Once a humble 1960s cottage, said to be built for a child of the neighboring estates, this small home sits quietly by a brook. A young family’s wish to expand a porch turned into something more when the roof began to fail and nature set its limits. Instead, we lifted the roof—literally and figuratively—transforming the home from within. Keeping the original ridge, we carved out a master suite, two bedrooms, and a home office, all without expanding the footprint. New overhangs, double brackets, and soft curves where gable meets shed bring rhythm and shadow to the façade. Still modest, the cottage now stands proudly beyond the hedge—earning recognition from AIA’s local and state chapters.