There is a distinct magic to the Hudson Valley—a certain quality of light and landscape that has drawn artists and creatives to its woods for decades. Nestled within a sloping meadow in Accord, New York, surrounded by the quiet embrace of a dense forest, the Wass House stands as a testament to this creative spirit.
Designed by the talented team at Studio MM Architect, this project isn’t just a home; it is a piece of architectural alchemy that transforms a traditional gabled structure into a vibrant, multi-volume sanctuary. Built for a couple deeply embedded in the worlds of art and fashion, the home is a masterclass in balancing high-end design with the warmth required for family life.
A Grand Entrance
The renovation completely reinvents the experience of arriving home. The architects have introduced a new formal entry that acts as the spine of the residence—a long, dramatic glass hallway that connects the existing structure with the new additions.
This transparent corridor does more than just move people from point A to point B; it serves as a visual bridge, balancing two private black barn structures while offering tantalizing glimpses into the central courtyard and pool area.
It builds a sense of anticipation, hinting at the fun that lies beyond. Above, a custom ceiling mural injects an immediate dose of color and energy, setting the tone for a home that refuses to be boring.
The Creative Wing
To the left of the entry lies the practical heart of the home: a seamless addition housing the garage and a dedicated artist studio. Studio MM Architect knows that modern living requires smart utility, so they’ve included an efficient mudroom and—in a touch we absolutely love here at The Coolector—a dedicated “pup zone” for cleaning dirty paws after a romp in the woods, complete with a trellised outdoor play area.
The studio space above the garage ensures that creativity is never far away, while the three-car garage offers ample storage for future projects.
Living in Colour
The original volume of the house has been reimagined to host the main living spaces. It’s a lesson in restraint and flow, where a minimal kitchen lines one wall, allowing eclectic furniture pieces to define the dining and lounging areas.
This space opens effortlessly onto a deck and screened porch, blurring the lines between the interior and the lush New York landscape. The layout is thoughtful, placing a large guest suite at the back for privacy, ensuring that when the couple’s children and future grandchildren come to stay, everyone has their own retreat.
The Master Retreat
At the opposite end of the glass connector sits the new main suite, a space that feels like a private gallery. A colorful pocket door, casting playful shadows of blue and yellow onto the concrete floors, announces the entry.
While the exterior of this wing maintains a private, minimalist black barn aesthetic, the interior is a revelation of light and color. It showcases the clients’ passion for design through custom millwork and distinctive bathroom tiling.
The suite flows into a sun-filled living room featuring bold bluestone walls and a double-sided fireplace that borders the pool courtyard, inviting seamless indoor-outdoor living.
A Hockney-Esque Oasis
The outdoor transformation is arguably the crown jewel of the Wass House. The design maximizes the property’s potential, with bluestone pavers that “pull apart” as they lead to different entries, merging hardscape with the grassy meadow.
The custom-tiled pool, with its wading area and ample chaise lounges, explicitly references the iconic pools of David Hockney—a splash of artistic history in the middle of the woods. A pool house with a trellis roof covers a curved concrete table and a full outdoor kitchen, creating the ultimate setting for summer barbecues.
From the “pup zone” to the projection-ready bedroom, the Wass House is a cohesive, elegant space that proves serious design can still be incredibly fun.
