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Newburyport DREAM

Katie Lovett
photography Kevin Harkins
Published October 15, 2019
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In their quest to move to Newburyport, Meredith and Joel Luebcke toured scores of homes over the last few years. Their search ended when they walked into a property on Merrimac Street and finally found what they had been looking for: a place they could turn into their dream home.

The couple completed an extensive renovation and addition to the 2,000-square foot property, tearing down walls and moving staircases. The result is a bright, comfortable, welcoming house that’s perfect for entertaining. It boasts an open floor plan, large windows that allow for natural light to pour in, and a master bedroom suite that serves as a retreat and a place to re-energize.

“We feel like we’ve really developed every inch of it,” Joel Luebcke says. “There’s zero wasted space.”

While the couple admits they made a few concessions and altered their plans as the project went along, they cannot be more pleased with the results.

“It came out just how we wanted it,” Meredith Luebcke said. 

The location of their house is another dream come true.

“We absolutely adore this town,” Meredith said, adding she often made trips to the seaside city as a child and has fond memories of those times. “There’s no better place for us to live.”   

An inviting, welcoming space for friends and family was a main goal for the Luebckes. They knew from the start they would paint the walls a neutral white to complement their furniture and decor. The couple also took down a wall that closed the kitchen off from the living room to make one larger space, ideal for entertaining a crowd.
“You’re not detached from the conversation,” Joel Luebcke says. Larger windows also brighten up their living space. The only rooms with bold colors are small, such as her home office and the guest bathroom, Meredith Luebcke says. “We wanted it to feel comfortable and relaxed,” she says. “It’s open and airy.” Photography by Kevin Harkins.
Left: Small hemp stool ottomans, $350 each – Red Bird Trading Co.; Custom pillows, $52 to $65 – Acorn Home Design; Zinc urns with birch branches, $450 each – MAK & CO.; Design books, $29.95 to $45; Robyn Pot, $14 – Les Fleurs. Right: Large clock, $350 – Rose & Dove Specialty Gift Shop; Pillows, $52 to $74 – Acorn Home Design; Waterfowl print series, $47 to $62 – Red Bird Trading Co.; The Lifestyle Planter, $85; scented Geranium, $25 – Sage Market + Design.

Photos by Kevin Harkins. Vintage map, $195 – MAK & CO.
When it came to choosing the flooring, Meredith Luebcke says she felt a bit like Goldilocks and was particular about the exact tone she wanted. The final product is amazing, she says. As part of their renovation, the couple removed a chimney and vestibule that were in the kitchen. They also removed a staircase, widening the doorway and adding a dormer for their master bedroom. Photos by Kevin Harkins.
Rustic Hurricane candle holders with glass, $165 each; Small and large ceramic pears, $26 to $40 – Acorn Design Center; Seedlip distilled nonalcoholic spirits, $49 each – Wish Basket Trading Co.; Simon Pearce glass bowl, $295 – Rose & Dove Specialty Gift Shop.
The large inviting kitchen is a room where the Luebckes and their guests spend a great deal of time. The couple loves to prepare food for their guests and this room was designed to make cooking easy and enjoyable. When they throw a party, guests congregate in the kitchen. The layout makes it easy for several people to complete a task without getting in each other’s way, Meredith Luebcke says. The comfortable island is a perfect spot to sit and talk while working, she adds. Photos by Kevin Harkins.
Small and large ceramic pears, $26 to $40 – Acorn Design Center; Cloth Tom pot with potted Fiddle tree, $85 – Les Fleurs.
The most dramatic transformation in the house is the master bedroom suite, the Luebckes say. The new bedroom was created as part of their addition, which required removing and raising the roof. The bright space is full of natural light. Photos by Kevin Harkins.
The master bath showcases Meredith’s favorite feature — a gold-footed classic tub. The tub was always something she desired but installing one was difficult due to state building codes. She persevered and the couple couldn’t be more thrilled with it. Their general contractor — and most everyone that offered an opinion — suggested the couple was crazy for wanting a master bath that featured ceiling-to-floor length windows. What about privacy, they asked? “It was the best decision we could’ve made,” Meredith says. With the touch of a button, built-in blinds can be brought down. Photos by Kevin Harkins.
Robyn Pot, $14; Round bottom vase, $15 – Les Fleurs.

style editor and set design
Lysa Pelletier – Anchor Artis

photography
Kevin Harkins – Lowell, Mass.

text
Katie Lovett

floral, accessories and furnishings
Acorn Design Center
Andover, Mass.
(978) 273-9717
AcornDesignCenter.com

Les Fleurs
Andover, Mass.
(978) 475-9669
LesFleurs.com

Mak & Co.
Andover, Mass.
(978) 475-5511
MakAndCoAndover.com

Red Bird Trading Co.
Newburyport, Mass.
(978) 462-5566
RedBirdTrading.com

Rose & Dove Specialty Gift Shop
North Andover, Mass.
(978) 689-4141
RoseAndDove.com

Sage Market + Design
Newburyport, Mass.
(978) 255-4113
SageMarketDesign.com

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