Residential Projects

When the owners of the Kirkwood Inn discovered that the old farmhouse located on their property was one of the oldest buildings in the county (circa 1799), they knew that they had to restore it to its original character and make it a featured part of their inn. Now a modern destination inn located near King’s Island and other area attractions, it had previously served as a farmhouse inn, stagecoach stop, and post office throughout the nineteenth century. We worked closely with the owners to restore the original elements and historic ambiance of the building, while making it into a modern facility for serving breakfast to inn guests and a venue for smaller meetings, receptions and gatherings. Some of the challenges of the project included inconspicuously installing a modern commercial kitchen, accessible restrooms, and a covered stair for second floor fire egress, all while focusing on the historic charm of the building.

Kirkwood House

The living room fireplace during the restoration process

Shaker-Inspired Farmhouse

Warren County, Ohio

In addition to performing masonry, tuck-pointing, framing, and structural repairs on this circa-1810 stone farmhouse, we designed and built four new porches for it. The previously-existing porches were timber framed as well, but too lightly constructed to pass code. We used the original porch as a construction template for the new timber frame assemblies.

Preble County Farmhouse

Kitchen Cabinetry

Glen Ridge, New Jersey

We don't usually do projects this far from home, but this piece was comissioned by Andy and Bruce's sister.  This 1930s cabinet was restored and altered to fit to this specific space in her early 20th century Dutch Colonial home.  The floral pattern was inspired by the pattern on the kitchen furniture and was designed and painted by Tod.

Preble County, Ohio

This early 19th century farmhouse in Preble County stood empty for a number of years until its current owner undertook to restore the interior to its former glory. Our part in this restoration involved repairing, restoring, refinishing, and replicating woodwork throughout the house. Plaster was repaired and the woodwork was repainted, as closely as possible, in the original colors. Once we were out of the picture, the owner had a place to exhibit his extensive antiques collection. His artistic talents as a landscaper and gardener provide a stunning backdrop to this very historic house.

This unique three story farmhouse has a spring in the basement.

The finished living room, furnished with antiques

The finished dining room

Here is a detail of the timber frame scarf joint.

Timber Frame Porches on an 1810 Farmhouse

Victorian Bath Renovation

Franklin, Ohio

A Victorian mansion along the riverfront in Franklin came to its new owners with an amazing second floor bathroom, complete with an oak-trimmed pedestal tub. Saving this unique feature involved taking up the floor to reinforce the floor joists under the tub. The floor was then retiled, using a combination of salvaged marble and a distinct mosaic tile pattern designed by the owner. A new shower stall was built by taking a corner from the adjacent large bedroom. The shower was also tiled with a combination of historic marble and mosaic tile. The original marble sink was enhanced with a simple vanity made from salvaged wood, similar to the original beaded pine in the room. The reproduction high tank toilet and reproduction plumbing fittings completed the transformation.