Three Gable Contemporary

Location: King George, VA

This owners of this beautiful waterfront lot had big dreams for a spectacular retirement home. The high elevation and unobstructed views of the Potomac River played a significant role in the design and siting of this modest dream house.

The original directive called for three bedrooms and two and a half baths with a layout and flow well suited for a retired couple to age in place. The clients wanted a contemporary home focused on the lovely river views and turned to Kohlmark Group for the design and build.

The three gables can loosely be interpreted as sails and are quite dramatic from all vantage points. Lighted, sculptural elements create visual interest and help define the triangular gables at night while the white clapboarded siding makes them look like sailboats sliding across the river. The use of clapboard siding was also a throwback to the white lapstrakes typical of many traditional sailboats.

Inside, we incorporated the living room, dining room, kitchen and master suite on the first floor. With no stairs to navigate and ADA compliant halls and bathrooms, the layout provided ideal single-floor living. The cathedral ceilings enabled large and abundant windows, providing light and nearly continuous views throughout the main floor.

Upstairs we tucked two bedrooms and a full bath into the gabled spaces. The angled walls reflect the dramatic exterior. The additional bedrooms offer much needed accommodations for visiting family and friends without interrupting the first floor living.

Due to the steep slope of the site, we incorporated a walk-out lower level that greatly expands the square footage and provides abundant space for entertaining. A large triangular deck that extends off the main floor provides shade and protection for the lower level.