Our multi-functional home designed by the late Anthony Hars, Architect
I lived in Groton, MA, and the surrounding area for over 45 years before relocating to Whitefish, Montana near Glacier National Park. What a beautiful area it is. The diversity of people and landscapes all wrapped up into one. The hustle and bustle of life and the quiet sounds of nature; we have it all, majestic mountains, forests, fields, rivers, lakes, cities, and small quintessential towns. No matter where we are, it tugs at our heart-strings. Sometimes one must leave in order to understand what one has given up. All is not lost, however, one can come home again.
It’s good to be back even though the last few weeks we’ve had record cold temperatures which have tested us to our core. Soon this will pass and warmer days will be upon us. I’m looking forward to this new chapter where I can continue to help people redesign and update their homes for their present and future lifestyle. A well-designed home can accommodate years of living in all stages of life. We call this Universal Design.
My father, the late Anthony Hars, Architect believed a home, large or small can accommodate the cycle of life. He designed the passive solar hybrid contemporary for our family. His vision was multi-functional. It could be used not only as a home to raise a family but could accommodate a home for his wife (sometimes living in separate quarters makes a happy marriage), a place to work and a place to entertain. He wanted to raise a family, work out of it, grow old with his second wife, Sarita Choate, and enjoy his remaining years in the house he loved. His wish came true.
I learned a lot from my father who was my mentor. Homes are a place where we find solace no matter what size, style, or age. It’s part of our identity. We turn houses into homes. One home I’m very happy to be part of is The Linden Retreat, a tiny home on wheels that I designed and helped build in Kalispell, Montana. I lived in it for a year to fully understand what tiny living is all about and rented it out successfully on Airbnb
There are so many possibilities for tiny homes: affordable housing, temporary homes, guest homes, senior housing, income property, vacation homes, retreats, and commercial endeavors (remember RIF-the mobile bookstore which came to elementary schools?). Thinking outside the box is what life is all about.
If you are planning on renovating or would like a new home, please call me today at 603.716.6885 and start turning your dreams into reality.