Perched atop a hill in Fox Chapel, Ramble Ridge quickly became one of our favorites for its incredible views. The project involved a custom home addition and outdoor space designed by Shea + Simone Architects and assisted by pool contractor Krauter Construction.
EXPANDING WITH A NEW CONSTRUCTION GUEST SUITE
The existing log cabin received a modern two-story addition to create 2000 square feet of extra space. The new structure includes a wet bar with soapstone countertops and backsplash, a hammered sink, custom cabinetry from local fabricator The Kitchen Gallery, a dishwasher drawer, and fridge/freezer drawers. That’s along with a storage room and laundry room complete with a farmhouse sink. The interior plank walls contribute to the rustic feel and the exterior black-stained hemlock vertical siding nicely contrasts with the cedar siding on the existing cabin.
Upstairs, the guest suite features a vaulted ceiling, reach-in closet, and Kolbe double French doors that open to an Iron Eden Juliet balcony and one of the best views in Western PA. The full bathroom honors the cabin’s history with an antique-inspired top-mount sink and brick herringbone floor tile.
CREATING
AN OUTDOOR HAVEN
Outside, a stunning new swimming pool and spa take full advantage of the majestic views. The 30-foot pool boasts a sun shelf and stairs, and both the pool and spa are equipped with switch-activated covers. A convenient outdoor shower is tucked away in an alcove off the guest addition.
Around the pool, we installed a large paver patio perfect for entertaining, with a cozy fire pit on one end and a set of circular steps on the other, creating functionality as well as symmetry. We also incorporated outdoor speakers and lighting into the retaining walls and stairs, and built in radiant heat so that the patio – and the spa in particular – can be enjoyed all year long. The mechanical hut not only keeps all of the pool and spa equipment out of sight but also minimizes the equipment’s distracting sound with heavy Rockwool insulation.
