When faced with the decision to move or make more of the home they already loved, these Wyndmoor homeowners chose to stay. The goal was to create a detached structure that could serve many purposes: a dedicated home office and gym, comfortable accommodations for overnight guests, and a place for family and friends to gather throughout the year.
Working alongside architect Jeff Krieger and Glenna Stone Interiors, the new structure brings together a guest suite, full bath, laundry, gym, home office, living area and kitchenette under one roof. The gathering space extends outdoors beneath a covered cabana, complete with a built-in grill, overhead heaters and fireplace. French doors from the office open to a smaller pergola-covered porch, creating another connection between the interior and surrounding gardens.
Harth Builders provided the construction and mechanical expertise needed to bring the plans to life. The project presented several technical challenges, including tying into the existing garage while navigating significant grade changes and four separate points of egress. New plumbing, electrical, gas and other mechanicals also had to be brought to the detached structure, along with extensive stormwater management beneath the front lawn.
Throughout the build, materials were carefully selected to complement the character of the existing home and surrounding neighborhood. Stone from the previous garage was restored and incorporated into the new structure, alongside slate and standing-seam metal roofing, Hardie siding and Marvin windows and doors. Inside and out, details including a vaulted beadboard ceiling, rustic timber trusses, tongue-and-groove woodwork, random-size flagstone and a floating bathroom vanity give each space its own character while maintaining a cohesive feel.
The result is much more than a guest house. It’s a flexible extension of the property—designed for working, exercising, hosting and gathering without leaving the home and neighborhood the owners already loved.
