Ancient Modern

Why has it captured so much attention? Our guess is because even though it fulfills most people's grandest desires, at 7800 square feet, it nevertheless has a homespun, comfy quality to it that manages to warm the cockles of our hearts. Not surprising, perhaps, since this was not just a project for Brandon, but his own home – the dream home he and his wife Andrea have been planning for almost a decade. "We're passionate about every project we do," says Brandon, "but of course this home has been much more personal for me." By building it with his own team, he's also been able to build it exactly the way he wanted to, with a quality of craftsmanship that is almost unheard of these days. Two examples will suffice. First, there is no drywall in the house. The walls and ceilings are tight-jointed, tongue-and-groove shiplap poplar – a technique used over a hundred years ago but rare today. As the wood shrinks and moves over the seasons and over the years, its unique character will only increase. Second, there is no visible foundation to the house. Its walls rise up right out of the earth, as if it has been rooted there for years. This is a technique used in all Jackson & Leroy homes, but typically not found in more than 1 in 100 homes. "By recessing the floor systems down into the foundation, we eliminate the need for stairs leading up into the house," says Brandon. "We bring the outside in, and the inside out." It also enhances the English country cottage look that Brandon's wife has loved since she was a little girl, growing up with a love of animals, especially horses, and riding in dressage competitions.