lbb20wstock, Author at Lou Boxer Builder

Big Without Being Imposing

by lbb20wstock | Feb 9, 2025 | New Construction

Nestled on 84 acres in western Massachusetts, this luxurious home was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings while offering a unique mix of comfort, charm, and connection to the landscape.

The thoughtfully crafted design includes a Vermont barn-inspired great room, a cozy inglenook, and rooms with varying ceiling heights and views that invite the outdoors in. A scale model helped refine the layout, ensuring every detail harmonized with the site.

Completed in 1992, the 5,800-square-foot home features four bedrooms and three and a half baths and was built for $250 per square foot. With Lou Boxer overseeing construction, the project emphasized continuity in trim details and integration with the surrounding gardens, creating a truly one-of-a-kind retreat.

Explore the full story below.

Fine Homebuilding, Spring 1995 – “Big Without Being Imposing”

With the New England House, Wrapped in Black Rubber and Cedar, Office dA Reinvents the Cube

by lbb20wstock | Feb 8, 2025 | New Construction

A Boston couple reimagined the idea of a “weekend getaway” with their striking second home, the “New England House.”

This bold, asymmetrical structure blends industrial and domestic elements, featuring black rubber and cedar for a look that feels part art installation, part family retreat. As avid art collectors, the forward-thinking homeowners embraced an unconventional approach, describing their property as a canvas for innovation.

With architects Office dA and the expertise of Lou Boxer Builder, their vision came to life in this one-of-a-kind creation. Read how the story unfolded in the articles below.

The Gnome Home: From Root Cellar to Rustic Retreat

by lbb20wstock | Feb 2, 2025 | Renovation

Originally part of an old farm, this 450 sq. ft. root cellar was on the brink of deterioration when the client decided to preserve its charm and give it new life.

What began as a structural restoration quickly evolved into a cozy hangout space designed for relaxing with friends. The Gnome Home features cobblestone floors with radiant heat, original 2-foot-thick exposed stone walls, and a mix of built-in benches and comfortable chairs for lounging. Equipped with a TV for football games and a music system, the space blends rustic character with modern comfort.

This project is a part of The New England House job. Read more.

Better Than Ever: A 109-Year-Old House Grows Into Its Own

by lbb20wstock | Jan 27, 2025 | Renovation

Breathing new life into an old house is much like revitalizing a well-loved garden… it demands thoughtful pruning, a clear vision to guide fresh growth, and a steadfast dedication to preserving its timeless beauty and character.

This thoughtful approach was embraced by Michael Beck, executive director of the Berkshire Botanical Garden, and his husband, Beau Buffier, an antitrust lawyer and passionate gardener. Together with Lou Boxer Builder, they transformed this historic home while honoring its rich past and unique charm.

Dive into the details by reading the article below.

This Old House Magazine, July/August 2019 – “Better Than Ever: A 109-Year-Old House Grows Into Its Own”

Garage Ménage: Family Members Collaborate on a Modern Country Retreat

by lbb20wstock | Jan 27, 2025 | Renovation

Pilot and author Mark Vanhoenacker and banker-photographer Mark Jones didn’t set out to find a home in the Berkshires.

During a Thanksgiving visit with family, a leisurely drive through Lenox led them to an unexpected discovery—a one-car garage with a small apartment above it perched before a breathtaking view.

For Vanhoenacker, who grew up in Pittsfield, the spot was instantly familiar and brimming with nostalgia, offering a serene contrast to the couple’s bustling Midtown Manhattan apartment. This chance encounter marked the beginning of their journey to create a home with the help of Lou Boxer Builder.

Discover how it all came together by reading the article below.

Berkshire Magazine, Spring 2017 – “Garage Ménage: Family Members Collaborate on a Modern Country Retreat ”