So, let’s build this house!

As you can see in this photo the stone masons have finished the foundation. And, what a job they did. A solid stone foundation that will last for millennia.

Dan, the head mason on this project, passed away a few years ago from cancer. On occasion he would talk about his work and how it would be a testament to his life after he was gone. He was right.

There is something wonderful in creating a piece of art that will last. I get a sense of purpose out of it, in that I did something that will last, and be treasured after I’m gone.

I encourage everyone to build something, something that’s unique… if not a house, then maybe a shed, or a piece of furniture, or a piece of art to hang on the wall.

Originally posted 2015-04-09 13:48:18.

I have taken thousands of photographs over the many years that I have built handmade homes.

This photo may be my favorite.

The image reveals an incredible vintage timber-frame that we were re-erecting, complete with a solid stone foundation, and located on a scenic Virginia hillside.

The weather was perfect that day.

The birds were singing.

It was a really good day… life just doesn’t give anyone enough of those kind of days.

But what makes the photo pop for me, is the image of my lead man pointing instructions to the crew on what needed attention at that moment.

I felt like I captured a “Sistine Chapel moment”… where the creator was reaching out to create with the tip of his finger.

I could easily visualize this same scene having been played out, with this same frame, 200 years before.

Originally posted 2015-04-08 20:05:42.

Here is the Sugar Hollow house.

At this point in her construction the house is primed and ready for her final coat of paint.

I designed and built this home years ago on a wooded hillside in western Albemarle County.

My client wanted a Virgina farmhouse look. He liked the idea of an exposed post and beam interior for the main part of the house, and a we went with standard construction for the kitchen addition off of that.

I combined an old timber frame, with stone gathered from a couple of old foundations out of the Valley, and trim, removed from yet another home.

Here we have one of my favorite timber frames, put together by one of my favorite crews… all of them friends for life… men of great integrity and skill.

And the homeowner we built for… just a great guy… low key, and so appreciative, throughout the entire project.

Follow along in the coming days as I detail the construction of this wonderful home.

Originally posted 2015-04-08 19:24:51.