A Germantown Farmhouse: Blending History with Modernity
In a compelling narrative of design and dedication, Kiri Sulke and her husband, Phillip, embarked on an extraordinary journey to rejuvenate a late 19th-century farmhouse in Germantown, New York. Their vision, meticulously brought to life by the acclaimed design firm Workstead, focused on harmonizing contemporary needs with the inherent character of the historic property. This extensive renovation, spanning from 2014 to 2020, saw the original clapboard structure thoughtfully augmented with a striking two-story stone wing. The endeavor was not merely about expansion but about creating a dwelling that felt deeply rooted in its picturesque 14-acre Hudson River-facing landscape, serving both as a cherished family summer home and a distinguished rental estate, the Four Corners Estate.
The couple's connection to the property began in 2015 when Phillip discovered the circa-1890 Germantown farmhouse, previously owned by AD100 honoree Sheila Bridges. Kiri vividly recalls her emotional first encounter with the estate, describing it as an overwhelmingly beautiful and special place. Their commitment deepened on the grounds of this very farm in 2017 when Phillip proposed to Kiri under a revered 'magic tree,' a mature oak believed to possess a unique energy. Phillip, an artist known for his drone photography of cargo ships, also found profound inspiration for his work in the serene Hudson River setting, underscoring the site's deep personal and creative significance.
Initially, the Sulkes focused on enhancing the landscape and ancillary structures, keeping the main farmhouse largely untouched. However, the passage of time and the rigors of harsh winters soon highlighted the need for more substantial intervention. Phillip explained that the existing infrastructure was strained, and with plans for a growing family, additional space became a necessity. Their rigorous search for a design team in 2020 mirrored Phillip's earlier exhaustive property hunt, eventually leading them to Workstead, an AD PRO Directory firm.
Workstead’s cofounder, Robert Highsmith, alongside partners Stefanie Brechbuehler and Ryan Mahoney, meticulously designed a new south-facing stone wing. This addition was conceived not as a mere extension but as a foundational element that would redefine the property’s presence. Drawing inspiration from a natural stone outcropping that framed the river views, the team chose a blend of Connecticut granite and New York fieldstone for the addition’s exterior, complemented by mahogany windows. Highsmith emphasized that their goal was to create a structure that felt organically integrated into the landscape, like a “modern ruin” that is new yet profoundly rooted in the earth, rather than a sentimental reproduction or an ostentatious contemporary edifice. The interior of this new wing features a modern kitchen and dining area on the ground floor, with a primary suite above. The original farmhouse, in turn, underwent subtle refinements to its central layout, ensuring seamless integration with the new wing while optimizing flow through its historic rooms. This approach underscored a commitment to preservation, ensuring the farmhouse’s patina—a testament to its age—remained intact, a crucial consideration for the Sulkes who feared any design misstep could be permanent.
Workstead’s design philosophy for the project centered on creating a true sanctuary. Highsmith articulated their belief that the environment profoundly influences one's well-being, and a home should be a source of belonging and stability. He noted that the project perfectly aligned with Phillip and Kiri’s aspirations to live amidst finely crafted objects, respecting nature, art, and materials. This Germantown farmhouse, with its thoughtful blend of historic preservation and modern expansion, exemplifies how a dwelling can be both a refuge and a deeply connected extension of its natural and cultural environment.
The successful transformation of this Germantown farmhouse stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design that respects history while embracing modern living. The collaboration between the Sulkes and Workstead demonstrates a profound understanding of how architectural interventions can enhance, rather than overshadow, the intrinsic beauty and character of an existing structure and its surroundings.