A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PROJECT
Historic Restoration Project in Saratoga Springs Overlooking Congress Park
We were thrilled to be invited to collaborate on this historic restoration project in Saratoga Springs, NY—a project made even more special by the opportunity to work closely with the homeowner, an accomplished interior designer with impeccable taste and a clear vision: to restore both the Italianate-style home and the surrounding property to their original grandeur.
This unique residence is one of just seven homes that overlook historic Congress Park, a location rich with architectural heritage and cultural significance. Originally built in 1872 for the Shepherd family, the home remained in private hands until 1942, after which it was owned by various institutions, including Skidmore College. In the mid-20th century, the home was converted into multiple apartments, a layout that significantly altered its original character. The current owners purchased the property in 2020 with the intent of returning it to its former splendor as a single-family residence.
While the structure was largely sound, the house required extensive updates. The roof was leaking, the interior layout had been fragmented into apartments, the kitchen hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, and the landscape was completely overgrown, dominated by oversized evergreen hedges and served only by a dirt driveway.
Recognizing the complexity of this restoration, the homeowner assembled a collaborative design team, including her own interior design studio, local architect Susan Davis of SD Atelier Architecture, and the design-build team at Redbud Development. Together, this multidisciplinary team set out to reimagine the home and landscape, while respecting and preserving its historic integrity.
GOALS & DESIRES/ DESIGN COMPONENTS
As with all projects, the first steps were to ascertain our clients goals for the house and property as a whole. Some of the specific priorities were:
- Blend visually and physically the interior of the home with the exterior environments considering views and privacy.
- Ease of access to the rear of the house with a minimum number of steps. This was important due to the mobility issues of a family member.
- Of particular importance, make sure the architecture of the original home was highlighted or accentuated and not hidden.
- Incorporate an addition off the rear of the house with a covered porch to allow for an appropriately sized kitchen for today’s style of living.
- Include a detached carriage-house style garage with parking for one car, storage space on the second floor and a small home gym.
- Incorporate an English style garden with a patio in the rear yard for entertaining and relaxing.
- Driveway car parking for at least three cars.
- Ability to turn vehicles around on the property to avoid backing out onto the busy street the house was on.
- Privacy from the neighbors on all sides.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
This residential landscape design project stands as a masterclass in maximizing functionality and aesthetic detail within a compact footprint. The first major design challenge involved strategically placing a new carriage house on the property while maintaining a seamless relationship with the kitchen addition at the rear of the historic home. With these two architectural features occupying a significant portion of the available space, our task was to thoughtfully incorporate the diverse outdoor living elements the homeowner envisioned, without compromising flow or functionality.
The final design includes a wealth of high-end features, all integrated with precision and intention. These include an oil and gravel driveway edged with granite curbing and detailing, stone entry pillars, and automatic driveway gates for both aesthetic appeal and security. Reclaimed bluestone walkways, historic brick inlays, and elegantly designed patios tie the outdoor hardscapes together. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen, complete with a custom masonry wall and integrated water feature, adds function and visual interest. Additional features include a synthetic turf dog run with direct access to the home, a dedicated cornhole court, raised herb gardens, privacy fencing, and custom wrought iron-style accent fencing. The entire property is enhanced by professionally designed landscape lighting, offering a luxurious ambiance after sunset.
The multi-layered planting design adds depth and texture to the space. Tall, 16-foot Arborvitae serve as a green privacy wall along three sides of the property, creating an intimate enclosure. A specimen Weeping Nootka Cypress anchors the plantings, while structured shrubs like Annabelle Hydrangeas, boxwoods, and holly hedges establish visual rhythm. Perennial flower beds, combined with large imported planters brimming with seasonal annuals, introduce rich color and soft textures that elevate the overall lushness of the landscape. Finally, custom sculptures placed throughout the garden reflect the homeowner’s artistic sensibility and bring a personal, expressive touch to the entire outdoor space.
BENEFITS/ LESSONS LEARNED
We overcame a number of challenges to make sure the project was successful. These included;
- The house is located in an historic district in Saratoga Springs and therefore the city’s Design Review Commission must review and approve plans prior to any proposed work.
- The house is located in an historic district in Saratoga Springs and therefore the city’s Design Review Commission must review and approve plans prior to any proposed work.
- We collaborated with the contractor responsible for renovating the house and interior and became a very efficient team with the ultimate goal of meeting the client’s vision.
- During construction, we discovered that the buried electrical service for the neighboring property to the north ran underneath the property. These lines had to be re-routed which required significant coordination.