Gilmanton commission asks for more detail, continues review of barn-style house on Province Road

At 6:00 p.m. the Historic District Commission called Case #2026-02, a proposal by property owners Christopher Dame and Leah Pino to construct a new single-family home designed to resemble a barn on Province Road (Map/Lot 126-031).

Applicants presented updated architectural plans and material samples, proposing thermally modified Nordic pine shiplap siding that could be pre-finished or left to weather naturally. The commission reviewed the proposed window layout and strongly recommended changing the applicant's proposed four-over-four muntin pattern to a six-over-six pattern to better harmonize with the district's period buildings. The board also suggested adding a transom over the non-functional front barn door to reinforce the barn aesthetic.

Commissioners recommended reducing the proposed 24-inch roof overhangs to 18 inches for period appropriateness. The applicants proposed modern, full-glass panel garage doors with a black tint on a side of the building not visible from the road; the board requested a manufacturer's cut sheet for those doors.

The commission emphasized the need for a complete plot plan showing the final house location, driveway, well and septic locations, setbacks, and grading. Members discussed the lot's topography and the optimal house placement to avoid a pump system or excessive grading. The board provided a checklist of required submission items, including an NH Department of Transportation driveway permit, revised architectural drawings showing the six-over-six muntin pattern, detailed corner board and cupola dimensions, a window and door schedule, and manufacturer cut sheets for garage doors and lighting fixtures.

Member Darrel Elliott moved and Selectmen Meredith Kelley seconded a motion to continue the hearing for Case #2026-02 to the April 23 meeting; the motion passed unanimously.