A kitchen worth the wait

Photo by John W. Hession

North Woodstock homeowners Peggy and Scott Rice love their kitchen because it reflects their self-described casual lifestyle. “When we renovated our kitchen, we wanted it to be a comfortable, informal and friendly place to entertain—not a space where guests are afraid to spill anything,” Scott says.

For many years, Scott Rice—owner of Woodstock Inn, Station and Brewery in North Woodstock—focused his time and energy on the growth and success of his popular business. At home, however, he put many projects on hold. His outdated and cramped kitchen, in particular, needed major TLC. “Every time my wife Peggy and I went on to a new project at the inn, I would say, ‘The kitchen is next, the kitchen is next,’” Scott says. “And finally there came a time when I couldn’t say that anymore. We had to renovate the space after so many years of saying no. It took several months, but it was worth it.” 

The custom cabinetry offers several space organizers for storing things the homeowners’ way, like a garage unit with a retractable door (to the left of the kitchen window).

The result: a handsome country kitchen full of handcrafted Crown Point cabinetry, state-of-the-art Viking appliances, and custom-built furnishings and fixtures from Old Hickory Furniture Co. and Meyda Tiffany Lighting.

The homeowners collaborated with architect Stuart J. Anderson of Alba Architects LLP in North Woodstock, contractor James Martin of East Branch Builders in Lincoln, and Crown Point Cabinetry senior designer Debra Foster. Together the team reconfigured and enhanced the home’s first-floor living areas, opening the kitchen into a dining room and sitting area by a stone fireplace. A kitchen peninsula acts as a room divider and a place for informal dining. “It’s a guest-friendly kitchen,” Scott says. “We love to entertain, and we can easily cook for twenty or thirty people.”

To suit their personal style, the homeowners gravitated toward Crown Point’s Arts & Crafts-style cabinetry, selecting quartersawn oak cabinets finished in a standard stain called Candlestick. Square inset face frames and dark antique, oil-rubbed bronze hardware enhance the wood’s rugged handsomeness.

“The cabinetry is very functional,” Foster says. A garage unit with a retractable door keeps small-to-medium-sized appliances out of sight, yet easily accessible. Other storage organizers include a cutlery divider, a pullout spice rack, a lazy Susan, a double trash unit and drawer plate racks.

An island topped with Netuno Bordeaux granite provides additional space for cooking and storage. Bracketed molding—a signature detail from Crown Point’s Arts & Crafts Designer Series—makes this freestanding feature unique, yet in tune with room’s simple, country verve.

What Makes This Kitchen Stand Out

Custom cabinetry by Crown Point Cabinetry
(800) 999-4994
www.crown-point.com

Custom-built furnishings from Old Hickory Furniture Co.
www.oldhickory.com

Custom-made fixtures from Meyda Tiffany Lighting
www.meyda.com

Kitchen appliances by Viking
www.vikingrange.com

Netuno Bordeaux granite from Rumford Stone in Pembroke
(603) 224-9876
www.rumfordstone.com

This handsome North Woodstock kitchen is full of high-quality craftsmanship. Homeowner Scott Rice loves the room’s combination of custom-designed furniture and fixtures, granite countertops and woodwork—including the fir ceiling, oak cabinetry, and red oak door and trim.

 The Rices came across Crown Point’s Arts & Crafts cabinetry style on Pinterest and thought it was the “right fit” for their country-style house. Details from the company’s Arts & Crafts Designer Series adds character and beauty to the room.