An unfinished basement in Bedford was transformed into a 2,200-square-foot family retreat at a fraction of the cost of a similar-sized addition. “It is far cheaper to heat and cool a basement than an addition,” says South Salem designer Sylvain Côté. “Plus, property taxes on a finished basement are 50 percent less than space above ground.”
The centerpiece of the home-theater area is a 75” flat-screen TV with surround sound. An adjacent pool table and game area offer more entertainment value.
The workout area has an additional TV; concealed behind the sliding mirror doors is a mechanical closet with a small, wall-hung, ultra-efficient propane gas boiler that replaced a bulky 18-year-old oil boiler. The same unit takes care of the hot water as well.
There is plenty of custom-designed, built-in cabinetry throughout the basement, including the horseshoe-shaped built-in bench in the playroom; all five tops open for storage.
A custom full kitchenette in the middle of all the action means there is no need to traipse upstairs to make popcorn or snacks.
Architectural Designer: Sylvain Côte, Absolute Green Homes, absolutegreenhomes.com
Architectural Drafting: Absolute Green Homes
Interior Designer: Drayer Interiors, LLC
View the rest of the family retreats
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