I am a longtime fan of architect Gil Schafer, founder of G.P. Schafer Architecture & Design in New York City, a firm renowned for creating traditional architecture for modern life. With a proliferation of McMansions and generic white boxes popping up like weeds, Schafer’s love of classic houses is evident whether he is renovating a historic home or building historically accurate new old homes. “We try to find that balance between a sense of connectivity and the ability to maintain the character and soul of an old house,” said Schafer.
And that’s exactly how Schafer approached the design for this house in Middletown, New Jersey—where early Dutch colonists built homes that resembled the ones they left behind in Europe. Despite its large size (7,500 square feet), this Dutch Colonial has a subtle presence on its deep, narrow lot with a view of the Navesink River. For Schafer, character is key, and for this home he incorporated early 19th century-inspired architectural elements and millwork with rooms small enough to feel cozy.
Photography by Eric Piasecki and captions by Debra Steilen for the September 2017 issue of Traditional Home. Interior design by Libby Cameron and landscape architecture by Miranda Brooks Landscape Design.
Painted turned colonette balusters and a railing topped with dark mahogany highlight the curved landing.
Character is big with Schafer, who believes in “getting the bones right.” For this house, it meant looking at architecture and millwork from the first quarter of the 19th century.
“Federal-period moldings are more delicate, more refined,” Schafer says. “We tuned our proportions and details to that language. If you get it right historically, the decoration can stray a bit and integrity isn’t lost.” Wainscoting, moldings, and a Federal-period mantel wear vibrant teal paint that plays off English hand-blocked wallpaper.
Bright blue-painted cabinetry with gold hardware contrasts yet complements the kitchen cabinetry.
Painted ceiling beams, recessed-panel cabinetry with wrought-iron hinges and painted knobs, and a furniture-style island give the thoroughly modern cook’s kitchen a period feel.
Muntined windows offer river views.
Upper-level rooms nest under a gambrel roof. This bedroom features my favorite Bowood chintz by Colefax & Fowler!
An eyebrow dormer funnels in light.
“The house really knits well into Miranda’s gently terraced landscape,” Schafer says.
On the rear side of the house, scrolled console brackets flank the central dormer.
Double-hung sidelights frame a wide Dutch door.
Custom-carved stringer brackets embellish stair risers.
The broad rear facade boasts two wings that project forward, a dramatic Dutch gambrel roof, and a series of connected porches that run the length of the house. Painted wood-shingle siding gives the home the appearance of a house added to over time.
If you share my passion for old homes or are considering building a “new old home,” I highly recommend Schafer’s book The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now. His second book, A Place to Call Home: Tradition, Style, and Memory in the New American House will be released next month and is available now for preorder.
A Picturesque New York Farmhouse by Gil Schafer
A Place to Call Home by Gil Schafer III
Timelessly Traditional by Miles Redd and Gil Schafer
Bunny Mellon’s Manhattan Townhouse
Cynthia Lambert says
August 21, 2017 at 9:15 amSchafer is one of a handful of architects who really knows his stuff when it comes to classic American homes. This one is wonderful. He thought of everything. Beautiful place. Very warm and livable.
Barnali Guha says
August 21, 2017 at 9:58 amOne of my favorite architects.. This house is so aesthetically pleasing. Treasure 🙂
Laura says
August 21, 2017 at 10:48 amThis is absolutely beautiful. Thank you! Yours is one of the best blogs on the web.
Andrea says
August 21, 2017 at 1:37 pmThank you so much, Laura, for the kind words!! 🙂
XOXO,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
Lynn Tinker Toye says
August 21, 2017 at 10:48 amI have been following your Blog for awhile now. I have to say it’s by far the best I have ever read! We must be sisters from another Mother. You’re wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Andrea says
August 21, 2017 at 1:36 pmThank you so much for the kind words!! You just made my day! 🙂
XOXO,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
Rebecca says
August 21, 2017 at 12:35 pmNever a misstep from Gil. Just lovely.
Carrie says
August 21, 2017 at 4:54 pmAndrea, I thought of you immediately when I was reading about this place in Traditional Home and spotted the Bowood chintz! I got so much more out of your post than the article—thanks!
Andrea says
August 21, 2017 at 5:23 pmThank you so much, Carrie! My goodness, such nice comments today! Thank you, thank you!!
XOXO,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
Leslie says
September 27, 2018 at 9:23 amJust came across this old post—I drive by this house every day and it is stunning from the road. Understated and elegant!
Carol says
March 23, 2019 at 8:09 amLove your blog,brings beauty to my day,thank you so much!
Andrea says
March 23, 2019 at 11:40 amThank you, Carol! 🙂
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad