Framed amongst the trees of a knoll, sits a storied house whose beginnings coincide with the founding of the turn of the century novel gated community that would become known as Tuxedo Park. The stately home is quiet yet stately in its demeanor, and so when Murdock Solon Architects approached its restoration and expansion, it did so with a historical sensitivity. However, modern life does not always fit the divisions and constraints of space once associated with a past time and as such, the layout had to be reconsidered based on practices of a contemporary family of three. As such, the former dining room would become the new expansive eat-in kitchen. Original details were maintained and restored including the ceiling and mantel. Custom cabinetry and millwork throughout echoed the aesthetic but in a fresh and lively way. A muted yet impactful blue wraps the island counter and is the center of family life. A family room with a soaring vaulted ceiling was added off the kitchen, with a new utilitarian garage below. The addition was clad in the same materials of the original home so as to seamlessly blend into context — subtle in disruption to the home’s original character.