Case Study: Custom Two-Story Farmhouse Build

This new construction project brought a custom two-story farmhouse to life on a lightly developed, rural property in Slatington, PA. This home takes full advantage of sweeping mountain views to the east. The build included 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, a custom timber frame structure, and a durable metal roof, all designed to balance classic farmhouse character with modern functionality throughout.

Entrance & Great Hall

The entryway sets the tone for the entire home, anchored by an 8-foot door and a cathedral-style ceiling that creates an immediately dramatic first impression. A candlelight-style chandelier hangs in the entrance, with a matching fixture repeated in the great hall to tie the spaces together. The great hall itself features exposed wood beams and a stone fireplace beneath a vaulted ceiling, giving the home's main living space a warm, elevated farmhouse feel.

Kitchen & Pantry

The kitchen was designed as a functional centerpiece, featuring a custom navy blue island specifically requested by the homeowner, white shaker-style cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. A custom food pantry was also built out adjacent to the kitchen, complete with built-in shelving for organized storage, giving the homeowners ample space to keep the kitchen clutter-free while maintaining easy access to everyday items.

Bath

A secondary full bath rounds out the home's bathroom spaces, featuring a clean, classic look built around white subway tile that lines the shower and tub surround in a brick-pattern layout. Matte black hardware, including the showerhead and faucet, adds a modern contrast against the white tile and white vanity with an undermount sink. A window above the tub brings in natural light, while wood-look flooring carries the warm, cohesive material palette found throughout the rest of the home into this space as well.

Master Bathroom

The master bathroom combines spa-like comfort with custom craftsmanship. A freestanding soaking tub sits beneath large windows, paired with a separate tiled glass shower. The double vanity was custom built using reclaimed barn timbers, cleaned and cut down for the project, with original peg holes left intact to preserve the wood's history and character. Radiant floor heating was also installed beneath the tile for year-round comfort underfoot.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom offers a spacious retreat at roughly 18x14 feet, designed with the same attention to detail found throughout the home. An open cathedral ceiling adds height and a sense of openness to the space, while a transom window brings in additional natural light without sacrificing privacy. Recessed lighting was installed for a clean, modern look that complements the room's architecture, and luxury vinyl plank flooring was chosen for its durability and easy upkeep. Together, these elements create a bright, comfortable primary suite that balances classic farmhouse charm with everyday livability.

Exterior

The finished exterior showcases the home's farmhouse-modern character, with crisp white board-and-batten siding contrasted against black trim, windows, and a black standing-seam metal roof over the entry and garage. A two-car garage and covered front porch with timber accents complete the curb appeal, while the surrounding property's open farmland setting reinforces the home's rural, elevated character.

Deck

A custom deck was framed using pressure-treated joists set on support posts, with ZIP System flashing tape applied along each joist to protect the wood from moisture and extend its lifespan. The framing was built off the back of the home near a set of glass doors, giving the future deck direct access to the interior living space. Additional posts were set further out to support an elevated section, allowing the deck to step down and follow the natural grade of the property's sloped, rural surroundings.

Rear Patio

To extend the home's living space outdoors at ground level, a 16x16 slate-stamped concrete patio was added to the rear of the property. The covered patio's stamped finish gives it a textured, upscale look, while cedar timber posts supporting the roof above echo the timber frame detailing seen elsewhere on the home. The result is a functional outdoor retreat that takes full advantage of the property's elevated, mountain-view setting, giving the homeowners a place to relax and entertain right outside their door.