Arbonies Vlock Residence, Stony Creek, CT 

We were drawn to Stony Creek initially because of its spectacular shoreline and picturesque Thimble Islands. Two architects and just married, our plan was to design a house of our own together. In the process, the uniqueness of village life was revealed to us.

Located in the heart of Stony Creek, we took on the renovation of a turn-of-the-century structure that had no architectural value per se but enjoyed a front row seat to the activity of village living: the park, library, and waterfront. Our corner was the starting point for the Memorial Day parade, town celebrations, drum corps, and road race.

The renovation became a transformation. A modern interpretation of shingle-style, the design blends classical detailing with an open and flexible interior. Gone is the original front-to-back axis of the original gabled structure by the extension of a second floor level across the driveway, creating a porte cochere and affording a complete horizontal realignment of the house to face the water view. Distinctively curved transom windows overlook the village center and the Thimble Islands.

The completed house, a tour de force of light and space is born of Vlock and Arbonies’ shared philosophy about design and function, and commitment to a community. It also signaled the beginning of a successful new business partnership and the start of a family.

— FEATURED IN ELLE DECOR