Reprinted from Heart of New Hampshire Magazine, Spring 2007
Written by W. Douglas Roy
For each of us our home is more than just a house, more than simply shelter. It is a place of refuge, a place of safety, a place that gives meaning to the phrase "my spot on the porch..." Every issue, Heart of New Hampshire will take you into one or two of NH's unique homes. Some will be new and some very old; some palatial and some small, artsy and funky; some will be eclectic and personal. All of them will be unique and are offered to our readers to share NH's great indoor spaces with you.
The Lakeside Timber Frame home was built by Davis Frame of Claremont, NH. Jeff Davis, the builder became interested in timber framing growing up in a small Vermont town surrounded by working dairy farms all with large barns.
Several of his family's friends were farming folk, and Jeff spent time playing and working in the large old timber frame structures. It was these barns that captured Jeff's imagination. Many early homes in New England were built using the timber frame concept, but they largely hid the beams that make today's timber frame style so attractive and unique. When timber frame "came of age"-proudly displaying the beautiful wood that made them special-it was just natural for Jeff Davis to jump at the chance to build them.
Like most modern timber frame homes, the lakeside home employs vast amounts of open space and a respect for and assertion of the beauty of the wood.
 Looking to build a vacation home away from the hustle and bustle of their busy city life, the homeowners wanted to create a home that reflected calm, tranquility, peace and brought family together-something very different from their lifestyle in the city. One requirement was a warm and inviting great room for entertaining and gathering family and friends while remaining open to the kitchen, dining, and breakfast area. An elegant hammer beam truss in the great room allows the central gathering area to be without interior posts. The great room space flows into the formal dining area and kitchen which feature a timber frame second floor system. The warmth of 1x8 Tongue and Groove fir lines the ceilings of the great room, while matching Douglas fir trim of energy efficient windows framed by a Queens Post truss. A stamped concrete first floor with radiant heat throughout adds comfort and beauty along with the fieldstone fireplace lit on a cold winter's night.
The homeowners describe this as their "lakeside haven"- and it's no wonder why. The beauty of the timber frame, cathedral spaces and open floor plan, as well as the warmth from the decor, radiant heat, and fireplace all make this the perfect getaway from their busy city life. And no matter what the weather, the view of the lake is always peaceful and enjoyable. |
