The owners wished to create a vacation house as their permanent home. This desire, combined with a very private site allowed for a design that is intentionally rustic and informal with a strong dependence on the land.

The name "Slate Hill" refers to the property's history as a slate quarry, and provided an abundance of natural building material for the home. The use of the slate for the floors, garden beds, walls, walkways and fireplace serve to reinforce the connection between the land and the building. The center of the home is the hearth and it is where the family gathers for meals and conversation. There is usually a fire burning October through April.