This home, located in Hopkinton, MA—the starting point for the Boston Marathon, just 26.2 miles from the city—claims the most impressive view in the neighborhood. The majority of the homes in Hopkinton are grand, but timeless and classic in design. With a hilltop location, the Cape Cod-style home is the perfect perch for viewing Lake Whitehall and the surrounding state forest. The homeowners, a family of five, knew they’d never beat the location, so embarked on a renovation with Bee’s Knees Interior Design Studio to make the interior just as spectacular. Mary Maloney and Kylie Bodiya, the talented designers (or “Bees”) behind the firm, tell us more.
First, we’d love to know more about the clients. What were their homes for their home renovation?
Our clients lead a very active lifestyle; they work hard and play hard. There is constant activity on the home-front, with three busy kids, 4 dogs, and a rascal of a cat! The family loves to entertain. Their goal was to create an interior space that connected to their outdoor living area. Mom wanted to enjoy the pool view from the kitchen, while also monitoring all the outdoor activities. The kitchen was tired and in need of an update. There was very little connection between the indoor and outdoor living areas and no sight lines connecting the spaces.
The kitchen was the jumping off point for the project. The family wanted a casual and comfortable environment for hosting large gatherings but with all the bells and whistles. Mom grew up riding horses, she loves all things equine. She wanted that vibe for their home; lots of reclaimed materials, everything warm, cozy and welcoming!
The kitchen has a ton of functional details. Could you tell us about a few of the key features?
The large island is the central hub for all kitchen activities, with the Galley sink serving as the star of the show. The Galley system is a workhorse that encompasses prep, cooking, cleaning and entertaining, all in one. Our clients had their hearts set on a honed Danby marble countertop. A patented Stoneguard film protects this busy surface from staining and etching! (We could go on and on here…with so many appliances and upgrades, where to stop?)
The rest of the home is beautiful as well. What are some of the design details that you feel really “make” the space?
We had such amazing teammates on this project, the architect, builder, and all the trades took great pride in their work and it shows! The combination of materials and workmanship is quite special, up to and including the custom 12-foot dining table, that serves as the center for all indoor and outdoor activities. It is made of reclaimed wood planks, weighs around 900 lbs. and took five men to bring it into the house! The glass NanaWall separating the dining/kitchen area from the outdoor area can be opened fully, creating a perfect gateway between the two spaces. Artwork throughout the home tells the story of the family that lives within. A custom commissioned piece, by artist Liz Ricketson, was a surprise from husband to wife. Depicting her horse and favorite barn, it is now proudly displayed in their living room.
How long did the project take? Were there any hiccups along the way, and if so, how did you overcome them?
The project took a year and a half, from start to finish, with Covid erupting just as demolition began. Needless to say, the building team and family were put through the ringer, with endless delays and disruptions. The cabinetry was delayed for weeks on end, with mandatory shutdowns in manufacturing. The domino effect was daunting. It was truly a relief for all to make it to the finish line in January of 2021.
What did the client say when they saw the finished space?
There were lots of happy tears, of both relief and joy. Large parties and gatherings were still on hold, but our clients were finally able to enjoy their new space.
