New Hampshire Home July-August 2023

By Brion O’Connor

Janice Randall Rohlf

Where design, innovation and quality unite. Let’s create together.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of

Porcelain panels create an experience that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. They o er a seamless, grout-less surface that will transform your space with breathtaking results. With the wide range of colors and the durability of the material, porcelain works for a variety of applications, including countertops, shower stalls, replaces, and walls. Rumford Stone is the ideal source for natural stone, quartz, and porcelain surfaces and is the trusted choice for discerning homeowners and kitchen designers.

Contact your local kitchen and bath dealer or stop by our showroom

Showroom: 95 Sheep Davis Road, Route 106, Pembroke, NH 603.410.6731 RumfordStone.com

Whether your home is on a lake, in the mountains or in the center of a beautiful New Hampshire town, you want your rooms to reflect your lifestyle and personal taste. Our stores will inspire you, spark ideas and provide solutions. Learn why the construction of quality furniture makes a difference and enjoy design expertise from a staff whose only goal is to make you love your home. Whether you are looking for one perfect piece or furnishing an entire home, we invite you to discover all that Winchendon Furniture has to offer.

By Brion O’Connor

Janice Randall Rohlf

residential commercial interior design

Mary Ann Esposito is the host of the public television series “Ciao Italia,” now in its 30th season, and the author of 14 cookbooks, including her most recent, “Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Cook!” She lives in New Hampshire. Visit her website at ciaoitalia.com.

Rob Karosis has been creating award-winning architectural photography for more than 30 years. While specializing in photographing high-end residential and commercial spaces, his expertise extends to advertising and corporate projects. See more of his work at robkarosisphoto.com.

Morgan Karanasios is New Hampshire Home’s photographer. While she was a student in Dijon, France, she took photographs throughout Europe and continues to develop her passion for photography.

Brion O’Connor is a freelance writer and journalist whose work has appeared in many publications, including Men’s Journal, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, Bicycling, Men’s Fitness, Boston Magazine, New Hampshire Magazine and numerous in-flight magazines.

Jennifer Sperry has over 20 years of experience in publishing. She has worked as both an editor and writer at a variety of luxury magazines. Her specialty is writing about architecturally significant homes, their owners and the designers who create them.

Robin Sweetser writes on gardening for the Sunday Concord Monitor and is a contributor to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, among other publications. A former Seacoast resident, she now lives and gardens in Hillsborough.

Carolyn Vibbert is a Portsmouth illustrator whose work also appears on packaging for food and wine brands such as Barbara’s, Stone Cellars and Williams Sonoma.

Lisa Cavanaugh is a freelance writer and editor for several lifestyle magazines. She is a native New Englander who, after college, worked as a Hollywood story editor, producer, and writer.

Greg Premru specializes in residential interiors and architectural photography. He has been photographing the finest homes in New England and beyond for the past 30 years.

JULY/AUGUST 2023 V OL. 17 | NUMBER 4 nhhomemagazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER • Ernesto Burden

EDITOR • Janice Randall Rohlf

MANAGING EDITOR • Emily Heidt

PROOFREADER/STAFF WRITER • Amanda Andrews

ART DIRECTOR • John R. Goodwin

PHOTO EDITOR • John W. Hession

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR • Jodie Hall

SENIOR GRAPHIC PRODUCTION ARTIST • Nicole Huot

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Jessica Schooley (603) 624-1442 ext. 5143 • (603) 345-2752 jessicas@yankeepub.com

ADVERTISING & EVENTS SALES DIRECTOR • Jenna Pelech

OPERATIONS MANAGER • Ren Chase

SALES & EVENTS COORDINATOR • Paul Milone

BUSINESS & SALES COORDINATOR • Paula Veale

DIGITAL OPERATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER Morgen Connor

VP/CONSUMER MARKETING • Brook Holmberg

VP/RETAIL SALES • Sherin Pierce

BILLING SPECIALIST/IT COORDINATOR • Gail Bleakley

STAFF ACCOUNTANT • Nancy Pfuntner

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE

Janice Randall Rohlf, editor New Hampshire Home 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014 Manchester, NH 03101 (617) 543-3902 • janicerohlfnhh@gmail.com

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© 2023 Yankee Publishing, Inc.

New Hampshire Home is published six times a year by Yankee Publishing, Inc.; 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101; (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s written permission is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Yankee Publishing, Inc.: New Hampshire Home disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors.

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Down by the Water

IN AN EARLIER ISSUE, I shared in this space that a highlight of my childhood summers was spending time at our rustic family cabin on Wheelwright Pond in Lee. My sisters and I would rush to greet our cousins, and all of us would take turns rowing our dinghy across the small lake or, if a motor boat was available, try our hand at water-skiing. Dinner out at Yokun’s Restaurant in Portsmouth was always a treat, followed by nearby fireworks if it happened to be Fourth of July weekend. Rye Beach was another favorite destination, but only on really hot days when the frigid ocean water brought relief.

When I was in college, I had a summer job waitressing at a modest restaurant on the strip in Hampton Beach. Sleep deprived from having way too much fun on my nights off, I remember grudgingly serving eggs and pancakes to early-rising families, as I chomped at the bit to race onto the beach and work on my tan.

Decades have passed, and now I find myself logistically able to appreciate a New Hampshire summer once again, in part through the eyes of those fortunate to have a residence near one of its many lakes or 18-mile-long seacoast. The homes in this issue range from cozy to commanding, but they all have one thing in common: proximity to the water.

“It’s a magical place where we get to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and also a sense of togetherness,” says the homeowner of “Evergreen,” a house that’s become a multigenerational gathering spot on Lake Winnipesaukee (page 76). It’s a sentiment echoed by legions of families who have ties to the 72-square-mile lake or one of its many smaller cousins. These pristine bodies of fresh water draw people to their serenity and the simple rhythm of life they foster; people like Diane and Tom Sullivan, who purchased a cottage on Lake Sunapee that cried out for TLC, and which, with Bonin Architects and Bennett Builders, they gave it in spades (page 88).

Those I know who have houses near the ocean wax poetic about the sound of the surf and the sheer awesomeness of its endless horizon. You’d be hard pressed to find a more amazing vista than the one Samantha and Joe Faro enjoy from their palatial home in Seabrook (page 64). TMS Architects’ large conservatory expansion of the house provides 270-degree water views of the ocean, the Hampton River inlet and the bay. And if you can turn your gaze away from the water, amenities include an outdoor kitchen and dining area, sitting area, hot tub, infinity-edge pool, large outdoor gas fire pit, and numerous fire sconces and bowls.

Wherever your summer plans take you—to a lake, the ocean or just your own backyard—I wish you pleasant days in the company of family and friends.

Janice Randall Rohlf Editor

Summer Vibes

Take a break in the shade beneath this large, bold umbrella, wide enough to keep you and a friend protected from the sun’s rays.

Bemister’s Pool & Patio in Salem, Litchfield and Hampton · bemisters.com

Maintain sleek lines without sacrificing comfort with patio chairs from the Infiniti collection that come in many bright colors, from teal to agate, poppy red and others. Seasonal Specialty Stores in Amherst · (603) 880-8471 · seasonalstores.com

Invite your closest friends over for a charcuterie board soiree and delight guests with your own version of the popular party snack.

NH Bowl & Board in Contoocook (603) 848-9566 · newhampshirebowlandboard.com

Recall oceanic waves crashing ashore from summers past in the dimpled blue glass of this tableside lamp. Ethan Allen in Bedford · (888) 324-3571 ethanallen.com

Lounge comfortably in this deep-cushion chair, featuring an understated chevron design that’s sure to fit any style preference.

Summer House Furnishings in Rye · (603) 319-1655 summerhousefurnishings.com

Display your favorite flowers in these red glass vases, or just add to any tabletop for enhanced sophistication.

Pack away your sweaters in this uniquely designed bedroom chest of drawers, so you can make room in your closet for summer essentials.

Italmoda Furniture in Nashua · (603) 782-0101 · italmodafurniture.com

Circle Furniture in Portsmouth (603) 441-2011 circlefurniture.com

Bring a touch of creative inspiration into your living space with eye-catching designs and pops of color, like this credenza.

Boston Interiors in Bedford · (603) 232-3350 · bostoninteriors.com

Welcome warmth into your home with this natural rope, flush-mount light that evokes a beachy atmosphere.

The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric in Claremont & Newington (603) 436-2310 · rockinghamlightingcenter.com

Accent your home with bold statement pieces, such as this metal flower petal mirror, sure to wow any crowd. Grevior Furniture in Franklin · (603) 934-4159 · grevior.com

Pack a bag for the beach that can hold everything from sunscreen to tablets, books and more. Good Vibes in Portsmouth (603) 433-1300 lifeisgood.com

No backyard party is too big when you have ample seating that is both comfortable and versatile. The Patio Barn in Amherst · (603) 673-2716 · thepatiobarn.com

COOKING with Mary Ann Esposito

Grill Greats

It’s time to move cooking outdoors and fire up the grill!

WHETHER YOU HAVE THE NEWEST

model gas grill with all the bells and whistles or charcoal is more your style, grilling is an option all year long. But it’s in the warm summer months that we are drawn to cooking and eating outdoors with family and friends. Not only do we crave the smokey flavor grilling imparts to our food, we also appreciate the very process of grilling, a (mostly) relaxing backyard ritual that has become a rite of passage into summer.

When you stop and think beyond burgers, almost anything can be grilled—fruits, like pineapple and peaches, and salad greens, like radicchio and escarole. Pizza and flatbreads crisp up nicely when placed on a preheated pizza stone on the grill.

When using your grill, pivot from barbeque. Breakfast anyone? Sausage sizzles, toasted bread takes on a more intense flavor, and popping eggs into the hollows of a greased muffin tin becomes a fun way to start the weekend. Have you ever thought of baking cookies on a grill? How about a cake, a pie, or muffins? Use your grill like an oven. For me, this is especially handy at holiday time, because it frees up oven space in my kitchen. Thanksgiving turkey is moist and bronzed-looking when spatchcocked and slow-cooked on a grill.

Using a seasoned cast iron pan is one of my favorite grilling techniques, especially with fatty types of meat like hamburgers, spareribs, and steak. When these meats are placed directly on the

grate, fat dripping down and hitting the floor of the grill may cause flare-ups that can ruin the food; some research has shown that these intense bursts of flame increase the risk of carcinogens in the food. Another tip: Use a grill brush regularly to thoroughly remove stuck-on bits of food from the grates and to prevent built-up grease fires.

Hamburgers cooked in a cast iron pan get the desired smokey flavor without unwanted flare-ups. To achieve the grill marks we all love, transfer the burgers

BY MARY ANN ESPOSITO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN W. HESSION

from the pan directly to the grill for the last few minutes of cooking. Do the same with poultry. For seafood, cook scallops in the pan until a nice crust has formed. And for firm fish like salmon, add it to the pan skin-side down, then flip it over and cook the other side until the internal temperature is between 140°F and 145°F. Transfer it to the grill for a few minutes until grill marks appear, but do not overcook it.

This summer, take your grilling from good to great! NHH

Grilled Spareribs with Ginger Spiced Barbeque Sauce

SERVES 2 TO 3

No forks allowed! Use your fingers and a bunch of napkins to enjoy these falling-off-the-bone grilled spareribs. Prep the ribs the night before with salt and pepper, being sure to evenly season them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

1 slab baby back pork ribs (between 8 and 13 ribs)

Salt

Coarse black pepper

Barbeque Sauce (see recipe)

Barbeque Sauce

1½ cups ketchup

2 tablespoons spicy mustard

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/3 cup sweet pickle juice

Juice of 2 limes

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon salt

1. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil; reduce the heat to simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Set aside.

2. When ready to grill, bring the ribs to room temperature.

3. Preheat the grill to 325°F. Add the ribs, close the top and cook them over indirect heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Brush ribs with the barbeque sauce and continue cooking for about 45 minutes or until the meat is easily pierced by a knife.

Grilled Fruit and Burrata Cheese Salad

SERVES 6

Change out your daily green salad for this summery grilled fruit salad.

3 large plums, nectarines or peaches cut in half and pitted

1 ball burrata cheese, drained well and cut into bite-size pieces Lemon juice

2 tablespoons warm honey

1 tablespoon sliced almonds

1. Spray the grill with cooking spray and preheat it to 375°F. Meanwhile, line a platter with lettuce of your choice and set aside.

2. Place the fruit halves on the preheated grill, cut-side down. Baste with the lemon juice until grill marks appear.

3. Transfer the fruit to a bowl and set aside to cool until just warm to the touch.

4. Place the fruit halves cut-side up on the lettuce-lined platter, and fill the centers with the burrata cheese.

5 . Drizzle the warm honey over the tops, and sprinkle with the almonds.

Grilled Stuffed Pepper Rolls with

Egg and Ham Salad

SERVES 4 TO 6

Grilled peppers are so yesterday, but stuff and roll them and you have something to talk about. Fillings can be anything from seafood, meat and poultry to cheese and vegetables. How about a filling of grains like quinoa and farro, flavored with fresh herbs? My favorite: creamy egg and ham salad. Substantial enough to be considered a main course, these stuffed pepper rolls look their best if a mixture of colors is used.

2 large red bell peppers

2 large yellow bell peppers

2 large orange bell peppers

2 hard boiled eggs, mashed

½ cup finely minced ham

½ cup finely chopped Swiss, cheddar or provolone cheese

2 tablespoons chopped sweet pickles

1 tablespoon pickle juice

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

¼ teaspoon salt

Fresh ground black pepper

Extra-virgin olive oil

1. Preheat grill to 450°F.

2. Wash and dry peppers. Cut them in half lengthwise, and remove and discard stem and seeds.

3. Place peppers cut-side down on the grill and cook, turning once or twice until they soften, collapse and the skins begin to blacken and blister.

4. Remove peppers from the grill and let them sit until cool enough to handle. Remove the skin and discard.

5. For the filling, combine the mashed eggs with the ham, cheese, pickle juice, mayonnaise, salt and pepper.

6. Lay the peppers cut-side up on a cutting board and evenly spread some of the eggand-ham filling over the pepper. Roll each one up like a jellyroll and place on a serving dish. Drizzle olive oil over the top. Serve the peppers at room temperature.

Grilled Littleneck Clams

SERVES 2 TO 4

Grilled clams? Yes! Be sure to use fresh clams and avoid those with cracks or that are open.

18 littleneck clams

3 large sprigs fresh oregano

3 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped

Pinch of salt to taste (optional)

Black pepper to taste

Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

1. Preheat grill to 375°F.

2. Place clams in a bowl of warm (not hot) water to facilitate the relaxation of the shell muscle. When the shell begins to open along the seam, carefully slide the blade of a small knife into the clam to release the muscle. Carefully rotate your knife tip around the inside of the clam to release it entirely from the shell. Place shell halves on a baking sheet. If a shell cracks, transfer the clam to a whole shell.

3. Remove the oregano leaves from the stem and finely chop, either by hand or in a mini food processor. Combine the oregano in a bowl with the garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, oil, vinegar and cheese. Place 1/4 to ½ teaspoon of this mixture on top of each clam. If you have leftover mixture, you may add more to the clams, dividing it evenly among them.

4. Place clam shells on the grate carefully. Allow clams to steam in their juice in the shell until bubbling appears. Transfer them to a large, shallow bowl. Don’t stand on ceremony: Grab a bib, a hunk of bread, and enjoy!

Ocean Hideaway

A classic back cottage on the New Hampshire coast is transformed into a darling guest retreat.

TUCKED WITHIN the state’s roughly 18 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, the town of Rye is a picturesque hamlet perfect for summer living and entertaining. Kerry and Matt Glance relish the beauty and warm-weather pace here, and having space for visiting family and friends was exactly the reason they decided to renovate the cottage at the back of their Ocean Boulevard property.

“My clients remodeled their beach house on the water in Rye about five or six years ago, and left the little cottage that sits behind it untouched,” says designer Jennifer Myers of Weekender House, an interior design store in

Portsmouth. “More recently, they decided to spruce up the cottage and use it as a guest house. Originally, the plan was just to paint and do some small modifications, but somewhere along the way it turned into a full remodel.”

The two-bedroom, one-full-bath renovation was expertly handled by Cochran Custom Builders. Owner Tom Cochran and his team installed a completely new ducted mini-split heating and cooling system, and also helped to redesign the layout to meet the client’s new vision for the space. A very small, practically unusable bathroom was eliminated and the other, larger bathroom improved upon. The resulting

BY LISA CAVANAUGH / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN KARANASIOS

1,200-square-foot cottage comprises two reconfigured bedrooms, a full bath, a laundry room, living/dining space and a full kitchen, all on one level. “We also redid the basement, and it is now an incredible home gym,” explains Cochran.

Linda Cloutier, of Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths, with whom the Glances had worked before, was brought in to design the kitchen and the bathroom. “It’s a lovely cottage, like a little dollhouse,” says Cloutier. Smaller projects like these, she says, “can be just as challenging as the larger-scale ones.” Her goal was to achieve the best design in the minimal space available while adapting to certain

limitations. For instance, the window placement couldn’t be changed, so she had to work around them. “There was only one standard-sized spot available for the refrigerator,” Cloutier elaborates, “but it all came out beautifully, and the homeowners were great to work with.”

For the kitchen, Cloutier and Kerry Glance together chose muted blue tile for the stove backsplash and white cabinetry and countertops. “Kerry is very nautical,” says Cloutier. “And the kitchen fits in perfectly with being on the seacoast.”

Similarly, Myers wanted to design the small space with an eye toward shoreline simplicity. “The homeowners wanted it to reflect the oceanfront location, with a coastal, casual feel,” says Myers. “So there are lots of soft blues and natural fibers.” Choosing from the substantial supply of beautiful interior products at Weekender House, Myers outfitted the cottage with comfy chairs, sofas and window seat cushions. An arresting framed print of a heron takes pride of place in

the living room. “It was something Kerry saw and loved, so we made him a focal point in the space,” says Myers. “We just went big and bold. When you walk in the door, it’s the first thing you see. It lends itself to the location, and it definitely tells a story.”

Another selection by the homeowners was adding the pair of striped easy chairs that sit alongside the modern, textured blue sofa in the fireplace living area. A popular item at Weekender House, the chairs became a jumping-off point for the aesthetic in the cottage. “Kerry adored those little swivel chairs with the stripes,” says Myers. “I had already put one in her front house, and I told her that as long as you understand that everyone on the Seacoast has one, we will bring them into the cottage as well.” Glance had no qualms about employing a favorite piece of New

Hampshire seaside furniture. “In the end, it is clear that they really complement the space and work very well with the other furnishings,” notes Myers.

Despite its diminutive size, the cottage has an aura of spaciousness. “My clients wanted a place where a lot of people could hang out together, and even though it was limited square footage, having a big, open sitting area makes it feel larger,” says Myers. While Cloutier crafted a fully functional kitchen, there wasn’t room for a separate dining room. “We did a little window banquette in the main room and tucked the table in there for times when they want to sit down and eat or gather to play games,” says Myers. “It is a goodsized living space for a small house.”

The two charming bedrooms, each decorated in shades of blue, sand, and white, are positioned off the main living

area, and the vanity in the full bath was chosen by Cloutier to complement the rest of the home. The cottage turned out so splendidly that the Glances are tempted to move into the newly finished guest oasis themselves. “They absolutely love it, “says Myers. Having worked with the Glances on the front home, Cloutier is amazed by the transformation. “When I was doing her main home, that cottage was more like a storage area. Honestly, the whole thing was a bit cluttered and outdated,” she says. “But now, after the renovation and new design, the cottage is just perfect.” NHH

RESOURCES

Cochran Custom Builders • tom@cochranbuilders.com

Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths • (603) 964-2959

lindacloutier.com

Weekender House • (603) 427-8658

weekenderhouse.com

Sunflower Daze

The giant flowers are one of the most obvious—as well as the prettiest signs of mid-summer.

BRIGHT AND CHEERY, sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are the very essence of summer. Even though we see the sunflower used as a symbol of Ukraine, it is a truly North American plant, native to dry prairies from the Great Plains of the U.S. and Canada, south to Mexico. Spanish conquistadors introduced sunflowers to Europe in the 16th century, and Peter the Great is credited with bringing them to Russia, where, by the 18th century, they were grown in abundance for their oil.

Today sunflowers are an important oilseed crop worldwide, with Ukraine

BY ROBIN SWEETSER

being the top producer and exporter of the oil, supplying 46% of the global market. Unfortunately, war has disrupted planting and transportation, and port blockades on the Black Sea have impacted shipping. If you wonder why your favorite chips have gone up in price lately, blame the war in Ukraine. The U.S. produces a relatively small amount of sunflower oil, with the Dakotas yielding the most.

Most commercial sunflower oil has a low oleic acid content of around 20%, but through selective breeding, varieties have been developed that bring the number

up to a high of 80% oleic acid, making it heart healthy. High-oleic sunflower oil is lower in saturated fat than olive oil and has more vitamin E than any other oil. Its light color, neutral taste and high smoke point make it popular with chefs and snack food-makers. Did you know that right here in New Hampshire there are two farms producing high-quality, higholeic sunflower oil? Both have Sunflower Festivals this summer, so you can visit the farms, walk the fields full of blossoming flowers, buy a bouquet to take home, and pick up a bottle of fresh local sunflower oil.

PHOTO BY JOHN GISIS

Sunflowers and Horses

PHOTO BY JOHN W. HESSION

Carol and John Hutton of Coppal House Farm in Lee have been growing sunflowers for more than 15 years and have been working with draft horses since the 70s. True to their farm name—coppal means horse in Gaelic—they use horsepower along with tractors to work the land. After two or three years of growing sunflowers for oil, Carol found the flowers looked so beautiful in the field that she thought, “Why aren’t we sharing these?” Inspired by Buttonwood Farm in Griswold, Connecticut, they held their first Sunflower Festival eight years ago. This year, their Sunflower Festival will run from July 29 to August 6. Check their website for times and admission information.

On this true working farm, along with growing 20 acres of sunflowers, they also raise pigs, sheep, and chickens, selling

their own lamb, pork, and free-range eggs at the farmstand. Nothing goes to waste here. The high-protein sunflower meal left over after the oil has been extracted is fed to the animals, and the stalks are tilled back into the soil. They grow 20 acres of corn along with grains such as wheat, oats, and barley that are fed to the sheep. They also have a landshare agreement with nearby Flag Hill Distillery and Winery to grow some of the

rye and corn crops for their whiskey. John finds that crop rotation is important to the farm’s sustainability. “The more we rotate, the fewer inputs we need to add,” he explains. They own 78 acres and farm about 300 rented acres as well.

“Farming is a way of life, but it is also a business,” says John. “Land won’t stay open if farmers can’t make a living.” To keep their farm viable, they have tried a lot of different crops over the years. They

started with canola as an oilseed crop, but the deer ate most of it, so they turned to sunflowers, which have been a big success. They also grow asparagus, squash, and specialty pumpkins, and make lots of hay. They have an egg CSA, and attend farmers markets in Portsmouth, Exeter, and Salem. Three days a week in the summer they host Community Roots Farm Camp, where kids can connect with nature while learning about animals and gardening.

In 2016, their sunflower oil won a prestigious Good Food Award. John travelled to San Francisco to receive the prize and give the oilseed category’s acceptance speech. However, he was remembered by most of the attendees as the horse guy. While you are at the farm, be sure to visit the impressive draft horses: Twiggy, Ice, Wyatt, and Charlie.

Enjoy strolling through the acres of tall blossoming sunflowers and check out the one-acre display garden featuring many types of ornamental sunflowers you might want to grow in your own garden. The family-friendly festival also includes an artisan crafts fair, food vendors, musicians, and mini-events such as storytime and kids’ crafts, photos with the horses, touch a tractor, and vintage car and truck day. Cut sunflowers and oil are available to purchase at the farmstand.

Make plans to return later in the season for their popular corn maze. “This is when we tell people to go get lost!” John says with a laugh.

Sunflowers Come to Concord

Greg Pollock and Amber Brouillette of Sunfox Farm have been growing sunflowers and holding their festival on 10 acres of rented land in Canterbury for the past four years, but now have moved to Concord. They have a long-term lease on 57 acres of river bottom land behind the post office on Loudon Road where they will be growing 20 acres of sunflowers. This will double their production of oil. Even though the flowers face east when they blossom, you should be able to see the plants as you go whizzing by on Rte. 93,

GARDEN R x

making them a beautiful addition to the city. They will be growing cover crops to enrich the soil and making use of the remaining land to expand their business by growing pumpkins—some will be naked seeded varieties for snacks and some for jack-o-lanterns. They will add pumpkin seed oil to their culinary collection and are also growing specialty popcorn. Their products can be found at farmers markets in Concord and New Boston in New Hampshire, and Brookline and Somerville, Massachusetts, and are available at their online store: app.barn2door.com/ sunfoxfarm.org/all.

This summer, Sunfox Farm’s Sunflower Bloom Festival will be held August 12 to 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. At this fun family outing, you can view the acres of tall sunflowers and cut some to bring home. Since parking in the fields is not allowed, you will be directed to park at nearby NHTI, where Sunfox will provide a free shuttle bus to the field. On the weekends there will be music, food trucks, artisans, and other vendors. Visit during the week to spend a quieter time among the flowers. Last year, the Cartier family of Laconia attended the festival for the first time and were very impressed. “We

BY

were jealous of other people’s pictures on Instagram and Facebook, so we had to see it for ourselves,” says Brad. “It is even better in person!” Janet Moffett of Bow brought her young granddaughter, Ella, and grandson Jameson to see the field of flowers. “Ella had a great time,” she says. “Jameson thought it would be boring, but he is having a lot of fun in the field. They liked picking their own flowers.”

Sunflower Bloom Dinner

Bring your sunflower experience to another level by attending a twilight dinner in the Sunfox field. Brouillette, a chef with a background in nutrition, has been doing

farm-to-table dinners for years. During this summer’s festival she will hold two gourmet dinners each weekend. Reserve your seat at the table now for a sevencourse evening meal among the flowers.

Since sunflowers are fast-growing annuals, they are perfect for areas with short growing seasons, like New Hampshire. Birds and other wildlife can be a problem though. “Deer, voles, chipmunks, turkeys—we got it all,” says John. Both farms have figured out how to time the ripening crop to avoid migrating blackbirds that can swoop in for a free meal as they pass through on their way south. Neither farm uses heat

or chemicals to extract the oil. It is cold pressed, cold filtered and unrefined. Both farms use high-oleic, untreated, non-GMO seeds.

If you are concerned about the loss of important farmland to development, support your local farmers.

“We are all better off if there are a lot of small farms rather than a few big ones,” says John. NHH

RESOURCES

Coppal House Farm • Lee • (603) 659-3572 nhsunflower.com/sunflower-festival-info nhsunflower.com • nhcornmaze.com

Sunfox Farm • Deerfield • (603) 244-9888 sunfoxfarm.org/events • sunfoxfarm.org

FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

AN ELEGANT NEW ADDITION WITH 270-DEGREE VIEWS ENHANCES AN ALREADY STUNNING SEABROOK HOME.

BY BRION O’CONNOR

BY ROB

KAROSIS

WHEN SAMANTHA AND JOE FARO first bought a 12,000-square-foot property on New Hampshire’s coastline in 2014, they envisioned their forever home. They had an existing structure removed, and turned to TMS Architects of Portsmouth to create a “modern New England coastal home,” says Joe, founder and CEO of Tuscan Brands. Among the architects assigned to the project was Timothy Giguere.

Early on, Giguere, as lead designer, collaborated closely with William Soupcoff. “Bill really developed the plan layout early on in the process from the clients’ direct input, and soon after was able to develop the exterior massing and work with the clients on the exterior look of the home as well as the development of the interior spaces,” explains Giguere, who saw the project through to its completion when Soupcoff retired.

That home, finished in November of 2016, features 7,180 square feet of heated space with five bedrooms and an additional bunkroom, eight bathrooms, an executive office, game room, wine bar, exercise room, and two exterior decks, one of them covered. The icing on the cake is a three-bay garage that was designed to be retrofitted with a low-profile lift system to stack sports cars on top of each other.

“The owners’ previous home was more inland, and deep in traditional Italianesque detailing with dark woods and metals,” says Giguere. “Although they enjoyed the home, its style did not necessarily fit the beachy feel of their current location.

“You can see, though, with some wrought iron metal work and light dark-wood accents, it becomes a complement of that style against the whitewashed wood, white trim, and cleaner detailing,” he says. “The bracketry and paneling in a bright white to transition between these two styles help meld everything together for a more cohesive design feel when you walk the home and the property.”

The Faros, however, weren’t done. When an adjacent 12,000-square-foot lot came on the market, they expanded their vision, and that meant expanding the views from their home. They bought the parcel, razed the existing building, and in June of 2019 again contacted TMS Architects to “commission a design that would expand their home into this adjacent lot with a conservatory, infinity pool, and various site amenities for outdoor entertaining,” says Giguere, principal architect on the project. He was assisted by project architect Ellie Hayes.

When the Faros originally relocated to the Seacoast, “the design had to prioritize and take advantage of the views to the ocean as well as around the harbor,” explains Giguere. “The

home had to maintain a style of living the family was used to, entertaining large groups of extended family and friends.

When the new conservatory project started, continues the architect, “the goals shifted to expand on the original views as well as making the addition feel like it was part of the original design. The view lines from the conservatory also couldn’t be blocked by any site amenities.”

Though relatively simple in theory, those requirements led to an intricate design and creative construction methods. The final product is breathtaking.

Finished in 2022, the expansion is highlighted by a 700-

square-foot, glass-enclosed conservatory that provides spectacular views. There is also 1,100 square feet of exercise space below the conservatory with a sauna, 850 square feet of additional deck space, and a 350-square-foot pool cabana with a bathroom and open-glass wall systems. Additional amenities include a separate outdoor kitchen, outdoor dining area for 12, sitting area, hot tub, infinity-edge pool, large outdoor gas fire pit and numerous fire sconces and bowls.

The crown jewel of the renovation is the conservatory, with its 270-degree water views of “the ocean, the Hampton River

inlet, and the bay,” says Faro. John-Thomas “J.T.” Nigro, vice president of Sunspace Design of York, Maine, agrees.

“As beautiful as it already was, there was a certain amount of light and view that were missing from the end of the [original] home,” says Nigro. “This conservatory just lets in so much light and panoramic ocean views while matching the existing architecture impeccably.

“[The addition] looks as though it was designed and built at the beginning,” he says. “Not a thing looks out of place. Plus, the new infinity pool and hardscaping and the new cabana make this a superior coastal property.”

“It is a very elegant design that melded well with the syntax of the main home built in 2016, but created complex construction techniques and problem-solving skills to execute the design as it is built today,” says Giguere. “This took a tremendous amount of team effort that no one can take sole credit for.” The project team was extensive, reflecting the complexity of the design and the challenges of the location.

“We had to bring the design intent from the owners, TMS Architects and McBrie, the structural engineers, then turn it into reality,” says Simon Ackerman, owner of Architectural Builders. “The extreme weather conditions, the lot size and

lack of storage or extra workspace definitely made this a true collaborative effort for sure.

Work started in December of 2019, so contractors also had to deal with the vagaries of the subsequent pandemic, when supply chains were routinely disrupted. Furthermore, wild swings in the weather, given the home’s location on the coast, not only presented building challenges but also required exacting construction and quality materials to ensure a water-tight structure that would hold up against the worst nor’easter.

“The amount of detail and clean execution you see in the finish product is only the first layer,” says Giguere.

“Between the exterior and interior finishes there are many pieces and components unseen but planned and thought about meticulously.”

Those hidden features were sandwiched with insulation and vapor barrier components to create “a tight thermal envelope,” he says. “The photos show the aesthetics and end result but don’t tell how the space feels comfortable for the occupants inside when its 20 degrees below with 75 milean-hour winds outside.”

According to Giguere, the design development process was “similar to putting together an intricate Swiss watch” in terms of precision and construction, requiring extraordinary coordination of multiple trades and consultants. The design structure, he says, was “very unique.” To make up for the lack of stability in the conservatory walls, designers increased the amount of steel used.

To ensure the conservatory offered uninterrupted views, it was built without any interior columns, says Patrick

Left and below: While the home is large, no space is intimidating or off-limits. Wrought iron metal work and light dark-wood accents complement the whitewashed wood, white trim, and cleaner detailing.

between

For interior designer Carolyn DesRosiers, the

Cole, project engineer with McBrie. That required an innovative design.

Inside, the Faros turned to Carolyn DesRosiers for both the original home and the conservatory expansion.

“Working with Samantha [Faro] was easy, because she knows what she likes and she makes decisions easily,” says the interior designer.

“ They wanted a Tuscan feel to their home,” she says. “I wanted to make sure that it captured the essence of a coastal

New England home and highlighted the incredible views. The goal was to strike a balance between these aspects.”

DesRosiers could achieve that goal in part because she was able to seamlessly step into the project after architectural plans were completed. The Faros wanted a big kitchen, featuring a hand-carved black soapstone sink that’s “a masterpiece,” says DeRosiers, a dining table that could expand, comfortable seating, and plenty of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for conversation.

“Everything needed to be durable and timeless,” says DesRosiers. “It was really all about bringing and keeping family close. That was the biggest goal. While the home is large, no space is intimidating or ‘off-limits.’ There is nothing pretentious.”

The designer says she was most proud of the master bath, with a full-slab marble shower, and the conservatory flooring. “This ocean blue limestone has such extreme variations in color,” she says. “Working with Brett Cooper from Portico

Fine Tile, we made sure that there was plenty of material.”

“My assistant, Amy Collins, and I laid that entire floor piece by piece to ensure that the atrium floor would be perfect and the color consistency worked throughout the space,” says DesRosiers. “That room has you looking toward the sky, but I know the work that went in to what is underfoot.”

Of course, the most difficult projects are often the most rewarding. “This definitely turned out to be a trophy for everyone involved, a total team effort all the way,” says Ackerman.

“Our goal for this project was to create a simple process to a very complex design making the job look almost effortless,” he says. “People who have seen it are amazed. It’s a blessing to have the owners’ trust and confidence in our abilities to perform under any conditions put in front of us.

“Every area is a special place to just take in the views, whether hanging out at the fire pit or chilling in the cabana, cooking on the grill on the extra-large deck, or admiring the interior of the glass conservatory,” says Ackerman. “Everything is stunning.”

Similarly, Nigro says he takes great pride in knowing Sunspace Design’s contributions to the project are appreciated, and being enjoyed, by the homeowners.

“We got to see a video from Christmas from the Faros,” he says. “The room had a massive tree and there were presents and laughing family members everywhere. We get all sorts of reviews that our conservatory has changed the entire feel of the home, and ‘you wouldn’t believe how much time we spend as a family in here.’ That makes it worth all the effort.”

For the Faros, the finished product is “our dream home,” says Joe. “We love the home.” Giguere says he relished the opportunity to “develop stronger relationships with contractors, consultants, trades, and the clients more by approaching the project with a team mentality.” And he regularly gets to admire the fruits of their labor.

“I often go shore casting in this area, and I can see the building in the background,” says Giguere. “I see this home as a timeless, generational property that will be on the shoreline well after my time and my children’s time.

“It’s humbling to think I was able to be a part of that process and have the memories and stories of working with an excellent team,” he says. “I approach all my projects this way, and I feel the process of getting the design built is the most rewarding.” NHH

RESOURCES

TMS Architects • (603) 436-4274 • tms-architects.com

Architectural Builders • (603) 234-7366 • architbuilders@outlook.com

Transformations (Carolyn DesRosiers) • 508-633-7310

AM & AM Masonry • (978) 686-2034

Marshall Mechanical • (603) 490-4286 • marshallmech.net

McBrie, LLC • (978) 646-0097 • mcbrie.com

Millwork Masters of New Hampshire • (800) 562-9679 • woodburysupply.com

New Era Excavation • (603) 624-0094 •neenh.com

Northeast Flooring Solutions • (603) 434-7009 • neflooringsolutions.com

Portico Fine Tile • (603) 964-3383 • porticofinetile.com

Premier Foundations • (508) 656-5064 • premier-foundations.com

SL Chasse Steel • (603) 886-3436 • slchassesteelfab.com

Sunspace Design, Inc. • (800) 530-2505 • info@sunspacedesign.com

Triad Associates • (978) 373-4223 • triadassociatesinc.com

Twin Metals Roofing of Auburn • (866) 691-8946 • twinmetals.com

The cottage's living room culminates in a wall of glazing prefacing an expansive outdoor deck, which is one of the family's favorite spots for lounging and lunch.

The

the voluminous space.

LAKESIDE LEGACY

Built with tradition in mind, this shingle-style cottage continues a family’s longtime love affair with Lake Winnipesaukee.

Lake Winnipesaukee holds a special place in their hearts. “My husband’s great-grandfather went to the lake initially and fell in love with it,” explains the wife. “He started bringing his kids to the lake each summer, and the tradition continues now with our three children and their cousins.

“It’s where my husband first introduced me to his family. It’s where he first said, ‘I love you,’” she continues, recalling the many happy memories formed over the years. “For us, it’s a magical place where we get to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and also a sense of togetherness.”

Over the years, generations of children and grandchildren built vacation homes in the same neighborhood, forming an informal community. Family members visit each other by boat or golf cart. Cousins stay up late playing board games and putting on talent shows.

Parents plan barbeques and take sunset boat cruises on placid lake waters. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, even ziplining, are all daily activities.

For their own treasured slice of shore, this couple decided to build a “Plan A” cottage

BY JENNIFER SPERRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG PREMRU

first, with a “Plan B” main home to come later. “Our children are young—ages three, five and seven—and we weren’t sure what their needs would be long term, or if our family would expand,” she explains of the decision to start with the smaller project.

They hired Washington, D.C.-based firm Barnes Vanze Architects to realize their vision of a family-friendly cottage built for easy, breezy summer living. Founder Anke Barnes and principal Michael Patrick embraced the opportunity.

“We have worked for the husband’s family at Lake Winnipesaukee for 15 years now and have built a number of houses up there,” notes Barnes. “These clients represent the younger generation. They desired something a little different than what’s been done before. They craved some distinctiveness and were drawn to the shingle style.”

Above: In the kitchen, a backsplash of handmade tile, an oak island, and a farmhouse sink lend vintage style.

Opposite top: “When guests visit, they always say it feels like being in a treehouse,” says the owner of the kitchen's upside-down vantage point.

Opposite bottom: Leaded glass breaks up the white cabinetry and adds an extra dose of traditional charm.

“We wanted to feel a sense of history and tradition with this home; we didn’t want it to feel too modern,” explains the homeowner. “We plan to have this home in our family forever.”

The architects developed a gracious silhouette with a gambrel roof, evocative of a carriage house that would have been typical on a grand estate. “We softened the form a little so that it harmonizes with the wooded setting,” says Barnes, adding that the decorative exterior flourishes are characteristic of the shingle style.

“They provide scale and interesting shadows, and add real charm,” he explains.

“In fact, this cottage has two fronts since it has both a landside and a lakeside approach,” adds Patrick. “We accentuated the side entrance with an articulated portico over the door to guide visitors on where to go.” This side door services both “fronts” in an efficient, spacesaving arrangement.

On the cottage’s water side, an expansive deck doubles as an outdoor living room. The

deck was designed to “feel grounded and substantial, like a piece of the building,” notes Barnes. “The lattice work and arched openings are evocative of garden structures and give a sense of intentionality.”

Three garage bays dominate the lower level, with a mudroom, bathroom, and laundry area handling water sport gear, dirty towels, and wet foot traffic. In an upside-down arrangement, the main living spaces above—at just over 1,700 square feet—seem to float among the trees

thanks to their extra 10 feet of elevation. “When we have visitors, they always say it feels like being in a treehouse,” points out the client. This arrangement also provides a higher vantage point from which to appreciate the lake views.

The living spaces are arranged symmetrically, with a primary suite and kids’ bunkroom on one end and a guest suite with kids’ bunkroom on the other. “This way two families can sleep over and still have privacy,” explains the owner. At the center, between these wings, is a spacious, light-filled great room and kitchen. Here, decorative beams, stained to mimic oak, break up the floor-to-ceiling V-groove paneling.

“This double-volume section takes advantage of the gambrel design and makes the house feel bigger than it actually is,” describes Patrick. The great room culminates in a wall of glazing, including two sets of French doors leading out to the deck. Transoms above capture extra doses of light and views.

With the clients hailing from California, New Hampshire-based builder Wood & Clay played a vital role in maintaining the constant flow of communication required for a successful collaboration. “We work with a lot of out-of-town clients; we’ve been using Zoom since before the pandemic,” explains Vice President Shannon Robinson-Beland, whose father, John Robinson, founded the company in 1979. She and her husband, Kevin Beland, accept a handful of choice custom projects per year.

Robinson-Beland acted as headquarters, guiding the homeowner in material sourcing and maintaining deadlines. Outside, composite building materials—the garage doors and NuCedar shingle shakes—are low maintenance and long lasting. Inside, Wood & Clay’s craftsmanship is on full display, from the Swedishinspired decorative stars incorporated into the balusters to the hinged doors concealing the great room TV.

Oak—the wife’s preferred wood—warms the cooler white tones and contributes to the lake house vibe. The hardwood appears in the kitchen island, reclaimed fireplace mantel, mudroom built-ins, and flooring. “Because this is a guest home, the clients were mindful of the budget and applied more detailed millwork in

Left: When in residence, the family spends as much time outdoors as possible, particularly on their deck, which doubles as an outdoor living room. Here, wicker sofas from Ballard Designs invite lingering.

Bottom left: An articulated portico demarcates the main entrance.

Bottom right: Latticed arches beneath the deck and decorative flourishes on the gable lend gravitas to the cottage's lakeside presentation.

the central living area and primary suite,” notes Robinson-Beland.

Another vital member of the design team was interior designer Tiffany Harris, who hails from Pasadena, California, not far from her clients’ primary residence. Working remotely, Harris was able to channel the wife’s desire for a light, bright interior but with some rustic touches to reflect the woods outside.

“She’s a traditionalist and is drawn to beautiful things with detail, whether it’s the leaded glass cabinets in the kitchen or the turned wood on the great room’s spindle chairs,” shares Harris. Pulling colors from the surrounding landscape, they established a serene palette of ivories, blues, and greens. “We couldn’t help but mix in a little Cali aesthetic,” the designer says with a laugh, “but her main directive was that it feel like an authentic lake house.”

For the design team, incorporating kidfriendly features was always front of mind. Some necessary architectural maneuverings left a spare niche next to the stairs in the great room, which they transformed into a whimsical hidden playroom, complete with a child-sized Dutch door, toy storage, and a porthole overlooking the stair. Equipped with a safety latch, the porthole only opens a couple inches, just enough for a shout-out to anyone nearby.

Another thoughtful and practical feature is that each bathroom boasts a pull-out stool in its vanity base. “My kids use those stools all the time,” says the client. “They’re so handy that I often catch my five-year-old washing strawberries in the bathroom,” she says with a smile.

Family heirlooms are sprinkled throughout the interior. “This multigenerational layering of nostalgia really personalizes the house,” notes Harris. The fieldstone fireplace surround emulates a rustic stone fireplace from the husband’s childhood lake house. The “Lake Winnipesaukee” sign above the fireplace is a reproduction of a cherished original.

Overall, client and interior designer had a lot of fun with their selections, particularly in the kids’ bunkrooms. “Where her husband summered, all the bedrooms had names,” explains Harris, “and my client wanted to recreate that same arrangement.”

In addition to boats and kayaks, the owners' Moke electric car provides transportation to nearby family cottages.

When the husband grew up summering on Lake Winnipesaukee, his parents' house had themed bedrooms with corresponding names. Similarly, the couple recreated this scenario in their new cottage, developing a "Bear Room" (above left) and "Star Room" (above right) with bunk beds for kids. For furnishings in the primary and guest bedrooms (shown at right), Harris mirrored the soft greens and blues found in the surrounding landscape.

For the “Star Room” ceiling, they opted for a Cole & Son “Stars Midnight Blu” wallpaper to mimic the night sky. In the “Bear Room,” an adorable grizzly bear rug sourced from Etsy and a bean bag reading nook invite lingering. To round out the theme, a “Woods Onyx/ White” Cole & Son wallpaper creates an interior forest of bare trees.

Playfulness continues in the downstairs bathroom, where the word “lake” is spelled out in the floor tile. (“We provided Wood & Clay with that design in Auto CAD, and they made it happen; it’s not a mosaic,” says Harris.)

The wallpaper has a tongue-in-cheek outdoorsy theme. “Even though it was built first, this is still a second home, so we decided to take some risks,” notes the designer. “I really like this house, because it’s filled with so much love, nostalgia, and playfulness.”

With their cottage now complete, the owners’ favorite activities include leisurely lunches on the deck, joining family boat parades in their pristine Chris Craft, and tooling around in a sky blue Moke electric car. One of the property’s two boathouses has grandfathered living space above,

which is where the kids often hang out with cousins to play games and watch movies.

“This is where we go to relax but also connect with our loved ones,” sums up the owner. “Family is very important to us, and being at the lake is all about family.” NHH

RESOURCES

BarnesVanze Architects • (202) 337-7255

barnesvanze.com

Tiffany Harris Designs • (626) 429-7665

tiffanyharris.com

Wood & Clay Fine Homes • (603) 524-3128

woodandclay.com

SIMPLY SPECIAL

Built on the footprint of a mid-century cottage, a family’s Lake Sunapee retreat retains the charm of yesteryear blended with today’s comforts.

BY JANICE RANDALL ROHLF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN W. HESSION

DIANE AND TOM SULLIVAN were destined to live by the water. Both grew up in Chicago just a few miles from Lake Michigan, where, as teenagers, she swam and Tom gave sailing lessons and cleaned boats. The couple’s first home together was on a pond in Illinois, and later they owned a home in upstate New York that had a beautiful lake view. It stands to reason that, when they moved to New Hampshire and bought their current home in North Sutton, they already had their eye on someday purchasing property on Lake Sunapee, just a 20-minute drive away.

It took some searching, but eventually they found and bought the property of their dreams on Lake Sunapee’s Chandler Cove. “We love the water,” says Diane. “This location is perfect. We’re sheltered from the strong winds and weather, plus we have beachfront, which is something of a rarity on the lake.”

As ideal as the property was, the house standing on it paled in comparison. Built at the turn of the century, the cottage had been poorly renovated over time so that the only vestige left of the original house was a stone fireplace likely built mid-century. “It would

The new house is compatible aesthetically and architecturally with neighboring cottages.

Opposite: Once a choppy floor plan, the main level was opened up to become a blended kitchen/dining/ living area with a view of the lake from wherever you stand or sit.

have been nice to have kept some of the original cottage structure, but that just wasn’t the case,” explains Diane, whose plan B was to build a new house and bring in furniture and other accessories that would evoke a nostalgic camp style. “I wanted the home to represent the oldtime cottage feeling and blend with a modern outlook.”

With Diane focused on the interior design, the Sullivans turned to Bonin Architects and Bennett Builders to address the redesign and structural issues of the gut renovation. “We couldn’t enlarge the building,” says Chris Timberlake, project manager at Bonin Architects, explaining that most of the house sat within the town’s zoning setbacks, which limited what could be done to it. “We re-sided the building with vertical siding, all painted white, and added black windows and doors to give it a more contemporary look.” All the windows are

new, some rearranged, others added, but, says Timberlake, the basic shape of the house—a simple, rectilinear two-story with a 6/12 pitch roof—remained the same.

“We didn’t want to come in and put something in place that wasn’t compatible aesthetically and architecturally with the other cottages in the area,” says Diane.

Inside, the original choppy floor plan was opened up and other tweaks by the architect and builder had the effect of making the 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom home feel larger. For instance, a tiny shower was removed from the existing three-quarter bath downstairs and that space became a powder room. Upstairs, an existing bath was enlarged and a new master bath created.

Additionally, says Timberlake, “We took a three-season porch on the first floor and turned it into full living space.” Here, the ultimate flour-

John Napsey of Shaker Hill Granite outfitted the crisp, bright kitchen with appliance garages on the refrigerator wall to store large countertop items and keep them from distracting from the lake view. The quartz-topped island features a farmhouse sink, a microwave drawer, and a double waste bin pull-out.

brunch.

ish is a NanaWall that opens up the whole lake end of the cottage to the magnificent view. “It has a retractable screen,” says Timberlake, “so it can act almost like a screen porch that’s part of the living room.”

Off the powder room, there is an entryway mudroom and laundry area, then a kitchen/ dining/family room. Throughout the home, built-ins were incorporated as space-savers.

“It’s not a large building, so we tried to do some unique things to give it a little more space,” observes Timberlake. The expertise

of builder Bennett and finish carpenter Ross Hastings is on full display in the home’s built-in benches, bookshelves, sleeping nook, and drawers. The nickel-gap wall and ceiling paneling also represents a notable feat of carpentry. With six-inch nickel-gap boards unavailable, “they needed to plane each piece of wood individually,” explains Diane, who was also impressed by the care taken to fit built-in cabinets on either side of the original stone fireplace.

To complement the painted wood paneling that gives the house its signature cottage look,

V-groove paneling was applied to the primary bedroom’s vaulted ceiling, previously covered with drywall, and decorative wood beams were added as well.

Always enviably close to the lake, the cottage opened up by the NanaWall rendered the insideoutside connection even more intrinsic to the interior design choices made by Diane, who has a certificate in interior design from the University of New Hampshire and years of experience decorating her own homes. “I enjoy doing everything myself,” she says.

Starting with her decision to give the home a blue and white color palette, Diane says “there are many subtle and not-so-subtle themes throughout the house depicting life on the lake.” For example, she opted for translucent glass light fixtures in the kitchen, dining area, and on the stairwell so as not to obstruct the view of the water. Likewise, an acrylic and glass table near a side window won out over a wicker one “so the view cascades seamlessly through the glass and windows.”

When it came to designing the kitchen, Diane

Top: The stair and stairwell were custom designed with the intent of combining cottage style with a nautical flair.

Above: A guest bedroom's reading nook has built-in drawers and bookshelves. Ecclectic vintage finds include an Eastlake table beside the Lloyd Flanders rocker, and an antique oak wardrobe that Diane refurbished herself.

In the primary bedroom and bath, V-groove paneling was applied to the previously drywall ceiling and decorative wood beams were added. This treatment, says Diane, "really brightens the space and gives it a camp-like feel but in a modern way."

Below right: The "X" pattern on the custom blue vanity doors repeats a pattern seen in the hallway

and a hallway bench.

reached out to John Napsey of Shaker Hill Granite. Again, she says, “I wanted to be able to see the lake and not have a lot of distractions.” Napsey responded by incorporating several appliance garages to hide the toaster, blender, and other countertop items. Long and narrow, the kitchen space accommodates a ninefoot-by-four-foot island, which is topped with quartz, as are the perimeter counters. The island features a farmhouse sink, a microwave drawer, and a double waste bin pull-out. Painted antique white, the beaded inset cabinetry sports bin pulls on some doors and subtly nautical roped knobs on others.

Additional decorative nods to the lake environment include cabinet knobs that are sailboatshaped, basketweave tile in the primary bath, sailing-themed bed sheets and nautical prints throughout the home. “I started collecting and buying things over the course of a year,” says Diane, who acquired items from more than 100 different sources, ranging from thrift shops and auction houses to niche boutiques and highend furniture stores. She shares that her tastes run to traditional, and she did not want “a very modern, coastal-chic home.”

Diane injected bolder color into the blue-and-

white palette by introducing pops of orange in items such as the dining bench pillows, a Dash & Albert throw in the family room and her daughter-in-law’s original artwork in the entryway. Upstairs, she incorporated some red into the scheme. In addition to being deliberate about her color choices, Diane purposely sourced as many items as she could from regional businesses. “I worked with as many local places as I could, and shopped locally as much as I could,” she says. Indeed, there’s a thoughtful reason or a charming story behind every inch of this cozy home, from Diane’s love of milk glass instilled by her grandmother to the dining table the Sullivans used when their children were young. “I have at least one antique in each room,” says Diane. “My vision was to blend the nostalgia and romance of what was a turn-of-the-century cottage with the new spirit we have brought to our home.” NHH

RESOURCES

Bonin Architects & Associates • (603) 526-6200 boninarchitects.com

Bennett Builders • (603) 456-8942 • bennettbuilders.com

Shaker Hill Granite • (603) 632-9800 • shakerhillgranite.com

NanaWall • nanawall.com

Weekender House • (603) 427-8658 • weekenderhouse.com

Above right: The charming powder room has a vessel sink perched on an antique table and wall-mounted brass faucets.

At Lake Life Realty Team, we are passionate about helping you find your dream home and experience the ultimate lakefront lifestyle in the beautiful state of New Hampshire. With our unmatched expertise, personalized approach, and dedication to customer satisfaction, we offer a unique value proposition that sets us apart from other real estate agencies in the area.

1. Extensive Local Knowledge: Our team comprises experienced real estate professionals who have an in-depth understanding of the New Hampshire lakefront market. We are well-versed in the nuances of different lake communities, local regulations and property values, and state permitting, ensuring that you receive accurate and reliable information.

2. Exclusive Lakefront Listings: As the leading lakefront specialists in New Hampshire, we have access to an extensive network of exclusive listings that are not readily available on the open market. Whether you’re searching for a cozy cottage, a luxury estate, or a vacant lot to build your dream home, we have the inside track on the best lakefront properties in the area.

3. Personalized Approach: We understand that buying or selling a lakefront property is a significant decision, and we strive to provide a personalized experience tailored to your unique needs and preferences. We take the time to listen to your goals, understand your lifestyle aspirations, and guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

4. Comprehensive Support: Our commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond the transaction itself. We offer

comprehensive support services, including assistance with financing options, negotiations, inspections, and closing procedures. Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop solution for all your lakefront real estate needs.

5. Strong Client Relationships: At Lake Life Realty Team, we prioritize building long-term relationships with our clients. We believe in open and honest communication, transparency, and integrity. We are dedicated to earning your trust and becoming your trusted real estate advisor for all your future lakefront property endeavors.

6. Community Expertise: We are not just real estate agents; we are members of the lakefront community ourselves. We are actively involved in local organizations, events, and initiatives, allowing us to stay connected and provide you with invaluable insights into the lakefront lifestyle. We are passionate about sharing our love for the area and helping you make the most of lakefront living.

7. Unforgettable Experience: Above all, our aim is to create an unforgettable experience for our clients. We understand the joy and fulfillment that come with owning a lakefront property, and we are committed to helping you achieve that dream. From the initial consultation to the moment you step into your new lakefront home, we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and making your lake life dreams a reality. Choose Lake Life Realty Team for your lakefront real estate needs in New Hampshire and let us guide you to your perfect slice of lakeside paradise.

A Personal Perspective

Former State Artist Laureate Gary Samson is a virtuoso of photography and film.

FINE-ART PHOTOGRAPHER, educator, and documentary filmmaker Gary Samson creates deeply personal portraits of people using traditional methods.

The state’s seventh Artist Laureate, Samson has recorded the world’s changing landscapes and captured the spirit of the hardworking people he meets since 1971. To spotlight New Hampshire’s history as an industrial hub for textile manufacturing, he documented the life of immigrant workers at Manchester’s Amoskeag Mills in photography and on film. Several other documentary films about New Hampshire’s people followed.

His portraiture reveals the delicate, personal collaboration between photographer and subject, like the haunting photo of Brianna with outstretched hands, or the straightforward image of portrait photographer Lotte Jacobi. While manager of photography at the University of New Hampshire, he made a film about Jacobi, and spent six years archiving her 47,000 negatives.

At the Kimball Jenkins School of Art in Concord, Samson educates students about large-format photography and wet-plate photography, which is a 19thcentury process that creates images on light-sensitive glass or metal using various chemicals.

His photo exhibition “Creole Soul” recently opened at Seacoast African American Cultural Center, and his work is in high demand. Samson’s photos remain in permanent collections and museums around New Hampshire, including the Currier Museum of Art, UNH Art Museum, and St. Anselm College. They are also at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and in private collections.

Samson says one key way to capture a subject’s direct gaze is to remove distractions. He keeps the shutter on his cameras—usually a Hasselblad, Wisner, or Leica—obscured and the environment quiet when taking intimate portraits.

“I try to give people as little direction as

BY EMILY REILY |

BY GARY SAMSON

BY

possible, and let them be who they are at that moment,” Samson says.

Samson recently reflected on his favorite photographs, his role in preserving New Hampshire’s history, and his own legacy.

New Hampshire Home [NHH]: Who are some photographers you admire?

Gary Samson [GS]: Paul Strand was really a remarkable photographer. As a teenager, Strand studied with Lewis Hine,

a social documentary photographer who documented child labor and the construction of the Empire State Building. Strand was really a remarkable photographer. Matthew Brady documented the Civil War using the wet-plate process. Some photographers do one thing really, really well.

Ansel Adams did some commercial work, but his passion was the landscape, the environment. Lotte Jacobi photographed a who’s who of the 20th century: Robert Frost, Eleanor Roosevelt, JD Salinger, Thomas Mann, and Albert Einstein.

NHH: Tell us about your friendship with Lotte Jacobi.

GS: In the mid-1970s, I had the opportunity to make a film about her life. I don’t know if she was even five feet tall—she had this commanding presence. But I was young and easily intimidated. We became great friends, and she came to really trust me. She decided to donate her entire negative archive to the University of New Hampshire.

NHH: How did you create your portrait of her?

GS: I was using the window (for ambient light). It was a really dark December day;

it was extremely overcast. But because I was using a really fast lens, I could shoot wide open and have a high shutter speed to still-freeze the action. I positioned my chair, and I just let her pose for me. The light was just so beautiful.

NHH: How did you make the image of the cowboy?

GS: This is a portrait I made for the New Hampshire Project of a young man who worked on a horse farm in Goffstown. He looked like he walked out of Montana. He had piercing blue eyes, and I could tell he was a little shy. I very gently said, “I

would love to photograph you.” And he said yes. And he just stopped and stared into the camera. Every fiber of his body was about his love for horses. When you see a moment, you have to capture it. For me, photography is my way of communicating to viewers.

NHH: What projects are you most passionate about right now?

GS: I have been doing an extended portrait of four women—Brianna, Maya, Milena, and Hayley—called “Unburdened Beauty: A Decade of Nude Portraits.” Having come to know these four women

over a decade, their generosity of being available . . . I feel like that has changed me as a person.

NHH: Tell us about the photo where Brianna is looking directly at the camera.

GS: We were walking around on her family’s farm. And she shed her dress. And she went into that beautiful and mysterious pose. It’s really one of my favorite photographs of her and of images that I’ve made. To me, it was completely about her. I just thought that was a magical moment.

NHH: What are other new projects you’re excited about?

GS: Recently, St. Anselm College and library raised money so that I could make a film about French Canadian photographer Ulric Bourgeois, who for 50 years photographed Manchester and its people. For over 40 years, I’ve wanted to make a film about his life and share his photographs. Because I’m also of FrenchCanadian descent and a photographer, he’s a hero to me. I’m hoping to start that in the summer.

NHH: What has made your career so successful?

GS: Even when I was in the darkroom,

even starting out, my passion was photography as a fine art. I was looking at Ansel Adams, I was looking at Paul Strand, Edward Weston, Alfred Stieglitz. Dorothea Lang, the great photographer from the Depression-era, made the greatest photographs of people suffering. These people have found a way to express themselves through photography. I’m not so good with words, but maybe I can say something about the world through my photographs.

NHH: Does digital photography help portrait photography?

GS: Digital allows you the ability to retouch the photograph or to edit the

photograph. I’m always looking for a quality of light. I feel like film can render that more subtly, more beautifully, than digital sometimes.

NHH: Are traditional photographic methods coming back?

GS: I think more people are curious about film. Because I started shooting film when I was 16, it’s what I know best. And it’s something that I have great affection for. So I’m just more inclined to use film. It’s part of who I am. I really love the tactile aspects of traditional photography.

NHH: What are the advantages of using large- and medium-format cameras?

GS: Shooting film with a view camera is part of a long tradition that goes back to the 19th century, the beginning of photography, and I really like being connected to the historical roots of the medium. It also slows me down. It gives me more time to think about how I’m going to present or interpret the subject to the viewer.

NHH: How do you define what an artist is?

GS: True artists are completely thrown into their art. They’re emotionally tied to their art. An artist is a composite of all the experiences in their life. For me, all the experiences that I’ve had have been filtered down, so that I see the world in a particular way. I’ve had so many great opportunities given to me. I could have a portrait of Brianna on the wall, but that photograph might represent 2,000 photographs that I also had to work hard on. This is all that I have after I’m gone. It’s my legacy. Photography has been my passport to travel and learn about the world. It’s allowed me to meet people. I’m grateful that I could take advantage of that, and grateful to have met really fascinating people that have changed my life and made my life that much richer. NHH

RESOURCES

Gary Samson Photography garysamsonphotography.com

New Hampshire Society of Photographic Artists nhspa.wildapricot.org

Events

JULY 28

“Pick your Paint”

Beth Bourque Design Studio in Wolfeboro will hold a “Pick your Paint” design event, where you can pop by her design studio with photos, fabric, art, or whatever you feel would be helpful. Beth and her design team will help you pick the best interior paint color for your space. Free and open to the public. There will be fun giveaways provided until supplies run out! The event will be held from 2-6 p.m. Beth Bourque Design Studio is located at 15 North Main St., Unit 8, Wolfeboro. For more information, visit bethbourquedesign.com or call (617) 332-1820

EVERY SUNDAY JULY THROUGH SEPT. 11

Music on the Garden Barn Green

Bring a picnic and a chair and enjoy a concert on the barn green at Canterbury Shaker Village. While you could certainly just enjoy music in a beautiful setting, consider touring the museum, which is designated as a national historic landmark. It includes 25 restored original Shaker buildings, four reconstructed buildings, and almost 700 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. Concerts begin at 4 p.m., Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury. See shakers.org for the complete summer lineup.

JULY 16, 23 & 30, AUGUST 6, 13, 20 & 27

Saint-Gaudens Summer Concerts

The Sunday performances at the gorgeous SaintGaudens National Historic Park in Cornish carry on a tradition begun by renowned American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who often held concerts in his studio for family and friends. Many of the concerts feature use of the Little Studio’s historic piano, once owned by Cornish Colony painter Maxfield Parrish. Concerts begin at 2 p.m., so there’s plenty of time beforehand to discover Saint-Gaudens’ works located on the grounds. Art, history, gardens—it’s all here. Concerts are held in the Little Studio at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, 139 Saint Gaudens Rd., Cornish. Visit nps.gov/saga for details.

JULY 16, 23 &30, AUGUST 13 & 20

Summer Performances at The Fells

Visit the beautiful grounds and gardens of the John Hay Estate at The Fells and enjoy a variety of musical performances. The summer concert series began in late June and continues through August. A highlight is Opera North’s annual show (July 23). Times and prices vary. Held at the John Hay Estate at the Fells, 456 Route 103, Newbury. Visit thefells.org for more information.

AROUND THE STATE

JULY 12

Garden Party

The folks at Fuller Gardens, one of the last formal estate gardens of the early 20th century, invite you to join them for the annual garden party. Enjoy live jazz by Greg Brown and Friends, a beer tasting with Throwback Brewery, wine, light appetizers, and other entertainment. Admission is free for members and $25 for the general public. Held from 5-8 p.m., Fuller Gardens, 10 Willow Ave., North Hampton. Visit fullergardens.org for more information.

AUGUST 8-9 AND AUGUST 19-20

Wine Certification Courses

Wine on Main in Concord will offer Wine Certification Courses this August for wine enthusiasts and wine professionals. The wine shop was approved to offer the classes by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, an international organization that is recognized by wine professionals. The new certification classes are taught by Master of Wine Lindsay Pomeroy of Neptune School of Wine. WSET Wine Certification is the leading qualification to measure wine knowledge and enables participants to improve their wine smarts and confidence, and elevates future hospitality employment options. Since its inception in the 1960s, WSET has grown to become the industry standard for wine education. WSET Level I will be offered on Tuesday, August 8, and Wednesday, August 9, from 6-9 p.m. WSET Level II will be offered on Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20, from 9-7 p.m. Wine on Main is located at 9 N. Main St., Concord. For more information, visit wineonmainnh.com or call (603) 897-5828.

AUGUST 5-13

League of NH Craftsmen’s Annual Fair

This beloved summer event turns 89 this year, and you can once again expect to find the very best from juried members of the League of NH Craftsmen. It’s an excellent opportunity to not only find your new favor-

Bedrock Gardens Education Series

The 30-acre Bedrock Gardens in Lee has transitioned from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of art, horticulture, and inspiration. While the unusual botanical specimens and unique sculptures are alone worth a visit, the education series offers another reason to stop by. Classes in July and August include foraging for edible plants, terrariums, lichen 101, dyeing with plant botanicals, designing with and blending tea garden herbs (with a tea luncheon to follow), and much more. Visit bedrockgardens.org for a complete schedule and to register. Classes are held at Bedrock Gardens, 19 High Road, Lee.

ite thing but to meet the craftspeople and learn more about their work in person. Plus, it’s held on the lovely Mount Sunapee Resort grounds. Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Route 103, Newbury. Visit nhcrafts.org/ annual-craftsmens-fair for tickets and information.

AUGUST 10, 11 & 12

66th Annual NH Antiques Show

One of the best events of its kind in New England, the NH Antiques Show is a three-day gathering where more than 60 professional dealers come together under one roof. You can browse a wide range of both country and formal antique furniture and accessories, including clocks, folk art, paintings and prints, textiles, woodenware, nautical and scientific items, metalware, glassware, pottery and ceramics, early lighting, samplers, Shaker furniture and accessories, decoys, architectural and garden ornaments, and more. Each exhibitor is a member of the NH Antiques Dealers Association, so you can expect the highest standards. Admission is $15 on Thursday and $10 on Friday and Saturday. Held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Elm St., Manchester. Visit nhada.org/new-hampshire-antiques-show for tickets and more information. New Hampshire Home is a proud sponsor of this event.

ONGOING

THRU OCTOBER 31

2023 Historic House Season

Strawbery Banke Museum offers visitors the chance to explore over 300 years of history in the charming Puddle Dock neighborhood of Portsmouth. Tour historic houses, meet costumed role players, watch traditional craft demonstrations, and explore heirloom gardens. Admission is $19.50-$48. Held at Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-1100; strawberybanke.org

New Hampshire Antiques Show

Upcoming Events

Where History Lives

Portsmouth, New Hampshire's 400th Anniversary, Strawbery Banke Museum presents "Portsmouth Possessions: Objects that Shaped the City," a new exhibit for the 2023 season. Tour the historic houses and view many items from the Museum's collections with local provenance to Portsmouth. Collections items on view include objects featured in the book "A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects" as well as textiles, furniture, portraits, samplers, and objects relating to local industries. Included with general Museum admission and open daily from June 1 through October 31.

7/4 U.S. Naturalization Ceremony

7/4 Tuesdays on the Terrace with North River Music

7/11 Tuesdays on the Terrace with Liz & Dan Faiella

7/18 Tuesdays on the Terrace with Sharon Jones

7/25 Tuesdays on the Terrace Kids Night with Mr. Aaron

8/1 Tuesdays on the Terrace with Celia Woodsmith Trio

8/8 Tuesdays on the Terrace with 2 of Us: Beatles Tribute Duo

8/12-8/13 Piscataqua Powwow

8/15 Tuesdays on the Terrace with High Range

KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

Accent on Kitchens

Your home should reflect who you are and what you love. The Accent team is creative and committed—combining experience and innovation with a friendly, low-key approach. The results are rooms that become the heart of your home: beautifully designed spaces that will be an expression of your lifestyle for years to come.

112 Lafayette Rd., North Hampton (603) 964-1771 • accentonkitchens.com

FLOORING

Ponders Hollow Custom Wood Flooring

As a fourth-generation, family-run sawmill, Ponders Hollow is fortunate to provide some of the finest timber in the world. The diverse grains and colors of New England trees make it the ideal flooring option for any household. Every project is special; that’s why we use state-of-the-art machinery and hand-grading to tailor each board to your specifications.

16 Ponders Hollow Rd., Westfield, MA • (413) 562-8730 pondershollow.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

Soake Pools

Create a spa-like experience in your own backyard. We manufacture four-season, luxury plunge pools designed to be warm in winter, cool in summer and small enough to fit almost any backyard space. Soake Pools are made in New Hampshire, and delivered tiled and ready for your finishing touches. Small pools, big benefits. Order now to install this season!

Pembroke • (603) 749-0665 • soakepools.com

LANDSCAPING

db Landscaping LLC

We are a full-service landscape architectural design/build company based in Sunapee, New Hampshire, and serving New England. Our team of landscape architects, engineers, horticulturists, stonemasons and other specialists is committed to realize your visions for your outdoor living spaces. We deliver unique, functional and environmentally sensitive design solutions.

Sunapee • (603) 763-6423 • dblandscaping.com

SPECIALTY WOOD PRODUCTS

Ponders Hollow Custom Millwork

Whether you’d like to call attention to the architectural details of your room or create a crisp contrast of styles, Ponders Hollow provides a vast array of handcrafted custom millwork. We offer countless traditional and contemporary designs in numerous wood species to fit the needs of any finishing wood project.

16 Ponders Hollow Rd., Westfield, MA • (413) 562-8730 pondershollow.com

ARCHITECTS

Bonin Architects & Associates

Bonin Architects & Associates—located in New London and Meredith, New Hampshire—serves clients in New England with a focus on lake, mountain and coastal homes. We bring architecture and landscape together in a collaborative approach to every project; our values of honesty integrity, commitment and respect are the difference between building a home and building a dream.

New London and Meredith • (603) 526-6200 boninarchitects.com • info@boninarchitects.com

The Hole in Our Yard

RECENTLY, my eight-year-old daughter decided she wanted to dig a hole in our backyard. Believe it or not, this actually seemed reasonable to me and quite in her character.

We’ve raised her to be close to the dirt, to not be afraid of black fingernails, to be curious. That her curiosity has led her to an appreciation of the soil is also not surprising given her mother’s miraculous green thumb. Put the two of them together near a garden bed in the springtime, and they are guaranteed to return home filthy.

What did surprise me was, well, how big the hole is. I use present tense because, as of this writing, the hole is still there and continues to expand. The hole is so large, in fact, that she can now stand in it up to her waist. I’ll soon have to put orange traffic cones around it. By the way, before anyone gets all “Dig-Safe” on me, the hole is in a corner of the garden that used to be an in-ground pool, so no wires or pipes to hit!

Speaking of a pool, the hole is so large, Little Bean had another idea in her head.

“Daddy,” she said excitedly, “what if it rains and the hole fills up, then we’ll have our own pond in the backyard.”

Unless there’s an actual pond in one’s backyard, the idea of a pond suddenly appearing in there can be a terrifying thought, but for her, that was a natural next step.

Exploring the waterways of our state has been another one of her passions, so she’s well used to the feel of sand and mud. She’s explored the tidal pools in Rye and Portsmouth. She’s made a hobby of swimming in every pond and lake presented to her. From Weirs Beach to Sunapee to Silver to Forest, find her some water and a bucket to collect shells and stones, and not much more is necessary.

Meanwhile, back at home, I watch from our sunroom as my daughter fills up a watering can, steps into the hole, and begins to pour the water over her feet into the dirt. I begin doing the logistical calculations in my head about how I’m going to get her into the tub later without leaving a trail of mud through the kitchen.

I also consider a quote from Walt Whitman:

There was a child went forth every day, And the first object he look’d upon, that object he became, And that object became part of him for the day Or a certain part of the day, Or for many years or stretching cycles of years.

I wonder how long that connection with the natural world will become her. Will she carry these days, these memories of dirt in her hair, into next week? Next year? Will she be sitting in her own backyard someday watching her own kids in her own pond?

What will be part of her?

Later that evening, long after her muddy clothes are tossed in the wash and the streaks of dirt have circled the tub drain, I ask her what she’s discovered.

“What’s important about that hole?” I say. “How deep are you going to dig it?

She gives it a moment. “Well, we can’t dig through to the other side of the planet, right?”

“Correct,” I say. We research where we’d end up, though. Turns out, going straight through would put us in the Indian Ocean, just west of Australia. “Besides, the Earth’s core is something like ten thousand degrees, so we really don’t want to go that deep anyway.”

She nods. “Well, we did find a plastic toy and a coin. Oh! And grubs!”

“Grubs?”

“Lots of them. So many of them!”

Turns out, she scooped the grubs out and spread them around the yard, near the bird bath, alongside some of the flowery bushes. Why? Because she wanted to leave a treat for the birds.

My eight-year-old spent three days digging a hole, scooping out tons of grubs, and fed the birds. That’s a strange thing to be proud of one’s daughter for, but I admit that I am. This feels like a worthy pursuit, like something maybe even Whitman himself would approve.

Because at least for now, for this summer, my daughter began to understand the dirt. And all it took was a shovel, a hole, and a whole lot of grubs. How simple. NHH

BY DAN SZCZESNY | ILLUSTRATION BY CAROLYN VIBBERT