top of page

THE HOMESTEAD IN JIM THORPE

A Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Elegance

Jim Thorpe, PA
2024 Pocono Builders Association Residential Construction between 1500-2000 square feet award winner!
Custom Home_Jim Thorpe_D_Ext (7).jpg
Overview:

When the clients first dreamed of their perfect home, they imagined a sanctuary that could combine the timeless warmth of rustic materials with the sleek convenience of modern design. Nestled near the charming town of Jim Thorpe, PA, their vision came to life in a stunning custom home that exudes both history and sophistication.

Left:  The layout of the house was thoughtfully designed to blend in with the existing site contours and disturb the natural vegetation as little as possible.

Custom Home_Jim Thrope_D_Ext_Chimney Topper-1 (5).jpg
The Vision: A Home with Soul

From the beginning, the clients knew they wanted a home that felt like it had been passed down through generations—one that embraced the history and character of the region. They envisioned reclaimed materials, vintage accents, and a sense of timelessness that would make the house feel like it had always been a part of the landscape. But they also craved modern features that would fit their contemporary lifestyle, making the home functional, comfortable, and perfect for entertaining.

Their dream was clear: to build a home that not only honored the past but also celebrated the future. They wanted vaulted ceilings that would make the space feel grand, a gourmet kitchen that would be the heart of the home, and custom-designed spaces that balanced form and function.

Right: The oversized island with seating area, paneled sides and accent cabinet color is the perfect focal point of this cook's kitchen.

Custom Home_Jim Thrope_D_Int (54).jpg
Bringing the Dream to Life:

Construction of the home began with a clear understanding of the delicate balance the clients wanted to achieve—where vintage charm met cutting-edge design. The team sourced reclaimed barn beams, restored reclaimed doors and other historical elements that would form the backbone of the design. The goal was to maintain a sense of warmth and character while integrating modern features seamlessly throughout the space.

But this wasn’t just a project of aesthetics. The clients wanted their home to be as functional as it was beautiful. A key objective was to create an open-concept layout that flowed effortlessly from one space to the next, giving the home an airy, welcoming feel. At the same time, the design had to accommodate family living, providing spaces for relaxation, entertainment, and everyday activities.

The build was a collaborative effort, with every detail, from the reclaimed doors and hardware to the kitchen’s custom cabinetry. The team worked tirelessly to ensure the clients’ vision was realized in every inch of the home, from the structural choices to the finishing touches.

Left: Small details, like reclaimed door hardware, were given equal thought and attention when considering the integration of vintage elements in this design.

Custom Home_Jim Thrope_D_Int (8).jpg

FLOOR PLANS

The Design: Where History Meets Modernity

The design of the home beautifully captures the essence of rustic elegance. As you walk through the front door, the first thing you notice is the striking combination of reclaimed barn beams and contemporary finishes. The vaulted ceilings give the space a sense of openness, while light fixtures that coordinate with the vintage elements—add character and warmth to the interiors.

The kitchen, with its freestanding gas range and porcelain farmhouse sink, is a true showpiece. It combines functionality with style, featuring floating wood shelves, a custom wood refrigerator surround, and a spacious, paneled island perfect for both cooking and gathering. And for those who love a well-appointed pantry, the walk-in butler pantry offers wine storage, suspended glass storage, and under-cabinet lighting, making it as beautiful as it is practical.

In the living room, a full-height stone fireplace serves as the focal point, with a heavy timber mantel and raised stone hearth that anchors the space. It’s not just a place to gather—it’s a place where history is felt in the stone and warmth radiates from every corner.

Right: The main space of this home was designed to impress at every turn. Wide plank hardwood floors, reclaimed barn beams, a two-story stone fireplace with heavy timber mantel, the barn-style sliding door; the list goes on and on.

Custom Home_Jim Thrope_D_Int (42).jpg
Overcoming Challenges:

As with any custom home project, there were challenges along the way. One of the main hurdles was ensuring that the vintage, reclaimed materials blended seamlessly with the modern features. Finding the right balance between rustic charm and contemporary function required careful planning and thoughtful design. The team was committed to sourcing materials that would not only fit the aesthetic but also meet the high standards of durability and functionality the clients demanded.  Once installed, protecting these materials for the remainder of construction was also a challenge that had to be meticulously monitored and maintained. 

The sourcing process itself posed its own challenges, particularly when it came to finding the perfect reclaimed materials. The team had to get creative, working with local suppliers to repurpose materials and incorporate them into the design in innovative ways. From the barn beams to the door hardware, every piece had to be carefully selected to ensure it enhanced the overall aesthetic and met the design’s needs.

The site itself also posed its own challenges.  A natural swale had formed onsite in the area where the rear corner of the house was to be placed.  Due to the heavy vegetation on the undeveloped site, this was not readily apparent during the initial house placement.  Adjustments to the planned siting and some modifications to the foundation design allowed for construction to proceed with minimal interruption to the project schedule.

Despite these challenges, the project progressed smoothly. The team worked closely with the clients, maintaining open communication and ensuring that each decision aligned with their vision. In the end, the careful balancing of past and present resulted in a home that felt both timeless and modern.

Left: The en-suite owner’s bath was envisioned as a place of relaxation and tranquillity allowing the owners to escape from the hectic commotion of everyday life.

Custom Home_Jim Thrope_D_Int (25).jpg

Want to see more photos from this project? View our gallery below!

Custom Home_Jim Thrope_D_Int (14).jpg
The Result:

The finished home exceeded all expectations. The clients were absolutely thrilled with the seamless integration of reclaimed elements with modern features. They felt the home had a timeless quality, a sense of history that was built into every beam and brick. At the same time, it was exactly what they needed for contemporary living: spacious, functional, and beautifully designed.

From the reclaimed barn beams to the vaulted ceilings and the gourmet kitchen, the home was everything they had hoped for and more. It provided a space for their family to relax, entertain, and enjoy their favorite activities. It was also the perfect place to host friends and family, with the open-concept layout and inviting design encouraging gathering and connection.

The home reflected their lifestyle in every way—both elegant and comfortable, with a deep appreciation for the past and an eye toward the future. It was more than just a house; it was a sanctuary, a retreat from the world, and a place where memories would be made for years to come.

Clients Reaction:

From the very beginning, it was clear that this project was more than just a job for the team—it was a true passion. They didn’t just focus on functionality; they were committed to creating a space where the client could truly live, unwind, and entertain. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, and their dedication to bringing the vision to life exceeded expectations. The end result was not just a house, but a home that perfectly aligned with the client’s lifestyle and aspirations.

IMG_2890.JPEG
Custom Home_Jim Thrope_D_Int (41).jpg

LET'S BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

bottom of page