2025 Best Specialty Project

The renovation of the original farmhouse and adjacent shed represents a comprehensive design vision to repurpose existing structures into a refined extension of a wedding venue. The project’s intent was to preserve the historic character of the property while integrating modern amenities, ensuring both functional performance and elevated guest experience. The farmhouse was reconfigured with the intent tailored to the needs of a wedding venue. The second floor was designed as a dedicated bridal suite, incorporating custom makeup counters, a full bath, a lounge, and a bar/food preparation area. This layout provides an efficient yet elegant environment for bridal parties to prepare and gather. The first floor includes a catering-support kitchen, designed for either internal use or as a secondary kitchen for outside vendors. In addition, a private guest suite with bedroom and full bath was integrated to accommodate newlyweds, offering flexibility for overnight use. The shed structure was adapted into the groom’s quarters, designed with a masculine aesthetic to provide balance to the farmhouse program. Amenities include a lounge, a bar, and a full bath. Large-scale wood doors create a strong architectural connection between interior and exterior space, opening to landscaped grounds that enhance the atmosphere and allow for outdoor uses such as cigar gatherings or open-air entertaining. The site design unifies the two structures with comprehensive landscaping and hardscaping. Circulation patterns were carefully planned to connect the farmhouse and shed while framing views of the newly created stream running through the property. These natural and built elements work in tandem to establish a cohesive, experiential environment. With a projected construction cost of $715,000, the project demonstrates an intentional balance of adaptive reuse, contemporary hospitality programming, and site-sensitive design. The result is a timeless, multifunctional space that enhances the architectural identity of the property while supporting the operational needs of a modern wedding venue.