Photography by Rett Peek
Homeowner Dan Young lived in his beloved bungalow for nearly two decades. Situated in the Historic Heights neighborhood, as he and his wife Catherine considered plans for a family home, leaving this space wasn’t a reasonable option for them. Under the counsel of friend Richard Harp, the couple realized a redesign + new build as a viable solution. “We knew this would be our forever home,” Catherine explains. “It would be the perfect foundation for our family to grow with it.”
Richard Harp Homes and his team of industry experts are renowned for turning the ordinary into extraordinary for clients across the Capital City. This home is no exception; it was planned and executed with attention to detail throughout the process. Richard elaborates, “It was a pleasure to help the Young family design and build a home for family living, entertaining and work.” He recognizes that obstacles are part of the process and providing solutions is rewarding for all. “We started this journey attempting to remodel their existing home, however the foundation of the pre-existing home could not support a second story. We carefully crafted a new home with energy-efficient building practices while balancing the charm of a traditional Heights home.”
Considered transitional style, Catherine notes the home combines modern amenities, like the spacious and bright kitchen, with elements that reflect the character of the original home. “We wanted a formal dining room and hardwoods; it honors this history of this neighborhood,” Catherine elaborates. “Of course, our dining room is multi-functional and not just used
for entertaining. The butler’s pantry includes Dan’s bourbon collection.” Catherine’s pragmatic approach – she’s a realtor with Jon Underhill Real Estate – helped bring practicality into this project. “It’s the biggest investment most people make and we chose smart, simple things that maximize value.”
The home’s open floor plan has defined spaces that reflect old home character with contemporary sophistication. The neutral color palette blends pops of color and combines Dan’s panache for vintage style with Catherine’s self-admitted flair for glamour. Family heirlooms grace many of the rooms. “The light fixture, dining table and sideboard in the dining room are all family heirlooms. It was very important to us to incorporate pieces of family furniture that we grew up with that we can share with our own children.”
