A HISTORIC RURAL RETREAT REIMAGINED
The Grist Mill
East Stroudsburg, PA
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Client's Vision:
The clients approached us with a dream to restore and reclaim a historic 1800s grist mill into a rural family retreat where generations could gather, rest, and reconnect away from the city. Their goal was not just to modernize the space, but to preserve its soul. They wanted the building to tell its story while also offering the functionality of a modern home.
Left: View into rustic kitchen
Design Concept:
The core concept was to maintain and celebrate the original character of the grist mill, blending rustic and industrial styles to honor its past. We leaned into a rustic industrial aesthetic, exposing original structural elements, using reclaimed materials, and pairing them with sleek modern finishes to achieve a raw yet refined atmosphere.
Right: Owner's Bath with deep tub and double sinks
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Key Design Features:
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Reclaimed doors used throughout the home to add authentic character and vintage appeal.
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A grinding stone—original to the mill—was built directly into the kitchen island as a centerpiece.
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Exposed post and beam work was preserved to showcase the building’s original structure.
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Exposed plumbing and electric lines were carefully installed with precision to maintain visual order within the industrial look.
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Original floorboards were refinished and reused throughout, preserving the building’s texture and warmth.
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Modern rustic finishes were used to elevate kitchen and bathroom spaces while keeping them grounded in the building’s historic tone.
Left: Original stone foundation with a hidden mechanical room behind the wood and beam accents.
Design Challenges:
Designing within the constraints of an 1800s structure came with its share of complexities. We had to work around outdated staircase openings that didn’t comply with modern building codes and resolve ceiling height limitations on the top floor to ensure comfortable living spaces. Each of these issues required thoughtful design adaptations to stay true to the building’s form while achieving practical solutions.
Right: Modern twist in rustic charm
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The Building Process:
Construction Timeline:
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The full project took approximately nine months from start to finish.
Key Construction Challenges:
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A significant hurdle emerged when we needed to reinforce a portion of the home for livable space above but discovered that a small stream ran directly through the basement foundation. This required highly creative thinking and hands-on problem-solving.
Solutions & Problem-Solving:
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Our team leaned into creative, non-traditional building methods and, in many cases, had to work in tight, uncomfortable spaces to get the job done. To address the foundation challenge, we used custom structural solutions that preserved the stream while ensuring support and safety.
Behind-the-Scenes Details:
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A special drip irrigation septic system was designed and installed due to the property’s steep slopes, which made traditional systems unfeasible.
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Much of the original wood siding was restored, while any rotted areas were replaced with custom-milled Dutch lap siding to match as closely as possible.
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Due to the proximity of the stream to the foundation, a custom scaffold system was built to access and restore the side of the home without disturbing the waterway.
Left: Full kitchen view
The Result:
Client’s Reaction:
“This project had been a dream for more than 15 years. I am still in awe every single time I walk through the door. Magical is the only way to describe it! It started as a tired, weathered structure and is now a beautifully restored, historic home that will be passed down through our family for generations.”
Key Design Outcomes:
The finished product is an award-winning, one-of-a-kind restoration. From the exposed beams and reclaimed floors to the working remnants of the original mill, the home is both a tribute to history and a celebration of family. Each space was crafted to reflect the authenticity of the mill’s past while offering comfort and usability for today’s needs.
Impact:
The Grist Mill has long been a landmark in the local community. Its thoughtful restoration was met with enthusiasm from neighbors and passersby, who frequently admire it from the nearby road across the creek. For the family, the home is now a central gathering place especially meaningful for holidays, reunions, and lasting memories.
Client Testimonial:
"Projects like this are incredibly stressful especially when you've had a vision for as long as we did. Having a team that is patient, reasonable, and responsive makes all the difference in the world! Rob, Dustin, and the team were exactly that! I have and will continue to refer them to family, friends, and clients over and over again."
