Two Designers Polish Up a Hidden Gem in the Woods of Connecticut

Stewart-Shafer founders Christine Stucker and James Veal revamp a custom 1984 home—and then turn a decrepit nearby shed into a "Scandinavian dream cabin."

Mar 2, 2022 - 01:51
Two Designers Polish Up a Hidden Gem in the Woods of Connecticut

Stewart-Shafer founders Christine Stucker and James Veal revamp a custom 1984 home—and then turn a decrepit nearby shed into a "Scandinavian dream cabin."

The double-height wall of windows in the living room looks out on the property and was a big draw on their first walk-through.

It only took a half hour for Christine Stucker and James Veal to decide to buy this house. "It’s very unusual to have a home like this in this area," says James. "We came through the doors, and within 30 minutes of being in the space, we pretty much took it."

The home was designed by a California architect and built on 18 acres in 1984, and its good bones were obvious to the two designers, who founded the multidisciplinary architecture and interiors studio Stewart-Schafer in 2009. They were initially struck by the double-height wall of glass in the living room, which frames views the surrounding forest. 

Christine Stucker and James Veal, founders of Stewart-Schafer, snapped up this architect-designed house on 18 acres in Connecticut as soon as they found it in 2019.

Stewart-Schafer founders Christine Stucker and James Veal snapped up this architect-designed house on 18 acres in Connecticut as soon as they found it in 2019. It measures 5,100 square feet, with three bedrooms and five bathrooms.

Alice Gao

The double-height wall of windows in the living room looks out on the property and was a big draw on their first walk-through.

The double-height wall of windows in the living room was a big draw for the couple upon their first walk-through.

Alice Gao

As they proceeded through the house, they were impressed by the many well-designed details—like the exposed ceiling beams, punctuated by skylights and underscored by bands of clerestory windows. They also appreciated the lines of sight created by the home’s large windows, sliding doors, and open stair treads and railings.

"It’s very simple, but the way that everything comes together—the reveals and the details—makes it very aesthetically pleasing," says James.

The couple preserved the original fireplace treatment. A B&B Italia sectional sits atop a Ben Selomani rug with Arne Norell chairs. The large-scale artwork is by Christine.

The couple preserved the original fireplace treatment. In the living room, a B&B Italia sectional sits atop a Ben Soleimani rug with Arne Norell chairs. The large-scale artwork is by Christine.

Alice Gao

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