A view to die for

Advertising Feature

By David F. Rooney

Peter Bernacki has a reputation as an innovative and imaginative builder, as many people realized when they saw his ‘Skinny House’ last year. Now he used some of that creativity to renovate part of his own home on Colbeck Road and reward himself with a view to die for.

Perched on the bank of the Columbia River, Peter’s house was already a showcase but this renovation undertaken this summer added 1,600 square feet to the living area and graced the kitchen, dining and living rooms with a 16-foot high ceiling.

In a word, it is gorgeous. And it shows what you can accomplish if you want a magnificent living environment.

If you are thinking of recreating your own home you should talk to Peter and see what Nu-Trend Construction can do for you.

Of course, Peter didn’t accomplish this all on his own.

“I’d especially like to thank Melinda Bell for her great taste and advice and all of the professional local craftsmen whose amazing skills and attention to detail made this project a success,” he said.

Here is selection of images from the completed project that show you why this is a terrific building project:

Already an impressive dwelling, these before (top) and after images of Peter Bernacki’s house at 1867 Colbeck leave no doubt that the renovation and addition was a significant project. But the exterior is only part of the story. Ctninue scrolling down to take a little tour of the changes… Photos courtesy of Peter Bernacki
Already an impressive dwelling, these before (top) and after images of Peter Bernacki’s house at 1867 Colbeck leave no doubt that the renovation and addition was a significant project. But the exterior is only part of the story. Continue scrolling down to take a little tour of the changes… Photos courtesy of Peter Bernacki
The entry hall is tasteful, spacious and well-lit. David F. Rooney photo
The entry hall is tasteful, spacious and well-lit. David F. Rooney photo
The first major feature you encounter is this magnificent stairwell leading to the bottom floor. The ceiling light well is paneled in golden chestnut. David F. Rooney photo
The first major feature you encounter is this magnificent stairwell leading to the bottom floor. The ceiling light well is paneled in golden chestnut. David F. Rooney photo
Peter Bernacki in his new “man cave.” David F. Rooney photo
Peter Bernacki in his new “man cave.” David F. Rooney photo
This local stone fireplace helps make the den a warm and inviting space. David F. Rooney photo
This local stone fireplace helps make the den a warm and inviting space. David F. Rooney photo
This is a view of the semi-circular kitchen. The counter and bar stools are great for informal meals. David F. Rooney photo
This is a view of the semi-circular kitchen. The counter and bar stools are great for informal meals. David F. Rooney photo
Peter shows the floor plans for the 1,000 square-foot addition to his home. The dining room is, of course, part and parcel of the open plan living and dining area. David F. Rooney photo
Peter shows the floor plans for the 1,000 square-foot addition to his home. The dining room is, of course, part and parcel of the open-plan living and dining area. David F. Rooney photo
Here’s a lovely view from a balcony beside the kitchen. It’s a got an inviting view of the river and the mountains but the living room is the real strunner… David F. Rooney photo
Here’s a lovely view from a balcony beside the kitchen. It’s a got an inviting view of the river and the mountains but the living room is the real strunner… David F. Rooney photo
… As you can clearly see. Those triple-pane windows weight 800 lbs each. “It doesn’t matter what the season or the weather are like,” Peter said. “The view is always magnificent.” David F. Rooney photo
… As you can clearly see.  “It doesn’t matter what the season or the weather are like,” Peter said. “The view is always magnificent.”  By the way, those triple-pane windows weigh 800 pounds each. David F. Rooney photo
The vaulted ceiling is 16 feet high and is a lovely sight to behold all on its own. David F. Rooney photo
The laminated-beam ceiling is 16 feet high and a lovely sight to behold all on its own. David F. Rooney photo