A Craft-Forward Restoration of a 19th-Century Schoolhouse Channels the Uninhibited Spirit of an Old Circus

"I wanted something that felt a little more freaky within the town while still honoring its history. Her vision was a retreat that encouraged guests to embrace their weirdness and put it on display. Dev imagined an aesthetic loosely inspired by an old circus, hearkening to a place where everyone is accepted and eccentricity is the norm."

"We wanted it to be weirder, and we wanted to be kind of punk rock. Dev's idea was tailor-made for their ambitions. Unfettered self-expression within the shell of a historic building proved ideal for the Portland-based studio's rebellious design ethos and challenge to conventional interior design."

A new owner acquired a 19th-century schoolhouse in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and began restoration work, including repairing the building's bell. Initial community concern about the cupola removal gave way to understanding once the restoration intent became clear. The owner, a multidisciplinary artist named Dev, envisioned creating an inclusive gathering space for her community, particularly for queer friends who typically traveled to New York for self-expression. She partnered with Pat Austin, a Portland-based design studio founded by Candace Cohu and Ally Hasche, to realize her vision. The design approach combines historic preservation with a deliberately unconventional aesthetic inspired by circus aesthetics, creating a space that honors the building's past while encouraging guests to embrace individuality and eccentricity.

Read at Architectural Digest