Sunapee Retreat, New London, New Hampshire

This dramatic site on the northeastern shore of Lake Sunapee has over 70 feet of grade change.  The clients desired to create a legacy camp for their growing family and for future generations to enjoy.  We worked closely with the architect and engineer to site the house and to work with the existing topography, vegetation and the strict lakefront regulations.  The three story camp structure nestles into the hillside offering a variety of outdoor experiences that extend the indoors outside.  The main living floor opens up to balconies, private terraces and overlooks.  The lower level entertaining space opens to a broad bluestone terrace and fire pit with artisan crafted steel logs reminiscent of the WPA era.  Bluestone stairs connect the different levels of the landscape amidst native woodland shrub and perennial plantings.  A broad play lawn opens up to the lake and newly constructed boathouse with rooftop deck.  Runoff from the site is guided toward one of three raingardens planted with native sedges and perennials to assure that the lake remains as clear in the future as it is today.

Architect
Shope Reno Wharton
Photography
Westphalen Photography