NEW HAMPSHIRE — Conversation pits — usually sunken sections in larger rooms that often feature built-in seating — reached popularity in home construction from the 1950s to the 1970s to promote togetherness and intimacy.
Less formal than the living rooms of the past, they were an invitation to guests to get comfortable with one another and have deep conversations. Conversation pits are enjoying a resurgence for a couple of reasons:
For one thing, in a fast-paced, technology-driven world, conversation pits can be an inviting oasis free of digital noise. The isolation of the pandemic and nostalgia for a simpler time is also fueling the comeback.
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In this installment of How Much House, we take a look at three homes in Florida, Illinois and New Hampshire that have conversation pits.
New Hampshire | $2,000,000
17 Carriage Lane, Salem
Listed by: Kathryn Orso | Kathryn Meissner Real Estate LLC
Square feet: 4,700
Acreage: 7.85 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Year built: 1984
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Known as “The Tree House,” this home doesn’t rush to reveal itself. It sits in harmony with its natural surroundings, offering a soft transition from the lush forest to its bold exterior. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, this original and highly sought-after Acorn Deck House has been fully renovated.
Form follows function in this home, with each room thoughtfully designed with functionality and purpose in mind. The layout is seamless — one room opening to the next with soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook acres of abundant forest and moss-covered rock.
The mix of mid-century modern and new designs flow effortlessly. Airy floors are paired with light walls and original mahogany beams. Sleek custom kitchen cabinets alight with matte white appliances and a waterfall quartz top.
Two fireplaces flank the conservatory, each with its own personality — one with original brickwork and the other with a crisp oversized mantel. The conversation pit is flush with a tailor-made leather sofa.
Outdoors, find a large mahogany deck with glass spindles, a natural blue stone patio with a fire pit, a lighted waterfall feature with a koi pond and a spectacular screened porch. Peek inside for more photos.
Florida | $1,395,000
4400 Gulf Pines Drive, Sanibel
Listed by: Jim Hall | VIP Realty Group Inc.
Square feet: 2,293
Acreage: 0.68 acre
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 (all full)
Year built: 1987
This coastal contemporary masterpiece on a large double lot offers unparalleled lagoon vistas and is a short 5-minute stroll to the beachfront.
The sunken conversation pit is built around a wood-burning fireplace in an oversized great room. Abundant natural light streams through the windows, illuminating the beautiful wood flooring.
Soaring ceilings are found throughout this distinct design. The heart of the home is the kitchen, which underwent a full remodel six years ago. A 60-foot screened lanai overlooks a mature nature preserve teeming with indigenous wildlife that offers a seamless fusion of indoor-outdoor living.
The four bedrooms include a captivating ensuite primary bedroom with a fabulous shower and access to a deck.
The lower level has additional living areas and plenty of storage space, and is complemented by a multi-car garage for vehicles and beach essentials.
An elevator provides access to all levels of the home. Peek inside for more photos.
Illinois | $725,000
4010 Clubhouse Drive, Champaign
Listed by: Nicholas Ward | Joel Ward Homes Inc.
Square feet: 3,480
Acreage: 0.31 acre
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Year built: 1974
This one-of-a-kind home features a two-story interior rock wall and expansive windows to marry the interior living space with the beauty of nature. The two-story living room has a conversation pit, indoor rock garden with a full wall of windows and a giant fireplace.
The unique second-floor den overlooks the living room and provides a view of the golf course across the street. All three bedrooms have pristine lake views and access to the two balconies at the rear of the house. The updated kitchen has ample storage space and is designed for convenience.
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The current owner put $100,000 into renovations, including new flooring throughout most of the living space, new paint, the construction of a new rear balcony for the west bedrooms, and other routine repairs. Peek inside for more photos.
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