Meadow House — A Modern Farmhouse Rooted in Place

The Meadow House is a refined take on rural living, designed by our team of experienced modern farmhouse architects. The 90-acre property had once been a dairy farm before it was purchased by our clients’ parents. We chose to site the house on the spot the father had always said had the best view of the Catskills. That view, along with the familiarity of the surrounding landscape, guided the design.

Our clients wanted a home that felt contemporary yet rooted in its rural setting. A barn-like simplicity made sense, both aesthetically and functionally. Sustainability was central to the design: the house is fully electric, with radiant concrete floors, rainwater harvesting, and thermally modified poplar siding left unfinished to weather naturally.
Today, the heart of their home is the open kitchen and living area. It's intimate enough for their small family, yet spacious enough to host larger groups for Sunday family dinners. Their home offices reflect their different work styles, one tucked away privately and the other opening to the main space with a library with floor-to-ceiling shelves, shielded from direct sunlight, was also a must. We designed a walk-through office that connects the living room and library, maintaining both functionality and flow.

A two-story stairwell window frames the mountains in the morning and the stars at night. The L-shaped layout provides a thoughtful balance between openness and privacy. 

At Conklin Architecture, we believe that the best homes are a true extension of their setting and their owners. The Meadow House is a perfect example of how modern farmhouse architects can ensure that a home feels right, for the land and for a family.