Historic Caves Valley Transformation

The Client Experience

As one of the last historic homes built in Caves Valley, this home has an interesting story to tell.  It served as the humble abode to the great grandson of Thomas Jefferson but the layout and features that accommodated him and his family would need to be updated for this modern family of four.  The location, setting, and square footage of this home were ideal but it would take some real vision and a little bit of magic to transform this home into a dwelling that will stand the test of time.  Here’s the story of the transformation process for this Historic Caves Valley residence.

Moving to a Home with More Room to Roam

The family previously lived in a 2000 square foot home, and the major incentive for moving to a new home was the desire to have more space,  both inside and out.  The home boasted a 5500 square foot layout on 4 acres so it would amply meet their needs for today and beyond.  The existing barn was soon filled with goats, chickens, and another family dog.     

Modern Updates

As you would expect, a historic home built in 1936, would require some updating and this home was no exception.  In a historic home, the rooms are smaller, more fragmented, and have doors at every opening.  Parker eliminated many of the doors, took down walls and created a better flow for the entire living area.   See the Before & After photos above for the dramatic transformation.

Transforming the Heart of the Home 

Everyone knows that the kitchen is the heart of the home but the original 15×13 kitchen would be a little small for this growing family.   The decision was made to move the kitchen, tear down walls, and transform the dining room, butler’s pantry, and wet bar into more functional space.  The larger, more spacious kitchen can now easily entertain family and friends for any occasion. 

A coffered ceiling with dental molding trim in the kitchen shows off the elaborate millwork that Parker’s in-house wood shop is proud to deliver.  

Finishes & Fixtures

Every homeowner has certain elements they want to include in their dream renovation project.  For this family, preserving some of the historic elements was key.  The entry door, for example, retains the 18th century offset knob while many of the doors throughout the home still have the original crystal knobs and locksets.  

The flooring was refinished and updated, where necessary, to provide warmth, charm, and consistency throughout the home.  

The library was thoughtfully updated to provide an updated paint color, easier access, and still be a quiet retreat from the rest of the home.  

If you want to create a home addition that will allow you to enjoy your existing home in a whole new way, Parker Design Build Remodel can help!  Contact us today to get started!

Looking for ideas?  Download our Free Guide to Home Additions or our Free Guide to Renovating Older Homes to learn about how you can renovate an older home to create your dream home!