Country fare

Remodeling a 200-year-old house listed on the historic registry brings its own set of responsibilities especially when it comes to designing a new kitchen.

The original kitchen in this historic farmhouse, which was built in 1803, was cramped. Designer Lois Kennedy of Portfolio Kitchens says upgrading the kitchen was part of a huge remodeling project undertaken by owners George and Laureen Gennin.

"An addition needed to be built to accommodate a kitchen that would be large enough for entertaining," Kennedy says. "With large windows at either end, this great room maximizes spectacular views of the rolling countryside at the foot of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains."

The designer says the room needed to complement the aesthetic of the original farmhouse, but it also had to reflect the owners' love of more formal, elegant interiors.

"Essentially, the style is a blending of the original farmhouse and a more genteel, classical estate."

A large La Cornue range (nearly 6ft wide) in a hearth-style cooking center forms the centerpiece of the kitchen. This is framed by symmetrical white cabinets that create a distinctive mantle.

"The owners both love to cook, so this side of the kitchen is given over to food preparation," says Kennedy. "And with the refrigerators, an additional sink and breakfast appliances positioned on the opposite wall, the cooks can work uninterrupted by people wanting a drink or snack."

The three sinks all feature slabs of Golden Sun granite, so they appear integrated with the countertops. The main cleanup sink, in front of the window, is 40in wide to accommodate large pots and platters.

The extra-large island is bookended by buffet cabinets with a black rub-through stain and solid mesquite wood countertops.

"Designed as furniture pieces, these cabinets open up the ends of the island and prevent it from looking solid and chunky," Kennedy says.

The cabinetry in the center of the island, and the perimeter cabinets by the range feature antiqued cherry wood.

All the cabinets incorporate extensive customized storage systems, and there is a concealed mixer within the island, with an automated lift.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Jamie Cobeldick