Style & Sustainability
In the White Mountains, a young couple’s dream for a modern, eco-friendly home comes true.
In the daytime, this living space affords panoramic views of the mountains. At night, the telescope is used for stargazing.
It took several days of walking across their nearly 40 acres in Bethlehem—and collecting elevation data from topographical maps—for Monica and Keegan Rice to determine the ideal site for their modern home. When they finally found it, the decision was instant. “We get to watch every last moment of the sun slip behind the mountains, followed by layers of pink, orange and a deep, glowing afterlight,” shares Keegan. “It often feels like we’ve been gifted another hour of daylight most evenings.” To the west lies Franconia Notch; to the east, Vermont stretches into the distance.
Specialized window placement achieves a snow globe effect with nature.
The land held particular meaning for the couple, both of whom have deep roots in New Hampshire. Monica grew up in Concord, while Keegan spent his formative years in North Woodstock. Today, they share the property with their 19-month-old daughter and a King Charles Spaniel, embracing life in the Granite State from a fully appointed, 3,699-square-foot home that reflects their shared vision for modern, sustainable living.
Bringing that vision to life was a labor of love, driven by meticulous attention to detail and the assembly of a trusted team. The home’s panelized post-and-beam timber frame was designed and constructed by Yankee Barn Homes of Grantham, using domestically sourced, kiln-dried Douglas fir. According to Chris Sevigny, director of architectural and production design at Yankee Barn Homes, the design team worked with Monica and Keegan to update one of the company’s existing home styles and tailor the layout to their personal preferences. Presby Construction of Franconia served as general contractor, guiding the project from shell to completion.
A custom rift-sawn oak cabinet from Walpole Cabinetry graces the primary bath.
Energy-Star Certified, the house is engineered to conserve power while withstanding New England’s climate. It operates entirely without fossil fuels, relying instead on geothermal heating and cooling, bio-ethanol fireplaces, induction cooking, and a heat-pump washer and dryer. “Every system in the home was designed to eliminate fossil fuels while enhancing comfort and efficiency,” explains Keegan. Inside, 10-foot ceilings span the open floor plan, complemented by discreet storage that keeps everyday necessities out of sight. The home also includes a suite of amenities—among them a home gym, steam shower, hot tub and sauna. In the finished basement, a built-in bunk niche with a climbing wall and ladder creates a playful retreat for their daughter and her friends. “It’s so kids can be in their own little world. The only way to access the top bunk is by climbing rocks,” says Keegan.
Rather than hiring an interior designer, Monica and Keegan addressed the interiors themselves. “Keegan and I really wanted the home to feel like an authentic reflection of us, so we took the lead ourselves, drawing inspiration from places we’ve traveled and styles we’re naturally drawn to,” says Monica. “We leaned into minimalism to allow the architecture, the views and the quality of light to take center stage.” Scandinavian and Japanese influences shape the interior aesthetic, evident in the pale wood floors, natural materials, and emphasis on simplicity and calm. The palette remains intentionally earthy and neutral, with walls left largely bare. As Keegan puts it, “The artwork is really the windows and the changing scenery throughout the seasons.”
The family room features cozy seating and shuffleboard.
To reinforce a sense of visual continuity, the couple avoided traditional trim in favor of drywall returns at the windows. Doors sit flush with the walls and feature hidden hinges and streamlined hardware, while switches and outlets are recessed to maintain uninterrupted lines throughout the space.
Though deeply rewarding, the custom build was not without challenges. Keegan notes that elements such as siding, cabinetry, lighting and baseboard details required extra time and coordination. Advance planning proved critical. “We were fortunate that we planned ahead to acquire our materials, as at the time, products were in short supply and shipping times were upwards of a year on some items.”
With the home complete, the Rices are turning their attention outdoors. Landscaping is next on their list, with plans to enlist the help of relatives who are master gardeners. In the meantime, they continue to draw inspiration from the ever-changing surroundings, and from the experience of bringing up their daughter in a place they cherish. “We’re excited to raise her surrounded by the beauty of New Hampshire.”
PROJECT TEAM
DESIGN/BUILD:
Yankee Barn Homes
603-863-2400
yankeebarnhomes.com
GENERAL CONTRACTOR:
Presby Construction
603-823-5298
presbyconstruction.com
