The owners' family summered for generations in Hague, and when Lauren was looking for a new project she decided to re-open the store.

Calling it the Uptown Store after a sign she found, Lauren found it relatively easy to reclaim the display/sales area.

The counter was built from salvaged antiques. It was a much larger challenge to convert the old offices to a modern commercial kitchen; the result is both elegant and efficient.

At some point the owners realized it would be nice to live close to the
store, so they decided to turn the maze of boarding rooms into their new
home. Most of the walls were demolished to create a cozy, open living
space with adjacent kitchen and dining area; beyond is a large screened
porch looking over a stream. The store's Eastlake details were brought
upstairs, along with a number of salvaged architectural artifacts. (The
countertops are salvaged blackboards!)

The third floor was enlarged by adding dormers on both sides of the house. A new family room and two bedrooms fit comfortably up there.

 

For Further Reading:
"Uptown Authentic"

by Nancy E Berry
New Old House Magazine - Fall/Winter 2009