With our Book Club series, we hand over the proverbial mic to our Experts—letting them share their work, thought process, and best tips, all in their own words. The following is an excerpt from Hendricks Churchill’s new book, Distinctly American, published this month with Rizzoli.

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It was during the Covid-19 pandemic that Purdy and Josh Eaton decided to leave Manhattan to live full time in Sharon, Connecticut.

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Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill, who worked on the couple’s original farmhouse, had discussed a broader scope during the original renovation but suggested that they hold off on the second phase until the family was settled and enjoying life in their new home. A little time living on the property seemed like a good idea before doubling the scope and budget.

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While living with two teenagers, working from home, and accommodating a steady flow of guests, the family decided it was time. This started with a master plan for the property, along with a carriage house, a greenhouse, and a swimming pool.

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There were discussions about having a physical connection, via a tunnel or a corridor, between the main house and a new carriage house. The design team, however, opted for a freestanding structure to ensure the composition of buildings felt traditionally authentic and in keeping with the rural setting. The clients requested a three-car garage, which dictated the length of the north and south elevations. To avoid the building looking like a garage, the team landed on a certain scale for the building relating nicely to the goal of creating a “new–old” carriage house.

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For this second phase, the interiors team brought in color, bold pattern, and an eclectic range of furnishings from contemporary to mid-century modern. The tone of the carriage house was to be a departure from the main house, taking on a more casual, yet practical, approach. It would serve as a place of entertainment for the family and guests, plus house a generous home office, exercise gym, indoor sauna, and rec room with a pool table.

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Rafe was concerned that the garage was becoming too precious, with all surfaces clad in clear vertical-grain fir beadboard. Wanting it to feel more durable, he decided the space needed not only a bit of color but also a sense of history. With a painted color-blocked “water line,” the garage was quickly transformed from a monochromatic wood-paneled space to a room that felt more like an old factory. The “water line” has since become a signature for Hendricks Churchill’s projects.

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The team opted for a more intimate cluster of buildings rather than siting the structures far away from one another, which the land could easily accommodate. In the spirit of a traditional farm setting or even a Shaker compound, each building contributes to the overall success of the site. Seeing the other buildings while walking toward the house or looking out any of the windows evokes a feeling of community.

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It’s this relationship between the structures, old and new, that prompts a sense of history and ultimately makes this project so special.

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Order Hendrick Churchill’s new book for more inspiration, or book a consultation with Heide and Rafe to get personalized advice for your space.

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