's decorating philosophy of keeping things "simple, comfortable and with purpose," she says. "I think if you layer those three things, you get the home you love being in."
Chair: T.J.Maxx
Chair: T.J.Maxx
Red, Nadia's favorite color, comes up in a sitting area near the entry.
Nadia says it felt like home "when the pomegranate painting was hung. It is 12 feet wide, so finding a wall without windows was always a challenge — not here."
Sofa: Ikea; oil painting: "Charles St.," by John Young; paint: Snowfall White OC-118, Benjamin Moore
Nadia says it felt like home "when the pomegranate painting was hung. It is 12 feet wide, so finding a wall without windows was always a challenge — not here."
Sofa: Ikea; oil painting: "Charles St.," by John Young; paint: Snowfall White OC-118, Benjamin Moore
A husky and charming 18th-century pine harvest table that Nadia bought 25 years ago in Montreal dominates the dining space.
A large green cabinet, made by a Montreal craftsman by hand for the couple's wedding, provides a beautiful storage solution. "Except for a few pieces, I have never bought something at a corporate store," Nadia says. "If you can make it, do it. It will feel so rewarding."
Painting: John Young
Painting: John Young
The kitchen is an ode to the home's history. The cabinetry is repurposed industrial units, complete with Victorian cast iron bin pulls. The shelving is old wood planks, supported by Victorian cast iron brackets and filled with antique pottery.
The kitchen island is a Tibetan altar, with intricate detailing and a worn finish.
The kitchen island is a Tibetan altar, with intricate detailing and a worn finish.
The home's only bathroom is composed entirely of salvaged materials, including a cast iron claw-foot tub and a porcelain vanity.
Touches of light blue and yellow create a serene vibe in the bedroom; this room and the bathroom are the only spaces in the home separated by a wall or door. The accent pillow was made from an antique chinoiserie window panel.
"I think my house is a kind one and that it has a gentle way about it," Nadia says.
"I think my house is a kind one and that it has a gentle way about it," Nadia says.
A collage of spring-inspired paintings hangs above daughter Poet's crib. The blue toile pillows were made from an old beach house curtain.
Crib: Ikea
Crib: Ikea
Upstairs a loft-like space has vaulted ceilings with skylights. It is a favorite spot of the couple's cats, one of which is seen here napping on a 19th-century spool bench.
A writer's shed is located a short walk from the main house. A desk, a fold-out Murphy bed, a cello and gardening supplies creates a space for creativity.
What Nadia loves most about her town is "the dirt roads and the people — such kind people. Even though I live on a large hill, it feels like an island," she says.
Throughout the seasons, apple trees, pear trees, blueberry bushes and raspberry bushes cover the forest line. "The scene changes daily, and the sunrise and sunsets are like nothing before," Nadia says.
Throughout the seasons, apple trees, pear trees, blueberry bushes and raspberry bushes cover the forest line. "The scene changes daily, and the sunrise and sunsets are like nothing before," Nadia says.
Even during what the locals call mud season, the view from the couple's front lawn is breathtaking. It is said to include mountain ranges of Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Connecticut.
The couple shares the property with their numerous pets, including their Great Pyrenees, Sophie, and their Newfoundland, Grace, seen here.
"Take your time and let the house tell you what it needs," Nadia, shown here with Kevin, recommends. "It does not have to match — you just have to love it for it to work."
Your turn: Show us your farmhouse!
Your turn: Show us your farmhouse!
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I love the John Young paintings..I tried to find him or a gallery that shows his work and came up with nothing. If someone like me wants to buy his art work, where do I find it?
I love this house and this view I am sure brings peace and warmth each time you look out. I had a magnificent view, very different, for 25 years. Each day I would look out and say how lucky I was to live there. Never let something so wonderful be taken for granted, even for a minute. Debbie
Beautiful place! Where is the distressed white entryway bench from, next to the green handmade cabinet?
Wow. I love what you have created. So unique and beautiful!