Let’s take a closer look at the transformation of a charming shingle-style home nestled in Rye, NH, often referred to as “Charlie’s Ledge”, a homage to the charming previous owner. Built in 1931, this expanded cape is just half a mile from the beach and sits on a lovely .70-acre plot, complete with beautifully landscaped stone walls in the front yard.
Our story begins back in 2022 when our client came to us with big dreams for the property. The client had already converted the home into a cozy Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for her aging parents but wanted to expand the primary residence for herself to reside in.
Currently, the primary residence has one bedroom and one bathroom, while the ADU side features two bedrooms and two baths and is 1321 sf. When the renovations are complete, the primary residence will expand to include a total of two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2954 sf.
Charlie’s Ledge, Rye, NH
Design Evolution
Version 1
We kicked off our design journey with Version 1 of the remodel. Our client had a clear vision: they wanted to expand the second floor over the existing one-bay garage to include a primary bedroom with a deck off the back, a spacious primary bathroom, an office within the primary suite, a guest space, and ample closet space for storage. They also wanted a small mudroom on the first floor.
To make this happen, we planned to transform the existing front porch into an enclosed mudroom and add a larger front porch in its place. We also aimed to raise the height and footprint of the existing garage on the left and construct a primary suite complete with a full bath and an office above it. While Version 1 ticked most boxes and stayed within budget, the design ultimately fell flat due to a lack of space and visual appeal. They decided to invest a bit more money in a design that truly resonated with them, leading us to explore further architectural versions of Charlie’s Ledge.
Charlie’s Ledge, Version 1
Version 2-4: Rooflines
As we transitioned to the next design iterations, one of the most significant challenges we faced was the rooflines. The original roof structure was functional but not the most appealing–so we knew we had to make some alterations. The existing roofline also limited the potential for natural light and usable space within the upper level.
In Version 2, we introduced three gambrel roofs running across the top, which created additional height on the second floor. Version 3 saw the addition of a garage bay which was designed to provide extra space needed for the primary suite above. By Version 4, we made further refinements to the roofline over the garage, incorporating well-placed windows to enhance both the visual appeal and flow of natural light into the home.
Version 5
Fast forward about a year of brainstorming, and four major revisions, and we’ve moved on to Version 5 of the project. This version features a well-thought-out floor plan that includes the removal of the existing garage and replacing it with a new two-bay garage which creates a much larger footprint on the second floor.
In this version, we introduced a flared gambrel design over the garage, complemented by a shed dormer on the right. This change simplified the roofline but yet honed in on the desired architectural details the client wanted for her home.
Along with the roofline revision, Version 5 will also include an office, primary suite and deck, guest room, guest bathroom, and a handy bonus storage area. While retaining all the features of Version 1, the layout has been reimagined to take advantage of the increased square footage. We’ve also added a larger mudroom and a first-floor powder room that was previously lacking.
A key addition in this phase is a direct-entry mudroom from the new garage, which replaces a breezeway. The front door will open right into this inviting space, making a warm welcome. We’ve also upgraded the front porch and added a gambrel roof design to create plenty of space upstairs. Plus, the new rooflines will help with water flow.
Charlie’s Ledge, Version 5
The Renovation Process
As our client has said, this project has been more of a marathon than a sprint! We’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, but we’ve tackled them head-on. The town’s lengthy approval process for the overall building permit took nearly a year, significantly delaying our project. However, we remained undeterred in our vision for what Charlie’s Ledge could ultimately become. Along with securing a building permit, we navigated surveys, drainage studies, and variances.
Currently, the renovation phase is in full swing! The construction team has been working hard on this project, and they have made incredible progress in the demolition stage of Charlie’s Ledge. They’ve already knocked down the old garage on the left, set the footings, and poured concrete for the new 2-bay garage–just in time before the first snowfall! Next, they will begin to build the new garage and primary suite from the ground up, along with the new and improved rooflines.
The journey of transforming Charlie’s Ledge showcases the power of collaboration and creativity. With every design iteration, we’re getting closer to a beautiful, functional home that meets our client’s needs. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to fine-tune the details of this exciting project and bring the overall vision to life.
