Hearth and Home
This guest cottage in Richmond, Mass., (part of an 83-acre property) sits on a slope with sweeping views of the Berkshires, so big south-facing windows were in order for this kitchen. That left CBT Architects and builder Art Rawson with a slight conundrum on the main floor, which needed to encompass an open great room and kitchen. The trick was figuring out how to orient a fireplace in such a way that wouldn’t force guests to turn their backs to the view.
The solution turned out to be a massive hearth in the middle of the open plan that is part island and part wall partition. Custom-crafted out of Pietra Cardosa schist rock, the structure sports a stepped mantel and fireplace on the living room side, cooking storage and counter space on the kitchen side, and bar seating on the end. Slate flooring and stainless appliances were selected to match the blue cast of the shift rock, while cherry cabinets and millwork lend a warm complement.
Handsome and functional, the hearth hides kitchen appliances and prep areas from view, but keeps cooks within earshot of the conversation in the living room. Its central position also has a tangible comforting effect in that it radiates warmth–exactly what you want on chilly New England mornings and evenings.
