COVER STORY. We are proud that one of our favorite homes, Hillside Retreat, is featured on the current cover of Simply Saratoga magazine, fall 2014. This home took the gold in 2013 for the Best In American Living Awards’ “one-of-a-kind home, 4,100–6,500 sq. ft.”.
The magazine is devoted to the upcoming 2014 Showcase of Homes presented by the Saratoga Builders Association Sept. 20-21, 27-28 and Oct. 4-5. The multi-weekend event is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together, Saratoga County, and we are pleased that our entry, Skyfall, on Southard Road, serves as support for these worthy organizations. The Showcase offers a bonus “Comforts of Home” evening, Friday, Sept. 19, when ticketholders can visit eight of the 14 homes in this year’s Showcase for tastings of area chefs’ specialties. Check out the details and reserve tickets for both the chefs’ event and the house tours at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.
Skyfall, 4,800 sq. ft. of stunning, spacious living, was a collaborative effort between Witt Construction and architect Balzar + Tuck. Its unique design and hilltop location ensure unobstructed views of the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondack Mountains from many windows and outdoor living spaces. Built for the ultimate in both personal comfort and lively entertaining, this cedar and stone home features, on the main floor, a master suite, elegant dining area, showcase kitchen, large butler’s pantry, three fireplaces, bluestone terrace, black slate flooring, three-car, wood-lined garage and more than 1,000 sq. ft. of glass framing spectacular vistas. The lower level includes a guest bedroom suite, home office and media room.
The magazine also features one of our more unusual projects, a custom coastal-cottage style home integrated into an eclectic downtown neighborhood within walking distance of both Skidmore College and the heart of the city. Ideal. The writer, Chelsea Hoopes Silver, did an excellent job capturing both the spirit of the home and the authentic voices of its owners, Rob and Mark. Witt Construction was able to achieve Rob’s and Mark’s shared vision by adapting a Maine Coastal Cottages plan that allowed for expanded space (2,900 sq. ft.) and was a perfect expression of their desire for a home with both comfortable, calming spaces for private time and welcoming, open areas for gatherings. Witt’s signature built-ins and special features like the window seat tucked into a landing, as well as a houseful of other details and design elements, have made Rob’s and Mark’s home an urban oasis. They say, “We park the car in the driveway Friday and don’t have to get back into it until Monday morning.” The photos for this article are by genius photographer Randall Perry.
Lastly, but by no means least, we were honored to be spotlighted in “Wise Wood,” an article about the glories of using reclaimed wood in new buildings. Reflects the article’s author, Megin Potter, using reclaimed wood is “a matter of character and of conscience.” We design reclaimed wood into a variety of spaces; the Simply Saratoga article focuses particularly on our use of it as a grand door header and glistening floor in the entry to a home library, as kitchen shelves, beams and exterior trim. We are very proud of the luster and dignity these woods bring to Witt homes and we hope homeowners are as delighted as we are with the results. Photos of Witt spaces are, once again, by the incomparable Perry.
Simply Saratoga is a complimentary magazine, widely distributed in Saratoga Springs and nearby. If you can’t find a copy, call the magazine at 518-581-2480 and someone will help you.
