Spaces: Buried Treasure
A new build in the suburbs makes room for a classic-looking wine cellar.
Eric Barry Photography. Design and build by Charles River Wine Cellars.
The Problem
A pair of oenophiles needed a suitable space to house their impressive wine collection in their brand-new home west of the city.
The Solution
Designer Ed Loughran says a lofty, rectangular area at the bottom of the property’s basement stairs lent itself perfectly to wine storage. “The depth of the space and the ceiling heights down in that basement really just offered a great opportunity to do a nice barrel ceiling,” says Loughran, owner of Charles River Wine Cellars. Opting for a traditional look, the owners selected rustic alder wood for the ceiling and New England fieldstone columns to support the subterranean room. LED lights accent the stonework and custom-cooled racks, which hold a whopping 1,500 bottles. Loughran says the cellar’s center island makes it an inviting gathering spot for decanting and tasting wine, adding, “It’s all about the experience.”
