This hip-roofed Federal house was bustling with a growing family with four little girls, but it lacked a comfortable master suite and the owner was anxious to create a quiet retreat from the family activity.

The dark paneling of the original living room is balanced by a sunny new screen porch.

The available space to expand the house was small, but we were able to create a cozy book-lined den with a gas fireplace and wonderful natural light.  There is even a wine cellar carved into the rocks below.

We added a new circular stair, raised the center of the roof, added clerestory windows and converted an inaccessible attic into an exciting bedroom for the oldest daughter.  We also created a new master bath and reconfigured two bedrooms on the second floor.