Skip navigation. Go to main content.

Oak Lawn
print project

Rehabilitating an existing residence is an excellent way to be “green” and embrace a sustainable philosophy via the house's location, structure, utilities, and landscape.

Brooke’s Bank

Essex County, VA

One of the least altered Colonial houses in Virginia, Brooke’s Bank is a significant milestone in the development of the English Home on American soil. This noteworthy residence was built in 1751 by Sarah Taliaferro Brooke, widow of British Naval officer William Brooke. The original house embodies unique design and construction details, such as an early curved stair, and “closet” appendages.

Our work involved coordination of archaeologists, historians, conservators, and craftsmen. Modern intrusions, such as the new kitchen and first floor bedroom and bathrooms, are located within newly designed flanking wings, detailed to reflect the “Federal” Period. The historic Colonial interiors of the home, along with the late-1700/ early-1800 Federal trim alterations, have been restored to the early 1800 period. All heating and air conditioning equipment has been successfully concealed within window “seats”, or in non-historic areas. The majority of the historic lower level, including the storerooms, has been fully restored. The project remains a home.

Brooke's Bank: southwest exterior
southeast exterior
north elevation
hall
parlor
stairway
restored guestroom
new kitchen addition
guest bath
flower room
Brooke’s Bank

Mansion Road Cottage

northeast
deck
master bath
new sitting
kitchen
upper deck
Mansion Road Cottage

Beacon Hill House

Beacon Hill: Front
Beacon Hill: Porch
Beacon Hill: Stair
Beacon Hill House

Blenheim

Albemarle County, VA

Blenheim
Blenheim

Firnew Farm

Madison County, VA

Firnew Farm, exterior of new addition
restored 1815/1851 sections
new garage and garden
great room
kitchen and family dining
master bath
Firnew Farm

Oak Lawn

Charlottesville, VA

This nationally-recognized, Jefferson-inspired residence was built circa 1823 by James Dinsmore, one of Jefferson’s master builders for Monticello and the University of Virginia. Originally constructed for the Branham Family, it transferred to the Fife Family in 1848 and is still owned by the heirs. The “T-shape” form is unique and embodies Jeffersonian and Palladian elements. Its plan is completely symmetrical; interior stairways are inserted into small service areas of the house.

Our scope of work included restoration and rehabilitation of the original center core, which addressed decorative plaster restoration, window and door repair, hardware repair, and several structural issues. Complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades for the entire house were also included. A combination Sunroom/Family Room was attached to the side of the house in a concealed location that provides connected circulation between the Library, Dining Room, and Kitchen, as well as a first floor bathroom. The project received approval from Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Charlottesville’s Board of Architectural Review and received a Preservation Award from the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.

Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn

Champlin Road Residence

Block Island, RI

Champlin Road Residence
Champlin Road Residence

Cismont Residence

Cismont, VA

Cismont Residence
Cismont Residence

Farmington Residence

Albemarle County, VA

Farmington  Residence
Farmington Residence

Keswick Residence

Keswick, VA

Keswick Residence exterior
entry hall
library
conservatory
Keswick Residence

Mitchell Lane Residence

Block Island, RI

Mitchell Lane  Residence
Mitchell Lane Residence

The President’s House

Bethany College / Bethany, WV

The President’s House
The President’s House

Valley View Farm

Greenbrier County, WV

Valley View Farm
Valley View Farm

ADDITIONAL

Rehabilitations/Additions

  • Hilton Farm, Orange County, VA
  • Hare Forest Farm, Orange Co, Va
  • Crednal, Loudon Co., VA
  • Rock Cliff, Nelson Co., VA
  • Enderly, Charlottesville, VA
  • Eastern View, Orange Co., VA
  • Windsor Farm, Orange, Co., VA
  • Forest Hills, Albemarle Co., VA
  • Thornberry, Caroline Co., VA
  • Sylvania, Louisa Co., VA