Magic on the Mountain
A challenging plot of land becomes the perfect site for a custom-designed forever home.
In the main living room, custom Mabley Handler sofas in Lee Jofa Threads performance fabric are anchored by a handmade Agra wool rug from Landry & Arcari.
A dual-fuel stainless steel Wolf range is a focal point of the kitchen
Brendt D’Orio remembers the moment in 2022 when he and his wife, Kerry, found a plot of land for their future home. “There was something undeniably magnetic about it,” he says. “The moment we stepped onto the property, we felt an incredible sense of calm and possibility.”
It wasn’t your average acreage. The land, nestled on a ledge with direct views of Attitash Mountain Resort and Stanton Mountain, features steep terrain, which immediately posed concerns about its potential as a site for their home. But Kerry and Brendt had a builder in mind to make their dream home a reality on the property, which is located in Glen. “The land offered a deep connection to the outdoors and a kind of emotional homecoming,” says Brendt. “It wasn’t just beautiful; it felt right.”
Kerry penned a passionate letter to Harold “Doc” Gilmore of H.E. Gilmore and Son, Inc., a custom house builder renowned for crafting exquisite mountain homes. Though Gilmore was on the cusp of retiring, he accepted this final, ambitious project located in the rugged hills. “Doc doesn’t just build houses; he builds homes that are cherished for years by people who are lucky enough to own them,” says Kerry. “Doc and his team understood the site, the challenges of mountain construction and, most importantly, our vision.”
Steep terrain didn’t deter dreams of the mountain home, which was built by H.E. Gilmore and Son, Inc.
This started a new chapter for Kerry, Brendt and their two children, who were thrilled to take the leap from a modest ski house to a more expansive haven featuring 3,800 square feet of space and four bedrooms where they could host friends and visitors throughout the year.
As architectural plans took shape for the domicile, interior designer Leaf Ives of Marblehead, Mass., commenced work on creating comfortable areas that exuded a welcoming warmth while integrating the family’s love of nature and the stunning landscape views visible from every room.
“We knew we wanted the interior design to feel as intentional as the structure itself, and we also knew we needed someone who could balance functionality with artistry,” says Kerry. “It was important for the interior rooms to feel cozy, grounded, a little upscale but very rooted in place. Leaf brought a collaborative spirit that made the process feel joyful rather than overwhelming.”
A custom-crafted, live-edge walnut countertop brings a touch of nature to the bar space.
For inspiration, Ives turned to the surrounding landscape, which she used as a jumping-off point for creating decorative schemes for the bedrooms, a media room, dining areas, a home bar and the spaces in between. “Every design choice was about harmonizing the interiors with the rugged New England landscape outside and making it feel as if the mountains, trees and sky flow through the windows and into everyday life,” says Ives.
She developed a carefully curated mix of textures, patterns and natural materials like leather, wool and cashmere to enrich the space. A polished and neutral color palette of cream, grays and browns, along with hints of gold and blue, permeates the living spaces, which are populated with lushly upholstered furniture, mixed wood tones and playful patterns.
From furniture to textiles, specialty pieces were thoughtfully added to the interiors to enhance the scheme. Underfoot, Ives added exclusive hand-knotted carpets from Landry & Arcari, which blanket the bedrooms and stairs and foster a stylish cohesion throughout the home.
Chairs by Michael Berman for Kravet in Colefax and Fowler tweed afford front-row scenic views. The ottoman is by Bunny Williams Home in GP&J Baker velvet. The painting is by artist Sam Vokey.
A custom live-edge walnut dining table invites a touch of natural rusticity indoors. Suspended above the table is a modern Kelly Wearstler steel and alabaster light fixture to illuminate the space. In the great room, a pony hair ottoman by Donghia was paired with a tribal rug to anchor the expansive area. To Ives, no corner was too small to transform into an impactful style moment. “Even the entryway console subtly
tells a story reminiscent of an old tree fallen in a New England forest,” she says.
Color and texture further permeate the rooms in the form of furniture and fabrics, but walls were intentionally kept neutral shades of white to showcase a collection of modern and traditional New England landscapes. One favorite art piece, “Powder” by Vermont artist Rebecca Kinkead, features a family skiing down a mountain and brings a bright dash of color to the basement space. “The painting reminded us of us,” says Kerry.
Neutral tones create a calming effect in the primary bedroom, which features embroidered linen drapery by Cowtan & Tout. The bed linens are by Matouk, and the pair of lamps is by Aerin Lauder for Visual Comfort.
After two years of construction, the house was completed in June 2024. Now the D’Orio family uses it as a true four-season residence, and they are eagerly looking forward to end-of-year activities. “In the winter, we enjoy skiing and snowmobiling and watching the snow cats groom Attitash. We bundle up and light the outdoor fire and watch for the Northern lights,” says Brendt. “Each season offers something different, and the house really adapts with us.”
Inside and out, the house has brought so much joy to the D’Orio family, says Kerry. “We pinch ourselves. The house feels like a natural extension of who we are, both a haven and a launchpad for adventure. Living here has changed our rhythm, slowed us down in all the best ways. It’s not just a beautiful home; it’s the life we’ve always dreamed of.” NHH
PROJECT TEAM
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Leaf Ives Interiors, LLC
508-284-4415
leafives.com
DESIGNER/BUILDER:
H. E. Gilmore and Son, Inc.
603-356-5923
