Heirloom Farm Cottage

Virginia AIA Merit Award for Excellence in Residential Design | What appeared to be a simple, worn-out, early 20th century stucco cottage was to be modestly renovated as a weekend retreat. But when the contractor and architects began pulling away the interior wall finishes, they discovered a log cabin at its core (believed to date as far back as the 1780’s) and a newer addition (circa 1920’s) at the rear where the site slopes down. Initial plans were scrapped, and a new project was born that honors the original construction while accommodating new infrastructure and the clients’ modern tastes. The attic stair enclosure was removed in deference to – and in order to visually expand – the original one-room log cabin. Wood floors, partially ravaged by termites, were repaired and refinished. The interventions of new steel structure, simple black iron handrail and glass stair guard provide a distinct counterpoint to the rusticity of the original construction, while the color palette of warm, natural tones harmonizes the composition.