See this stunning New Hampshire farmhouse on a peaceful Portsmouth cove

Solar power, geothermal heat, and a private dock make this coastal farmhouse a dream.

Aerial view at dusk of a white modern farmhouse with lit windows, curved stone walls, and water behind

This sustainably designed modern farmhouse by Maugel DeStefano Architects sits on a small point of land in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Known as House on the Point, the home is traditional in form and modern in its details, with white siding, charred black wood, and a standing seam metal roof. It won the 2026 AIA New Hampshire Citation Award for Excellence in Residential Architectural Design.

Solar panels on the roof generate electricity, and a geothermal system uses the ground to heat and cool the home. Large south-facing windows capture water views and winter sun, while smaller north-facing windows reduce heat loss.

Double stud walls keep this 4,000-square-foot home well insulated, making it net zero-ready. Continue below to see the rest of this amazing home…

Modern Farmhouse Exterior with Stone Walls

Modern farmhouse with white siding and a black metal roof above a driveway, stone walls, and gardens

From the driveway, curved stone walls step up to the covered front porch, where two red Adirondack chairs sit by the door.

White modern farmhouse with a black metal roof, covered front porch, and curved stone walls with garden beds

Above: Hydrangeas, sedum, and black-eyed Susans fill the garden beds.

Charred Wood and Recycled Siding

Charred wood siding meeting white lap siding under a standing seam metal roof

The dark vertical boards are Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese technique of charring wood to make it more durable and resistant to rot. The white lap siding next to it is made from recycled fly ash.

Charred vertical wood siding with black windows, bronze wall sconces, and a cedar pergola

Above: Black window frames and slim bronze sconces give the dark exterior a modern look.

Waterfront Setting with a Private Dock

Aerial view of the house with a dark metal roof, stone-walled gardens, two-car garage, and a dock on the water

The lawn slopes down to a private dock on the waterfront.

Aerial view of the waterfront home and dock, with Portsmouth's bridges and harbor in the distance

Above: Portsmouth’s bridges and harbor are in the distance.

Overhead view of the house, gardens, and dock beside a tidal mudflat

At low tide, mudflats stretch out past the dock.

Living Room with Water Views

Living room with navy swivel chairs, a round wood coffee table, tall wood-framed windows, and a dog on the rug

Inside, the bright and airy living room is surrounded by tall wood-framed windows. Navy swivel chairs and a round coffee table create a cozy spot to enjoy the views.

Kitchen with a Sage Green Island

Kitchen with cream cabinets, a sage green island with a dark stone countertop, black pendant lights, and windows over the sink

The kitchen has cream Shaker cabinets with brass hardware and a marble subway tile backsplash. The sage green island is topped with dark veined stone and has open shelves at one end for cookbooks.

What We Love About This Home

This Portsmouth farmhouse is so charming, with cozy living spaces and nice modern touches. We love the charred wood siding, the sage green island, and the open staircase. How amazing is that private dock… imagine spending summer days out on the water! Overall, the project team did a beautiful job creating a home that is both inviting and eco-friendly.

Tell Us: What details in the design of this home do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below, we love reading your feedback!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other spectacular home tours designed by Maugel DeStefano Architects that we have featured here on One Kindesign: Step inside this coastal dream house perched on the rocky shores of Maine and A New Hampshire lake house on the peaceful shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Open-Riser Staircase with Glass Railings

Open-riser staircase with walnut stringers, oak treads, and glass railings in front of tall windows, with a dog on the landing

This stunning open-riser staircase has walnut stringers and white oak treads, set in front of a two-story wall of windows. Glass railings keep the views open from every landing.

Close view of the staircase with walnut stringers and handrails, oak treads, and glass panels

Above: The thick oak treads rest on slim metal supports, giving them a floating look.

Bedroom with Treetop Views

Bedroom with a vaulted ceiling, upholstered bed, rust swivel chair, and a dog lying on the bed

Upstairs, this cozy bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and windows looking out into the treetops. A rust-colored swivel chair and throw add warm color.

Owner’s Bathroom with a Freestanding Tub

Primary bathroom with a freestanding tub, black floor-mounted tub filler, and a blue tiled walk-in shower

In the owner’s bathroom, a freestanding tub with a black floor-mounted filler sits beneath the windows, perfect for a long soak. Glossy blue tile lines the walk-in shower.

Stone Patio Overlooking the Water

Stone patio with red Adirondack chairs beside charred wood siding, under oak branches, overlooking the water

Out back, a stone patio sits under the branches of a large oak tree. More red Adirondack chairs face the cove… what a wonderful spot to unwind at the end of the day!

Back of the house at dusk with charred wood siding, lit windows, rooftop solar panels, and a boardwalk leading up the lawn