On the first day of spring, March 21, 2024, I visited with Phil Godenschwager at his studio in Randolph, Vermont on Weston Street (in the former Tewksbury Store). If you have never had a chance to tour his studio, you are missing an experience. As a life-long artist, it is filled with his creations. Even the building itself has been preserved and enhanced from his stewardship. Front porch posts with a whimsical design (preserved from a nearby house that was torn down) send a warm welcome to those who enter. Tucked towards the back of the building is an old door he found beside the road. With two long narrow curved spaces for windows, he completed them with handmade stained glass, gradations of pale yellow to gold.
He generously gave me a good chunk of his afternoon to talk about the plans for this Randolph Center house. I am excited to say he will draw up the architectural plans for us. I was so impressed with his work both artistically and professionally and at a reasonable 'Vermonters only' rate. He will help bring my ideas to life with floor plans and elevations that a contractor can use to build the house again.
In the meantime, I can dream (and ponder, analyze, research and brainstorm).
The circular driveway as it comes up from the northern side of the property:
The circular driveway as it passes along the back of the property:
The driveway as it exits the south side of the property:
I think of this short, strong guy as a sentry on the property:
Exciting to have contacts with local people for future planning!
What wonderful news! Phil is a treasure, and Patrick and I are thrilled that he is going to help your dream come true. You will love working with him, and he with you.