McDevitt Residence

Portsmouth, NH

Photography: Valerie J Michaud

The design intent is to create a dramatic living space by renovating a portion of an industrial brick building overlooking the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth's historic district.  The design emphasizes the spaciousness of the building and its tall windows by allowing the Great Room space with its fifteen-foot ceilings to remain and anchor the design. 

A modest entry leads to a curving hallway that opens to a grand space overlooking the river, which in turn leads to the master bedroom and study loft spaces allowing views to the river.   A new rooftop structure was added to provide a guest suite and bar area that adjoins an outdoor deck.  A media room, bedroom, bath and storage areas occupy the areas below the loft.  The interior is significant for the high level of the millwork, including a coffered ceiling, a grand fireplace and library casework and the curved staircase, suggestive of the maritime heritage of the region.