The Charm of the Farm
For centuries, the American farmhouse has been an integral part of a seemingly unending architectural conversation. Born out of necessity as basic shelter for those seeking to work the land, it was never a style but rather a response to whatever humble materials were available, along with the demands of the particular climate and terrain. Yet the aesthetic of the farmhouse—plain lines, an overall lack of ornamentation or color and purely functional construction—could not be more stylish. A case in point would be this seemingly simple house built into a gentle slope of the Wisconsin prairie. At first blush it seems composed of a single long, low, shed-like building flanked by two smaller support structures. A tractor wouldn’t appear out of place, nor would a rusty pickup truck.
But in reality, this is a sophisticated home for worldly owners. The main interior space surprises with its lofty, exposed-beam airiness. Dark floors and generous dark-framed windows punctuate the space, which is outfitted in an eclectic mix of midcentury modern furnishings. Beyond, an enticing porch blurs the lines between indoors and out, as three large openings along the room have neither windows nor doors. But at the touch of a button, screens magically descend from hidden recesses.
The ultimate surprise is on the lower level: no common dank basement, this. Where one would expect to find the workman-like aspects of a house—maybe just a furnace, a water heater and a washtub—is a classic car collector’s paradise, a garage of such pristine perfection that it could easily serve as a party space. And in keeping with the owners’ passion for horsepower, the grounds adjacent to the house have a beautifully crafted corral, a most fitting hangout for the family steed.
A dramatic stepped fireplace serves as both a strong architectural element and a room divider, creating a cozy home office and library behind it. Millwork echoes the stone’s muted tones, with dramatic cerulean accents.
