Custom Projects
Breathing New Life Into a 200-Year-Old Farmhouse
A nearly 200-year-old farmhouse has been thoughtfully renovated—updated with modern comforts and technology, yet still rich in historic charm. Thanks to the vision and dedication of homeowners Jason and Erin Metcalf, this remarkable renovation brings together timeless character and handcrafted American quality.
The young couple embarked on a three-year journey to restore and expand their circa 1840 farmhouse. Their goal was clear: to preserve the home’s original architecture while seamlessly integrating the features of a functional modern home. Walker Woodworking was honored to contribute to this project, crafting custom cabinetry that aligned with the Metcalfs’ commitment to American-made materials and products.
While much of the original structure remained intact, the farmhouse had never included a proper kitchen. Over the years, previous owners had made minor updates, including the addition of a small, makeshift kitchen. However, one of the Metcalfs’ first steps was to remove that addition in order to start fresh. From there, they began the carefully planned construction of new spaces—respecting the original home’s layout and craftsmanship every step of the way.
The result is a beautifully restored home that maintains its historical integrity while offering the modern conveniences needed for today’s lifestyle. Walker Woodworking is proud to have played a role in this meaningful transformation—where tradition meets innovation, and history is preserved for generations to come.
As with any remodel—especially in a historic home—the design phase presented unique challenges. Working around original beams and structural elements required careful planning and thoughtful execution. The farmhouse’s original construction featured traditional wooden peg joints, with no nails or screws used—an impressive testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. Jason and Erin Metcalf were committed to preserving these historic features and wanted the original beams to remain exposed wherever possible.
This commitment significantly influenced the kitchen design. Several of the exposed beams were load-bearing and located directly in the middle of the planned kitchen area. Integrating modern cabinetry and appliances around these immovable elements required creative solutions to ensure the space remained both functional and true to the home’s heritage.
The Walker Woodworking team embraced the design challenge, collaborating closely with the Metcalfs to create a state-of-the-art kitchen that seamlessly combined beauty, originality, and functionality—while honoring the farmhouse’s rich heritage.
In addition to the design complexities, the team encountered construction challenges common in historic homes, such as uneven walls and floors. The exposed beams in the kitchen, while visually striking, were also out of square, making it particularly difficult to fit cabinetry tightly and precisely against them. Despite these obstacles, the Walker Woodworking team crafted and installed custom cabinetry that respected the home’s unique architecture while delivering the modern performance the Metcalfs envisioned.
After the architectural portion of the project was completed, the cabinetry, appliances, and other finishing touches were integrated into the almost 200-year-old home to achieve a modernized kitchen.
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